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THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.
VOL. XXXIII. NO. 1.
#riginal
A Response from the Heart.
TANARUS; “M. nr." — an arquaintance of yearn gone by, in
Columbia, S. C.
Yes, our lUys of youth are gone,
Spring's sweet breath, and Summer flown,
Fall is past, and Winter blown,
And still our hearts beat cheerily;
Though life’s sun, is sinking fast,
Its mixed cup, will soon be past,
Hopes and fears dissolve at last,
But we may not feel drearily.
Doth not nature ever bring ?
Pleasure, with the coming Spring,
While sweet flowers, and birds that sing,
Welcome Summer merrily;
And when Fall’s long bending shoots,
Fill the barns with golden fruits,
So, in turn, each season suits,
And Winter passes, merrily.
Nature’s God in early days,
Led our hearts to seek His ways,
Can we ever cease to praise,
And laud His name most cheerily?
Christians here may never pine,
If in Faith, they but resign.
All things to His will divine,
Cheerily, and uuwearily.
Anez *
MEMOIR.
Rev. YVhatcoat Asuury Gamewkll, for
thirty-six years a member of the South Caro
lina Conference, has finished “his course
with joy, and the ministry which he had
received of the Lord Jesus.” He expired
in Spartanburg, S. C., on Saturday, Octo
ber 30th, 1809.
He was the eldest of six children, and his
father, Rev. John Gamewell, who was also a
preacher in the S. C. Conference, was trav
eling the Lynch’s Creek Circuit, where, in
Darlington District, his first child was born,
May oth, 1814.
The pious father was taken to his reward,
Oct. 7tli, 1827 ; and the son, who so valued
his holy example and fervent prayer, was
accustomed in after life, to annually com
memorate the day of his death, and often
with pen in hand to indulge in reflections
expressive of his Christian appreciation of
his character, and of his own ardent filial de
votion. The widowed mother received the
responsible charge thus committed to her,
in humble reliance on God; and in his good
providence she still survives, and has been
permitted to see her cares and anxiety, her
toil and prayers, greatly blessed and lionor
el of God, in her parental relation.
As the son of an itinerant preacher more
than fifty years ago, and especially as the
chief support of a widowed mother with
five younger children, it is not surprising
that his educational advantages were limit
ed; nevertheless, his self-culture, and his
otherwise great merit, elevated him in man
hood to such positions of inlluence as he
made greatly available to the promotion of
learning; and at "'llis death and for years be
fore, he was chairman of a Board of Col
lege Trustees. From the age of eight to six
teen he lived in Marlboro District, in wlmt
was known as the Pegues neighborhood. In
accordance with his custom of looking at
everything from a religious point of view,
he refers in one of his papers to the high
moral character of that neighborhood in
those days, and the; wholesome restraints
from vice and incitements to virtue and re
ligion, which were there exerted on his
youthful mind and heart. *ln his seven
teenth year, he went to Fayetteville, N. C.,
where he was employed as clerk in the store
of J. Blake A Son. Os the family with
whom he was thus thrown, he also speaks
in a written paragraph, in terms of much
affection, and expressive of very great obli
gation to its several members for religious
profit resulting from his pleasant association
with them. It was here (Fayetteville,) that
he “joined the Methodist E. Church, under
Josiah Freeman, Nov. 27th, 1831, and “was
brought from darkness unto light lltli July,
1832, at a four days meeting” in the same
town. He was 'ieensed to exhort under the
pastoral administration of Wm. Crook, Aug.
13th, 1833, and his license to preach, signed
by Nicholas Talley, P. E., bears date Nov.
23d, of the same year. His first sermon
was preached in a small school house 3*A
miles from Fayetteville, on the text “And
these shall go away into everlasting punish
ment, but the righteous unto life eternal.”
Mutt. xxv. 4(5.
At the following session of the S. C. Con
ference, held in Charleston, Feb. Oth, 1834,
he was admitted on trial, being of a class of
seventeen. His appointments were as fol
lows : For 1834, Rutherford Circuit—which
then included this place (Spartanburg,)
where his labors were ended; for 1835-6,
Charleston— being ordained Deacon in the
city just named, Feb. 14tli, 1836, by Bishop
Andrew ; for 1837—8-9, Wateree Mission, be
ing ordained Elder Jan. 14tli, 1838, by
Bishop Morris, in the city of Columbia ;
1840-41, Wilmington ; 184'2, Lincolnton
Circuit; 1843-4—5-6, Lincolnton District;
1547-8-9-00, Cokesbury District ; 1851,
Charleston; 1852-3, Union Circuit; 1854,
Spartanburg Station ; 1855-6, Washington
Street, Columbia ; 1857, Camden ; 1858-9-
60, Columbia District ; 1861-2, Washington
Street, Columbia ; 1863, Marion District ;
1864-5-6, Darlington Station; 1867-8-9,
Spartanburg Station. The number of ser
mons which he preached from the beginning
of his ministry, in Fayetteville, N. C., Nov.
1833, to the last in Spartanburg, S. C., June
13th, 1869, (according to the record found
among his papers, for each successive year,)
sums up 4,475.
He was married Dec. Btli, 1836, to Miss
Sarah M., daughter of Rev. Wm. M. Ken
nedy, of S. C. Conference. On the 29tli
Jan., 1838, his wife died after a short illness,
and his infant son soon followed her. In
allusion to this heavy affliction, he remarked
to the writer several years ago, with his
characteristic gravity and strength of expres
sion which so fixed his words in the memo
ry, “Since then I have always tried to hold
every earthly good with a yielding grasp”—
ready to let go any moment at the Master’s
bidding. He was again married, Nov. 24th,
1839, to Miss Mary A. McDowell, of Ruther
ford, N, C., who now, with two sons and
four daughters, (one married,) together
with the venerable mother G. , compose the
monrning circle in the Parsonage made so
desolate.
The health of the deceased had been in
firm for several years ; and for a year or
more just past, his physical strength was
so obviously failing, and his appearance so
clearly indicative of the progress of disease,
that his friends could not avoid the distres
sing apprehension of a fatal termination be
fore a great while. A visit of several weeks
to the North, in the early part of the present
year, it was thought was attended with
some good results, but they were of short
duration. A great part of the summer he
was at a Mineral Spring not far from Spyr
tanburg, and his strength appeared to fail less
rapidly while there. But nothing could ar
rest the disease, which was all the while ad-
vancing toward the inevitable dose. B*
returned home, and day by day grew weaker,
until, two or three weeks before the end, he
was confined to his room, and most of the
time to his bed.
His last days were in striking and beauti
ful harmony with his previous life. By no
means insensible to the solemnities of the
hour of dissolution, he was peacefully re
signed to the will of God, and was generally
even cheerful. The same prayerful solici
tude for the welfare of the Church, and the
same unselfish consideration of the comfort
and happiness of others, which had so long
distinguished him, marked the manifesta
tions of these days of suffering and decline.
He did not speak much to those generally
who visited him, about his prospective death,
but with characteristic discretion, he would
occasionally in the presence of a judicious
friend or two, refer to the sad subject, ten
derly, trustingly and hopefully. He seemed
anxious that his condition should give as
little trouble and bo the cause of as little
distress as possible. He wished everything
in the domestic circle to go on, as nearly as
possible in the usual way, and no ordinary
duty to lie omitted on his account. As the
end drew very near his utterances were ex
pressive of continued and exclusive reliance
on the Redeemer, with sweet repose and
tranquil joy as he passed nearer to his bosom.
A few hours before he expired, he said,
“friends, I am not depressed,” his weep
ing wife responded, “Oh, no ! we know you
are not, all is well, all is right;” he immedi
ately with emphasis replied, “all.' blessed
be God ! —glory be to Jesus !” “Do you
feel that the Saviour is with you?” asked
one, and the prompt answer was, “O yes,
yes ! glory be to Jesus!”
At a still later hour, as he referred to the
kind attentions of the friends who waited
around him, he repeated with fervor, and as
if in prospect of the blissful realization, the
lines,
“ And if our fellowship below
In Jesus be so sweet,
What height ol rapture shall we know
When round his throne we meet.”
Only a few minutes before he expired, he
said, “what would I do in these paroxysms,
if the good Lord did not strengthen me
every moment!” “Mary !” (his wife’s name,)
was the last word heard from his lips, and
fifteen minutes after 2 o’clock, p. m., with
out a struggle or groan, he fell asleep in
Jesus.
If the fiery translation of the prophet be
properly used, as is often done, to symbol
ize a demonstrative, rapturous and ecstatic
death scene—the tranquil triumph of this
good man in the final hour, and his peace
ful departure from the world, is more fitly
represented by another instance of visible
removal from the earth, different, yet the
highest of all, concerning which it is writ
ten, “while they beheld, he was taken up,
and a cloud received him out of their sight.”
The funeral sermon was preached on the
following day (Sunday,) before a large con
course of mourners, by Rev. Wliitefoord
Smith, D.D., on the text, “For me to live is
Christ, and to die is gain.” His attention
had been drawn to this scripture by seeing
it off u card in the chamber of the deceased,
who had himself there suspended it in a
conspicuous place. Each of the five cleri
cal brethren of the Conference who were
present, bore a part in these solemn servi
ces, either in the church or at the grave,
where, in the village cemetery, the body
was laid, to await “the voice of the archan
gel, and the trump of God.”
The character of this holy man and em
inently useful minister, considered in his
own grade of intellectuality and literary cul-
ture, presents a remarkable example of beau
trv, symmetry and completeness. Few indeed
have ever tilled tlioir providential sphere in
life so fully, or so usefully, and so much in
accord with what seemed to be the “life
plan” from God. From whatever point of
view his life is regarded and in every rela
tion which he sustained, he appears uni
formly pure iu purpose, faithful in the exer
cise of his gifts and blameless in liis con
duct—and in all, to an extent seldom equal
ed. Order, system and punctuality he
conscientiously endeavored to observe iu
the discharge of his duties both public
and private. In his habits of devotion
and study, in all his domestic regula
tions, and iu his pulpit and pastoral la
bors there was an admirable degree of
method, and a prompt regard to time and
place. He had no crotchets, and never af
fected singularity in either his habits or
opinions. He sought not after novelty in
his expositions of scripture, and his views of
Christian duty ; but was thoroughly in ac
cordance with the received standards in both
his creed aud practice. In his manners there
was such a union of dignity with affability,
and cheerfulness with ministerial gravity, as
is very rarely seen. His deportmont was
always such as to inspire profoundest res
pect ; to make one feel comfortably assured
that the heart near him was beating warmly
in tender sympathies and Christian love,
and that there was a morally health-giving
and strength-imparting influence in the at
mosphere of his presence.
He was faithful by both precept aud ex
ample to enforce the duties of family reli
gion ; and one of the greatest sources of
satisfaction aud joy to him in his last days,
was that every member of his own lieartli
eirele had been received into the Church
and professed faith in Christ. It was par
ticularly gratifying to him that the family
altar, when he was disabled, found youthful
hearts and voices ready to conduct its ac
customed ministrations. He observed the
Sabbath with more than ordinary strictness;
preferred to rise earliest on that morning
that he might enter upon the enjoyment of
its sacred duties and privileges; and he was
self-denyingly sparing of his rides on that
day when on circuits and districts, often re
maining away from home when most others
would not have done so.
He filled the various appointments of
itinerant labor, as missionary, circuit and
station preacher, and Presiding Elder, and
was four times elected delegate to the Gen
eral Conference. There was no congrega
tion within the bounds of his Conference
which would not rejoice to know that the
Bishop had announced him as their preach
er. No member of Conference enjoyed to
a greater extent the confidence and love of
his clerical brethren; and the hold which he
had on the affections of tlie people was un
surpassed, and really remarkable. All clas
ses of the community, wherever he might
reside, young and old, white and colored, in
the church aud out of it; all grades of cul
ture and the members of every Christian
denomination, were, with singular
ty, his ardent friends and admirers. , Nor
was this uncommon popular favor the result
of any qualification or practice on his pari,
which in the slightest degree diupnisjt ifis
value as a tribute to his minis teriaF < OTHfi|ip
and superior moral worth. The eftptMjjHff
his attractive power, were not such as are
'~*l)l***' the reach of mere intellect, leamittpf
or oratory; neither did he hesitate to “re
prove, rebuke and exhort with all long suf
fering and doctrine;” but under all circum
stances he strove to “do the work of an
evangelist and make full proof of his minis
try.” His sermons were, with due regard to
approved exegesis, mostly of a hortatory
and jjersuasive kind; and the style of his
elocution in both voice and gesture, was the
unstudied manifestation of an intense earn
estness for the salvation of souls. His re
bukes of sin, whether in the pulpit or in
personal interview, were always so just and
so discreetly administered as to generally
win, and tend to reform, rather than to re
pel. He was remarkably modest, and in de
bate, or in counsel with his friends, was ex
tremely courteous and deferential, but de
cided in his convictions, and firm in his po
sitions, whenever the light was sufficiently
clear. He always took self-humiliating
views of his own abilities, and labors; but
was conscientiously courageous in the dis
charge of known duty, however paiuful
might be the effort.
In stature he was rather above the me
dium height, well proportioned, and with a
countenance remarkably expressive of his
characteristic sincerity, earnestness and be
nevolence. Such was his thoughtful, de
vout and spiritual expression of counten
ance in the pulpit that the remark was some
times heard, in the freedom of colloquial
speech, “his face alone is a sermon.” His
strong bass voice was always •ommandingly
pleasant in conversation, sweet and melodi
ous in song, and in the appeals of the pul
pit and the beseeching intonations of prayer,
it was profoundly impressive and heart
stirring.
The foregoing is but a meagre outline of a
life of uncommon purity, and holy labors of
uncommon usefulness. Donbtless many a
valuable biographical volume has been writ
ten, whose subject was not more deserving,
nor the life commemorated more replete
with useful lessons, and exemplary illustra
tions of Christian faith and practice. But
the memory of Whatcoat Asbuky Game
well, is enshrined in the hearts of the peo
ple ; and for his -works we have only to look
around us. A. H. Lester.
Spartanburg, S. C., Dec, 7th, 1869.
What the Old Year has Seen.
“When first I came in winter, amid the frost and
snow,
I saw good resolutions, lint they’re broken long
ago;
High purposes have melted, as ice before the sun,
Some schemes have been abandoned, some never
were beurun."
Reader, is the picture true ?
Does the old year speak of you ?
“I’ve seen Hod’s day polluted for worldly ease or
vain,
I’ve seen that some have taken his holy name In
vain;
I’ve seen Hod’s book uuopeued, his teachings set
at nuught,
I’ve seen his house neglected, or filled with earth
born thought.”
Reader, is the picture true ?
Does the old year speak of you ?
“I’ve seen some angry tempers rise over elieek and
brow,
Revengeful thoughts I’ve noticed, and some are
cherished now;
Feelings of strife and envy, unhallowed thoughts
I’ve seen,
Aud ut G«d'» riehleous dealings some murmurings
there have been.”
Reader, is the picture true ?
Does the old year speak of you ?
“The striviugs of God’s Spirit I’ve seen all quench
ed and hushed.
Sharp prickings of tlie conscience have been des
pised and crushed;
I’ve seen earth’s joys so valued, that heavenly
joys grew dim,
And some enjoyed God’s blessings without one
thought of Him.” ■
Reader, is the picture true ?
Does the old year speak of you ?
“I’ve seen good counsel slighted, I’ve seen self
will and pride.
And vain couceit I’ve witnessed to many sins
allied ;
I’ve seen ungrateful conduct to parent and to
friend,
I’ve seen that some to slander a willing ear would
lend.”
Reader, is the picture true?
Does the old year speak of you ?
“Os all the sad sights I’ve witnessed, the saddest
now 1 see:
A soul that’s still unpardoned, though warned from
wrath to flee;
One which refuses mercy, though Jesus bids it
eoine,
One which prefers to perish, and so must meet its
doom.”
Reader, is the picture true ?
Does the old year speak of you ?
Address of Lay-Members to the
Stewards, etc., in tlie No. Geor
gia Conference.
The Committee of Laymen, appointed to
consider the subject of “ministerial sup
port,” and make report thereon, have dis
charged the duty assigned them, and have
embodied their views upon tlie subject, in
the following address to the stewards and
members of the Church within the limits of
the Conference, upon which address we ask
the endorsement of this body.
TANARUS» tlie Stewards aud Members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, within
the bounds of the North Georgia Confer
ence : »
Beloved Brethren :—Hear us for onr cause.
Hearken to our fraternal counsel, and our
earnest appeal to you, upon a subject with
which tlie prosperity and success of our
church is intimately identified. An ecclesi
astical organization can no more be main
tained, and effectually carried on without
money, than civil government can be per
petuated without revenue. An active and
efficient ministry can no more lie kept iu
the field without material support, than an
army of soldiers can maintain war, without
the supplies afforded by the departments of
the Commissary and Quartermaster. Our
body of ministers, from the Bishops down
to the humblest candidate received on trial
by the Conference, must be supported by
the Church, or they must iugloriously turn
their backs upon the field, and seek a living
iu soma secular pursuit.
The vows assumed by a traveling Metho
dist preacher, and the duties enjoined upon
him by the discipline, most clearly indicate,
that the itinerant system of Wesleyan Metho
dism is organized upon the central idea,
that he who enters upon this high office and
ministry has been called of God, and spe
cially commissioned to do the work of a
preacher and pastor. It Is understood that
his whole time and talents are to be given
to his calling—that he lias been summoned
away from all worldly business, and wholly
and unreservedly consecrated to God and
His work. He is expected, yea, he is
solemnly pledged, to employ his time in
reading, iu meditation, in prayer, in preach
ing, in meeting the classes, in visiting from
house to house, in visiting the sick, in in
structing the children, and in so demeaning
himself generally, as that he may continu
ally wax riper, stronger and in his ministry.
No preacher can come up to the full measure
of this high standard of ministerial duty,
without an adequate support from the
church lor which he labors, and if the
illiberality
or indifference, shall withhold from these
'ltinerants a compe
tent living, the. banner of Methodism will
trail in |he dust, and the church that has
PUBLISHED BY J. W. BURKE & CO., FOR THE M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
MACON, GA., FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 1870.
done so much to “spread scriptm.d huli
ness over these lands,” will lose its aggies
give power, and cease to win its immortal
trophies. It is a shame and a reproach to
Methodists, that some of our traveling
preachers have been so poorly paid, as that,
from necessity, they have been compelled to
connect with their holy calling, the business
of a school teacher, a newspaper editor, a
farmer, a merchant, a blacksmith, an iusu
ance agent, or som j other secular vocation,
in order to provide a support for themselves
and their families, us determine, that
by the help of God.Mnis mortifying blot
shall be forever wiped away from the es -i
cutclieon of our beloved Methodism, and
that henceforth all our preachers, from the
highest to the lowest, shall receive an ade
quate support at our hands.
Let it be borne in mind, that these de
voted servants of the Church have no in
come or living, except what they derive
from us. They are entitled to a support ac
cording to the plain teachings of God's
word. Christ himself, when he commission
ed his apostles and sent them out to preach
the gospel, instructed them to provide
neither gold, nor silver, nor brass, nor scrip
for their journey, and gave as a reason for
so instructing them, that the “workman
is worthy of his meat”—the “laborer is
worthy of his hire.” The great apostle of
the Gentiles, in his first epistle to the Co
rinthians, after referring to the well known
fact that they which ministered about holy
things, lived of the things of the temple,
and that they which waited at the altar were
partakers with the altar, added with empha
sis : “even so, hath the Lord ordained that they
which preach the gospel should live of the gos
pel.”
We repeat the proposition, that all the
preachers, of every grade, who are engaged
in the work of the itinerancy, are entitled
to a competent support from the church for
which they labor. Their minds should be
wholly free from anxiety on that subject.
They should be made to feel, that a com
fortable living for themselves and their fami
lies Ls a matter of unquestionable cortainty.
Let it be understood, that by the term sup
port, wo mean to include food and raiment
for the preacher and his family, a comforta
ble and convenient house for them to dwell
in, together with the means of educating his
children, and of dispensing a reasonable
hospitality to those who may visit his home.
Furnish to our preachers such a support as
this, and then they can perform their solemn
vows, and discharge all the duties of their
high and holy calling.
Let it be also borne in mind, that we, the
laity of the Church, must provide this sup
port, not as a charity, nor as a donation, but
as an absolute religious duty.
It is high time that wo should realize the
great fact, that all we have, and all we are
belong to God, that every good, and every
perfect gift cometh down from the Father
of I ; ghts, and that we should glorify God,
and promote the interests of his kingdom
with our money, as well as with our prayers,
our faith, and our repentance. The duty of
supporting the preachers who labor amongst
us:, and for us, and for our children, in'of
paramount obligation, and we cun neither
neglect it nor ignore it with impunity. It is
a duty taught, and expressly enjoined iu the
scriptures, and God himself, by the mouth
of His prophet, denounces every man as a
robber who withholds from Him and His
cause that which is their due. No man can
grow iu grace, or advance in the Divine life,
who holds on to his money with selfish
clutch when the Church of God, or the
preachers of the gospel stand in need of it.
“ That man may last but never lives
Who much receives, but nothing gives,
Whom none can love, whom none cau thunk,
Creation's blot, creation’s blank;
But he who rnaks from day to day
With generous acts his radiant way
Treads tho same path the Saviour trod,
The path to glory and to God.”
We would fain impress you with the fact,
that to contribute willingly and cheerfully
of your means to the cause of God, and the
support of His ministers, is a blessed privi
lege, the prompt and ready exercise of
which always brings with it moral strength
and spiritual benefit. It enlarges the heart,
and refreshes the spirit. It subdues selfish
ness, and ennobles the soul. It is in deed
and in truth, laying “up treasure in Heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor
steal.” To this support of the preachers,
all classes of our people should be allowed
to contribute. They should be educated
and encouraged to do so as a positive duty,
without which spiritual leanness must inevi
tably result. They should be induced to
feel that it is a privilege, the benefits and
blessings of which all should embrace
with a glad heart. Every member of the
church, old and young, male and female,
rich and poor, should contribute to this ob
ject according to their ability and means.
Those who are blest with large means,
should contribute largely, and those of
smaller means, should give leas, but every
one should make it a point to contribute
something. In our past history, it has been
a great evil, that contributions for the sup
port of the ministry have been confined to
a comparatively small number. Let this be
so no longer, but let every one of us partici
pate in the support of these men of God,
who dispense the unsearchable riches of
the gospel to us, and to our children. Iu
most of our congregations, there are many
worthy citizens who are not member's of the
church, but who, nevertheless attend upon
the services of the sanctuary, and cordially
believe that the Christian religion is a Di
vine verity; that without the Church and the
influences of the Church, nothing like a pure
and exalted civilization can be maintained;
that civil government unbacked and unsup
ported by the usual principle which the church
diffuses among the people, would be power
less to give security and stability to human
rights, whether of person or property ; and
that but for the Bible, the organization of
churches, the building up of Sabbath-schools
and the earnest preaching of a pure gospel,
human society would lose all its value and
its charm ; and hence these worthy citizens
are willing to aid in upholding and sustain
ing the Church and its institutions, and are
willing to contribute liberally of the means
with which God has blessed them to support
the preachers.. They should have an op
portunity of doing so, and the Stewards
should call on them and receive their gen
erous contributions.
Owing to the neglect and inefficiency of
the Stewards of our church, the preachers
have been compelled to say and do too
much in the matter of their own support.
We think the preachers may well, and ap
propriately, urge upon the people their reli
gious obligation to support the church and
her ministers. Thpy m against
and illiberality,
and in favo*p»maintaining all the enterpri
ses of ti? * * but
wed- ■ the
gospel should be subjected to the indelicacy
of dunning the people amongst whom he
has labored, for the living which God has
ordained that he shall receive, and which
should be paid without being demanded or
asked for. Methodists of Georgia, think
for a moment of one of your preachers
standing up and announcing, that he is a
minister of God, that he has faithfully la
bored in the field assigned him, that his
wants and necessities demand money, and
that you owe him and must pay him his
salary ! Who would not hang his head in
shame to witness such a spectacle ?
The laity of the Church have the money,
they owe the money, and they should de
vise a mode of prompt collections that will
insure the preacher’s support without a word
from him on the subject. We would rejoice
to see the day oome, when the preacher
would have nothing to do with the collec
tion of money except to furnish the Stew
ards with the sums assessed against his cir
cuit, station or mission, for the support of
the Bishops, for the Conference fund, for
the cause of Missions, for the support of the
Presiding Elder, and for any other object
for which an assessment may be made.
When this is done, the sums should be
aggregated and the preacher’s salary added
to the sum. This grand total should be ap
portioned amongst all the members of the
church of every age, sex, and condition, ac
cording to their ability and means of pay
ing. The apportionment should be made
fairly, justly, and equitably, and when
made, should be submitted to the church,
in some form, for ratification or cliunge, as
circumstances, unknown to the Stewards at
the time of the apportionment, may sug
gest. The Stewards should make it a mat
ter of religious duty to see that the money
thus apportioned is collected and paid over
to the proper parties. Collections should
be made weekly, monthly, or quarterly, as
may be thought best suited to the circum
stances and condition of each panicular cir
cuit or station, but let them be made often
enough to secure the preacher against any
kind of pecuniary embarrassment. Let
him at all times have money to supply his
wants without incurring debts or being har
rassed with care or anxiety about his living.
We well kuow that our people are abundant
ly able to furnish a liberal support to all our
preachers, and we confidently believe that
they are willing to do so, if the Stewards
will perform their duty promptly and faith
fully. We rejoice at the indications of an
enlarging liberality amongst the people
within the bounds of this Conference, and
we cannot but hope that the day will soon
come when the Methodists of North Geor
gia will fully appreciate and faithfully dis
charge all their monetary obligations to the
church.
YVlien those days shall come, and we shall
have devised a well adjusted system of fi
nance—when all the people shall have im
bibed the spirit of honoring the Lord with
their substance, and the first fruits of all
their increase—when all our preachers well
paid, shall consecrate themselves entirely to
tlie work of their high galling, then shall
Southern Methodism, disenthralled and en
ergized, sweop from her victorious path the
obstacles which have hitherto checked her
advance, and with “holiness of heart” for the
battle cry, prove more terrible to the king
dom of Satan, than “an army with ban
ners.”
Os the points mode in the foregoing ad
dress, we presont tlie following .summary :
Ist. An itinerant Methodist preacher
should give himself wholly to the business
of preaching and pastoral duty.
2nd. He is entitled to an adequate sup
port from the church for which he labors.
3rd. The obligation upon the church to
support the preachers is a religious duty and
not a charity.
4th. The members of the church, of all
ages, sexes, and conditions should aid in
furnishing a competent living to the preach
er, according to their ability and means.
sth. The collections should be promptly
ami frequently made.
6th. The preacher should be relieved
from the indelicate and unpleasant duty of
duuuing for, or collecting his salary.
7th. The laity should take charge of this
whole subject of collecting money, and edu
cate the people to the cheerful exercise of a
liberality that shall honor God, and render
the church an evangelizing power iu the
earth. Geo. N. Lester, Ch’n,
E. YV. Hubert,
J. H. Huff,
YV. A. Turner.
T. M. Merriwether,
C. H. Johnson.
Sabbath School Financial Plan.
The Sabbath-school Board of the North
Georgia Conference recommend the follow
ing plan for the S. School cause :
Ist, That 33,000 be raised the present
year for 8. School purposes/ and that this
sum be apportioned to the several Districts
on an equitable basis by the Board or the
President.
2d. That where schools exist the superin
tendents be requested to raise the amount
apportioned to them by calling for monthly
contributions, and report the same prompt
ly to the Treasurer of this Board. YVhere
there are no schools the pastors are request
ed to take collections for this fund in all the
congregations in their several charges in the
month of April, and report the same to tlie
Treasurer of this Board immediately.
3(L We may appeal confidently to the S.
School children within the bounds of the
North Ga. Conference to respond cheerfully
to the above plan, forasmuch as the agent of
S. Schools within our bounds is their preach
er and Missionary.
Resolved, That we respectfully request the
Bishop to appoint Bev. G. J. Pearce, Sab
lmtli-school Agent for the North Georgia
Conference for the ensuing year.
Thus. Itaysor, Treasurer,
In account with Board of Domestic Mission, South
Carolina Conference,
1869. Dr.
Caali from last year . 120 (X)
Consolidated collections 497 69
Charleston District.. .*»
Spartanburg District , „.. 286 50
C’okesbury District ”
Marion District 178 00
Wadesboro District 131 30
Bamberg District 332 90
Greenville District 45 95
Shelby District 49 25*
Taken from Anniversary Collection by or
der of Conference 65 00
Total... .$2,828 91
1869. Cr.
Puid Parent Board $276 89
Paid Bamberg District 600 00
Paid Charleston District 100 00
Puid Shelby District 400 00
Paid Marion District 500 00
Paid Wadesboro District 275 00
Paid Spartauburg District 175 00
Paid Greenville District 500 (Ml
Paid A. J. Stokes 1 50-$2,827 89
Cash in Treasury $ 102
Collected from Circuits, Stations, and at the
Anniversary at Cheraw, for Missiou Debt—sssß 76,
sent to T. J. Magruder, Baltimore, by order or
Conference. Thos. Raysor.
Report of Sabbath School Com
mittee, No. Ga. Conference.
The Committee on Sabbatli-schools would most
respectfully submit:
That after a hasty examination of the condensed
Statistical returns from all the charges, we find
the following;
Number of schools in the Conference; whites
483; colored 4. Decrease; whites 12; colored 8.
Pupils in attendance past year: whites 26,040 ;
colored 145. Decrease: whites 974; colored 535.
Volumes in the libraries: whites 40,819; col
ored 150.
Converts in the schools; wliitos 1,321.
Amount of money raised for 8. 8. purposes:
$4,372.00. Increase 109.62.
Amount of money raised for Board Managers:
$411.05. Decrease $75.30.
This is a sad Statistical Report. . We know not
at whose door these deficits lie, but our Master
certainly does.
We are sorry that we are compelled to record
them, but if we have been neglecting the lambs or
offending the little ones, let us not shut our eyes
to the fact or the fearful deuunsiation against the
offender. Surely, there can be but one opinion
here as to the vital importance of Sabbatli-schools
to the growth of our church and the strength of
Christianity. Yet after all that has been said and
written on the subject, it must be that the vast
magnitude ol the work as well as the immediate
and immortal results which attend it, are not ful
ly appreciated by our people.
This is the evidence of this statistical report, and
of the facts, that we|have but one member of the
Conference wholly devoted to this cause and he
is unsupported. We have very few who so love It
that they will work for it not ouly on the Sab
bath but during the week. It is next to uu impos
sibility to keep a full corps of efficient teachers
in the schools, and the cynic’s torch will hardly
find a class composed of the older members of our
church, whereas we believe that a clear under
standing of the nature and design of this institu
tion would, if practicable, enlist every man, wo
man and child as teacher or student. We should
be diseiples as well as followers of our Master.
The demand for labor in this field is rapidly in
creasing and we arc glad to report that the general
interest iu the work is growing and facilities arc
multiplying. Our children are reared in the midst
of Bibles, their nascent sympathies are aroused by
the persecutions of the infant Saviour; yet they
enter the schools of vice much earlier tliau they
formerly did; it is possible and even probable that
their day of grace is shorter, and that Ephraim is
sooner joined to his idols. To say the least, fewer
old vines are now successfully transplanted Into
the Lord’s vineyard than in the days of Wesley
and his immediate successors. An overwhelming
majority of all who now enter the church have
been trained in the Sabbath-schools. Let us look
well to these nurseries and our churches will ever
be full. Those churches are and have been most
prosperous which have labored most successfully
here, and we believe that the dependence is in
creasing and the connection Is becoming every
year more intimate. The proposition is approach
ing demonstration, that that church will become
the strongest and most aggressive, which secures
the best and most flourishing schools.
Tltis power of the church Is second only to that
of the ministry, and it is at least the foster mother
of that, for whence come nearly all the Elishas,
who now wear the mantle ? and where are the
little Samuels trained, except in this nursery of the
church ?
If these be facts, the cause needs no eloquent ap
peal to our sympathies. If we need exhortation let
us hear Moses and one who did the dead:
“And these words which I command thee this day
shall he in thine heart. And thou shalt teach
them diligently unto thy children, and thou shalt
talk of them when thou sittest in thine bouse, and
when thou walkcst by the way; and when thou
IL«1 down, and when thou flaunt up. And tnou
shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and
they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And
thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house
and on thy gates.” “And whoso shall receive one
such little child iu my name, receiveth me.”
Here is the work, the commuud, and the pledge.
We suggest that there is not enough, if mud),
diligent teaching.
In the first place, our whole system is old, for
mal aud lifeless. Teachers and pupils bestow
little thought or study on the lessons: secondly,
the Bible is not the text book above all text books
in our schools, and thirdly, we too often lose sight
of the main question, which is the oonversion
and salvation of teachers and pupils.
Most of our question aud text books exhibit
more of their authors’ learning tliun of adaptation
to the purpose any way, and if not, the Bible is
certainly better, and if it were kept in the hands
of all who are old enough to think und our teach
ers would prepare themselves to explain it—to in
struct and interest their classes, the results would
be better aud far more abundant. Our youth read
newspapers and periodicals, but not the Bible.
They are not taught to study it, they are uot
trained to understand, appreciate and love it.
Our teachers need training also. Even after we
have studied the lessons, and that is generally but
little, very few of us know how to ask a child
questions so as to bring out his knowledge and
create u desire for more. This is a great art and
too little understood. Those who use question
books do not give much independent, saving
thought to the work, while those who think, need
no questions except very general ones.
The Lesson Paper systems such as that pub
lished by Adams, Blackner and Lyon, of Chicago,
are great improvements, and have been Immensely
successful, but we object to the locality whence
they are issued. Wo would greatly prefer to have
all of our Sabbath-school books especially, written
aHd published here at home. Is this impossible ?
Surely we might, at least make (selections and
compilations from those which are uot objection
able, and have them published at our own houte.
Northern sentiments and interpretations do not
always correspond with ours, and we prefer to have
home books and home teaching aud home publish
ers, if so it may be.
Again, all of our 8. S. Music and most of the
hymns are Northern productions. Many of them
are sentimental and silly, and some of them are
worse. The good old Wesleyan hymns which
were taught us in our childhood are ruled out, and
we rarely hear them in our schools. We suggest
that Southern musicians and publishers will tukc
this mutter under consideration, and that it lie
brought to the attention of our General Conference.
In the general management of schools we would
urge the importance of teachers’ meetings, and
the plan of assigning the same lessons to the whole
school, and the teachers studying together, has
proven vastly beneficial. As to the details, such
as the use of blackboards, object lessons, helps to
teachers, winter suspensions, etc., we cannot dis
cuss them here. We simply uarne them to call at
tention to them. But we would especially notice
thcSubbath-scbool finance. They seem hardly wor
thy the name, so meagre aro the returns.
Tlie Committee suggest, that the whole system
be changed, that the plan of operations be greatly
enlarged to correspond with the magnitude of the
work ; and they heartily endorse and recommend
the re-organization und new system which will be.
submitted by the Sabbath-school Board.
Finally, catholicity, is one of the noblest earthly
characteristics of our church. We are glad she has
it, but let it uot make us afraid to teach the truth
as we believe it. This shrinking weakens our
esprit du corps, and onr children do not exhibit
that deep reverence for the church, its doctrines
and ministry, which we think they should feel.
They grow up with but slight impressions, too, of
the disciplinary obligutlou to prefer one another
iu business. Growing out of this same liberality
we And that other questionable policy of engaging
unconverted teachers. This ought not to be un
less It be impracticable to employ others. For
how run they teach the way of salvation, who have
hot themselves learned to walk therein? The
large number of conversions In the schools is the
one gloriously bright aud deeply gratifying fact
which we have to report. Let It encourage and
stimulate us to nobler action. Here are gath
ered the richest Jewels, the purest and sweetest
flowers that ever adorned the crowns of sainted
immortality. Blessed is that man whom infant
tongues shall praise, who shall stand before the
Judge in the midst of children and can say these
are my gleanings, these are the works wbid| have
followed me!
Ilesolved l. That we will increase our labors iu I
and for the Sabbatli-schools and that we will cu- I
operate with our agent aud the superintendents in j
supporting the cause and extending Us operation!,; j
2. That we insist upon the use of the BUdedS s |
text iu all classes where it is practicable. •A?jpf
3. That we request our delegates to the General
Conference to use all their influence to have pre
pared, aud secure, a Southern collection of music
and hymns for our Subbath-scliools; also to have
at least a revision of the other literature.
4. That our superintendents and scholars be re
quested to take more interest in our Sunday School
Visitor, S. S. Literature generally, and to patron
ize the former more liberally.
American Bible Society.
Rev. William A. Parks has been appointed Agent
of the American Bible Society for the District of
Georgia.
The counties of Muscogee, Talbot, Taylor,
Crawford, Bibb, Twiggs, Laurens, Emanuel, Bul
lock and Effingham,constitute the southern bound
ary of this District.
Rev. R. H. Luckey lias been continued as Agent
for the District of South Georgia aud Florida.
The northern boundary of tills District is com
posed of the counties of Chattahoochee, Marion,
Schley, Macon, Houston, Pulaski, Montgomery,
Tatnall, Bryan aud Chatham.
Those having business with A. B. S., iu the Dls
triet of Georgia, will address Rev. Wm. A. Parks.
Newnan, Coweta county, Ga. Those n South
Georgia and Florida, will address Rev. R. H.
Luckey, Tl.omasviile, Thomas county, Georgia.
W. F. Cook, Treasurer,
In account with Board of Domestic Missions, Xorth
Oeoiyia Conference.
Augusta District.
Dr. Ass’mt.
Augusta—St John’s, A Wright, .$242 50 $ 164 00
“ St James, GHPattillo,
(no report,)
“ Asbury C W Key,... 81 00
Richmond ct Jus M Armstrong, 32 00
Appling ct E P Bonner 37 50
Thomson ct Leonard Rush,.., 44 80
Warrcnton ct Thos A Seals 85 00
Sparta st A J Jarrell, 63 00
Hancock ct iosiali Lewis 5r,... 105 30 82 00
Milledgeville st W T Caldwell,. 37 00
Baldwin ct J V M M0rri5,...... 39 00
$719 60 $1,175 00
Athens District.
Athens st 0 A Evans, $125 50 $ 250 00
Watkinsvillect R J Harwell,.. 35 00 90 00
Madison st E W Speer, 50 (HI 65 00
Morgan ct W R Foote 40 00 85 00
Greensboro, ct J M Dickey, 100 00 100 00
White Plains ct C A Mitchell,.. ISO 00 80 00
Lexington ct 1) J Myrick, 72 75 100 00
Washington st M Calloway,..,. 75 00 70 00
Broad River ct, J W Heidi 80 00 90 00
Little River ct C II Ellis, 80 00 60 00
Eatontou st W P Kramer, 40 25 100 00
East Putnam ct W(1 Johusou,. 35 00 75 00
West Putnam ct JTV Knight... 81 35 70 00
$824 35 $1,235 00
Atlanta Distkiut.
Atlanta—Wesley Chapel ;F A
Kimbcll,... $295 00 $ 100 00
“ Trinity Wm M Crum
ley 165 00 100 00
“ City mis W A Dodge, 20 00 20 00
Atlanta ct W'j Wardlaw, 20 00 30 00
Fulton ct A G Dempsey, 5 (Ml 30 (Ml
Decatur ct Win A Farris, 34 50 40 00
Stone Mountain ct Wm A Flo
rence 13 35 25 00
Covington st P A Heard, 58 65 50 00
Oxford ct J J Singleton, 80 (Ml 100 00
Conyers ct A Gray, 75 00 75 00
Law'rencevllle ct B J Johnson, 44 85 50 00
Monroe and Social Circle, M F
Malsby 30 50 30 00
Walton et J W Baker, 4 85 25 00
Moutleello ctM W Arnold, 50 (Ml 50 00
$B9l 20 $715 00
Marietta District.
Marietta st W F Cook S6O 50 *SO 00
Roswell et C M McClure, 9 60 25 00
Alpharettact Joseph Chambers 19 00 50 00
Acworth st W J Scott, 4 IMI 25 00
Aeworlli mis J N Myers, 18 75 25 00
Cedar Town and Vaii Wert Jno
T Norris 10 00 25 00
Powder Springs et 8 J Bellali,. 11 10 50 00
Dallas ct A G Carpenter, 3 60 25 00
Carrolton et J J Davis, 9 15 25 SM)
Bowden ct TH Timmons, 6 00 25 00
Villa Rica ct R R Johnson,.... 21 CIO 26 00
Suiultown mis CTrussell, 16 85 25 00
Camiibelltouct JnoM Bowden, 25 00 25 00
$221 15 SIOO 0(1
Elbekton District.
(Elberton et A G Worley, $47 00 SIOO 00
Elbert ct E G Murrali,.., 20 00 50 00
Lincolnton et Britton Sunders, 21 75 50 (Ml
Jefferson ctJ II Masliburu.... 40 00 75 00
Curuesville ct W T Norman,... 28 68 75 00
Homer ct W F Qiitlliuu, 14 00 75 00
Puoll ct Henry Tyler supply,
ftfio report,)
llurtwriPCt A W Williams,.... 12 00 75 00
Xbwksville ct F G Hughes, 25 35 50 00
S2OB 78 $550 00
Rome District.
Home st H II Parks, SIOO 00 SBO 00
Rome ct 6 74 20 00
Cave Spring ct L P Neese, 60 00
Cartersville ct Jus L Pierce,... 82 00 80 00
Stilesboro mis A Odom, 19 (Ml 2(1 (Ml
Bartow et R 11 Jones, 20 00 20 00
Kingston et W T Hamilton,.. 28 (Ml 40 (X)
Calhoun mis J M Barnes 9 45 25 00
Spring Place et W I. Daven
port, (no report,). 25 00
La Fayette ct J L Lupo, 27 62 40 00
Dalton st Jno P Duncan, 15 (Ml 60 00
Tunnell HillctTbos M Pledger, 20 00 20 00
Ringgold ct>, Win D Heath 20 00 40 00
Sunimei vlllect Jno A Reynolds, 30 IM) 60 01
Oostanauln ct JnoM Lowry,... 12 00 50 00
$389 84 $640 00
Dahloneoa District.
Dalilonega and inis J T Lin,... sll 55 SSO 00
Duwsonvtlle ct James Hughes, 150 40 00
Cuinmlng ct J D Authouy, 2 20 50 00
Canton ct J R Gaiues, : 11 15 50 00
Cherokee ct J Newell, 2 70 85 00
Jasper mis. A C Carson, 5 25 25 00
Ellijay ct J W Sullivsn, .'. 1 00 25 00
Blairsville circuit M G Hamby,
(no report,) 15 00
Cleveland ct M 11 Eukes 4 65 40 00
Gainesville ct J R Parker, 20 00 40 00
GwiDnelt circuit J Bradford,
(no report,) 30 00
$ 60 00 S4OO 00
LaGksnue District.
LaGrange st R W Bigliam,.... S3O 00 85 00
Troup ct W n Evans, 100 (X) 85 00
West I’olnt and Long Cane ct,
A M Thigpen 20 00 70 00
Whltesville ct TS L Harwell,. 70 < 0 60 (XI
GreenvillleTritiity and Fletch
er's Chapel, P M
Rvburn 40 00 70 00
Grantvllle W J Cotter, 10 00 55 00
Senoia et R Stripling, 13 25 50 00
Cliabbeate Spriiiiis circuit, W
YVOslin, i. 24 00 60 00
Meriwether circuit R II Jones,
(no report) 65 00
Palmetto, J T Lowe 20 00 70 IMI
Franklin et J W McGcliee,.... 35 (Ml 55 00
Newnan stE P Birch, 20 (Ml 85 0(1
$382 25 $81(1 00
Griffin District.
Griffin st H J Adams, $ 90 05 $ 90 00
Zebulon ct David Strippling,.. 38 1(1 50 0(1
Pike and colored charge, Mor
gan Bellali, * 5 (10 20 00
Thomaston ct D Kelsey, 55 (Ml 50 (Ml
Barncsvillo ct VV F Smith, 8(1 (Ml (Ml 00
McDonough ct J 14 Harris, 28 70 40 00
Jonesboro el W P Rivers, 25 (10 25 (Ml
Fayetteville ct J W Turner,... 33 50 40 (Ml
Cullodcn et J W Reynolds,.... 6(1 65 00 00
Clinton et W P Arnold,3(l 00 40 00
Jackson aud Lilierty Hill Da
vid Nolan, 23 50 50 00
Forsyth st W P Pledger, 45 00 GO 00
For.-ytli et F B Davies, 80 00 60 00
*591 00 $6lO (10
Summary.
Augusta District $ 719 60
Atlieus District 824 85
Elberton District : 208 78
Rome District 389 84
Dahioiuga District 60 00
LaGrange D strict BS3 25
Atlanta District 891 20
Marietta District 221 15
Griffin District 594 00
Anniversary collections at last
’ Conference, 250 50
Dividends on 7 shares of Gu
RR Stock SO 45
Cash on hand from last report, 2 95
Total $4,875 07
.lb
By amounts paid on Presiding Elders’ drafts, os
follows: during the year—
Augusta District $ 209 00
Diihlouega District 285 00
Elberton District 183 15
Marietta District 311.(Ml
RomeDi-trict 207 29
Atlunta District 385 00
Griffin District 107 05
By uraount paid for Secretary’s 800k5.... 1 50
By amount paid for mending Treasurer’s
case, 1 25
By am’t paid for envelopes and stationery, 500
By ain’t paid for express $4 75 aud pos
tage 50 5 25
By am’t paid for rev stamp on scrip of K
R stock 1 00
By am’t paid to Dr McFerrin 1-10 of col
' , . for 1869 457 50
By am’t paid to Presidio? Elders at Couf. 2,114 06
, Jotal $4,575 00
To Hnomi nyMUfloo late to be incorporated in
BHMmtWfcTHicT.
Cave Spring ct L P Neese 15 00
ROmect W. 6 75
To tup’to/ -ml at Baptist church Dec 12th. 22 80
E. H. MYERS, D. D., EDITOR
WHOLE NUMBER 1784.
Mississippi Conference Appoint
ments.
Woodville District.— James A Godfrey,
P E; Woodville, C Chamberlin; Percy’s
Creek mis, D A Givens; St Helena, B Pip
kin; Wilkinson ct, J H Shelton; Buffalo,
William Finn; Liberty, J A Godfrey; Mead
ville, C W Campbell; Homo Chitto mis, K
A Sibley; Amite, W H Germany.
ViCKsnuito District. —J A B Jones, P E ;
Vicksburg, W E M I/infield; North Warren,
P Howard; South Warren, CK Marshall;
Cayuga, J B Robertson, T Nixon; Rocky
Springs, C T French, D A J Parker; Port
Gibson, J G Jones; Grand Gulf aud Rod
ney, Benjamin Jones; Fayette, W F Glenn;
Natchez, W L C Hunuicutt; Kingston, W
H Watkins; Benj Jones, President Port Gib
son Female Academy.
Yazoo District.— W P Barton, P E; Ya
zoo City, E H Mounger; Yazoo ct, A B
Stewart; Mt Olivet, T W Flowers; Rich
land, R J Jones, jr; Lexington ct, J D New
som; Durant, Alt Hines; Blnckhawk, C B
Galloway; Carrollton, 11 Townsend; Green
wood aud McNutt, H Williamson.
Greenville District. —YV WDrake, PE;
Greenville; YV T J Sullivan; Upper Deer
Creek, J D Murff; Lower Deer Creek, J C
Carlyle; Bolivar, R H Herbert; Clover Hill,
R A Davis; Lake Lee and Leota, to bo
supplied, James Maclenuau, sup; Sunflower
et, R R Seeders.
Stakkville District.— F M Featlierston,
P E; Starkvillo nnd Pierce chapel, K A
Jones; Whitefield ct, to lie supplied by A
P Leech; Louisville, JC Woodward; French
Camp, J G Carlisle; Line Creek, W R
Rainey; Winona, GD Wuffe; Vaiduu, TC
Parrish; Kosciusko, P A Johnston; Belle
Fontaine, T W Castles; Carthage, D Mer
chant.
Brandon District. —H J Harris, P E;
Brandon, to be supplied ; Brandon ct, G
Jackson; Hillsboro, F M Williams; Trenton,
L P Meador; Walnut Grove, J A Vance;
Forrest, J D Hays ; Silvarina, L Kendall;
Paulding, D W Dillehay; Garlandsville,
Geo W Boyles; Decatur mis, G WChatlleld;
Philadelphia, J H Holland; J W Harmon,
Agent Southwestern Bible Society.
Mount Carmel District. —H P Lewis, P
E; Mount Carmel, J W Weams; Rankin,
W YV Hurst; Columbia mis, N 15 Y'oung;
Gainesville, HP Bowen; Handsboro, to be
supplied by W G Evans; Black Creek, to lie
supplied by R J Hopkins; Okohay mis, L
Curley.
Brookhaven District. — GF Thompson, 1*
E; Brookhaven, L R Redding; Rogue Chit
to, supplied by J Ritchie; Magnolia, G M
Liverman ; Summit, E R Strickland; Scot
land, F W Sharbrongh, W G Millsaps, sup;
Brandywine, E A Flowers; Crystal Springs
and Huzelhurst, W B Hines, J W McNeil,
sup; Pleasant Valley and Reliobotli, W
Wadsworth; Burtonton, J J Clark; George
town, A Day; Wesson nnd Beauregard, R
B Downer; Martinsville, A B Nicholson. H
F Johnson, President Whitworth College.
Clinton District.— J Nicholson, P E;
Clinton, YV B Lewis; East Feliciana, W E
Ballard; East Baton Rouge, E W Simmons;
Livingston mis, C R Godfrey; Jackson, J L
Forsyth; Greensbnrg and IJay’s, J Nichol
son; Areola. T Price; Tangipahoa, YY T K
Simmons; Covington mis, E F Mullins;
Pouehatoula, to be supplied.
Jackson District.— R Abbey, P E; Jack
son ct, JS Curtis; Canton, HH Montgom
ery; Sulphur Springs, J M Ward; Sharon,
J M Pugli; Camden, Y\ r Harrington; Forest
Grove, J B Hamblen; Brownsville, J A Ellis;
Raymond ct. H Brown, A M Campbell;
Jackson st. C G Andrews.
Assigned to colored work : P S Petty, J
B Bowen, J D Willis, R J Jones, sr., J L
Harris.
J YV Adams left without appointment.
Y\ r T Beall discontinued.
Transferred : William Price and Thomas
Hudson, to Northwest Texas Conference.
J Carr and P G Reynolds, to North Georgia
Conference. P Lane and J V-Pointer, to
Louisiana Conference.
Located: R T Henniugton, R D Nors
worthy, J N Jones, R A New.
Died : P James, S T Swiney.
From the Methodist Protestant.
Fun-Making in Sunday-schools.
YVe have long since been convinced of the
serious injury which onr Sabbatli-schools
are sustaining from that class of clownish
speakers who impose their funny yinais upon
the children for the purposes of laughter
and amusement. They will tax their fuad
of anecdotes and their dramatic awkward
ness to the utmost in order to bring down
the house, aud thus play the buffoon before
the children. And that, too, when they aro
speaking upon tho most solemn subjects.
It is time that this class of Sabbath
school workers should reform. Pastors nnd
Sablinth-scliool superintendents must pro
tect tho children from these characters by
looking to a better class of speakers to do
their work. YY’e heard a pastor in this city
say, a few days ago, that he “did not wish
one of these Sunday-school clowns to come
within one hundred aud fifty miles of his
Sunday-school.” Y\ 7 e have no objection to
a good laugh in the right place and at the
right time ; but we never did like much
laughing nor any rapping in church. The
Sabbath school is in the church, or should
so be considered. A speaker who lus not
something to say to the children about
Jesus, liis commandments, heaven or hell,
has no business to talk to cliildron. He has
mistaken his vocation. We see no time nor
place for fun in an address upon so serious
subjects. YVe do not object to incidents,
allegories, suitable figures of all sorts, for
the purpose of illustrating and simplifying
truth for the children. But when the evi
dent purpose is to create merriment, it is
offensive and insufferable in a Sabbath
school. Our pastors and superintendents
must 1)0 guarded in their invitations to
speakers. And Sunday-school clowns must
be discarded from our'schools. The salva
tion, nnd not the amusement of the chil
dren, is the object of Sunday-school work.
The Poor Pnrsou.
“I pity tlio poor parson,” quoth my undo
Toby. But did uncle Toby ever rend the
following story, which the Christian Witness
(Boston) by one of its contributors vouches
for:
The former pastor of a country church
meets with his successor and inquires :
“Mr. is still living ?”
“Oh, yes; one of the beat men in the
parish ; not liberal, but a good man and very
rich.
“What does he do for your support V"
“Well, not much, but he pays his pew
rent. ”
“Does he sell vinegar ?”
“Oh ! yes ; he lifts one of the largest or
chards in the parish, and is so conscientious
his cider is all made into vinegar.”
“Does he give you any of his vinegar ?”
“Not he.”
“Soitwasin my day. His vinegar was
made to sell. When his daughter sickened
and died I went there almost every day, five
miles off. When she died she had a great
funeral, and I sat up most of the night to
write a funeral sermon. I called the next
day. Then a few days after I went, and
thought I would cnrrv my vinegar jug which
just then happened to be empty. The jug
was filled. I did not like to take it away
without offering to pay, and so I said meok
lv ns possible : ‘What shall I pay you ?’
‘Well,’ said my good parishioner, “I gener
ally charge twenty-five cents a gallon, but
seeing as how you lmve beeii kind to me in
trouble, etc., I won’t charge you but twenty
cents.’ At this time I had eleven children
and was living on a salary of six hundred
per year.
By the Grace of God I am What I
Am.—As Rev. John Newton, that eminent
servant of God, lay on his dying bed, a
friend was reading to him the fifteenth chap
ter of first Corinthians. Coming to the
tenth verse, he read: “Butbytho grace of
God lam what I am.” “Stop," said Mr.
Newton; “that expresses just my case. I
am not what I ought to be. Lam not what
I might be. lam not what I hope to be.
But lam better than I once was. “By the
grace of God I am what I am.”
One of the most essential preparations for
eternity is delight in praising God; a higher
acquirement, I think, than even delight and
devotedness in prayer.— Chalmers .