Newspaper Page Text
90
Christian
MACON, GEORGIA, JUNE 10, 1870.
The General Conference.
Our readers have had the advantage of a
pretty full report of the daily proceedings
of the General Conference ; but they will
naturally look for an outline of its action on
all important subjects. This is the more
readily given, because very little change was
made. Many minorchanges wereproposed,
referred to committees, reported on, soino
favorably and some adversely ; but the body
was put under whip and spur, from the first,
to secure a short session, and few subjects
were satisfactorily debated, and many re
ports were not called up. The previous
question and indefinite postponement, were
too freely used in a body which assembles
but once in four years to consider all the in
terests of so large a Church as this General
Conference represented. A session of twen
ty days will not suffice for a thorough trans
action of all its business.
The principal change in the economy of
the Church was the adoption of the District
meeting—now called District Conference—
as a regular annual meeting to be held in
every Presiding Elder’s District. Yet, in
truth, this is no novelty—for they have
been very generally held by direction of the
Annual Conferences, for the past four years.
No powers have been transferred to them
from the quarterly conferences, and they
only serve the purposes heretofore assigned
them. The lay members of the Annual
Conferences are elected at these District
Conferences.
Another change was made in the plan of
our' Missionary work. The Foreign and
Domestic Boards were consolidated, with
one Secretary—headquarters at Nashville.
The Conference domestic missionary work
is, as heretofore, under the control of the
Annual Conferences—three fifths of the col
lections being reserved for that purpose,
while twofifths are to go to the Parent Board
to aid feeble conferences, and to meet the
wants of our German. Indian and China
Missions. This Board will also provide
for the early payment of the Missionary
debt. The expense heretofore attending
the operations of the two Boards will bo
lessened by the change. Dr McFerrin, so
well known to the Church, is Secretary of
the new Board.
The Sunday-school received special atten
tion. It was thought important enough to
demand the services of a “Secretary” who
should be charged with the duty of organ
izing a uniform system, so far as possible,
of Sunday-school management and instruc
tion, and with the editing of the Sunday
school papers and books. The Rev. A. G.
Haygood, of the North Georgia Conference,
known as a faithful laborer in this depart
ment, as a zealous Sunday-school advocate,
as a favorite preacher to children, and to
our readers as the pungent and graphic
“John Tryon” of many pleasant letters to
them, was elected Secretary—a high honor
and a grave responsibility for so young a
man. But, we doubt not, he will do his
work bravely, zealously, skillfully. Let the
Church sustain him.
There are some minor changes in the Dis
cipline rectifying former mistakes and sup
plying omissions, which can only be stated,
after we find leisure to compare the briefly
journalized action of the Conference, with
the reports of the Committees. We believe
that no change of much importance will bo
found to have been made. The new arrange
ment of the Discipline will make it a more
compact and intelligible hand-book than it
was, and will thus facilitate method in the
administration of the law.
There was much discussion about moving
the Publishing House—ending in a very de
cided vote to leave it where it is. Dr. Red
ford, who in four years has worked wonders
with the almost wrecked establishment, was
•ontinued as agent, the Conference having
full confidence in his ability to make it a
success. A Quarterly Review was proposed,
but the Southern Quarterly now published
in Baltimore, by Dr. Bledsoe,being offered as
the organ of the Church without further cost
than the patronage of its members involved,
was accepted. There was much hesitancy
on the part of many to accept this proposi
tion, because of the great prominence here
tofore given to political questions in that
Review. But it was conditioned that the
Review was to abandon politics—that theol
ogy was to take their place- and a commit
tee of three was appointed by the Confer
ence to see that the Review faithfully re
presents the Church hereafter.
But the Conference made arrangements
for giving tho Chr.rch a first-class monthly
Magazine, at as early a date as possible
without embarrassing the finances of the
Publishing House. The proposition to do
this was hailed with much enthusiasm. We
have rarely seen a measure of the kind
receive so general and spontaneous support.
It argues well for its success. Dr. W. P.
Harrison of the North Georgia Conference
was elected Editor, on the first ballot ; and
accepted the position with, as we believe, a
full appreciation of its responsibilities.—
He will bring professional zeal, literary
taste, practical knowledge and extensive
learning to the task, and if sustained by
such a subscription as ought to be given to
a superior Monthly Magazine, he will make
it an honor to our Church literature. It is
not, to he a Literary Magazine and Theologi
cal Review combined as some supposo.
Only one Bishop was elected—principally
upon grounds of economy. The Church had
been so remiss in respect to supporting tho
Bishops heretofore—as was believed by
many—that they were unwilling put too
great a strain upon her finances for Episco
pal service. Others feared that we might
have so many Bishops they would not find
enough to do; and a few were to be found,
who have very little respect for the Episco
pal office, and who feel no great need for
Bishops except to preside at the Annual
Conferences. We think this General Con
ference made a great mistake. It adopted
District-meetings. They will be held. The
Church will not be satisfied if they are go
ing on, while the Bishop nearest at-hand, is
resting at home. Public opinion, as well
as their own zeal, will keep the Bishops at
work. They will be overworked—and four
years from now, wo fear there will be several
more worn-out Bishops. May our fears
prove groundless.
Thus we have set forth the principal work,
we believe, of the General Conference.—
Whatever else there may be to tell, is very
well told in what has heretofore beeD copied
in onr columns from tho Daily Advocate, for
which report we are indebted to the inde
fatigable labors of Dr. Summers and his
son Thomas 0. Summers, Jr. The father
was Secretary of tho Conference and Editor
of the Daily—either duty enough for one
man—-the son was tho only short hand re
porter of the Conference, and he but a nov
■ ice in tlie work ; and yet his reports would
have done credit to a veteran stenographer.
The lay element in this General Confer
ence made it anew era in our Church legis
lature. The fear that the laymen would not
attend, so often expressed, was dissipated ;
and being there, they entered at once zeal
ously and faithfully upon their duties, and
gave invaluable aid in committee and on
the floor of the Conference. They were
generally conservative, beyond what could
have been anticipated. With their aid,
Methodism will hold by the “old land
marks.”
The general temper of the Conference
was good. There were differences without
discord, independence of thought and
speech and yet harmony in spirit. Success
gave no undue elation, defeat left no bitter
ness of feeling. We heard some excellent
sermons, and heard of many more which
were edifying—and of some failures too —■
as always on grand occasions.
Being at a public house, where there Was
enough company to form a society among
themselves, it was not our privilege to see
anything of Memphis Methodists—beyond
our own kind host and hostess of the YYl.ite
more House. Taking them as samples of
hospitality, wo may speak in praise of the
entiro Methodist community, of whom we
heard also many kind words spoken bv oth
er guests.
But we shall never forget the delighful
evening spent with two-score or more of the
brethren and sisters, at the pleasant little
country-place of our Brother Editor, the
Rev. Wm. C. Johnson of the Memphis
Christian Advocate. It has left a green
place in our memory, and the wise general
ship which marshalled so large a company
to the feast, and sent them home all so
cheerful and well satisfied with themselves
and everybody else, deserves this public com
mendation. To him and to his, prosperity.
The Southern Christian Advocate.
At the suggestion of J. W. Burke & Cos.,
the Publishers of the Advocate, the patroniz
ing Conferences last winter commissioned
their Delegates to the lato General Confer
ence, to consult respecting the interests of the
paper, to appoint a Publishing Committee,
and to make such other arrangements res
pecting its future, as might prove satisfacto
ry to all concerned. Theso'delegations met,
and being released from the contract ori
ginally made with them by the Publishers,
anew contract was agreed upon, which was
accepted unanimously by the Delegates. In
deed, the terms of the contract in their de
tails were mostly suggested by a committee
of the Delegates themselves. A thorough
examination was had of all those points,
which had been urged against the past rela
tions of the Publishers and the paper to the
patronizing Conferences, and the following
resolutions were adopted :
Resolved, That in renewing our contract
with J. W. Burke & Cos., for the publication
of the Southern Christian Advocate, it is an
appropriate time, and we regard it alike due
to them and ourselves, to say that in all
their dealings with us from the time they
first proposed to publish the Advocate to the
present, they liaved acted with the magnan
imity and justice of Christian gentlemen.
Resolved, That the Editor is hereby in
structed to publish the foregoing Resolu
tion in the Advocate.
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves and
(as far as we may) our respective Conferen
ces to the support of the Southern Christian
Advocate by promoting its circulation; and
that we heartily commend it as being emin
ently worthy the confidence and patronage
of our people.
Dr. A. M. Shipp, of S. C.; Hon. G. N.
Lester, of No. Ga.; Dr. J. E. Evans, of So.
Ga., and Dr. J. Anderson, of Florida Con
ference were appointed the Publishing Com
mittee.
And now the Editor returns to his duties,
grateful for that confidence, which prompt
ed his re-election. Having no purpose to
serve except to promote the interests of the
Church and the glory of God, he can only
pledge himself to do hereafter as hereto
fore, whatever lie can, according to tho wis
dom and grace given him, that his proper
work may be done faithfully and profitably.
He trusts that a generous constituency will
overlook mistakes, for these all men commit —
and award to him the credit of pure motives,
where their judgment will not allow them
to adopt his opinions. Wishing prosperity
to the Church, and success to tho Advocate,
ho enters hopefully' upon his fourth quadren
nial term of service—praying God’s blessing
upon his own labors, and grace, mercy and
peace upon all his readers,
‘-Cluirclt Unification---Nortli anil
SoutU. ”
Dr. Curry writes on this subject iu the N.
Y. C liristian Advocate, aud draws what he
calls “some obvious and inevitable inferen
ces” from “the perversity of this (Southern
Methodist) people, who now refuse to ignore
the past, and to accept overtures and con
donement and conciliation. ” The following
are his inferences :
First, it is clear enough that the South is
ecclesiastically' far from reconstruction. The
old proslavery leaven is still fermenting.
Second, it is useless for ns to argue with
it about charity and the moral motives for
reunion in its present state of mind.
Third, being profoundly aud morally wrong
in its position, it is predestined to’ defeat"
The moral laws of the universe must be out
of joint if it can maintain its present posi
tion.
Fourth, we must patiently wait for better
auspices. The actual perversion of Southern
sentiment is too profound for any reasona
ble hope of its rectification in the present
generation.
But, fifthly, being essentially wrong, it
must inevitably give way at last to a more
reasonable judgment. The great crime of
slavery and the rebellion cannot be canceled
in a single generation. It would be contra
ry to the historical order of Providence to
expect an immediate rectification of tlie
enormous sin of the Southern Church. We
must have patience. Time is a condition of
God’s own doings. “The mills of tho gods
grind slowly” said the old Greeks. Immigra
tion from tho North, aud from Europe is yet
to change tho whole aspect of the South.
Providence will purge away the old and rot
ten leaven. There is absolutely no hope for
the effete southern ideas. They are unchris
tian and unnatural, and woe to the men who
still cling to them with the hope of effectua
ting them. Tho sooner all such retreat from
the field of contest the better for their peace
of mind, and the quiet and progress of the
country'. If they retreat they may die qui
etly, and in some degree of peace; if they
retreat not, they will be overwhelmed and
obliterated forever.
Now, about the time this article was being
read throughout the land, a commission was
bearing to the General Conference of the
M. E. Church, South, a letter to which the
name of Dr. Curry, with others, was ap
pended, expressing a belief that there “are
now no sufficient reasons why a union (of
tho two Churches) may not he effected on
terms equally honorable to all, that the re
alization of such a union is important and
desirable”—the signers of tlie paper at the
same time, praying for our prosperity and
desiring our prayers in behalf of their church.
Was this all done in good faith ? Or was
this the act of “eondonement ?” “Condo
nation” we suppose was meant—a pardon
awarded to the most flagrant of crimes, upon
promise of amendment. (See YVebster.)
But if so, the excellent Commissioners did
not make their meaning clear. They never
mentioned, as is done in the extract above
“the great crime of slavery and the rebel
lion.” They did not proffer condonation for
“tlie enormous sin of the Southern Church.”
Had they presumed to do this they might
have learned that the Southern Methodist
Church does not look upon any ecclesiastical
body on earth as in the place of God to con
done “crime,” or ns entitled to treat with it
or its members for any real or supposed “re
bellion” of which they may have been guil
ty. We are responsible to the Government,
not to the Northern Methodist Church for
our political opinions and civil acts, and we
confess our sins only to God—and if that
church is not satisfied that this should be so,
then all its commissions are empty and
fruitless embassies. It will perhaps learn
wisdom after a few years of mortifying fai
lure.
Let Dr. Curry and his co-laborers know
once for all, that woof the South look upon
nil such diatribes as we have quoted, ns ex
hibiting both the profoundest folly and the
sublimest impertinence—and all who think
and speak after that fashion are destitute of
Christian charity, foes to peace, and the
most efficient friends and promoters of dis
cord .and division. How truly does Dr.
Curry say—writing as though he had been
getting a glimpse of his own heart:
“Poor human nature cherishes fondly its
own perversities; it doats on them; it does
more, it consecrates them. It is one of the
characteristics of ecclesiastic sins that they
truculently and pharisaically assume a sanc
timonious character and sanction.”
Hence this sin against true Christian char
ity displays the words “proslavery” and
“rebellion” as its cloak, ns readily as though
the Church was properly inquisitor-general
over all man’s opinions. We place the “in
fallible” Pope, Pins IN, and the “infallible”
Pope Curry side by side.
Northern ainl Southern Presbyte
rians.
At the recent session of the Southern
Presbyterian General Assembly at Louis
ville, Ky., a commission, consisting of Revs.
Dr. Backus and Vandyke and Hon. W. E.
Dodge from the Northern General Assem
bly, then in session in Philadelphia, ap
peared before the former body, and the fol
lowing action was the result :
RESOLUTIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
THE PRESBYTERIANS OF THE NORTH.
Whereas, The General Assembly believes
that the interests of the Kingdom of our
Lord throughout the country would be
greatly promoted by healing all unnecessary
divisions, and
Whereas, The General Assembly desires
the speedy establishment of cordial fratern
al relations with the General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church of the Unitod
States, commonly known as the Southern
Presbyterian Church, upon terms of mutual
confidence, respect, Christian honor, and
love; and
Whereas, We believe that terms of re
union between the two branches of the
Presbyterian Church at the North, now hap
pily consummated, present an auspicious
opportunity for the adjustment of relations;
therefore, be it
Resolved, That a committee of five min
isters and four elders be appointed by this
Assembly to confer with a similar committee,
if it shall be appointed by the Assembly
now in session in the city of Louisville, in
respect to opening a friendly correspond
ence between the Northern and Southern
Presbyterian Churches, and that the result
of such conference be reported to the Gen
eral Assembly of 1871.
Resolved, That with a view to the further
ance of the object contemplated in the ap
pointment of said committee, this Assembly
hereby confirms the concurrent declaration
of the two Assemblies which met in the city
of New York last year, viz : “That no rule
or jirecedent which does not stand approved
by both bodies shall be of any authority in
the re-united body, except in so far as snoli
rule or precedent may affect the rights of
property founded thereon. ”
Resolved, That two ministers and one cid
er of the committee appointed by this As
sembly be designated as delegates to convey
to the Assembly now in session in Louisville,
Ky., a copy of these resolutions, with our
Christian salutations.
EXTRACT FROM ADDRESS OF DR. VANDYKE.
I confess that I am somewhat embarrass
ed as to bow I should proceed with my re
marks. It would be manifestly improper
for me, in the position which I occupy, to
argue a question before this Assembly ; yet
sir, I am exceedingly anxious that every
member of this Assembly shall understand
the true nature of the paper before you, and
if in the warmth of my feeling I seem to
speak out of my province, I throw myself
entirely upon your kindness and Christian
forbearance.
First—We are not here to make proposi
tions for an organic union between the
Churches. We are not authorized to say any
thing upon that subject, for we recognize
the fact that neither of the two bodies is pre
pared for the consideration of such a subject.
We do not contemplate an organic' union,
but something higher, better, without which
a union would be a dead form. What we
contemplate is a union in the spirit and in the
bonds of peace—a union which your Mas
ter and mine prayed for when He stood with
His foot on the threshold of the holy of
holies and besought the Father that those
who were given to him might bo one. Sir,
if these two great bodies of Presbyterian
Christians in the United States can be made
one in spirit, it will send dismay into the
ranks of our common enemy, and make
more joy in heaven than the repentance of
ninety-nine sinners.
I desire, in the first place, sir, to notice
that that paper does not propose to make an
interchange of corresponding delegates. We
are prepared to take that step, so far as I
can judge, and we come now' to see, first,
whether or not you are prepared. It only
proposes to appoint a committee on each
side to see whether we are prepared. I de
sire you to notice next that it neither makes
nor asks any humiliating concessions. We
do not come here to cry peceavi, and we do
not ask you to do so ; for I tell you that
Presbyterians can’t he reconciled in that way.
There is too much militant blood in them
for that. Their convictions are too deep
and clear for tliein to do so. Tdo not want
you in any way to humble yourselves before
me, and I will not consent that the body
which I represent shall do such a thing ; but
let us humble ourselves before God and
stand up face to face before the world.
In the fourth place, that paper recognizes
the existence of difficulties between us—
difficulties which stand in the way of even
an interchange of correspondence ; and it
proposes a plan for their removal—a plan
which I think is consistent and scriptural,
and promotive of our common good. It is
the plan proposed by the apostle Paul, in
the VI chapter of his epistle to the Corinthi
ans, in which lie says:
“Dare any of you, having a matter against
another, go to law before the unjust and not
before the saints? Do you (not know that
the saints shall judge the world? And if the
world shall be judged by you, are ye un
worthy to judge the smallest matters?” Shall
we then go to the court of Caesar?
We have appointed nine men with especial
reference to their adaptation to this work,
and we ask y'ou to appoint a similar commit
tee in a similar spirit, to see if all these diffi
culties, growingout of the questions of juris
diction and church property, with all matters
pertaining to the past and future, can be
settled in a Christian spirit, and report the
same to the General Assembly.
In the fifth place, I desire yon to notice
the fact that, preliminary to entering upon
these formal negotiations, and with a view
to the removal of all obstacles on all sides,
the General Assembly has passed a resolu
tion, which declares that no rule or proceed
ing which does not stand approved by both
bodies shall be of any authority in the reu
nited body', in so far as such rule or prece
dent may affect the rights of property founded
thereon.
Let mo say, in regard to the concluding
clause, that it refers to property in dispute
between the Assemblies. It refers princi
pally to the fund of the Board. It means
simply this: that, while we didn’t intend to
repeal history or the acts of the Assembly,
those acts which our Southern brethren con
sidered offensive and dangerous to them are
declared to be no longer in force. They are
simply laid upon the shelf. If the act of
1865-6 were in existence we could not offer
nor you accept any negotiations, therefore,
in a spirit of Christian kindness, we have de
clared them no longer in force. And now,
Mr. Moderator, I wish to say that I have
been familiar with this whole movement on
the part of the Philadelphia Assembly from
its very inception. I think I understand it
as thoroughly, with the intellect God has
given me, as it can be understood, and I
would say as one reason why I am connected
with it that I believe it has been brought
forth in kindness, baptized in Christian love
and designed solely to promote the cause of
Christ and the great Presbyterian Churches
of this land. The unanimity of the Assem
bly as now constituted is remarkable in many'
respects, and to some, perhaps, surprising.
But to my mind nothing in the proceedings
of that Assembly has so far been so unani
mous as the adoption of the resolutions now
before you; and the entire unanimity with
which both tho Assembly and tho Commit
tee of Delegates have acted, convinces me
that it is not the work of man but the work
of a better spirit.
God, Mr. Moderator, is accustomed to
prepare the hearts of his people for the
events of His providence. You and I have
often noticed in the case of old experienced
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
believers what a mellowness comes over the
heart as they are prepared for their depart
ure. We call that ripening for heaven; and
I believe a similar mellowness comes over
the hearts of Christians to prepare them for
similar events which is the beginning of
Leaven on earth. I believe such influences
have guided the Philadelphia Assembly to
send us here.
Dr. Robinson offered the following resolu
tion :
Resolved, That this body, duly
ating the marked courtesy and kindness of
the General Assembly now' sitting in Phila
delphia, in commissioning of brethren so
peculiarly acceptable to us a delegation to ,
be the bearer of its resolutions to the Assem"'
bly, will take into careful consideration
proposition presented by them, and that, in*
order to proper deliberation and care upon
so important a matter, these resolutions,
gether with the message and exposition of
the delegation, be referred to the Committee
on Foreign Correspondence with instruc
tions to report at the earliest possible time,,
recommending an ans wer to the proposition.”
The answer was drawn up by Dr. B. M.~
Palmerof New Orleans, and passed by a vote
of 80 yeas, 17 nays, as follows:
The Committee on Foreign Corresponds ’
ence, to whom were referred the overture
for reunion from the Old School General As*, •
sembly, North, of 1869, at its sessions in the
city of New York; and also the proposition^.
from the United Assembly of the Northern.
Presbyterian Church, now sitting in Phila
delphia, conveyed to us by a special dclcga-s.
tiou, respectfully report:
That the former of these documents io*--
virtually superseded by the latter; because
the body by whom it was adopted has since
been merged into the United Assembly,
from which emanates anew and fresh pro
posal, reflecting the views of the larger con
stituency. To this proposition, then, “that
a committee of five ministers and four el <
ders be appointed by this Assembly to eon*l
fer with a similar committee of tlieir Assero-j'
bly in respect to opening a friendly eorfo*'
spondenee between the Northern and South,
ern Presbyterian Church”—your committee
recommend the following answer to be re
turned:
'Whatever obstructions may exist in the
way of cordial intercourse between the two
bodies above named, are entirely of a public
nature and involve grave and fundamental
principles. The Southern Presbyterian
Church can confidently appeal to all the
acts and declarations of all their Assemblies,-
that no attitude of aggression or
has been, or' is now, assumed towards the
Northern Church. And this General As
sembly distinctly avows (as it lias always be
lieved and declared) that no grievances ex
perienced by us, lion ever real, would justify
us in acts of aggression or a spirit of malice
or retaliation against r 'aacii of Christ’s
visible kingdom. YVt prepared, there
fc”e, in advance of all. mssion, to exercise
towards the General Assembly North, and
the churches represented therein, such amity
as fidelity to our principles could under any
possible circumstances permit. Under this
view the appointment of a Committee
Conference might seem wholly unnecessary;
but, in order to exhibit before the Christian
world the spirit of conciliation and kindneSJj
to the last degree, this Assembly agrees to
appoint a Committee of Conference to meet
a similar committee already appointed by
the Northern Assembly, with instructions to
the same that the difficulties which lie in
the way of cordial correspondence between
the two bodies must be distinctly met and
removed, and which may be comprehensively
stated in the following particulars:
1. Both the wings of the now United As
sembly, during their separate existence be
fore the fusion, did fatally complicate them
selves with the State, in political utterances
deliberately pronounced year after year, and
which, in our judgment, were a sad betrayal
of the cause and kingdom of our commoif
Lord and Head. We believe it to be solemnly
incumbent upon the Northern Presbyterian
Church, not with reference to us, but before
the Christian world, and before our Divine
Master and King, to purge itself of this er
ror, and by public proclamation of the truth
to place the crown once more upon the head
of Jesus Christ as the alone King in Zion.
In default of which, the Southern Presby.-
terian Church, which has already' suffered
much in maintaining the independence and
spirituality of the Redeemer’s kingdom up
on earth, feels constrained to bear public
testimony' against this defection of our lata
associates from the truth. .Nor can
official correspondence even, consent to blunt
the edge of this, our testimony, concerning
the very nature and mission of the church
as a purely spiritual body' among men.
2. The union now consummated between
the Old and New School Assemblies North
was accomplished by methods which, in our
judgment, involve a total surrender of all
the great testimonies of the church for the
fundamental doctrines of grace, at a tin*
when the victory of truth over error hung
long in the balance. The United Assembly
stands, of necessity, upon an allowed latitude
of interpretation of the standards, and must
come at length to embrace nearly' all shades
of doctrinal belief. Os those falling testi
monies we are now the sole surviving heirs,
which we must lift from the dust and bear
to the generations after us. It would be a
serious compromise of this sacred trust to
enter into public and official fellowship with
those repudiating these testimonies; and to
do this expressly upon the ground, as stated
in the preamble to the Overture before us,
“that the terms of reunion between the two
branches of the Presbyterian Church at the
North, now happily consummated, present
an auspicious opportunity for the adjust
ment of such relations.” To found a corre
spondence profitably upon this idea would
be to indorse that which we thoroughly dfiw
approve.
3. Some of the members of our own body"
were, but a short time since, violently and.
unconstitutionally expelled from tlie com
munion in one branch of the now United
Northern Assembly', under eclesiastical
charges which, if true, render them utterly
infamous before the Church and the world.
It is to the last degree unsatisfactory to con
strue thfe offensive legislation obsolete by
tlm mere fusion of that body with another;
or through which the operation of a faint de
claration which was not intended, Originally,
to cover this case. This is no mere “rule, ,J y
or “precedent,” but a solemn sentence of’
outlawry against what is now an important
and constituent part of our own body. Every
principle of honor and of good faith com
pels us to say' that an unequivocal repudia
tion of the law under Which those men w ere
condemned must be a condition precedent
to any official correspondence on our part.
4. It is well known that similar injurious
accusations were preferred against the whole
Southern Presbyterian Church, with which
the ear of the whole world was filled. Ex
tending, as those charges do, to heresy and,
blasphemy, they' cannot be quietly ignored*
by an indirection of any sort. If true, we
are not worthy of the “confidence, respect,l
Christian honor and love” which are tendered
to us in this overture. If untrue, “Christian
honor and love,” manliness and truth, re
quire them to be openly and squarely with
drawn. So long as they remain upon record,
they are an impassable barrier to official in
tercourse.
The Committee on Foreign Correspond
ence was instructed to draft an expository
letter to the churches respecting their rela-~
tions to the Northern Church.
On motion, the Moderator was instructed
to appoint a committee of five to nominate
the Committee of Conference with the com-'
mittee appointed by' the Northern General
Assembly.
The Committee of Conference appointed
is :
Ministers —Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D.
D., Rev. Tlios. E. Peck, D. D., Rev. Andrew
H. Kerr, D. D., Rev. William Brown, D.
D., and Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D. D.
Elders—John A. Inglis, Esq., Hon. W. D.
Webb, A. G. Mollwaine, Esq., and Colonel
Charles A. Ready.
Tlic New York Book Concern.
Its troubles soem never ending. The
Book Committee met again recently in New
York to look into some charges made against j
the immortal John Lanahan, D. D., Assist
ant Agent, and resolved as follows, by a
nearly unanimous vote:
Whereas, A bill of charges lias been pre
ferred against Rev. Dr. Lanahan, Assistant j
Boole Agent, at New Y T ork, upon notice of
which, and a proper call, the Book Commit
tee has been convened; and,
Whereas, .Said charges have been duly !
authenticated before the Committee, with
assurances that the parties complaining hold
themselves responsible for their prosecution;
therefore,
Resolved 1 That we, the Book Committee,
do not feel at liberty to ignore said charges,
or treat lightly complainants so responsible, ‘
or complaints of so grave a character.
2. That while we hold this view, and with- .
out expressing any opinions on the merits
of the charges'aforesaid, finding .ourselves
surrounded with many and great embarrass
ments, we deem it expedient to defer the
consideration of said charges until our next
annual meeting in October, unless emergen
cies arise which shall make more immediate
attention to said charges upon
“the Committee.
The Committee also adopted a resolution,
says the Christian Advocate, instructing Dr.
Carlton, the Agent of the Book Room, to take
full supervision of the affairs of the concern.
Pastoral Letter.
_ The following resolution was adopted by
the General Conference with respect to the
pastoral address :
Resolved, That the preachers of our Church he,
and they are hereby directed to read the Pastoral
of the Bishops to tlieir respective congre
gations; and that the Book Agent be directed to
publish it in tract form, and that we recommend
its universal circulation among our members.
To the Members of the M. E. Church, South :
Dear Brethren : — We have been request
ed by the General Conference, now in ses
sion, to address to you a brief pastoral letter
on the subject of worldly and fashionable
"amusements. The design of this is to set
forth an earnest deliverance as to tlie dan
ger to spiritual religion arising from lax
views of moral obligation, at this point, and
the peril to the soul incurred by any remo
val of the ancient landmarks which sepa
rate the Church of Christ from the spirit of
the world. To the thoughtful, religious
mind, tlie tendency of society' in the di
rection of unrestrained indulgence in all
forms of sensuous gratification is alarming.
Whether this is the result of a reaction in
the public mind from restraints necessarily
imposed by' years of devastating civil war, or
advancing civilization which ministers
r mainly to material ends and luxurious tastes,
it is certain that the eager rush of South
ern society after amusements of one kind
and another is one of the startling signs of
the time.
We feel assured that a religion of mere
forms and dogmas, whatever its boasts may
be, cannot arrest this current, or counteract
its tendency' to ruinous social degradation.
Nothing less than a genuine godliness, in
+ he power of its regenerating influence, can
meet the necessities of the case. So power
ful indeed, are the fascinations of pleasure,
so abounding tlie iniquity, in high places
and low, that “the love of many lias waxed
cold.” Y'oung persons of cultivated mind
and elegant manners, wlio may' desire to be
sincerely religious, are specially open to
danger, from the tone of surrounding fash
ionable society', and from the plausibilities
of the worldly spirit. But the law of grati
fication which rules the world, and offers the
present and immediate, is, and over must
be, opposed to the unbending law of duty
which conscience and God impose. There
can be no compromise here. There can be
no inward experience of grace, no valid re
ligion of the heart, which is not preceded
by a full, unreserved, irrevocable commit
ment to the Lord Jesus. This commitment
devolves self-denial—taking up the cross and
following Christ. It is the surrender of the
will to a supreme governing purpose—of the
affections to a supreme governing love. A
religion of mere culture, of amiabilities
and festhetic tastes, of sentiment, opinion,
and ceremony, may readily allow participa
tion in “diversons which cannot be. used in
the name of the Lord Jesus”—in dancing
and reveling, in theatrical, operatic, and cir
cus exhibitions, in the gambling operations
of tlie turf—not to mention the recently re
vived excitements of the cock-pit. But the
religion which is a divine life in the soul of
Christ’s true disciple, heeds the voice of
conscience, and feels the powers of the
world to come. It confers the dignity of
holiness, the strength of self-denial, the glad
freedom of a spirit rejoicing in the Right
aikud-Good. Such-a religion needs not, de
sires not, allows not, participation in world
ly pleasures, in diversions which, however
sanctioned by fashion, are. felt and known
to be wrong by every truly awakened heart.
Its spiritual discernment is not deceived by
well-dressed plausibilities, by refinements in
taste or respectabilities in social position.
It has “put on the Lord Jesus,” and made
iio provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts
thereof.” The influence of this form of re
ligions character may be silent, but it is
none the less potent, in the family, by tlie
fireside, at tlie watering-place, or on tlie
broad thoroughfares of business. What the
Church lives, will alone affect the world.
In conclusion, we beg to suggest that the
pastors of the M. E. Church, South, give
heed to these things in the administration
of discipline. Indulgence in worldly diver
sions of the class aforementioned, we hold
to be inconsistent with the baptismal vows
of our members, and with tlieir Church
covenant. They have solemnly engaged to
“renounce the devil and all his works, the
vain pomp and glory of the world, with all
covetous desires of the same, and the car
nal desires of the flesh, so that they “will
not follow or be led by them.” The Book
of Discipline provides not only against
crimes and gross immoralities, but there is
process laid down for cases of “imprudent
conduct, and indulging sinful tempers or
words.” We are persuaded that where that
process is faithfully, firmly, but kindly fol
lowed, these growing evils may be arrested.
That you all, beloved brethren, may be
blameless and harmless, the children of God
without rebuke lights in the world, holding
forth the word of life, is the earnest desire
and prayer of your pastors. “Whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are hon
est, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things afe pure, whatsoever things are love
ly, whatsoever things are of good report,
if there he any virtue, and if there bo any
praise, think on these things. And may the
God of peace bo with you.”
In behalf of the General Conference and
the College of Bishops.
R. Paine.
Memphis, May 25, 1870.
KeceptioH of Fraternal Delegates.
Drs. Linn, Huston and Kepler, in accord
ance with the appointment made at the late
General Conference at Memphis, visited the
Methodist Protestant General Conference,
were cordially received, and addressed that
body, after which the following resolutions
were passed:
Resolved, That this General Conference is
highly gratified by the fraternal visit of Rev.
Dr. Linn, Rev. Dr. Huston and Rev. S.
Kepler, messengers appointed by tlie Gen
eral Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South.
Resolved, That we reciprocate fully the ex
pressions of Christian regard which have
been addressed to us by the esteemed repre
sentatives of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South.
Resolved, That we congratulate our sister
Church upon the successful introduction of
the lay element in her highest legislative de
partment, and would fain hope that this
auspicious beginning is a sure indication of
further modification in her polity, tending
to bring that Church and our own still nearer
together.
The Primitive Methodist is an 8 page
Monthly newspaper, recently set on foot at
Charleston, West Virginia, by Rev. Wm.
Gaines Miller, of the M. E. Church, South.
The profits are to go toward building a
house of worship in Charleston. Trice, 75
cent.s a year.
Butter Money.— A very clever little girl,
writes us :—“My brothers, sisters, and I
have been denying ourselves butter for sev
eral weeks, and mamma gave each five cents
aweek, and we have saved 87.00, which you
will please send to Rev. Young J. Allen,
in China.”
Mariou District Conference.
The Rev. J. W. Kelly, P. E., requests us
to say that Bishop Wightman will hold this
District Conference at Lynchburg, S. C.,
beginning at if o’clock, a. m., on Thurs
day, 30th June, to include Sunday 3d July.
The notice he say's is very short, on account
of the Bishop’s not deciding as to the time
until his return from Memphis—but he pre
fers to bold it on short notice rather than
not have a Bishop present.
TEse Monthly and Weekly Maga
zines.
Absence and tlie abundance of General
Conference matter crowding our columns,
have prevented our giving a respectful no
tice of the many excellent periodicals for
June which have come to our table. We
can only at this time note their name and
price.
Southern Farm and Home. J. W. Burke &
Cos.. Macon, Ga: 82 00.
The Galaxy. Sheldon A Cos., New York:
84 00.
The XIX Century. XIX Cent. Pub. Cos.,
Charleston, S. O.; 83 50.
Lippincott’s Magazine. J. B. Lippincott &
Cos., Phil.: 84 00.
The Home Monthly. A. B. Stark, Nashville,
Tenn.: 83 00.
The Rural Carolinian. Walker, Evans A
Cogswell, & D. Wvatt Aiken, Charleston,
S. C.: S2 00.
The Riverside Magazine. Hurd & Hough
ton, N. Y'.: 82 50.
The Sunday Magazine, J. B. Lippincott &
Cos., Philadelphia: 83 50.
Good Words. J. B. Lippincott & Cos., Phil.:
82 75.
Good Words for the Y'oung. J. B. Lip
pincott A Cos., Phil.: 82 50.
The Technologist, Devoted to Engineering
Manufacturing and Building. Ind. Pub.
Cos., 170 Broadway', N. Y.: 82 00.
Good Health. Alex. Moore, Boston: 82 00.
New;Eclectic Magazine. Turnbull A Mur
doch, Baltimore: 84 00.
Southern Cultivator. Wm. AW. L. Jones,
Athens, Ga.: 82 00.
The Little Soldier. J. W. Burke A Cos.,
Macon: 50 cents.
The Musical Independent. Lyon A Henly
Chicago, HI.: 82 00.
Weekly Papers.
Burke’s Weekly for Boys A Girls. J. W.
Burke A Cos., Macon, Ga.: 82 00.
Littell’s Living Age. Littell A Gay, Bos
ton: 88 00.
Every Saturday. Fields, Osgood A Cos.,
Boston: 85 00.
Hearth A Home. Pettengill, Bates A Cos.,
N. Y.: 84 00.
Any of these may be ordered through J.
W. Burke A Cos., Macon.
YYasliiugfon Street M. E. Church,
South-—Columbia, S. C.
Rev. Charles Taylor, M. D., is fully au
thorized to act as agent for the above named
church, and he is hereby commended to tlie
sympathies of the friends of Zion every
where. It will be remembered the appeal
of this suffering church was fully endorsed
and w'armly recommended by the late Gen-,
eral Conference at Memphis.
In behalf of the Board of Trustees.
Wm. Martin, Pastor.
Church papers will confer a favor by
coppying.
Kdiitr.tinn Hoard—Soutli Georgia
Conference.
The second instalment of what was assess
ed by the South Georgia Conference for the
education of young ministers in Emory Col
lege is now due, as per order of the Confer
ence. The money is needed, especially as
the first instalment has not yet been paid,
on many of tlie charges to which a circular
was sent. E. 11. Myers, Chair. Board.
Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, Ya.
—This Alma Mater of so many of tho sons
of Southern Methodism flourishes uuder
the Presideffey of Dr. James A. Duncan.
A recent Catalogue for 1869-70, gives a full
exhibit of the various “schools” of the In
stitution. Pupils may graduate even in a
course of English Literature—then there is
a School of Greek, one of Latin, one of
Modern Languages, one of Pure and one of
Applied Mathematics, etc., etc.—giving a
wide range for elective studies. In this
catalogue, we have an imperfect list of gradu
ates of former years. It was given “as far
known,” and Pres. Duncan desires that all
the graduates send in their names, post-of
fices, etc., etc, —so that the list may be
made perfect.
The St. Louis Christian Advocate. —We
have not until this time had opportunity to
pay our respects to this excellent paper in
its new dress and enlarged form. It is in
deed a mammoth-sheet, as befits the organ
of our Church in the almost limitless West.
May it ever prosper, is a wish we express
with all the more fervor from the pleasure
we found, in recently making tho acquain
tance of its accomplished Editor.
Cornspnbme.
Kmory College.
Mr. Editor : —ln the midst of the pressing
engagements and manifold duties of my of
ficial position, multiplied and augmented by
an absence of three weeks in attendance
upon the General Conference, at Memphis,
I seize a passing moment to furnish the pub
lic through the columns of the Advocate with
a few items of interest iu relation to Emory
College.
I found upon my return the Faculty at
their posts, and all—from the venerable Dr.
Means, to the youngest of these brethren
beloved—cheerful and happy in their labors
of love; and the students, as heretofore, en
gaged in the faithful and conscientious dis
charge of their various duties. I thank
God from my heart for such associates as
these true and devoted men of the Faculty,
who have been to me in the trying and res
ponsible position I have been called to oc
cupy more than Aaron and Hur were to the
great leader and legislator of Israel; and
words are inadequate to tell how I love,
honor and admire these students of Emory
College. A nobler band of young men
never congregated in any institution than
that now filling our halls. Iu high-toned
courtesy, manly 'bearing, devotion to prin
ciple and love of all that is noble, pure and
good, the world may be safely challenged
for their superiors. Amid the wide-spread
demoralisation and abounding corruption of
the times, it is truly refreshing to the mind
and heart of the Christian philanthropist
and patriot who may visit Oxford, to witness
the deportment and consider the character
of these young men, in whose promise of
usefulness are centered the best hopes of
the Church and Country.
The Senor Class have just passed their
final examination preparatory to graduation.
This is an extraordinary class—the largest
that has ever graduated in the Institution,
comprising some of the finest intellects and
choicest spirits I have ever known. Many
of these young men have all the elements of
true greatness, and I do not hesitate to pre
dict for them a bright and glorious future.
The world will hear from them and of them
in days to come, if I am not greatly deceiv
ed in my estimate of the superior excellency
of their characters, gifts and attainments.
The final examination was followed by a
scene of heart-touching pathos and quiet
but entrancing moral beauty. The Faculty
and Class at the request of the latter repair
ed to tho President’s room to hold a prayer
meeting. Dr. Means conducted the exerci
ses. He read with appropriate and affect
ing comments Paul’s parting address to the
elders of the Church at Ephesus, as record
ed in the 20th chapter of Acts; and then,
like Paul, “he kneeled down and pray
ed with them all.” The voices of pre
ceptors and pupils blended in a liymn of
praise, and Rev. A. M. Campbell, of the
Class addressed tlie Throne of Grace. Sa
cred influences filled the place and hallowed
the hour. Eyes unused to weep streamed
with tears, and manly forms shook with sup
pressed emotion amid earnest ejaculations of
praise and prayer. .Another hymn was sung
—another prayer offered by the President,
and in the deepening shades of twilight,
teachers anil pupils parted, saddened by the
reflection that all would never meet again on
earth, but animated and cheered with the
hope of reunion in Heaven. That farewell*
sun-set prayer-meeting with its hallowed
and hallowing influences will never be for
gotten, and its memory alone will be a life
long benediction.
Our Annual Commencement is fast ap
proaching, and the coming event is casting
its shadow before. Our literary programme
is nearly if not quite complete, and will
be soon made public.
Permit me, for the gratification of your
readers, to state that the Commencement
Sermon will be preached by Rev. Bishop
Wightman, whose rich experience in Colle
giate training and ardent devotion to the
cause of sanctified education induce the
confident expectation that we will be favor
ed with the privilege of receiving valuable
lessons of wisdom and learning on that oc
casion. I have the pleasuro also of announc
ing in advance, that the Annual Literary
Address to the Societies of the College will
be delivered by tlie Hon. L. Q. C. Lamar,
LL. D., Professor of Law in tlie Universi
ty of Mississippi—an honored Alumnus of
the Institution, whose wide-spread reputa
tion for eloquence, forensic aud political,
furnishes a sure guaranty to the public of a
richer oratorical treat than is often enjoyed
at these literary festivals.
But I have reserved tlie best news for the
last. We are in the midst of a protracted
meeting, which has already been crowned
with gracious results in the revival of mem
bers of the Church and in the conversion of
souls. Thi.s I regard as the highest evi
dence of the prosperity of the Institution
and the best pledge of its future success aud
usefulness. In the number of the young
men recently converted is the son of a dis
tinguished statesman. Another is ’the son
of a deceased minister of the Florida Con
ference. This will be joyful intelligence to
the widowed mother and. orphaned sister,
who are toiling in straitened circumstances to
send the son and brother for a brief period
to Oxford on account of its religious as well
as its educational advantages. Another is
the son of a graduate of the College, who
was converted during Bishop Pierce’s ad
ministration—moved to Louisiana and died
in the faith. This son was sent by a pious
stepmother to Oxford this spring, with the
earnest prayer that, like the father, he might
experience amid its classic shades the regen
erating grace of God. The prayer has been
answered in a bright and happy conversion,
the genuineness of which cannot be ques
tioned. Thanks be to God for his unspeak
able mercies and abounding grace ! I earn
estly request the friends of the College to
unite with me in grateful acknowledgment
of the Divine Goodness in this visitation of
grace and in continued supplications to God
that his favor and blessing may rest upon
and abide with the Institution as its chief
distinction and crowning glory.
Luther M. Smith.
Oxford, Ga., June 3d, 1870.
N. B. Persons wishing to employ teachers
as Principals or Assistants in Academies and
Colleges, or as tutors in private families will
do well to apply to me, stating qualifica
tions, salary, etc. L. M. S.
Shelby Dist. S. C.' Conference.— The
Rev. E. J. Meynardie, P. E., writes:—The
church, in ray District, is in a healthy con
dition. One evidence of the fact, is, that
the people are inclined, after trying other
religious journals, to turn back to their
Church organ. Y'ou have recently received
abont3o new subscribers in one circuit alone.
Thc M. E. Church, North, and the
Methodist Protestant Ciiuix'ii.
At the recent General Conference of tire
latter Church, Dr. J. J. Murray of the Com
mittee on Visitors, presented, on behalf of
Rev. Drs. Thomas M. Eddy and John Lavr
alian, who were deputed by the General
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church to bear a fraternal letter to the Con
ference, the official communication brought
by these reverend gentlemen to the Confer
ence. The letter is signed by Bishops E. S.
Janes, Levi Scott, Matthew Simpson, E. R.
Ames, D. YV. Clark and Edward Thomson,
and Revs. Drs. Luke Hitchcock, Daniel
Curry, John McClintock, John Lanahan, J".
G. Brace, Thomas H. Eddy, James Pike and
YVm. L. Harris. It states that they were ap
pointed a commission to treat with a similar
commission from any other Methodist Church
desirous of a union with their Church, and
expresses a desire to meet such a commission
from the M. P. Church, and the pleasure it
will afford them to lay before their General
Conference any communication from this
body touching this important subject.
The following is tho principal portion of
the answer made to the commissioners by
the Methodist Protestant Church:
The honored commissioners, having pre
mised that we are “ one in doctrine, sharing
the historic memories of our common Meth
odism,” ask: “May there not he, at least, a
closer bond of union among the branches of
our wide-spread family?”
Our reply to the question is this: “ YVe
believe that there maybe; we are convinced
there ought to be; aud we are determined
that, if our efforts can effect it, there shall
be ‘ a closer bond of union ’ among the sev
eral members of our common Methodist fam
ily. YVe should prove ourselves unworthy
sons of our venerated fathers, bo regardless
of onr obligations to our common Saviour
(who prayed that all his disciples might be
one,) and evince that onr protestations of
attachment to His cause are mere sound
ing pretenses, if we were not willing and de
sirous to draw together in more affectionate
union and more efficient co-operation all
‘ who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincer
ity,’ and especially those between whom and
ourselves there is so much in doctrine, his
torical associations, honored usages and
blessed experience to draw ns together.
It must have been a source of grief to
those who had the cause of the Saviour at
heart, in times past, that so much of bitter
ness and distrust existed among professing
Christians who had so much in common,and
who should have provoked one another to
“ love and good works” only. It is a cause
of congratulation and devout thanksgiving
now, that the tendency is to heal the wounds
made by tho former strife; to consider the
things wherein we agree, rather than those
wherein we differ; to seek for what is excel
lent, rather than what we esteem defective
in each other’s organization and practice;
to accord honor cheerfully when it is seen to
be deserved, and to pray for each other’s
success in all legitimate efforts to promote
the Kingdom of Christ, our Saviour. Let us
hope that the work, so auspiciously begun,
will go on until our respective bodies,either
as the constituent members of one grand
ecclesiastical organization, or as fraternal
sympathetic and co-operative separate or
ganizations, shall most effectually employ
our varied means of usefulness for the de
struction of sin and the promotion of holi
ness throughout the world.
As one step in the direction of this most
desirable consummation, the Committee
would recommend the appointment (whero
ever it may be practicable) of Fraternal Mes
sengers from the General and Annual Con
ferences of the various Methodist Churches,
to convey the Christian salutations of the
bodies they respectively represent, and thus
promote that mutual acquaintance, confi
dence and brotherly love which arc essential
to more through and efficient co-opcration.
Another step would boa recommendation
to the editors of the periodicals published
by the Churches respectfully to avoid irri-
VOL. XXXIII. NO. 23.
tating controversy and the misrepresentation
of each other’s history, motives and conduct;
a recommendation to the ministers to arrange
their respective plans of appointment for
ordinary and extraordinary religious services
so as to avoid even the appearance of desir
ing to stand in each other’s way; but on the
contrary, whenever it is practicable, to ren
der assistance in those labors of love which, if
successful, must inure to tlie benefit of every
Christian, inasmuch as souls are saved and
God is glorified; and a recommendation,
finally, to all the members of our respective
Churches to think and speak charitably of
the words and acts of each other, remember
ing the precept of our Lord and Saviour,
“ All things whatsoever ye would that men
slionld do to you. do ye even so to them.”
A third step would be co operation in the
great work of sending the Gospel to the
heathen. Why may not one foreign mission
ary organization serve for all Methodism?
Why should we go among the heathen to
distract them with our various polities,
(neither of which may be adapted in all re
spects to the heathen,) when the great want
of the perishing is Christ and his salvation?
The Committee is not prepared at this time
to suggest a plan for carrying out the idea,
but let it once receive the favorable consid
eration of the Churches, and, the wisdom of
the Churches will derise all tho details for its
successful prosecution.
In furtherance of these suggestions, the
Committee recommend that and
bo appointed Fraternal Messengers to tho
next General Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Our Publishing House.
We have entered upon auotlier term of la
bor and responsibility, as the Publishing
Agent of the M. E. Church, South. The
experience of the past four years teaches
that success can be achieved only by the
warmest sympathy, aud the most active co
operation of the Church, combined with un
remitting energy and constant care on the
part of the Agent. It is, however, with
feelings of pleasure that we contrast the
present condition ol the Publishing House
with that iu which we found it, immediately
•after the adjournment of the General Con
ference of 1866. Then the House was with
out financial credit, either at home or
abroad, and embarrassed with a debt of
nearly 8100,000, and with no available capi
tal with which to meet the heavy liabilities
—with the exception of about 817,000 worth
of books, printed previous to 18G1. The
presses of tho House, too, were idle, whilo
the business was almost entirely suspended.
Onr creditors, in the meantime, were urg
ing tlieir claims ; and, in several instances,
suits iu civil court bad been instituted. Our
condition was desperate. Tlie hoof of war
bad passed over the country, and that por
tion of it to which we would naturally look
for patronage had been left a desolation and
a waste ; the heart of tlie Church was de
pressed, and but little hope was entertained
of tlie resucitation of our prostrate fortunes.
Four years have elapsed, and the credit of
the House is fully restored ; aud although
we still owe about 840,000, yet, during this
period our net profit.s have been 823,000 in
excess of our indebtedness in 1866, wliile
we have scarcely a creditor who is not an
xious for the amount that is due him to re
main in our hands. The merchandise on
hand, amounting to about 850,000, is in
good condition, with the exception of such
of the old stock as remains unsold. Our
presses are all actively employed; no suit at
law to perplex us, all having been withdrawn,
with a single exception, while the country
through which the M. E. Church, South,
extends is fast recovering from the shock it
had received ; and the hopes of the Church,
once so languid, are again revived.
With a net capital of -8188,052.45, com
pared with 887,165.70, the amount as re
ported in oar Exhibit of 1866, and with our
liabilities reduced during the same period,
from 871,453.55 to $41,872.12, we re-enter
upon the duties assigned us, with renewed
euergy and hope.
We would not, however, presume to base
our hope of success on any amount of mon
eyed capital or financial credit. In the fu
ture, as in the past, our only hope is in the
continued co-operation and sympathy of the
Church—the entire Church. There must
lie no abatement in energy and zeal. The
Church cannot afford to relax their efforts,
or to fall below the measure of the past four
years. Tlie ministry and laity, throughout
the Connection, must feel that the Publish
ing House is theirs, and that failure would
not only disparage the credit, but involve
the honor of tlie whole Church.
The General Conference did not deem it
advisable to establish any new Depositories,
hence our people will depend chiefly on
their respective pastors to be supplied with
our publications. We trust that each
preacher will see that his charge is supplied
with the literature of the Church.
We are anxious to furnish all the facili
ties within our power for the circulation of
our books. In several of the Conferences,
book-sellers, conveniently located, have
agreed to purchase, and keep on hand, our
publications, in quantities sufficiently large
to accommodate the demand of Conferences
convenient to them. Ample supplies will
bo kept by tlie South-western Book and
Publishing Company, in St. Louis, Mo.; by
John W. Bnrke A Cos., Macon, Ga.; J. W.
Stayton A-Co., Jacksonpc.rt, Ark.; Messrs.
Selby A Dulaney, aud J. W. Smith A Bro.,
Baltimore; T. L. D. Watford, Richmond,
Va.; Rev. It. Lane, Jefferson, Texas; and
J. B. Lippincott A Cos., and Messrs. Remsen,
Claxton A Haffelfinger. Philadelphia; and
also by the Rev. E. J. Harp, 112 Camp St.,
New Orleans, La. As early as possible we
•will make similar arrangements with mer
chants in other Conferences. We hope by
this means soon to place our publications
within the reach of the entire Church.
We are frequently requested to reduce the
price of the publications of our House. No
person is more anxious to do so than our
selves, and we promise to meet the wishes
of the Church, in this regard, at as early a
day as practicable. The prices of our books
compare favorably with those of other houses,
and onr muslin ISmos are cheaper than
liooks of the same size and style of binding
sent out by any other American House.
Many of the preachers, however, have pur
chased no books since tlie war, only from
us, and finding them one hundred per cent,
higher than they formerly paid, are disposed
to complain. A careful examination will
show that the Southern Methodist Publish
ing House has advanced its prices less, in
proportion than any other House in the
country.
In reference to prices, wo labor under a
difficulty of which we have no control. We
publish our catalogues, and they are accessi
ble to all persons. From our catalogue
prices wo allow a liberal discount to both
merchants and preachers, .and our books
should be sold to tho people at our retel
priees. Instead of this, in many instances,
a very large per cent, is added to the retail
price; and hence the people complain of ex
tortion. The Hymn-book, 24m0, sheep,the
lirice of which is one dollar, is often sold for
ono dollar and fifty cents; and we know of
one instance where Binney’s Theological
Compend, was purchased of us for 84.20 per
dozen, andsold to a Sunday-school for 818.00
per dozen. Under these circumstances, we
are not surprised that complaints exist in
reference to the high price of our publica
tions. Our catalogues will be sent free to
any person, on application.
The Christian Advocate has been published
during the past four years under many em
barrassments. It was not meeting its cur
rent expenses at the time Dr. Summers was
placed in the Editorial Chair, and the Gen
eral Conference of 1866 continued its publi
cation on the condition that tho Publishing
House should incur no expenso in its publi
cation. This rendered the occupancy of its
columns necessary, to an undesirable extent,
by advertisements. Besides, it is the Cen
tral Organ of the Church, and was expected
to publish many reports remarkably heavy
and uninteresting; and by this means much
that would have been of special interest lias
been excluded. The General Conference,
which has just closed, while it still requires
the Advocate to meet its current expenses,
has instructed the Agent to enlarge it. We
will order anew press immediately on which
to print the Advocate, and the first number
of the enlarged edition will be issued as soon
as possible after we receive the press. It is
enough to insure its success to say that Dr.
Summers still stands at the helm.
The Rev. Atticus G. Haygood, the newly
elected Secretary of the Sunday-school De
partment, including the editorial supervision
of the Teachers' Monthly and Sunday-school
Visitor, will enter upon his duties in a few
weeks. Ho is a practiced writer, and a gen
tleman of high literary attainments, of in
domitable energy, of pure taste, and of un
compromising devotion to the Church. We
earnestly solicit renewed efforts in behalf of
the Visitor. It should be placed at once in
all our Sunday-schools.
The General Conference has provided for
the publication of a Monthly Magazine.
This will boa first-class Magazine in every
respect. The Rev. W. P. Harrison, D.D.,