Southern Christian advocate. (Macon, Ga.) 18??-18??, November 18, 1870, Page 182, Image 2

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

182 Southern Christian Jbbonde. MACON.GEORGIA, NOVEMBER 18,1870. Northern Methodism in Louis iana. “Ah uno disce omnes ” —“from one learn the whole”—is an old proverb, handed down from antiquity, and of force even to this day. New Orleans was taken by Northern Methodism before the war closed, at the point of the bayonet; armed with the “Stanton-Ames order,” which turned over to them our houses of worship—several of which they hold yet—they came down up on the devoted city, “horse, foot and dra goons.” There and thereabouts, the estab lished papers, founded asylums, miscegena ted generally, and lo ! th» fruit. We quote rrom a letter of Dr. Matlack, the presiding elder of the District covering the conquered city, to the New York Christian Advocate— only wondering if the “white membership in our communion of over eight thousand,” covers the entire white membership in the South. Doubtless it does, Hols ton left out; but we can scare suppose it so small, that Conference included. But here is what Dr. M. writes: The white membership in our communion of over eight thousand is not more than two hundred in Louisiana. And these are found in three of the New Orleans Churches— Ames, Felicity-street, and Second German Mission. In the six other churches of the city, and in all the churches in the entire State, not one white person is to be found. Such is the record after five years of labor have been expended here. What five years more may accomplish can not now be determined; but two years’ ex perience and observation of the present method of operating has not encouraged large expectations of our success, except with the people of African descent, and al so those of German ancestry. My previous article suggest the reason of this. The white Methodists of the South are a unitin opposition even to our presence here. Their pastors ignore ours. Their people, with very rare exceptions, withhold all fellowship. The mass of the white peo ple not Methodists make our northern and loyal affinities all-sufficient reasons for stand ing afar off from us, so that in three rounds of quarterly meetings held over a district one hundred and thirty-six miles in length, I have not seen three white faces at all of them. A few “loyal” white men hold office in portions of the State, but their interests and inclinations both lead them to the old established “white man’s” churches. Even in New Orloans, where white respectability would find itself in no wise compromised by attendance at our elegant Ames’ Chapel, northern men and Methodists not a few fail to make an appearance. For the present, and for an indefinite fu ture, in my judgment, access to the white population, in communities where Protest ant Churches now abound, is almost impos sible. New Orleans may be an exception, under anew plan of missionary labor here, in destitute neighborhoods. And more may be accomplished in this one city with that class. There remains, however, a large field not occupied by Methodists of either body, nor by Protestants of any sect. Roman Catho lic services only, or none at all, are observed. In many neighborhoods none at all is the rule How little has been done to invade and conquer these regions for Christ is seen in the fact that, after fifty years of Methodist labor in this State, the aggregate of white communicants in both bodies is less than nine thousand persons. Shall this condition of things remain undisturbed? Must our rela tion hero as a Church be only that of a mis sionary society to freedmen? Can we do nothing largely aggressive upon the king dom of Satau? It is not well that our work be limited to the cities other men have built, nor to the vineyards others have planted. We shall appeal directly to the Missionary and to tlie Episcopal Boards for men and means with which to make trial for one year to establish missionary posts on new ground among a class hitherto neglected by Protest ants. Failing in this appeal, or if disap pointed in the results, we shall submit, from a well-ascertained necessity, to be always only the Africo-American Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. What the Romanists Intend. ‘ ‘ The Catholic World ” is said to be edited by Father Hecker—an eminent Boman Catholic—and to be indorsed by the Pope. It may be looked upon as exhibiting official and well-authenticated opinions and purpo ses in the intricacies of Boman Catholic policy. Hence our readers may be interest ed in learning from its columns, what is to be their fate and that of their children, when the “Scarlet woman” shall have put her foot on the neck of democratic Ameri ca, and controls the votes of the masses—as the triumphs of modern Kepublicanism in manipulating the negro vote, shows to be possible, in “well-regulated” party politics. The July number of the paper mentioned, in an article entitled “The Catholic of the Ninteenth Century,” says: 1. The American Catholic is to wield his vote for the purpose of securing Catholic ascendency in this country. “An offer and promise are as distinctly made to the Catholics of this age as they were to the chosen people when released from the Egyptian bondage. A land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey, is spread out before them, and offered for their acceptance. The means placed at their disposal for securing the rich possession are not the sword nor wars of extermination waged against the enemies of their religion, but, instead, the mild and peaceful influence of the ballot, directed by instructed Catho lic conscience and enlightened Catholic in telligence.” 2. Legislation must be governed by the will of God, unerringly indicated by the Pope. “All legislation in harmony with the or ganic law is theocratic and divine; all in violation or opposition, precisely in the measure and degree of departure, unjust, cruel, tyrannical, false, vain, unstable, and weak, and not entitled to respect or obedi ence. Since justice and our honor and dig nity require that we should obey God and not man, we are compelled by every reason able motive to ascertain his will. He does not communicate personally and orally with creatures. . . . The Catholic Church is the medium and channel through which the will of God is expressed. The chain of com munication, composed of the triple strand of revelation, inspiration, and faith, stretch es underneath the billows of eternity to the shore of time, from the throne of God to the chair of Peter. The finger of the Pope, like the needle in the compass, inva riably points to the pole of eternal truth, and the mind of the Sovereign Pontiff is as certain to reflect the mind and will of God as the mirror at one end of a submarine ca ble to indicate the electric signal made at the other.” 3. Education must be controlled by Cath olic authorities; and under education the opinions of the individual and the utter ances of the press are included, and wrong opinions are to be punished by the secular arm and authority of the Church, even to the extent of war and bloodshed. “The difficult and vexed question of mixed education obtrudes itself npon our attention at every step of a discussion like the one in which we are engaged. It is not our pur pose to enter upon its details at present. The chief pastors in solemn council assem bled will undoubtedly decide upon the line of conduct most expedient for us to follow. . . . The supremacy asserted for the Church in matters of education implies the additional and cognate function of the cen sorship of ideas, and the right to examine and approve or disapprove all books, pub lications, writings, and utterances intended for public instruction, enlightenment, or entertainment, and the supervision of places of amusement. This is the principle upon whioh the Church has acted in handing over to the civil authority for puishment crimi nals in the order of ideas. It is the principle upon which every civilized government acts in emergencies, and it was asserted rigorous ly and unsparingly, North and South, during the recent revolution. Call Fbom Arkansas.— We give our read ers Dr. Winfield’s “Strong £all for Trans fers ;” but we cannot “put in a -word," as our friend requests, so long as there is so earnest a cry for more laborers in our own Conferences. If scores if our stron|H^^S ! heedless of God's caJVH J preach,” to leave <■ farms—their law and uH ' schools and other worldljH ■Jj the voice of duty, then S'* tily unite in the entreaty, into all the earth—not and proclaim thegospelto Will not the Church pray to be thrust forth ? Will rents give their sons to this glofl Will not our young men, who ■ ling themselves with the world,* from their bonds, and go forth * world, “that lieth in the wickec* Death of Rev. Adam 9 This excellent man and value* of the Tennessee Conference, arfl Elder cf the McMinnville Distril Shell ivville, Tenn., Oct. 31, in t having been a zealous, faithful t *; itinerant for thirty-one years— V «: times a member of the General The Nashville Christian Advocate sajH f / He was a devoted Christian and lent minister of Christ. We loved him preach ; his sermons were plain, ed, and highly evangelical—just the should like for our pastor. He was a greatly beloved by all who knew his death is considered a public His funeral took place in Shelbyville Monday, October 31. All business housS were closed, and a solemn stillness, broken" only by the knell which sounded forth from the steeples of all the Churches, attested the profound grief of the entire community. A special train was sent by the Superintendent of the Railroad to take a large company from Nashville who wished to show their respect for their former pastor and friend. The remains, by particular request, were conveyed to the Presbyterian Church which had been draped in mourning—the largest in Shelbyville—the cortege being the most imposing ever seen in that city. The Churchjwas crowded to its utmost capacity. Many ministers of differ ent denominations were in attendance ; the Rev. Mr. Bryson ; pastor of the Presbyte rian Church, the Rev. Drs. Young and Kel ley, and Felix R. Hill, assisted in the ser vice. Solemn dirges were sung by the choir, and a discourse was delivered by the devoted friend of the deceased, the Rev. Dr. McFer rin. The discourse was highly appropriate, and produced a powerful effect on the vast audience. From that sermon, which is given in full, we copy the following affecting account of the triumph, with which the Christian war rior met death : Brother Riggs was taken sick on Monday night, at the Conference which convened at Pulaski, Oct. 5,1870. He suffered intensely : was delirious part of the time; recovered enough to return home on Saturday the 15th; was affected with stupor the following day or two. Tuesday night he became much worse. Wednesday I called at his house en route for my appointment, Trinit/ ; found him quite low. When I entered his room he beckoned me to his bedside; said he was glad to see me ; that he had made his will ; had said all he wished to say ; thought he might get well, but it was all right with him ; that I must not leave him until he died or began to get well. He talked about death as a thing indifferent; seemed happy all the time. These were constant expressions: “Bless the Lord !” “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name !” His physician advised against any conversation, which restraint he could not well bear. He said “volumes were con stantly passing through his mind, and he was not allowed to express them ;” “that he had visions and views of Jesus and glory, such as he had never expected on earth.” He dwelt upon the fullness of the gospel of Christ; said to me: You need not be afraid to “Preach him to all, and cry in death, Behold—behold the Lamb!’’ Speaking of the preachers, he said: “If there is a body of men on earth I love, they are Methodist preachers ; with them I could be chained to the stake ; coul<|. endure any thing.” ‘He mentioned severjl by name— McFerrin, Green, Hanner, Summers, Hun ter, and others—sftid my brethren of the Tennessee Conference, there is not a man of them but I love ; tell them that I passed away as clearly as I could under the circumstances, not being allowed to talk.” Between 4 and 5 o’clook one morning during his sickness he thought himself dying ; his family and friends were assembled around his bed, when he called for Bishop McKen dree’s farewell song, “All is well.” No one knew it but his wife, who was weeping as though her heart would break. She told him slie could not sing. We sung a few stanzas of the hymn, “O, sing to me of heaven.” He again asked us to sing, “All is well” —said if we could not he would sing it himself; She commenced —her tremulous voice rose like the sound of a broken harp. In the second stanza he joined her—a smile of triumph illumined his face as they sung : “There’s not a cloud that doth arise , To hide my Saviour from my eyes, I soon shall mount the upper skies”— and while she, utterly overcome by emotion, ceased to sing, he finished—“ All is well !” “All is well!” It was the most moving scene I ever beheld—a wife singing the triumph of her dying husband ! During the day he oalled his family to him, one by one, gave them his dying counsel and his last blessing; his lauguage seemed to me as eloquent as heaven’s own dialect. I cannot forbear re peating some things that were spoken. To his wife he said : “You have been to me all that a wife could be to a husband ; keep the children together ; send them to school; train them for God.” One sentence deserves a green and flowery immortality : “You have never hindered me from going to an appointment.” To his oldest daughter, an affectionate, fragile creature, whom he called the idol of liis heart, he said: “Sue, you’ll be the last to leave me, I reckon, and the first to greet me on the other shore—live re ligious and meet me in heaven.” Thus he talked to each one of them, and when he came to Kelly, the youngest, a little girl of five brief summers, he said : Now bring my babe, and lay her in my bosom. ” When brought, he folded her in his arms, saying : “Kelly, to me you are the sweetest gift God ever gave; be a good girl, mind your moi love your brothers and sisters, and may the blessings of God, the the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost be yours forever 1 Now kiss me again, again, again, again, again.” To his son-in-law he said : “John, I gave‘you the idol of my heart; I make this request, I want you to join the Church with her, live a Christian, and meet me in heaven.” He then called his neighbors who were present, and spoke to each one of them, encouraging those who were Christians to live religious, and exhorting those who were not to become so. He then said to me : “0 that I could, like Samson, slay more at my death than in my life !” He still lingered on the shore for several days, although he said he had entered the cold waters of death, I reached his home on Thursday night. He was sinking, but per fectly rational. He knew me. He reached out his hand, grasped mine with eagerness, and in a whisper said, “I am almost gone, but all is right!” From time to time he as sured me that all was right, all clear. Sev eral times with a loud whisper he praised the Lord. I said to him, “Brother Riggs, St. Paul said, For to me to live is Christ, but to die is gain ; it is better to be absent from the body and present with the Lord ; never theless, for the sake of the Church he was willing to remain. You are willing yet to live and labor, if the will of God be so.” He said, “Yes.” “But if God call you, are you willing to die?” “Yes,” he responded. “Glorious death !” Our Church in Maryland.— The Balti more Episcopal Methodist says: The progress of Southern Methodism in Maryland during the last four years will constitute an inter esting chapter to the future historian of the Church. At the close of the war we were left without a single self-supporting Church in the State. There was one of self-support ing charge without a church, and another small congregation oceupyi sr the Winona’ Chapel, in this city, with a nail society at Andrew Chapel, inßaltimoi( caunty, which constituted the entire strength of the Meth odist Episcopal Church, South, in that part of Maryland embraced in the Baltimore Conference. Now we have two Presiding Elder’s Districts, and a portion of the State included in two other Districts. We have built and purchased churches in the follow ing cities and t oounUes during the past faur ■\*4 1 ? * f’ I % s r ' s }*j I ’ | < ./lit. *1 |A fy * ,k i-vt.-iit r>rW puses; and ffHg' 'i ' \ i . b I r;.i-:.hS ilf i-üBH "* • * ' ’*\ Iff::. ]/■! us. iikwMHf.'l V- | doth.- Lord’.-* ?, » I '•*' we are supplied in tnH v > * f My two exact men j. | to have a little in advanHp 4 . let me help with this ing—against — lls debt. \. , j. I trust a great many of send fifties, and two fifties, “U«as . $ i and hasten the Church out of not to owe the Lord, any more man.” V \ Wesley Clmpel, Atlan^i A correspondent of the Nashville Advo cate, gives the following description of the new house, building in Atlanta, to replace the present. Wesley Chapel, the corner stone of which was laid Ist September, with im posing ceremonies. The design of the structure is of exquisite beauty. The length of it is 145 feet; the inside measurement will be 96 by 62 feet, not including the balcony designed for the organ, which will occupy a place in the rear of the pulpit, a sufficient space being pro vided for the choir in front of the organ. This imposing temple is being construct ed of brick, embellished with cut-stone fac ings procured from Stone Mountain quar ries, which furnishes remarkably handsome specimens of granito, for not only utilitarian but ornamental purposes. Octagonal buttresses of due proportions, and at proper architectural distances, rise in symmetrical beauty on every Bide, and whose angle's are adorned with handsome beveled facings. This fine specimen of church-ar chitectere will be surmounted by a central tower 90 feet in height, which will support a spire of equal height, thus throwing the pinnacle a distance of 180 feet from the base. The central tower will be flanked on either side with pinnacles that will rise to the height of 95 feet. Two other towers will spring their graceful proportions over the southern and rear entrances. Parti colored slate and a succession of dormer-windows will adorn the central spire, and complete the exterior of this imposing structure. This tower will be of sufficient capacity to suspend a chime of bells. The Gothic style of architecture will be observed in the pro gress of the building. The main entranoe to the vestibule is ef fected through an archway, by a double flight of massive granite steps; from thence, passing beneath beautiful arches right and left, the spacious auditorium, provided with four rows of seats and capable of seating 1,000 hearers, is reached, the capacity of which is increased by the construction of a handsome balcony above the vestibule. Spi ral stairways on either side, within the tow ers, communicate with equal facility with the balcony and the basement. The measure ment in the audience room, from floor to nave, will be 30 feet. The facilities of in. gress and egress, on the south side, to and from the auditorium and basement, are such as to furnish to the former five, and to the latter four, public entrances (two being ef fected beneath the front latteral towers.) The walls and ceiling will display the hand some achievements of the artist, with all the modern improvements of frescoing and appropriate church-ornamentation. In the rear, private entrances and apartments will be provided for the pastor and choir. The elegant basement will be supported by a row of handsome cylindical iron columns, and will be devoted to lectures and Sunday school purposes. The location of this temple is one of the most admirable in the city. It is on the same ground occupied by Wesley Chapel, the first church erected in Atlanta, and is in the form of a truncated cone, a conforma tion that is the result of the peculiar direc tion of the streets that border the grounds. The new edifice will front toward an open platean formed by the fortunate conver gence of triple streets, and when completed will be one of the finest in the South in point of architectural beauty, finish, and ca pacity. Its completion will involve the ex penditure of some $50,000. To the present pastor, Dr. W. P. Harrison, the congrega tion is indebted for the projection of this enterprise; and to his zeal, energy, and per severance, much is due for what has already been achieved in the progress of the work. The name of the church has been changed from Wesley Chapel to that of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Journal of the General Confer ence, 1870. We are indebted to Dr. Summers, for a copy of this Journal. It is not a very en tertaining book, but it is an instructive one. Every Methodist preacher—indeed, every Methodist who wishes to be always posted as to the history and movements of his Church should have Journals of the General at hand for reference. They onght to be published regularly ; but they ought not to be pub lished at a loss to the Publishing House— and this must be, unless intelligent Metho dists generally will buy them. Price 75 cents. For sale by J. W. Burke & Cos. Holding the Childben. —A letter writer from Cincinnati says : We noticed a partic ularly happy device of Dr. Briggs, on last Sabbath morning, to win the early and hold the continued attention of the children in his congregation. Before he commenced his sermon to adults, he read a short text and preached a sermon of five minutes to the young people. It was admirably done, andmterested old and young alike. The Doctor says this has been his custom for years, and has resulted in securing before him every Sabbath in the front seats of his Church two or three hundred of his Sunday school children. May not this be consid ered a good answer to the question, “How shall we secure the attendance of our Sun day-school children upon the public worship of the sanctuary ?” Op Course. —The Hon. H. L. Richmond spoke very candidly when he said at the State Methodist Convention in Pennsylva nia : “Being a Methodist (Northern Metho dist) it follows, as a logical sequence that I am a Republican.” He recognizes the po litical status of his Church ; and yet, if we were to object to’going into union with that Church, on the ground that it is a Republi can Church, we should be rated, forbearing false witness against brethren we ought to ldve Ttith all our heart. gfl \V : § I ‘ I i;i *" « * ifai/l |rt\*’ f|'*' * u * ' * w J| ■ my -1. " ■Btnii • ' 1 - I'M-. IL-k 'tT / I V I • ; .i : f- I „ f ■ v i §f! iv i I '"•'I .. i ■ | ’ ’ ; . I::. * ‘ l&lnie ’ M «i' ! Ba: i "T ’I pfv ' • : j v ' r \ l ; g»\Ve v ’! 1 J i ■:]!•- JL\ *f - ’ * * 1 11 in >»,af ’f ij ’ ' IS'.’ - 4j. Ij* A j « it .1 1 M ’1 j , I t *" y ‘ *- : Bdni • w t ’* , 3- i if O 1 v’ If:- . i ’ | - J, I VI . . f : | 'I f\ ‘% t ' flit DA rij V-tu■ ren this work. ex horters ! \ I'l* •l/ip l' : - ll * authority. \ I I for souls, to do The hand of the Lord is with them, fltl shall forbid them ? Irregular, they may be, judged by some old stereotyped superstition which would let a sinner perish rather than save him uncanonicaUy —but harmonious with the genius of Christianity, primitive exam ple, and original Wesleyan Methodism. — Perish canons, perish rubrics, but by all— aye, any means, let the souls of men be saved! One of these lay brethren is doing won ders in the financial department. Against this there certainly is no law. He has ad opted the policy of paying one tenth of his gross income, and is forming what he calls a “tithe society” of all who will join him. The plan works well and is yielding fruit to the circuit preacher, “wholesome and full of comfort. ” On my return, I stopped at Augusta, spent a night and preached—and so I did as I went on, thus giving my old friends two ser mons on the wing. The preacher in charge, Dr. Mann, was holding a series of services for the benefit of his people. Promiscuous sittings—organized choir —and the four years’ rule have thinned a once crowded house, and the remnant has lost life, and hope, and enterprise. O, that our people here and every where would return tq “the old usages and walk therein.” On this point, I wish to give a long and serious arti cle after awhile. Stopped at home a day or two, and left to fill an appointment in the upcountry of Georgia. A friend wrote, inviting me to preach at old Prospect, above Athens, on my way. I agreed, and took lodging for the night with my friend Phinizy, who was to carry me on in the morning. On my arrival at Prospect, thought and memory were busy. Forty years ago, just after I was licensed to preach, I filled an appointment at this place for John Howard—then on the Apalachee circuit. I had not seen it since, till this time; and yet so strong was the impression made upon me then, that I recognized it, and could point out some changes which had been made in the house. Here, long ago, I tried my “prentice hand” at a sermon and doubtless it was a piece of “journey work.” And now, after a long and varied experience, I come to try again. Some few who heard me the first time were on hand to day, but to most, I was a stranger; and no electric chain bound them and me in a common past. So, I pondered many things in my heart, and kept silent. As to the sermon—the old wine, if not a choice article —was I have no doubt better than the new. We dined with a pleasant family, near by and hastened back to Athens, where I met the messenger who was to cany me to Ho mer. We left about 4r. si, Bro. Estes’ horse had been taken sick the night before, and he left him by the way. The substitute was small and poor, but willing and speedy. By a little after dark we made the first twelve miles, but by arrangement most journey six more to find our resting place. The horse was better, but still out of sorts; but with good road and a brilliant Northern light to cheer us on, we made the trip and found good supper and good bed with Mr. Hood, at Harmony Grove. My traveling compan ion and myself rose in the morning, refresh ed and ready for the remaining distance. Not so our steed. He was stiff and sore, physically, and mentally indisposed. But I must needs go, and forsooth, so must he. How slow we traveled, how we walked by turns—how we tried to swap and to borrow, how we failed and crept along, till at last, a good brother on his way to meeting over took us, how we hitched his horse to the buggy, and he and I went on, how we left Estes to come on as best he could, how we got there just in time for preaching, and how Estes did not —with several other things, I will leave out of this present writing. Homer is anew town in anew county. The Church there have built them a new house of worship which I went up to dedicate. It was quarterly meeting withal, and the presiding elder and the preacher and the officers of the circuit were on hand. I preached on Saturday and Sunday —raised money enough to pay ont—went through the formula of dedication, and after dismis sion, on application, joined a couple in holy matrimony. On the way np, I promised to return and preach at night at Antioch—toe Church near which onr old friend, Jno. W. Glenn, lived so long. I was misinformed as to distanoe, and had hard work to reach it. Wearied and sapperless, I went into the pulpit and passed through a service of usual length, and took lodging with Bro. Smith, and found food and rest. Rose early and went down to Athens to take toe train for Bright Side. I am much pleased with this upcountry— -Rarmad with the hills and springs and for ests. The land is better than I had supposed; the bottoms are fine and they werethe more STIAN ADVOCATE. attractive to a man from the cotton belt, be cause they were thick with com. The re moteness from market, and the difficulty of transportation, have acted like brakes upon all enterprise and improvement in agricul ture. The projected roads (if built) will rouse the people to larger views of what can be done; and, with something to sell, industry will stir, and the whole country wear a smil ing face. If I were disabled, a home among these hills with a clear gushing spring at my back door would please my fancy well. G. F. Pierce. Bright Side, Oct 31sL Five Weeks Round the District. Mr. Editor:—l have just completed my last round for part of my District and I pro pose to give you a brief statement of the work of God in that part. 30th Sept., I reached Stewarts chapel, after a ride of 75 miles, the largest Church in the Somter ct., supplied by Bro. T. R. Barnett. Here I found the entire Conference save two. This work has been thoroughly re-organized this year—between 30 and 40 persons have been added to the Church, and a goodly number converted. The Trustees have been faithful to their duty, having secured fifty four acres of land by deed to the Church, and are confident, before the eiid of the year, of obtaining by title as many more. The finances are improving and the stewards and Trustees are casting about for a suitable location for a parsonage. This promises to be one of our best circuits. After closing this meeting, which was protracted until Monday night, and which resulted in five accessions, I proceeded in company with Bro. Brown, a local preacher from Sumter ct., to Peace Creek camp-meeting, in Bar tow ct., in chargeof Bro. W. C. Jourdan, in the Key West District, in charge of W. E. Collier, P. E. This was a previous arrange ment, and a ride of 80 miles brought us to the ground m good time to begin work, to which Bro. Collier possesses the happy fac ulty of introducing his brethren. Os this meeting, I should like to say much, but suffice it to say, it was a great success. Divine power attended every sermon—mem bers were converted, and twenty two added to the Church. Sabbath morning was occu pied by an address on the subject of the support of the gospel. This was not intend ed, but in part, time slipped so rapidly, that the speaker was not aware how much he was consuming. But it was profitably used. The lecture consisted not only in urging the people to support the pastors, but the gospel in its widest sense. Missions were discused and reference made to the Indians living some 75 miles South of them, and the people urged to assist in sending the gospel to them and to other sections des titute of it. In conclusion of lecture, a collection was lifted for support of pastors, amounting to s3so—after which Col. Parker offered to give 8300 to start a mission to the Indians. This set in motion a subscription under the direc tion of Bro. Collier, who has been laboring faithfully for four years to inaugurate a mis sion to the Indians in the South of Florida, which resulted in raising $839, and $250 more was promised by Capt. Benj. Henry, who subscribed SSO, in the event that the above amount was not sufficient to establish the mission. This charge has been in an almost constant revival for the past four years. And this is equally true of the work South of this, called the Peace Creek ct. Three years ago, Bro. Collier employed Bro. McKeun, a local preacher, to supply this work. This faithful man of God undertook this work under the most discouraging cir cumstances. Poor, unassisted by missionary appropriations, like Paul, compelled to work WltM lii* uvru linn Jo tor broml, lin into this wilderness, sought out tlie people, established preaching places, and pursued his work with a zeal and devotion without parallel in the history of Methodism in this State. And God has most gloriously blessed his labors. Hundreds have been taken into the Church, and hundreds converted, many of whom, before he preached, had never heard a sermon. During a good portion of this time Bro. John Henry, a Baptist preach er, has labored with him, protracting meet ings for days and weeks with the happiest results. The people love to go to Church. At one appointment there is a camp-meeting every month and I think it is this point, to reach, which one family travels 30 miles every month, and swims a river. The early revival scenes, which character ized the introduction of Methodism into new sections, are re-enacted here. Sinners fall down under the preaching of the Word, as if shot dead. Some attempt flight when “the strange feeling” commences, but fall un conscious before they leave the congrega tion. In this state they lie for hours, and may awake rejoicing, while others reach con sciousness sad and sorrowful. I spent four days pleasantly at this camp meeting, when I traveled 50 miles to Tampa, the seat of the 4th quarterly conference, for the Tampa and Hillsboro ct This is a pleasant work, and has been filled in part this year by Bro. D. L. Branuing. As well as I remember, between 5 and 10 have joined the Church. Tampa requests a station next year, and that portion of the work in the country asks for a preacher also. The work will likely be divided and the wants of the people supplied. The next week I went to Clear Water Har bor, 30 miles west of Tampa, and held Conference for Clear Water and Hernando cts., Bro. Isaac Munden in charge. Here I found the preacher and people all alive and full of the Spirit. This meeting resembled a primitive camp-meeting—the people com ing in their wagons and tenting with cloth tents. Thirteen joined the Church during this meeting, making in all for the circuit 92 thus far this year. This work promises to be also one of our best circuits and in anoth er year I hope to hear of its parsonage. Bro. Mnnden commenced his work in earnest, continued in earnest, and hence the people have become in earnest and the work goes bravely on. This meeting closed Monday night, and the next day I started for the Brooksville ct., in charge of Bro. Enoch Giles, 60 miles north, reaching Brooksville in good time to rest two days before com mencing work again. Bro. G. has labored under great] embarrassments this year, but has done a good work. Seventeen have joined the Church thus far, and there is a fine revival spirit still in the charge. Closing this meeting Sunday, I went home with Bro. Giles, took an early start for home next day, 70 miles north of Brooksville, and reached it safely on Tuesday, after an absence of five weeks, found my family well, and in excel lent health myself, having traveled by bug gy 365 miles, preached 15 times, lectured three, exhorted twice and held 4 quarterly conferences, lours truly, .Tas. P. DePass. Archer, Fla., Nov. 3. Quitman So. Ga. Cons. — The Rev. J. W. Talley writes, Nov. 3d: You may say to the friends of Zion, that God has visited Quit man in saving mercy. We commenced our 4th quarterly meeting on 11th October. Brother Simmons, P. E., was with us, and we have been assisted by Brothers Austin and Giles, part of the time. I had to con duct toe meeting the two last Sundays alone. The result as to additions to the church, is 26 have joined on oonfession of faith, and two by letter. We are faint, but still pur suing. After a rainy Afternoon and evening yesterday, our congregation last night was quite large, and by a rising vote requested the continuance of the night services. The Lord has renewed my strength. Waynesboro Circuit, South Geor gia Conference. Mr. Editor: We finished the Summer’s campaign on last week. No idle bread eaten by us in Burke this year. Rev. N. S. Ba ker and myself have thoroughly canvassed the field. We began in July and ended in November. The field was well worked last year, and the work this year has been glean ing rather than reaping. The number add ed is few in comparison to last year. The many of last year have been confirmed, and thoroughly rooted and grounded in the doc trines and faith of the gospel. Many very precious seasons enjoyed and associations confirmed. I must add at two appointments my old yoke fellow, of precious memory came Over to our help. Rev. S. S. Sweet of the Louisville Circuit, did valiant service. I may say of him what the angel said of Dan iel. “He is greatly loved” by the people of Burke. : My second year on the Waynes boro Circuit is nearly ended, and I want to say I have spent two as pleasant years as I have ever enjoyed in the ministry, on this work. The brethren have not been wanting in kindness, my wants have been supplied. They have devised liberal things. There was no Parsonage—they have bought one containing six rooms. They have added three aores of land to it; also secured a lot for wood purposes, and a cart to haul it with. The ladies visited us on Saturday last to examine the house-keeping department, and see what was needed to make their pas tor and his family comfortable. The day was rainy and quite unpleasant; yet as many as a dozen met. A goodly number more would have been present if we had had a pleasant day. Enough came however, to examine and learn how things were. Times may be hard, and doubtless are. To toe il liberal they are always hard, but to have heard these noble Christian ladies talk and devise liberal things for their pastor and his family’s comfort, you would never have dreamed there was any hard times in Burke county. The parlor must be carpeted, sofa aud chairs, and everything to make it nice must be placed in it. A nice stove must be placed in the kitchen, dining room all.furni tured out, bed rooms all arranged and-fitted out anew. When what they thought neces sary was agreed upon, they summed up the amount and it took three hundred dollars to foot the bill. This was soon apportioned out to the several Churches, to be collected and to be paid in at a meeting to be held in two weeks. What a good thing the pastorate has been lengthened to four years. T want to say, Mr. Editor, to the brethren after I have enjoyed these good things for the next two years, I will give way for some of them to come in and enjoy this pleasant and de sirable work, and occupy this well furnished parsonage. Hands off until then, brethren. I would, Mr. Editor, in view of my coming back, give you a special invitation to visit us and spend some time away from the wea rying and onerous duties of your office, but for the fact so many hopes are crushed at Conference, I will wait and then will see and know better about it. N. B. Ousley. CumiMing ct., N. Ga. Conference. Mr. Editor: While God has been blessing his people in different portions of the Con ference, he has not passed by us of this cir cuit. It is true, that during the earlier part of the year, there seemed to be no particu lar manifestation of religious interest or en joyment. Many were backsliden, and many of us went with sad hearts for a time; but now we rejoice, we are revived, many are stroug advocates for the doctrine of tlie witness of the Spirit. Fathers rejoice over converted, happy children. The conversions were clear and unmistak able; in many instances, broken hearts were healed, and the shouts of new-born souls were heard amid the rejoicings of the chil dren of God. This state of things was not brought about, by eloquent or exciting preaching, but in answer to the many prayers of the Church, and plain, practica ble preaching. Perhaps the doctrines of the witness of the Spirit and holiness of heart have been insisted upon by all toe preach ers in this circuit, more than any other doc trines. Up to this time a great many have been oonverted. Thirty-two have joined our church, and a considerable number of the converts will -join other churches. One pleasant feature of these meetings, was, that members of other churches labored with ns and were happy in themselves and over the conversion of their children. Truly we feel, when we love God, that we love each other. Permit me to say that nearly all the labor performed in these meetings, was done by the local brethren, of which we have a strong corps. They have co-operated nobly and cheerfully with your sick correspondent. May God bless them. We feel that we are, in many respects, on rising ground. We’ve had fine rains and hence we are reaping, gathering fine crops. We are improving in our mode of agricul ture. Fertilizers were much in demand last spring and also new and improved im plements of farming. Neither are we for getting literature in this part of the Dahlon ega District. We have about fifty-five sub scribers to the Southern Christian Advocate, (got up mostly this year;) and also some children’s papers are circulated here. It is gratifying that an interest is being felt by a great many people in this section upon the subject of education.- Hence an effort is making to educate and develop this part of the State more than has been done before. We have toe climate, the soil, the physi cal, the mental, the moral elements to make ns compare favorably with any portion of the State, if properly developed. In order to do this we have secured the services of Mr. Jaa. H. Vincent, a young man well re commended from Cumberland University, Tenn., also Rev. J. L. Milburn, A. M., and five other teachers of ability, to conduct a first class school in the town of Camming, for 1871. We are hopeful of success. In fact, we are determined to press on and by industry and eduoation, and prayer and faith to aid in bringing the kingdom of our Saviour to many hearts, that they may realize the power of God unto their salvation. Pray for us. Alfred G. Carpenter. Mt. Gilead Camp-meeting. —The Rev. T. A. Seals writes: Our last “anticipated” meeting has been held at Mt. Gilead Camp ground. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation” appeared among us—strong men in sin were subdued to tenderness—cold and frozen hearts were melted down to tears. The shout of victory is again heard in toe tents of Israel, “and in the name of onr God we will set up our banners.” “Some trust in chariots and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord onr God.” The result of this meeting is 15 accessions to the Church—many bright conversions. Add to this, number 6 others, the fruits of the labors of Rev. John Purvis, a local preacher—and other brethren, and the ag gregate on toe circuit falls bnt a little, if any, under 260 conversions, and about 160 acces sions to the Church. Onr beloved Bible Agent gave us a call on one of his regular Bible missions,' and .of him-] it msy be trujy Aildj ‘ iarni, 'ftt ‘strw~he Tfie Lord was with him, and blessed his labors among ns in the conversion of souls. Bros. Knight and Rush were “abundant in labors” at Mt. Gilead, and contributed muoh to the success of the meeting. Tlie Atlanta City Mission, As it now stands, embracing 3d and 4th wards, was organized at the last session of the North Georgia Conference, Rev. A. G. Dempsey in charge. Bro. D. scarcely had a nucleus when he entered upon his work at the beginning of the year ; and for want of proper financial support, he has been greatly hampered in devotion of time and energy. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the favor of the Lord has rested npon the work. A $3,000 Church has been built on the Georgia Railroad, just outside the incor poration, which, while it is not directly in his work proper, has contributed no little to toe success of the enterprise. For the last six weeks a gracious revival has been going on at the old Fair Ground—resulting in the organization of a Church, and up to the present an accession of 80 members, with a promise of a large addition to these before the meeting closes. They have secured a very eligible site, about the dividing line, upon which they propose the erection at once of a neat, comfortable Church, that will seat 400 persons. This revival is attributa ble in no small degree to the influence of the Sunday-school which has been kept up there for a number of years, mainly by the Chris tian zeal of our dear Bro. Richardson. He has persevered amid the most disheartening embarrassments at times, until at length God has blessed his eyes with the sight of a glorious ingathering of souls as, in part, the fruits of his Sunday evening’s labors—may the Lord inspire others to go and do like wise. Amen. This one fact among many others, has been demonstrated in the City of Atlanta, during the last three years, by the logic of the facts —that, the gospel of Christ does not consist in rented pews, organs, choirs and splendidly dressed congregations—but in “toe power of God.” Facts are stem things. The Methodist Churoh to-day is the mother of 500 souls in this city, through the indefatigable labors of her humble, bat I trust pious, missionaries, during the last two years—who, but for these plain, but earnest efforts would have been left to starve for the bread of life. An Old Fogy. Nov. 7th, 1870. Pendleton ct., S. C. Conference. Mr. Editor : The Lord has manifested his glory on this circuit during the past four months in building up his Zion and pulling down the strong holds of sin. Dnring the past year 200 have been added to the church, and more than that number converted. It would be impossible to give the details of all the successful meetings. At Sharon, a meeting in August, con tinued seven days, resulting in 27 additions to the church, and near forty conversions. While one prayer was offered up to God in faith twelve souls were converted. When that meeting commenced there were but three in that church who led in pnblio prayer; now there are nineteen who will pray when called on. This is accomplished mainly by the circles of prayer and old fashioned class-meetings which have been revived at several places. Another remarkable meeting was our camp-meeting at Sandy Springs, a place made dear by the labors of Malcom Mc- Pherson, Lewis Myers, James Dannelly, H. H. Durant, R J Boyd, and many other he roes of the past two generations. The meet ing for the present year, embracing the 3d Sabbath in September, continued five days. We had but few preachers—just enough for aH to preach every day. But the Holy Spirit wa.* tUere In mighty power. The old people and preachers, Presbyterians and Methodists, said they had never seen the like. Some of the scenes beggar descrip tion. One afternoon the service continued from the three o’clock sermon until mid night, giving the regular preacher no time to preach; but we had plenty of young oon vert preachers. There were daring that service forty happy conversions. As accu rately os I can ascertain there were near 100 conversions and a great many joined the chnrch. I think I can safely say this bles sed state of things on this circuit is owing in a great measure to the co-operation of the laity. Brethren, let ns strive to get the as sistance of a praying Ohnrch, and onr preach ing will be Buooesafnl. Thank God fora praying Church. J. B. Tkatwice. Eatonton No. Ca. Conference. Mr. Editor: I have read with great pleas ure the reports of revivals from different sections and my heart has been filled with gratitude and joy, as in imagination I have participated in these scenes of triumph. Would that I could add my voice to swell the chorus of victory. The year with us has not been crowned with a general revival of religion, yet it has not been altogether fruitless. Nine have been received by con version during the year, and several have connected themselves with us, who were holding off with letters in their possession. There has been a waking up on the subject of infant baptism, and that important duty has been more faithfully attended to by pa rents than for many years past. We have great reason to be grateful and humble. This year has been remarkable for the number of deaths that have occurred. About twenty whites have died in this small com munity during the year. There were six in one week, two in one day. The most of these deaths were sadden and unexpected. Some were dead before it was known they were sick. We have the consolation that most of those who have died were ready for the change. The churches have lost some of their best members. One of our young converts was called away. He died rejoic ing, “full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.” The “great iron wheel” will soon make its annual revolution, and ties that have grown strong during the year must be severed. Wherever I may go I shall remem ber Eatonton with affection and shall miss its “sweet singers in Israel.” Mrs. Cross was right, “there is no music like the Eaton ton music. ” Verily they are in the succession of Asaph. I have often gone into the pul pit dejected, cast down; but my soul has been borne upwards by some grand anthem, or one of the sublime and devotional Psalms of David, until I have forgotten self and felt the unction descend that prepared me for my duty. God grant that those who sing so sweetly here may help swell the cor onation anthem in the resurrection mom. Yours truly, W. P. Kramer. Valdosta, Ga. —The Rev. M. A. McKib ben writes: Our cause is still alive and pros pering. Aided by Bros. Bessent and Mosely, efficient local ministers of this place, we have had, through toe blessings of God, some good and profitable meetings in this cirouit. Between forty and fifty members have been added to onr Churoh in the last quarter. Some happily oonverted to God. At Antioch, I baptized eleven in one family, and received ten of them into the Chnrch— the lady of the house being baptized before —two infants. Is not this after the Apos tle’s mode? We have at least, the Divine sanction. This is infinitely better than bare inference, and all the sophistry of men, or forced conclusions from disputed premises. 'For “the Lord is working with us, and con ■firining the word with signs following. ” VOL. XXXIII. NO. 46. Letter from Texas—Trinity Annu al Conference. Mr. Editor: The Trinity Annual Con fer enoe began its session here on 19th Oct., Bishop Marvin in the chair. They held a long but harmonious session. Little good seemed to come of the ministry of the pul pit. Under the preaching of the Bishop, there was a good state of feeling. The preachers generally brought up a good re port from their work. Nearly every circuit had been visited by revivals and in some circuits nearly every appointment. I here with send the stations of the preachers. We have had more rain this year than I ever recollect. Except in May we have had rain nearly every week until the Fall. We are having a late and pleasant season—tine for the perfection and gathering of cotton The crops, where well cultivated, have yield ed bountifully. Except in the distant West eta praries there was little wheat sowed. The planters in this part of the State have turned to raising cotton in order to buy flour. The crops of corn are bountiful; in many fields 50 bushels or more have been raised to the acre. Bat as the acreage of ootton has been increased, and a large im migration is expected, corn is worth one dol - lar. It has been too wet for cotton. It is often seen from 5 to 7 feet high and in some instances higher, It has grown so rank that it rotted. A late Fall will in part atone for that. Our country has been prolific also in sickness. I never saw a more universal prev alence of chill and fever. It has been severe but rarely fatal. The prairies, as well as the timbered country, have suffered. Even on toe large Western prairies they have not been exempt, but I am satisfied that the prairies ijre most healthy. Ours is a most desirable country, yet I have not seen in the timbered portion of the State sufficient inducements to move one from the older States where he was living comfortably. Still I must say, where it takes $8 or $lO worth of fertilizers to tho acre and it takes 3 or 4 acres to make a bale of cotton, I should want to move. There are serious obstacles in the settlement of the praries. The lumber with which to bnild is worth S2O a thousand. It is to be hauled 100 or 200 miles. The timber for fencing and fuel is to be hauled from 1 to 10 miles. The drinking water is be caught and pre served in cisterns. Market is from 100 to 200 miles distant—and such roads—especially in Winter and Spring! Railroads will doubt less obviate some of these discomfort?. Hedges and wire will aid in fencing. The land, I must say, is rich and attractive be yond anything I ever saw on high ground. In a few years these lands will be ont of the reach of poor men. S. G. Cotton. Jefferson, Texas, Nov. 2. Appointments of the Preachers of the Trinity Annua; Conference. Jbiterson District— Samuel J Hawkins, P E; Jefferson eta, Robert S Fiuley; Kelleyville ct, Robert P Thompson; Linden ct, Joseph M Steph eußon; Dangerfleld ct, Joseph Parker; Mount Ver non ct. John C Smith; Winsboro ct, Calvin J Cock; Pittsburg ct, Mathew T Leach' Coffeeville ct.J P Rogers; Gilmer ct, Thomas B Norwood. Paris District— Lewis B Ellis, P E; Paris sta, David M Proctor: Paris ct, T M Smith; Honey Grove ct, John W Plncr; Ladonia ct, William R Davis; Charleston ct, to be sup; McAlister ct, .1 C Weaver; Pine Creek mis, Littleton F Palmer; Clarksville ct, James Graham; Boston ct, Alexan der C McDougal; Pans Female Institute, John H McLean, Principal and Agent. Dallas District —William C Young, PE, Dai las sta, Richard W Thompson; Dallas ct, Samuel S Cobb; Denton ct, Melville C Blackburn; Decs tur mis, Milton Maupin; McKinney ct, George S Gatewood; Seyene ct, to be sup; Gainesville ct, Wm L Carleton. Sherman District— Jacob M Binkley, P E; Sherman sta. Wm M Robbins; Sherman ct, James A Brnton; Whiteboro ct, John WChalk; Bonham ct, to be sup; Kentucky Town ct, to beßUp; Pilot Grove mis, Denton P Haggard; Rockwall ct, Wm P Reed; John W Fields, Buncrnumerary; Green ville ct, Thomas E Sherwood; Sherman High School, Wm P Petty. Sulphur Springs District— Janies LAngell, P E; Sulphur Springs sta, Mathew H Neely; Kaul man ct, Juaaa T P Irvine; Cedar Grove ct. Mar sbal C Simpson; Garden Valley ct, John C Ran dall; Prairie ville ct, Wm A Smith; Springvllle mis, Eugene T Bates; Sulphur Bluff et, Wiley A Shook; White Oak mis, John H Lowe; Johnson’s Point High School, Aaron H Brewer, Principal Richard Lane, Sunday-school Agent; John- K Street, Transferred to East Texas Conference Honor tlie Dead. Mr. Editor :—ln a notice of a revival at Spring Street there was introduced inciden tally a tribute to its late “regular" pastor. Rev. J. R. Pickett, to which “justice” takes exception, on the ground that “the name and successful efforts" of Rev. L. 0. Loyal, a temporary supply for the year previous, were not also “mentioned.” Justice is too sensitive of “honor to whom honor is due," to intimate that a passing tribute to an emi nent servant of God does injustice to the claims of any one; and he ought to have aeon that historic records could find but lit tle space in a revival notice. Had indeed these “records” been paraded, as he seems to intimate onght to have been done, onr good brother Loyal would have blushed un der his laurels, especially as they havealready been published. Justice does not point ont an error in the tribute, nor does he wish, I am sure, to detract from the honor either of the dead or of the living, yet he inadver tently omits to state that the small congre gation and Sabbath-school were only trans ferred to Spring Street from the Morion en gine house, where they had been reorganized after the war by Rev H. M. Mood. We are glad if Justice feels any interest in our Zion, and he would have wisned us “God speed" indeed, if his interest had showed itself by dropping, for a moment, scales jeolous in weighing claims, and taken up a harp to unite with the people of Spring Street in praising God for the prosperity of our Zion Truth. Greenville, Ga. —The Rev. A. M. Thig pen writes: We have enjoyed a delightful meeting of two weeks, in this town. Wo were favored with the ministerial services of Revs. J. J. Little and H. J. Ellis. The Ghnrch was blessed, and nine added on pro fession. Three more applicants for mem bership to be received at the next service. Carrollton and Bowdon Cirouit. —Tho Rev. M. F. Malsby writes: Yon w ill please inform your many readers that the God of Isreal has been pleased to visit us at various points with reviving grace. Forty have joined the M. E. Church, South, this quar ter, for which we desire to give God the glory. _ Watkinsnille, Ga. —The Rev. E. G. Mur rah writes : The Lord has graciously revived his work at every appointment within the bounds of my work, the present year. Ninety have joined onr Church, and one hundred and fifteen have been converted. Montezuma ct., S. Ga. Cons. —The Rev. James Harris, writes: God has continued to revive his work graciously upon this circuit. About sixty have been added to the church since I last wrote, and the membership has been greatly revived. The New Indian Policy. Congress having prohibited the employment of offi cers of the army upon any oivil duty, the In terior Department has been for some time engaged in relieving the army officers who are doing duty as Indian Agents and putting oivilions in their plaoes. The different Mis sionary Associations and religious denomi nations of too country have been tendered the designation of persons whom they are willing to indorse as suitable for Indian Agents, and for whose good oonductand effi ciency they would be responsible. The ob jeot to be attained by this policy is to en gage the religious sentiment of the country in the civilizing efforts now making for the benefit of toe Indians, by appointing agents who will be in sympathy with any mission ary and benevolent enterprises which reli gious bodies mav inaugurate among the In dians. Most of the societies have responded promptly to the proposition, and heartily lldoTSsn the pi* n ; and some have designa-