Newspaper Page Text
38
Southern Christian
MACON, GEORGIA. MARCHS. 1871.
Bishop Andrew.
The New Orleans Advocate of Feb. 23d,
brings ns sud news respecting this distin
guished servant of the church.
That paper of the above date pays : Last
week we were glad to announce the presence
of Bishop Andrew in our midst, and that his
health was better than usual. On Sunday
morning last he addressed the Felicity street
Sunday-school, and preached at eleven
o'clock at considerable length, and with
much vigor and freedom. On Tuesday morn
ing before day he was attacked with paraly
sis, and we are sorry to say is almost entirely
helpless. His left side is badly paralyzed,
although he is able to speak with some diffi
culty, and retains his faeulties perfectly. He
was conveyed to the ears on Wednesday
evening, and left for Mobile in care of his
son-in-law, Rev. Mr. Rush. It was the de
sire of the Bishop and of his family that he
should return to Mobile. During his stay
in the city he has been the guest of Dr. B.
H. Moss, who with his family, and other
friends, have been most attentive to his
comfort.
Wr: stop the to state that we learn
from the secular daily press that Bishop An
drew died in Mobile on last Thursday, 2d
March. We have no particulars.
Ministerial Longest)'.
A writer in The Interior —Pres. Tuttle —
has been comparing the statistics of several
denominations to ascertain the longevity of
ministers, as compared with others. His
basis of calculation comprises 2,442 names
whoso sum total of years was 148.970. From
these he decides the average of Trinitarian
Congregationalists to be 00.8 years; of Uni
tarians, 03 years; of Presbyterians, 58.2
years; of Episcopalians, 59.8 years; of Bap
tists, 04.1 years; of Methodists, 55.1 years;
of Reformed Dutch, 58.9 years, etc.
Thus, it seems that Methodist preachers
have less average life than any of the others.
Is it because they work harder and fare
worse? We copy the following from this
singular record:
If we group these two thousand four hun
dred forty-two clergymen of these several
denominations into one class, the average of
them is a little over si:cty-one years!
The result, all things considered, is extra
ordinary, and cannot probably be paralleled
from any equal number taken promiscuously
from the Bill of Mortality of any other avo"-
cation or profession.
The following facts will illustrate this ex
traordinary showing of longevity among the
clergymen:
Two of the number reached their one hun
dred and third year, viz: the Rev. Nathan
Birdseye, an orthodox Congregationalist,
and the Rev. John Mclntyre, a Presbyterian.
One reached his one hundred and first year,
viz: Rev. Andrew Marshall, a colored Bap
tist minister. (Several others reached almost,
one hundred years, as the Rev. Zadoc Dar
row—Baptist—ninety-nine ; Rev. Andrew
t’rico Episcopalian uiuety-soveu ; Dr.
I iamnel Nott- Congregationalist ninety
eight; Rev. Thomas Morrell—-Methodist—
ninety-six, and others nearly as old.
Out of these 2,442 clergymen, one iu every
forty lived to bo ninety years or more, whilst
only one iu every forty-seveu died under
lorfy - years of age! Sixty of the number
attained ages ranging from ninety to one hun
dred and three years whilst only fifty twe died
under the age of forty!
One out of every sovou of the whole num
ber was eigntv eight vears old or upward at
death.
j— ault . thflf
whole wcn> seventy yearswd or upward aU
Lath.
Considerably more than one-liulf of the
whole were over sixty years of ago at death.
Three-fourtlis of the" whole were over fifty
years of age at death.
Seven-eighths of the whole were over forty
years of age at death.
Such is the remarkable result of this tedi
ous aud extended examination of all the
data within convenient reach.
The writer further examined the bills of
mortality of two places in New Jersey, in one
of the healthiest regions, east of the Alle
glianies. In one bill, the average of 136
lives of men was 51,4 years; in the other of
■IOB men was 51.8 years. Among these 408
were 88 professors of religion, whose aver
age life was 62.4 years—while that of the
other 320 men —not professors—was but
48.9—a difference in the average of 13.5
showing, by figures, what is a priori ’reason
able, viz: that Christianity promotes length
of days.
A New Commentary*
Charles Scribner A. Cos., will issue in April
from stereotype plates, duplicated from
those of the English edition, a “Plain, Ex
planatory Exposition of the Holy Scriptures
for every Biblo Reader.” The Text is that
of the authorized Version of 1611 with mar
ginal references and renderings. This Com
mentary was projected in England, in 1863,
and the selection of the scholars to be em
ployed upon it was entrusted to a Commit
tee named by tho Speaker of the British
House of Commons and the Archbishop of
Vork, and through the agency of this Com
mittee, there has been concentrated upon
this great work, a combination of force such
ns has not been enlisted in any similar un
dertaking in England, since the translation
of King James’s version of the Bible. Os
the thirty-six different divines who are en
gaged npon the work, nearly all are widely
known in this country as well as in England,
for their valuable and extensive contributions
to the Literature of the Bible, and in this
Commentary they condense their varied
learning and their most matured judgments.
The great object of the Bible Commentary
is every general reader and student
in full possession of whatever information
may be necessary to enable him to under
stand the Holy Scriptures; to give him, as
far as possible, the same advantages as the
scholar, and to supply him with satisfactory
answers to objections resting upon misrep
resentations or misinterpretations of the
text. To secure this end most effectually,
the Comment is chiefly explanatory, present
ing in a concise an readable form the re
sults of learned investigations carried on
dur bag the last half century. When fuller
discussions of difficult passages or important
subjects are necessary, they are placed at
the end of the chapter cr volume.
The work will be divided into eight sec
tions which it is expected will be comprised
in as many volumes, and each volume will
be a royal octavo. Typographically, special
pains have been taken to adapt the work to
the use of older readers and students. The
Pentateuch will be compounded in the first
volume, issued next April in royal Bvo form
of nearly 1,000 pages; and will be sent pre
paid by mail to any address for $5.00.
Address Chas. Scribner & Cos,, 654 Broadway,
New York.
Important to Farmers. —N. P. Boyer &
Cos., of Parkesburg Pa., offer to send sam
ple packages free of genuine imported Nor
way Oats, Alsike Clover and Chester co.,
Mammoth Corn, to all planters who will
send stamp to pay postage. They are large
importers of seeds and stock, and are pub
lishers of an excellent monthly —The Stock
Journal —showing treatment of cows, horses,
hogs, fowls etc., etc. We hope our farmer
friends will avail themselves of this gene
rous offer.
The China Mission School.
We find in the New Orleans Christian Ad
vocate, a letter from Rev. Young J. Allen,
dated Shanghai, December sth, to the Sec
retary of Moreau Street Sunday-school
Missionary Society. It acknowledges a re
mittance from that school and from the Feli
city Street Sunday-school—both in New Or
leans, of moneys for the Mission Schools at
Shanghai. The remittance was timely, as
Bro. Allen had about used the last dollar of
the School funds in hand, and was begin
ning to wonder whence the next month’s
supply would come. We copy a portion of
his letter, giving account of his school—
that we may induce a general activity in the
Sunday-schools within our circulation, in
behalf of the work. We know several schools,
already, whose mission funds, under the ad
vice of some of the Conferences, are raised
for the China mission ; and we would re
joice to see a geueral move in this direction.
Bro. Allen writes:
I have now a very fine class of twelve boys
under instruction in a boarding school, to
which are also admitted six day scholars, three
of whom are little girls/ Bro. Lambuth
also has both a boys’ and girls’ school num
bering in all about fifteen pupils, I believe.
During the week their studies are equally
divided between the Chinese classics and
our religious books. On the Sabbath all at
tend services in our city chapel, the Hwa-
Shan Tang, and in the afternoon receive
special instruction in the Sabbath-school,
They have very tenacious memories, and all
their acquisitions are treasured up. Every
thing is memorized. They can repeat a
book from beginning to end without falter
ing. It is simply wonderful. They almost
literally eat their book?. It is amusing to
see them recite to the teacher. Each singly
advances and hands his book to the teacher,
then turns hisjback and begins the recitation,
wliici they call ‘'haclingthe hook."
We are exceedingly obliged to you for
your timely interest in this department of
our work, which is altogether extra, and not
supported by funds remitted by the Board.
We have long tried to make it a permanent
work, but never could get it sustained. T
hope now, however, that-we shall not be re
duced in the future to such straits and fail
ures as we have experienced in the past.
We cannot make bricks without straw, and
have been driven to despair in our efforts to
find our own straw. Moreau and Felicity
Sabbath-school Missionary Societies shall
be our Aaron and Moses to guide us ont of
the la-d of bondage, and give us liberty
from oppression.
It would be very gratifying to write you
more at length this mail, but I cannot for
want of time—will try to send you something
interesting another time. By the way, I
have just sent some little jottings to the
Sunday-School Visitor that may interest
your little missionaries. They are dedicated
to the Little Friends of the China Mission,
among whom I am happy to number Moreau
street Sunday-school. May God abundant
ly bless you, my brother, in your noble vo
cation, and turn the hearts of the dear chil
dren unto tlio Lord, who hath said : “Os
such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Tlie Reason.
We have been frequently asked if we knew
why the Rev. R. A. Holland left our church,
and joined the Episcopalians. We did not
know, but could only surmise that he had
grown quite too refined for so humble a peo
ple as the Methodists, and was no long
er content to “take an appointment” from a
Methodist Bishop—unless he could first se
lect one for himself, which we supposed he
could not do. We are confirmed in our sur
mise by a letter written some time since to
Ur. Cross, published in the Banner of the
Church. “I have settled the controversy. I
have formed the final decision. I must go
hence. I cannot tarry. It costs a fortune of
friendships. It inflicts a wound of severed
associations. Still I must leave. My views,
lay tastes, my whole character, have so
changed, that I cannot work in harmony
~i ifjt *'• i , r~ thifc
Church. My soul wants rest, the rest of
congenial activity. I see in your church,
antiquity, to excite reverence ; authority, to
quell tho turbulence of doubt; dignity, to
awe tho mind that must have either the qui
etude of deference or the noise of wrang
lings; and a liturgy that helps devotion,
that trains the wings of the soul to fly, that
plants against tho wall of Heaven a ladder
on whoso rounds of prayer and praise aspi
ration can climb step by step to a vision of
the city nil glorious with the light of God.”
—
District Conferences.
Already the presiding elder3 and preachers
are making preparation to hold these Con
ferences which have been found invaluable
to the Church. It is wise to hold tli?m as
early as possible in the Conference year,
that their good influence may be felt early,
in all the work of the Church.
It is a good sign in any District, to see
present all whose duty it has been made to
be at these Conferences. It may be a busy
time with many—but being appointed by
tho Church, as its representatives, they
ought to forego every other work, that is
not imperative and equally a duty, that they
may serve the Church for these few’ days in
the year. It is desirable to have a full
meeting. This will make the interest in
crease in a geometrical ratio. Let those
who attend, go to pray and to labor. A
gistriot Conference, not attended or fol
wed by a revival, has not done its work
well. A flame should be kindled there,
which shall burn all the year, around all the
District. So shall the work of God prosper,
and His glory appear in the Church.
Revival in Columbia, S. C.—The Chris
tian Neighbor says : The meeting at Wash
ington Street Church is still going on;
preaching every night iu cliapel, and from
“house to house,” with one chapel prayer
meeting in the day. The pastor, Brother
M. Brown, has tho co-operation of Brothers
Mood, McKinney and others. The influ
ifincCTS extending, mestly among the young.
TVe are not certainly, informed of the num
ber of the converted or of the candidates for
membership. Six of the latter came for
ward on Sunday night last. The interest is
widening and is, it is hoped, deepening.
The members of the Marion Street charge
are commendably sharing in the labors and
benefits.
Christian Index.— The Christian Index—
the organ of the Colored Methodist Episco
pal Church in America —for Feb 1, is a beau
tiful sheet, and well filled. It will compare
favorably with any of our exchanges. We
rejoice that our colored brethren have so
well-edited a paper. It eschews all politi
cal matters, as it ought to do. This paper
should have a circulation as wide as the col
ored Connection. Our white friends will
do a good service by promoting its circula
tion in every place. It is just half the size
of the Advocate —published twice a month,
printed exactly in the same style, and is
furnished to subscribers for only one dollar
a year. Success to the Index ! Orders
should be sent to A. H. Redford, Agent,
Nashville, who prints the Index by contract.
—Nashville Advocate.
The Rev. Wm. Perkins, of the Missouri
Conference, a native of Virginia, died 31st
January, aged 70 years. He had filled vari
ous important appointments on districts,
circuits and stations, until last fall, when he
was superannuated. He was an able and
faithful preacher—a man of culture and ex
tensive research—a simple, earnest “messen
ger of God,” whose trumpet gave no uncer
tain sound. He died in the triumph of faith,
rejoicing with wife, children and friends, in
the dying hour.
Mat Meetings in Nashville.— The an
nual meeting of the College of Bishops is to
be held in Nashville, on Monday, May 15.
The Book Committee is to meet on Wednes
day, May 17. The Sunday-school Conven
tion convenes on Thursday, May 18. The
Board of Missions will meet during the same
week.
Burke’s Magazine for Bots and Girls.—
The February number offers the following
entertainment: The Fairy Ride. By Mrs.
E. P. Mathews. Illustrated. The Young
Explorers ; or, Boy-Life in Texas. By John
C. Duval. A Walk abont the Forest City.
Illustrated. Ye Redbreast at Calvary. By
Dr. F. O. Ticknor. Hatty Cameron’s First
Trip on the Sea. By Mary Faith Floyd.
Fireside Amusements. The Indians at Dirt
Dauber’s Nest : A Tale of the Seminoles. By
John CL Duval. Epitaph on a Favorite
Newfoundland Puppy. The Hermitage
Children. By Maria Pendleton Kennedy.
Walks with Mamma. Illustrated. My Mexi
can Parrot. By Margaret J. Preston. Life
and Adventures of a Rat. By Arnica. My
Grandmother’s Story. By Lizzie Le Bre
ton. Vacation Letters. The Bird’s-Rights
Meeting. Notices of Books, etc. The Let
ter Bag. Our Chimney Comer. It will be
utterly discreditable to Southern parents, if
they permit so capital a children’s monthly,
so beautiful, so well filled, to be neglected
as many other Southern magazines have
been. Mr. T. A. Burke, the Editor, having
removed to Athens, Ga., requests that all
letters for the Editor be directed to him.
The orders and business letters to be ad
dressed to J. W. Burke A Cos., Macon, Ga.
Price, 82 00 a year.
The Banner of the South and Planters’
Journal. Among the contributors to the
above named weekly are Prof. G. W. Rains,
Dr. E. M. Pendleton, ex-Gov. Bonham,
General Alexander, Professor Waddell, Dr.
A. Means, Col. Charles C. Jones, Jr., Prof.
Leßoy Broun, Col. B. T. Harris, Henry
Stewart Esq., and other gentlemen of repute
and ability. In order to extend the circula
tion of the paper it has been determined to
furnish it for 1871, for 82 in advance. On
receipt of this amount the publishers will
furnish the back numbers from the first of
January, and will also give away copies of
of the eleven (11) numbers issued prior to
that date, which will be equivalent to fur
nishing the paper for nearly fifteen months
for 82. The back numbers contain valuable
information to and also a Ros
ter of General Officers, Regiments, Battal
lions, etc., in the Confederate service, du
ring the struggle for Independence, pre
pared with great care by Colonel Charles C.
.Tones. Jr. Persons who may wish to see a
copy before subscribing, are requested to
send their names to the Chronicle Publish
ing Cos., Augusta, Ga.
Scribner’s Monthly for March has the
following interesting table of contents:—
Weather-Telegrams and Storm-Forecasts, 2d
article—illustrated, by Prof. T. B. Mawry;
King Gambrinus and bis Subjects; Illus
trated, by Wm. Wells;—Will She ride or
walk, by Miss Traftou; —In a Garret, by
Elizabeth Akers Allen; —Lucky Peer, VI
IX, by Hans Christian Andersen; —Home-
ward, by Lois Brooke; —The Ancient Fe
nians; L. Clarke Leelye:—Victor Emanuel’s
Queen, by Elizabeth C Kinney;—Life in
the Canibal Islands, Illustrated—by J C
Bates; —Wilford Cumbermede—llustrated—
by George MacDonald; —The Celestials in
Sunday-schools, by James J. Bowen; the
Outcast, by Mary L. Ritter; Topics
of the Times ;—The Old Cabinet;—Be-
yond the Seas; —Home and Society;—Books
and Authors at Home; —Etchings. “A Mu
sical Party"—lllustrated—-by C. G. Bush.
the head of the Monthlies. It is edited by
Dr. Holland, —“Timothy Titcomb”—who
writes “Topics for the Times,” and it is
cheap at $3.00 a year; but the publishers
for $4,00 will send the magazine for 1871
and two back numbers, with the beginning
of MacDonald’s charming story and also two
handsome covers in which to bind the num
bers for the year, in two volumes.
The Southern Presbyterian Review for
January, 1871. Contents: 1. Moral Philo
sophy and Christianity. By Judge W.
Archer Cooke, Monticello, Florida, 2. Ascet
ism. 3. The Presbyterian Church in South
Carolina. 4. Mauses. By the Rev. T. B.
Balch, Prince William county, Va. 5. The
Dealings of Christ with the Chinese Nation.
By the Rev. M. H. Houston, Hanchou,
China. 6. The Church. By the Rev. J. A.
Sylie, Milford, Texas. 7. Our Church—lts
Condition, Wants, and Prospects. 8. Paul,
the Church at Rome, and the Epistle to the
Romans. 9. Critical Notices.
The Galaxy. —This lively magazine for
March continues the tales of “Lady Judith,”
by McCarthy; “Ought we to visit her ?” by
Mrs. Edwards; and Overland ; Death in two
forms, by Mrs. Julia Ward Howe ; Donn
Piatt “About Beaus ;” The Nether Side of
New York ; a paper on San Domingo annex
ation ; England in June, and a good many
other editorial, and contributed articles,
make up the table.
LirPiNCOTT for March has a paper on
the Army Medical Museum at Washing
ton —Sixteen Years Ago—Her Message—A
Leaf in the Storm—ltaly—Student Rambles
in Prussia—The Blood Seedling—My Mis
sion to San Domingo—Book Collections—
The Red Hand—Crossing the Line—Moral
of the Franco-Prussian war, and the edito
rial departments.
Tho publishers have increased the number
of pages, by the addition of a supplement,
which will be devoted to popular and en
tertaining Serial Stories. In the present
number, “Rookstone,” by Catherines. Mac
quoid, author of “Forgotten by the World,"
.etc., is commenced.
The January Snd February Numbers will
be supplied gratis to all new subscribers, at
$4 per annum, remitting before April Ist.
The publishers will take pleasure in sending
it for four months, on trial, for one dollar.
Address J. B. Lippincott & Cos., Publishers,
715 and 717 Market Street, Phila.
Among tlie Charities.
SECOND PAPER.
Ora et labora.
Before the little band of the school room
dispersed to their several homes that Octo
ber evening in 1832, one other important
matter was settled. Wichern and his com
panions were poor and had just resolved to
do a work that required at the very outset
at least, a little money.
“What shall we do?” “How shall we pro
ceed?” “Shall we enter the field as soli
citors and appeal to the generous hearted
and full-pursed?” “No!”
“Let us ask our bountiful and gracious
Father!” And so it was decided.
Prayer, prayer, was seized upon as the first
regular friend to the enterprize.
They were men of prayer. Often in their
own lives had they occasion of knowing its
value at critical junctures. Yes, they would
pray—and pray in faith. God who gave
life and being to the world, who redeemed
humanity with the Christ-offering on calva
ry, who had sent forth His Holy Ghost to
instruct and sanctify men,, who had forever
shown Himself the friend and succor of His
poor saints on earth, —such a Father would
enter at once into their plans—if, indeed
He had not already warmed their hearts to
the work. Oh, what faith and hope they
possessed. They parted, as I have said, not
only full of a plan of reformation and large
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
charity, but with a holy, prayerful trust in
God’s help. The alliance was powerful—
an “Evangelical Alliance. ” Thedayspassed
and passed. They used to meet one another
on the streets, and the topic of conversation
was one and the same —the “Rettnngshaus,”
and, on parting, this fervent whisper would
be given and received:—“You don’t forget
to pray for the Rettuugshaus, do you?”
Think of such a combination of influences!
Think of a band of plain men thus scattered
throughout a great and wicked city, prompt
ing each other to the gland charge on Heav
en, when they chanced to meet! It was a
sight to please God.
De Liefde, in his rich account, adds this
good, remark: “Such knocks at the door of
the heavenly bank were too telliDg not
heard. ”
Heard in heaven, certainly; for “to him
that knocketh the door is opened,’’ and the
Saviour is there to perform His gracious
word. But it was heard elsewhere as well.
The shortest way to the banks of earthly
generosity is by the way of heaven. The
knocking at the heavenly door is bound to
result iu the opening of many an earthly
one, where heaven has deposits for circula
tion.
They believed in the plan, and indeed,
well they might. Men of the world know
little of the power of prayer, and even some
Christians hesitate in their faith. .is
quaint Master Pitcairnesays: “Some say the
well is deep, aud we have nothing to draw\
with. Answer. —lt is true, of ourselves we
have neither a vessel to hold nor a hand to,
draw, but He who opeueth the fountain aud
invites us to driuk, doth offer us both.’
of His free love hath digged the well: the
promises which hold out to us these living
waters, and faith which is the hand—are His
free gifts, and unless He pour out upou us
the Spirit of prayer and supplication, (that
being, as it were, the bucket wherewith we
draw,) we know not what to ask; so that
albeit tbe Lord honor ns in calling lor our
help and in employing us in His work, yet.
all must come from Himself, and when He
rewards our work He but crowns His own
gifts. ”
“He will have us pray, aud He will per
form our desires; He will give to His honest
supplicants, not some few things, but what
soever they shall ask, (John xiv.—xvi. chap
ters.) He is God all-sufficient.”
Prayer! All, the little band headed by
the young candidat did wisely to select pray
er as their dependence, at the gate of heaven.
They remembered, perhaps the golden
sayings of their own pious Gerhard on the
excellencies and availableness of prayer.*.
“What the heart is to the living creature;,
what rest is to the weary; what joy to the
sad; what gold to tlio indigent; what 1
strength to the feeble; what nerves to the
body; what spirits and blood to the life;
prayer is all that to the suppliant (afflicted)
soul. It is the sun iu the firmament, (or
rather glass by which light is communicated)
it is medicine to the sick, a refuge to the op
prest, a sword against the Devil, and a shield
to ward off his fiery darts; it is eye salve to l
the blind, it begetteth hope and confidence,
it infiameth the heart with love, it warmeth
humility and filial fear, it elevates the mind
above the creature, and sets the affections
on things that are above; it brings a taste
of the hidden manna, and sets the suppli
cant before the Throne to behold the King
in his glory, and leads him into the gallerie*
where he may familiarly converse with his
Lord and Sovereign.
“This is that golden chain which will hold
the Almighty until he bless thee; it is Jacob’s
ladder whereon thou mayest mount up to
heaven. It is that jawbone wherewith
Samson smote the Philistines; this is Noah
his tin** which. als'avH ret£ witb_an
leaf of comfort to the cfiscorisoTateT This is 1
David’s stone wherewith he smote Goliath,
and his harp wherewith he drove away the
evil spirit from Saul: This is the pillar of
fire and cloud which directs the saints, and
blindfolds their enemies: This is that bow
(the promises being the arrow aud faith the
hand) whereby those worthies (Heb. xi.) of
whom the world was not worthy, waxing
valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies
of the aliens, quenched the violence of the .
fire, escaped the edge of the sword, subdued
kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions, etc.
O! who is able to enumerate all the noble
and admirable effects of prayer? What deso
lations it hath made in the earth; what revo
lutions in the world; and what astonishing
deliverances it hath brought to the Saints.”
But I must not further quote from what
is so excellent and inspiring. It occurred
to me that the little Visiting Society of Ham
burg, might have pondered Gerhard’s weigh
ty words on the power of prayer. But
whether or no, they understood the secret
of the Lord, for they went out to revolu
tionize the world, and their chief depen
dence was prayer. And now, for signs fol
lowing. Presently they received evidence
of their successful pleading.
Fifteen pounds were put into the hands of
one of their friends, one day, by a govern
ment official who knew nothing of their
cause. He was not the donor either. The
money was placed in his hands by his col
league, “to be spent for some charitable pur
pose; if at all possible, for some establishment
yet to be founded." Here were first fruits,
aud a direct encouragement to their faith.
“Some establishment yet to be founded”
-were as words direct from heaven, in answer
to their own feeble efforts, and assured them
that God rfjiproved and would help.
In a little while a clergyman, into whose
keeping, as God’s almoner, a large bequest
for charitable purposes, was entrusted, ap
propriated 1050 pounds to the “establish
ment yet to be founded.”
What joy was here! Imagine Wichern and
his praying band, upon the receipt of such
intelligence! The public mind from this
poirft became strangely agitated (HeaverJ
can shake earth) and contributions, great]
and small, began to pour in—and the treasu
ry of charity began to show wealth in answer
to the drafts of faith upon the all-sufficiency
of the Almighty,
Prayer continued, combined with heart*
felt praise. The little one began to grow
into the shape of a mountain, and the slen
der beginning widened and deepened. God
heard and man heard, while Wichern and
his little band held fast to both. Yet these
gifts were surprises!
To be sure, they prayed expectingly; but
their expectation was but a fluttering sort of
bird. They trusted bravely, but expected
timidly. And when the Lord’s ravens began
to bring them food for the famishing poor,
they were, for a time, almost bewildered with
joy. A little realization, however, soon en
larges one’s expectation. The Visiting So
ciety soon learned to anticipate large an
swers to their large prayers.
“Oraet labora” —whispered the captain.
Pray and work—yes indeed, work. It
was time to begin. The Lord’s money must
not rust in any body’s hands. The “insti
tution yet to be founded” must become a
fact accomplished.
Would God give them a farm? Would the
orphan’s heavenly Father, the outcast’s Shep
herd, the criminal’s Saviour—find acres to
till and houses to shelter? The answer was
—Ora et labora. At it they continued, giv
ing direction and point to each petition.
Prayer prevailed.
This was the way of it: The village of
Horn was not particularly noted for many
things—but it contained a rich proprietor
♦Quoted by Pitcairne in his “Spiritual Sacrifice”
Sprinted 1664.
whdffi a heart like his acres—broad and
bowfnl. His name was Sieveking. This
'eveking had a fine map of his landed
es&k and one evening he called the young
connate to examine it. It covered the
Psently th# proprietor’s finger rested on
a s| which represented acres and a house,
andiereupon offered it to the reformer for
hisnrpose!
£ joy, joy! De Liefde says Wichern was
hijfier than a king! The news spread aud
jo/V'came general. But, upou examina
tion) t was found that the gift was unsuita
ble) Gloom ensued and Mr. Sieveking was
aga seen poring over bis map. Another
preirty attracted his eye and challenged
hisaarity.
r Ks property was called Huge Hoos, but
alajit was leased for years. What a pity.
Sti’ there was uo harm in looking at the
oljjonse, or walking over the land.
'ie heavenly Lord had been there also -
anilhe moment the proprietor reached the
<jjJ the tenant began to beg release from
tj»>nditioDS of the contract. He desired
J&. it up and would take it as a great
jafhesa to be permitted to do so.
knew what sort of tenant stood
Jh to take his place—even the Lord God!
■H. I will think over it,” said Mr. Sieve
m; and he thought and thought; and
tbilext day Immanuel Wichern was walk
iufjbout among the trees, and through the
lieie with his heart full of gratitude, his
ey\ full of happy tears, aud liis jiocket full
oi jufficientvtle to take possession in God’s
tie tidings flew/ The wind
IbEjTj-it. fludjtiie stars told it,fend the chil
it. and every body,was happy,
U’Buse prayer had prevailed and the por-
had houses aud land! A strong so
o v was formed, and arrangements were
r c ]Bdiiy made to take possession. Nov. Ist,
?’K. A year had passed—a year of prayer,
f/1, hope!
“ora” had gloriously proved its value,
on this Ist day of November—the prac-
“labora" was entered upon. On that
dl; Wichern accompanied by his faithful
*mither—settled at the Rauhes Hans, (Rough
Blase—as the people will call it) aud the
“jjformatory began. ” *
“The chronicler can give no account of
spieeh-making or dinner-eating—on this
gt-at occasion —there was no such glare of
ciicumstance. There was no retinue, uo
aiplause, no gathering, no festival.
Two pictures greeted the young candi
dfte iu the sitting room. They were sug
gtttiveand speaking; Christ's entry into Jeru
sdem, and the Blessing of Little Children.
They were the thoughtful gift of Syndic
jgteskiug. Watkin Llewellyn-.
Clorresponbtncc.
My Trip Southwest.
Wednesday, Jan., 11th, 4 r. M., finds me
seated in a splendid railroad coach on the
,C| 0. AA. R. R., facing Southwest, and af
a safe and pleasant run of fifty hours, I
am at the far-famed and justly celebrated
St. Charles, in the Crescent City, the great
metropolis of the Gulf States, which may be
fitly styled the representative of all nations—
Its people speaking all languages and wear
ing all manner of costumes.
1 After a good night’s rest, I set out early
fee find Bishop Keener, and after various
mistakes and disappointments and a street
car ride of five miles, and a walk of several
squares, I at last reach the pleasant cottage
home of the Bishop, only to find that he is
off at St. Louis. Retracing my steps, I next
visit the Book Roo*» of Harp & Cos.,
cJLere.T find the .the New Orleans
Christian Advocate. I am kindly received and
made to feel,, that I am among brethren.
Here, I recognize in brother Armstrong, one
of our South Carolina preachers of former
years, who began bis ministry in the South
Carolina Conference and after acquiring a
good name and a place among us was trans
ferred to Alabama, and thence to Louisiana,
where lie fills an honorable position as Pre
siding Elder.
v On Sunday morning I find my way to the
Sunday-school at Carondolet Street and
meet a large school in good working order,
an excellent, active, energetic superinten
dent, with a full corps of earnest teachers.
'£make a few remarks to the children, and
then go to church, where I hear an admira
ble, but I regret to say written, sermon, well
read by Bro. T. At night I had the privi
lege of hearing two very fine addresses be
fore the “South-western Bible Society.”
Monday.—l must now apply myself to my
special mission in this great city. Reader,
did you ever find yourself in a large city
agnong utter strangers where your only busi
*b«Bß is to ask the people for their money ?
Well, I will first go round and see Gen. H.
whom I nsed to know in the days of “Dix
ie”—perhaps he will give me some light;
tell me how and where to begin. The Gen
eral receives me as a friend indeed ; and at
puce undertakes to introduce me to his
friends. We set out—he on his crutches,
honorable marks of his devotiou to his coun
try. I find his introductions most valuable.
___ .After the various trials, incident to beggar
lifffin a strange city, I am again on the
and set sail up the river, armed with a
letter of introduction to the captain of the
Wade Hampton, on which magnificent steam
er I am bound for a visit to a friend, whose
praise has hitherto been in all tlie churches,
ijnd whose benevolence is only limited by
kis ability. The very gentlemanly creole
■Captain of the boat assures me that we will
Eve at Bayou Sara in time to make the
lroad connection with ease. A calm,
ir, beautiful night and a bright balmy
fmorning make a run up that greatest river
■m the world a perfect delight. After
Fort Hutson —“well, *Captain, what’s
phe prospect ahead ?” “O, we have plenty
of time—will soon be there—only 35 miles.
We reach Waterloo, and I address myself
*Io the steward ; “how far now ?” only a
few miles”—you see Bayou Sara —soon be
Jhere, sir. ” But we linger ; the Captain
on deck, looking serious. “What’s
[the matter here captain. ” Wheel broke corn
fling in and we can’t move until another is
Bput in.” “The cars will leave us ?” No ;
■hey can see us from here and as soon as we
Ret off, we’ll signal them; you need not
fear.” In twenty minutes all is right, and
are afloat; signal after signal is given ;
steam is pressed and we seem to fly over the
water ; all eyes are turned toward the depot,
but no cars are seen. We reach the share
and the Railroad President comes on board
with the unwelcome news” ten minutes too
late. “Only ten minutes but the cars gone.
will the train be back ?” “Not un
til Monday”—forty-eight hours lost for want
of ten minutes. The prospect is gloomy, a
fttle village on the bank of the river where
must spend the Sabbath among utter
strangers, and they too poor to permit the
hope of doing anything for my mission.
The Captain kindly directs me to a neat
looking cottage just outside the levee where
he says I will be comfortable. I find a nice,
quiet, orderly house and try to look upon
my detention as providential.
Sunday—on inquiring for a church, lam
fold there is a Methodist Church but no
preacher, and an Episcopal Church back on
the hill a mile and a half. I set out to look
for the former and walking half a mile up
the river, find every business house in the
inn open and all sorts of business in opera
tion—more so I am told on Sunday than on
any other day of all the seven ; for more
boats arrive and leave on that day than on
any other. I soon come an old but neat
looking little church with a steeple and bell;
but all its surroundings marked with the ap
pearance of poverty and dilapidation. Open
ing the door and entering, my heart is
warmed and cheered at hearing some 36 or
38 little children, with their Sunday-school
teachers sweetly singing, “There is a liappy
land far, far away.” In the superintendent's
time-worn face, I think I see the image of
My Father and he takes me by the hand,
bids me welcome to his little school, and af
ter 1 have made a little talk to the children
begs me to preach for them at night as they
have preaching but once a month. To this
I readily agree ; for like my great prede
cessor at Athens, my heart is stirred within
me, when I see almost the whole place given
to Sabbath breaking and the worship of
Mammon.
Leaving the school, I wend my way up a
high, beautiful hill overlooking the entire
town and the magnificent river beyond. Iu
the distance lies the vast sugar plantation of
Gen. Zachary Taylor with its neat rows of
cottages. The whole scene is most attract
ive, and so the Yankees must have thought
it as they arranged their gunboats, so as for
an hour or two to give it the full benefit of
shot and shell.
At night, I return to the church and find
a good congregation to whom I deliver my
message.
Monday, I leave this little town by the
river and go up to Woodville, the county
site of Wilkinson county,-Mias. ; and late iu
dhe afternoon I am iftivei*
formerly the splerfilid mpusion of Judge
McGehee, oue of the richest men iu the
State. Greatly to uiy astouishment wlieu
the coachman opens the carnage door, I see
nothing before me but naked brick walls—
‘ ‘ walk around the house, ” says my conductor,
“and you will find the family and there,
iu a small cottage recently built, I find the
venerable man and his interesting household.
Judge McGehee settled here iu 1808—he
was then a rich jgfn aud increased in wealth,
until at the beginning of the war his posses
sions were immense ; but oh ! what a tale of
woe he has now to tell me. At the age of
85, he is comparatively poor. Desolation
reigus all around him. His vast fields are
untilled, and his flocks and beards have dis
appeared. Still, like Job, his confidence in
God is strong and his consolations many ;
for he has a joyful anticipation of a better
inheritance now near. In old age, he finds
the religion of his yontli still fresh. Ho re
ceives me for my Master’s sake like a brother
beloved. Oh, it is pleasant to find this aged
Christian amid the ruins of his former com
fort and splendor rejoicing iu God his Sa
viour. My intercourse with him is sweet.
Wednesday afternoon, finds mo again on
hoard the Wade Hampton on the bosom cf
the great river ; and Thursday night once
more in the city where I am busy for two
days ; then off for Mobile.
But before I leave New Orleans, this great
city of the West, allow me one observation.
I am greatly astonished and highly gratified
at tlie sobriety and good order of the city.
The Sabbath is as calm and orderly where I
am, as I find it in most of our large cities.
I have not seen one case of drunkenness,
have heard very little profanity and have
met with many who fear God and keep His
commandments. Among the kindnesses
shown me by many, I must mention that of
Dr. Palmer of the Presbyterian Church, for
merly of Columbia, S. C., who gave me a
brother’s welcome, and introduced me to his
people.
Saturday night finds me in a comfortable
room at the Battle House, Mobile ; and at
9 o’clock Sunday morning I meet at St.
Francis Street Church, one of the best work
ing Sunday-schools I have ever been in.
Teachers and pupils fully appreciating their
privileges and responsibilities. Here I find
the uniform lesson system in full operation.
It is certainly a great improvement on the
old plan.
After a most excellent and earnest sermon
by the pastor, I am kindly introduced to the
congregation and having made a plain state
ment of the object of my mission, receive
many expressions of sympathy and some
material aid for our burnt church.
In the evening, I meet the venerable Bish
op Andrew who has preached that day, and
find him in fine spirits and usual health.
The next day in conversation with a gentle
man from North Carolina the following—to
me—interesting conversation takes place.
Said he to me, “Were, you ever in Salis
bury ?” “Yes in 1830, I went to Salisbury
a stranger and putting up at the hotel, I
found a gentleman whom I had known in
early life. I told him the object of my visit,
and asked his assistance. He told me there
was only one Methodist iu the place ; but
said he, we will light the courthouse and
summon the people if you will preach, ‘but
the people here know nothing of Methodist
preachers.’ At night I found the courthouse
full, and preached, thus introducing Method
ism into Salisbury.” Said the gentleman, “I
was there, heard the sermon and remember
well how you advised us to stand up to sing,
and kneel to pray, and I subscribed the first
dollar, towards bnilding the first Methodist
Church in Salisbury.”
Many more “trips,” in other directions,
are in prospect for him, who has to endeavor
this year, to rebuild this waste place of Zion
in Columbia. Oh ! that some rich friend or
brother would, by a liberal donation for this
object, give rest at once, to the weary Agent,
who would fain return to the work of the
pastorate —for which work for the church he
thinks he is, if for any, best qualified. His
present work, however, somebody must do.
“How can we hear without the preacher ?”
but how can the preacher preach without
the church ? and we ia Columbia have been
without our large Methodist Church, ever
since the war. We have services in a small
temporary chapel, but so straitened are we
for room, that already is not only Method
ism being injured in consequence, but reli
gion itself, suffers. Soon, the Agent hopes,
his disagreeable task of begging money will
be ended, and the end of his toil accom
plished. Wm. Martin.
III'. Boring and the North Georgia
Conference Orphans 7 Home.
Mr. Editor: Dr. Boring, the eloquent
Agent and advocate of the Orphans’ Home
deserves great credit for his entire consecra
tion to this good work, and almost unexam
pled success in securing subscriptions for it.
The establishment of the North Georgia
Conference Orphan’s Home will be the
crowning glory of a life marked by activity
and enterprise for the church of his early
choice.
But will the friends who have so gener
ously subscribed money to have been paid
25th December last, neglect to pay their
subscriptions and thus involve the opening
of the Home in many and multiplied diffi
culties. Nearly seven thousand dollars of
overdue subscriptions are unpaid. Every
dollar of this is needed to furnish and sup
ply the Home and prepare it to receive the
many orphan children that are already ear
nestly seeking shelter and protection there.
Surely, if necessary, self-denial will be
endured, in order to pay what has been
promised and is overdue.
Will the preachers now iu charge where
the Agent secured subscriptions last year,
not give some assistance at once in receiving
and forwarding the overdue subscriptions?
It is a great and important work, and can-
not go forward without money. It must not
be delayed cannot be, without sinning
against the orphan.
A Friend of the Orphan.
To the Members of tlie Methodist
Episcopal Church, and to all the
Members of the Conference (Col
ored.)
I take tlie privilege of an old brother in
addressing you through the columns of the
Southern Christian Advocate, for I feel that it
is our duty to cultivate a spirit of kindness
and Christian love for each other. And uot
only for each other alone, as that would be
selfish, (a word that should be nnkuowu to
Christians) but towards our white brethren
who have shown so deep an interest iu our
welfare. To Bishop Pierce especially we
should feel truly grateful. His warm heart
ed sympathy and kind consideration have
endeared him to us all; and we thank him
more than words can ever express for his at
tention during our late Annual Conference iu
Augusta. Let us never forget in every thing
to give thanks; for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus concerning you. For wisdom
let us pray, and learn all we can from those
dear ministers who through Christian love
amj charity are willing to take upou them
selves the duty of showing us the only true
way to God. Is it uot written, “Brethren,
be uot children iu understanding; howbeit
in malice bo ye children, but iu understand
ing be men.”
Nothing but ignorance can cause so much
strife aud divisions iu our churches. If our
people could be educated, so as to study the
Bible more, and keep its commandments
the widespread evi(j now arouud
us would be greatly lessened, and the thous
ands of ills thrust upon us by those profes
sing to be our best friends would be harm
lessly turned aside. Why is it that so many
are led astray from sound principles aud the
true faith? Why is it that so niauy are en
snared by the enemies of Southern Metho
dism? The want of understanding and
proper instruction. Every good aud intel
ligent white person seeing our present con
dition, aud tlie temptations by which we uro
continually surrounded, will surely come to
our assistance. Let us seek knowledge, for
the good it may accomplish, aud not fol
low every device tlie evil one may place iu
our way, such as mixing up politics and
quarrels iu our churches. “Behold how
good and liow pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell together iu unity. ” Oh, my brothers,
let us pray for that peace in our hearts, in
our churches, in our country, and our daily
lives that “passeth all understanding.”
Let us try to bo mbre like our precious
Saviour. Let us not care for worldly hon
ors, which will be snre to forfeit our hones
ty, and promote arrogance where humility
and contentment once reigned, with “pa
tient continuance in well doing.” Com
mending unto your prayerful study, I Tlies.
Chap. v. I am your old friend and brother
in Christ, Sandy Kendall.
Col. P. E. Griffin District.
[Will the subscribers please bring this
letter to the notice of the preachers and
members for whom it is intended.— Ed. |
The Villa Rica Church.
Mr. Editor; I thank you for calling atten
tion to this matter in a recent issue of the
Advocate. lam under great obligations to
that good sister in South Carolina, for her
sweet letter, and for her contribution to this
noble enterprise. I fear, that many of my
brethren read my card for aid, and have
thought no more of it. My good friend and
brother, Rev. J. Watkins Harris, in Carters
ville, Ga., interested himself, nnd raised 840
to assist our brethren in rebuilding their
church. If some brother or sister in every
cozufttusiUt -sw>bU«»d ittJhw
good would be accomplished. Please breth
ren, respond immediately. A superannua
ted minister of the North Georgia Confer
ence has remarked, that if the church is not
rebuilt, his home is for sale. He will live
nowhere without a church. It can —it must —
it will succeed. P. M. Kyrurn.
Which is It !
Mr. Editor : Asa part of tho third year’s
course of study, the Advocate gave “Rivers’s
Mental Philosophy.” The Minutes of the
South Georgia Conference, now give,—not
River’s—but Upham’s.” As Chairman of
Committee of the Third year, it is impor
tant for me to know which it is. Can you
tell ? Yours, etc., W. Knox.
We find, on referring to Bishop Mc-
Tyeire’s Manual, that “Rivers's Mental Phi
losophy” is tlie book ordered. How “Up
ham’s” got iu we do not know, und we had not
noticed the discrepancy. We learn that J.
W. Burke A Cos., have “Rivers’s Mental Phi
losophy,” at $1 50,.and it is now substitu
ted on the list published for the benefit of
the preachers purchasing.
Correction of Minutes. —ln the Minutes
of the South Carolina Annual Conference,
Cane Creek and Goshen Hill Circuit, which
I travelled last year, has no credit for any
thing paid on the Mission debt. I raised
for that purpose $33.25 which was paid to
the P. E. and his receipt was inclosed with
the other missionary money, and went into
the hands of the Treasurer before any no
tice was given to report these moneys sepa
rately. The same circuit lias credit for
$243 00 for “bnilding, repairing etc,” which
was not reported as having been raised for
these objects at all; but under the head of
“moneys for other purposes,” the most of
which was paid on a horse presented by the
circuit to the preacher.
John W. Mcßoy.
Christian Neighbor please copy.
From the Richmond Christian Advocate.
An Appeal lor J\Jisnions.
My Bear Bro. Bennett, —A recent editorial
in tlie Nashville Christian Advocate on the
“Evangelization of the. World,” not only fur
nishes much valuable information ; but pre
sents the subject in a manner to awake se
rious thought in every intelligent, Christian
mind. Why has the world not been converted
to Christ ? This question ought to be pressed
upon the conscience of the Church through
every public organ, and by every minister
in Christendom. God asks it. The dying
millions of the heathen world ask it. Every
earnest minded Christian asks it. Who will
answer it ? Who will stand for the Church
to answer it when God descends to judge the
world ? It is the work of the Church, why
has it not been accomplished ?
1. Is it because sufficient lime has not been
given ? More than eighteen hundred years
have passed away since the Divine Saviour
commanded the Church to do this work.
During these long centuries, nation after na
tion has emerged from the rude habits of
barbarism, into the refined elegancies of an
advanced civilization. False systems of phi
losophy and religion have flourished and de
cayed. Natural science has advanced from
crude elementary experiments, to the mas
tery of the mightiest forces, and now guides
and impels the travel and commerce of the
world. The whole face of the earth has
been changed, and anew dispensation in all
material things introduced. The scepter of
empire has passed from the nations of the
Eastern Hemisphere to the Christian king
doms of the West—and yet, and yet ! more
than two-thirds of the human race are ut
terly ignorant of Christianity ! The name
and the fame of the Gospsl have reached
millions of men, who have seen no higher
development of it than the imperfect civili
zation of our seamen ; or the destructive
power of foreign cannon. If there has been
time to carry the arms and manufactures of
Christian nations to the ends of the earth,
why has there not been time to send the
Gospel also ?
There has been ample time, Within less
than one century after the Crucifixion the
Gospel had been preached to the Jews
YOL. XXXIV. NO. 10.
Greeks, Romans, Gauls, Spaniards, Hin ■
does, Arabians, Persians, Assyrians, Armen
ians, Scythians, Tartars, Chinese, etc. Jus
tin Martyr, who wrote about one hundred
and six years after tlie resurrection of our
Lord, says : “There is not a nation, either
Greek or Barbarian, or of any other name,
even those who wander iu tribes, or live iu
tents, among whom prayers and thanksgiv
ings are not ottered to the Father aud Crea
tor of the universe by the name of the cru
cified Jesus.” Tertulliau, who wrote only
about fifty years later, says : “We, so great
a multitude of men, almost a majority of
every state, pass our lives iu security and
quietude. If we desired to deal with open
enemies, and not with hidden foes, we would
not lack the power of numbers, and the
power of ample resources.” Such was the
progress made by the primitive Church.
Had the same spirit continued to animate
Christians, long centuries ago, the last rem
nant of heathenism would have been ban
earth.
/Me Church t:,,t hud the
be. Tlie Church has
been for centuries, and is to-day, the riches t
institution in the world. It holds millions on
millions of dollars in real estate; and an
nually expends millions more iu the support
of useless machinery. The salaries of some
humble “successors” of tlie Gallilean fisher
men, amount to three or four times that of
tlie President of the United States ! Tlio
most costly architectural wonders of the
world, are churches. Every city iu Chris
tendom is adorned by these sanes of vanity.
If one-half the money expended iu magni
ficent churches, was employed in the more
legitimate work of sending the Gospel to the
heathen, the world might soon be evangel
ized. A decent respect for the demands of
architectural taste is right and proper, but
the Church should not be required to ex
pend its means in ornamenting with costly
public edifices our towns and cities, while
two-tliirds of tlie world lies in the moral
wastes of heathenism. Her first and chief
difcy is to “preach the Gospel to every crea
tuve)” ' ’ 7
3. We dare not say that God has preven
ted the Church from doing its duty to the
heathen- that He has uot opened tlie door,
but has providentially closed it against the
Church. Nor dare we say, tlie Gospel has
proved itself unable to contend with the
system of heathen error. “Thanks be unto
God who causeth us to triumph in even
place.” Why is it theu ? May it uot be
changed ?
(1.) To the infidelity of the Church cou
cerning the conversion of the world. Does
the Church believe it possible ?
(2.) Do our ministers understand their
commission to embrace tbe lioatbeu world !
“all the world?” “every creature?” Do
they preach ou the subject ? Do they feel
any special concern about the world’s con
version ?
(4.) Have not the strifes, and contentious,
and sad divisions, among God’s people, con
sumed their strength, weakened their moral
power, and thus hindered the world’s con
version ?
(4.) Has not tlie inconsistency of professed
Ciiristians tlieir want of piety charity,
brotherly love, etc., greatly hindered this
glorious work ?
(5.) Is tlio Church not selfish iu the use
of her means '? Has she not consumed upon
her lust, of power, and denominational pride,
the means placed in her hands for the con
version of the world? Has she not been “a
slothful and wicked servant?”
Now that tho “missionary debt,” so long
a burden, and an excuse for doing nothing,
is about to be removed, what will the Church
do for our Foreign Missions? The Confer
ences will take care of their own missions,
and if nothing is to be done for the foreign
work, I think we had better dissolve our
Board of Missions, and quit trying. But I
hope for better times. The Church will
awake from her indifference, and do her
duty. Yours truly,
W. G. E. Cunningham.
Abingdon, Va., Jan. 23.
A Chinese Love-feast.
The New York Christian Advocate says :
The interesting account of the late an
nual meeting of the preachers connected
with the Methodist Episcopal Mission, Foo
chow, China, referred to the love-feast held
by the native preachers. A correspondent
furnishes the California Advocate with a trans
lation of tlie testimonies given, and we copy
them as excellent reading for all. True
Christian experience is one the world over.
Thg services were held in the 'Dienang
’ mfavSTy^estTtfiSl^^
Rev. Hu Yong Mi presiding, October 1”,
1870, and were opened by singing the trans
lation of “And are we yet alive!” and by
♦prayer. The chairman then road a portion
of. 1 John, chapter iv, also Epli. iv, 1-6,
John xxi, 15-18, and added some brief but
very impressive remarks on the responsi
bilities and duties of the native church, ex
pressing his conviction that times of severe
trial were approaching when it might bo
necessary for them to give up their lives for
Christ as Peter did. Those remarks were
tho more affecting from the recollection of
the recent Tien tsin massacre, when the na
tive Christians were slaughtered without
mercy by tlie infuriated mob. While tho
bread aiid tea were passed around the audi
ence sang the hymn, “How tedious and
tasteless the hours.” Hu Yong Mi was the
first one to rise and speak. He said :
Last night Teacher Sites gave us a lecture
on astronomy, and stated that by the use of
telescopes we can discern world after world.
Well, it is just so in my religious experience.
I am ever and auou discovering new won
ders in religion. The love of Christ is all
in all to me. I care less and less for the
world, and am more and more absorbed iu
my work as a preacher. I daily see more
clearly the importance of laying up my
treasure in heaven, and am constantly
pressed with the thought, “Whatsoever thy
hand findeth to do, do it witli all thy might.”
What we have to do must be done quickly.
It seems to me wonderful that God should
count me worthy even to sutler for him—
that lie should uso my vile body even in the
fires of persecution, to glorify liis name. Let
us forget ourselves and think only of God.
STA SEK ONO.
This is to me an occasion of great joy.
After a year’s separation we meet with each
other, aud with God. During the year we
have had many troubles, but I have fouud
that while enduring the gveatest trials, I
have enjoyed the most peace. It is good to
bear the yoke of Christ. Last year Bishop
Kingsley met with us in love-feast; now his
place is vacant on earth. When the tidings
of his death reached me I could not under
stand why he was taken away, but now the
subject grows more plain. God wants us
to trust in himself alone. And then the
Bishop’s example of devotiou to Christ will
not be lost; it is constantly urging me for
ward in my work. lam fully determined
to give myself wholly to Christ; but I dare
not trust in my own strength. We are liv
ing in the days of tlie Holy Spirit. During
the year I have seen evidences of the Spir
it’s power in the hearts of tho people. The
condition of things here is rapidly changing,
and I feel that great events are about to
transpire. Let us all be faithful.
LI YU MI.
I thank God for the privilege of meeting
in this place. Like tho apostles of old, we
are, also, “a spectacle unto the world, and
to angels and to men.” The world hates
God ; we love him; lienee we must prepare
for trials. During the year two of the mem
bers under my care have died. They were
both my intimate friends, both gave promise
of great usefulness to the church ; but God
has taken them away * They died in peace
and have gone to the heavenly Canaan. It
was a blessed privilege to be with them dur
ing their last sickness. The Bible tells us,
“It is better to go to the house of mourning
than to go to the house of feasting; and that
the day of death (is better) than the day of
one’s birth.” These death-bed scenes are
profitable to us. It is not customary for the
unconverted Chinese to speak of suen things
in their public assemblies, but we are not.
afraid to speak of in our public gath
erings. They who die in the Lord are
blessed; though they die, yet shall they
live again. The Bible tells us that the dead
are not lost, they shall live again. We shall
meet them again in tho New Jerusalem,
when “They shall hunger no more, neither
thirst any more ; neither shall the sun light
on them nor any heat; for the Lamb which
is in the midst of the throne shall feed them,
and shall lead them unto living fountains of
waters, and God shall wipe away all tears
from their eyes.”
WONG IIIENG FUNG.
I am not a preacher, but I am the fathei
of one of those to whom the last speaker re
ferred as having died during the year. 1
thank God that I am permitted to meet with
you. It is a great satisfaction to me to
know that my son was a Christian. During
his last sickness he spoke of his own sinful
ness, of his utter of his reli
ance on Christ, and of ins willingness to de
part and be forever with the Lord. He urged
us all to be faithful and try to meet him in
heaven. lam growing old, and had hoped