Newspaper Page Text
THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.
VOL. XXXIV. NO. 41.
Original Ijoeirj).
The Sabbath.
Another .acred rest, O ble.Bed.day
We from our heavy toil, thy call obey,
And mingling thanks with prayer, wc slug to thee;
Father of love, Author of liberty.
With holy thought., O God, oor mind, employ,
O’ereoine our fears and UlHatr souls with Joy,
Create within us, a desire totfcte
More like our kSiViour, Christ of Calvary.
When o’er life’s troubled sea ire reach thy rest.
Receive us, Lord midst angel, and the blest,
And there with heaven’s throng we’ll ever shine
And bless and glorify thy name divine.
Taylurullte, Oa. G. I’. A.
Conirifmtions.
The Dream— a Vision of
Church.—No. Isl. v
BY ADELPHOS.
lii the progress of my dream I saw the
Convention convened as per adjournment,
at 9 o'clock a. m. The openiug sett Ices
were condncted in the nsual manner. Upon
the cal' for business, brother Watchtower
introduced the subject of ardent spirits by
saylug—“ Thero is yet another great branch
of self-indulgence, which is as criminal as it
is expensive, i. e., the use of wines and
spirituous liquors in other than in such
cases of necessity as are provided for in the
Discipline of the Church. Under the guise
of necessity, so cubed, church members use
spirituous liquois both us a boverago and an
urticlu of merebandise. The evils growing
out of this practice infest nil climes, und
pel vude all circles, from tho cross road gro
cery to tho largest business houses in the
commercial emporiums of tho world. And
if the Church cannot be separated from this
unholy trullic, it will, an it has done, de
spoil much of tho fairest portion of God’s
heritage." At this point several business
men replied with considerable emotion,
“We are unwilling to have our rights as
citizens imptiugcd, nor will we l>o compelled
into retrenchments that will prejudice the
iutorests of our business. Liquor is an ar
ticle which forms a commodity of the com
mercial world—and wo cannot ignore it
without groat injustice to ourselves. We
most earnestly protest against the discussion
of this question. Will the chair decide in
our favor?’’
A lawyer by profession, blit a Christian at
heart, took tho floor, asking tho pririlogo to
submit a few facts, which ho did iu tho fol
lowing manner: “My concern upon this
subject is so great, that I have taken tho
pains to write to tho Depaitmeut at Wash
ington city iu regard to the annual consump
tion of liquors by the people of the United
States. Thu figures iu reply to my inquiries
show an alarming state of things. The total
amount expended in this way, foots up the
enormous sum of six hWhlredpiiUions dollars.
Thii, now, is the price paidafor the liberties
aud commercial advantages, for which these
honest brethren arc Milling to sacrifice the
interests of the Church. Then add to this,
the Cost of com is, oOirers aud prisons, which
could be dispensed with but for tho.inihi-
ardent spirits—aud what an enor
mous sum it makes! Nor does the question
end hero. The erics of orphans, the wails
of widowhood, the poverty and disgrace
which are the direct fruits of dissipation
must he taken into the account-and with
these, the general depreciation of morals
aud the dreadful doom of sou's who find a
drunkard's grave aud a drunkard's hell. Aud
what, we ask, is tho price paid for the luxury
of tho liberties for which these brethren
contend?"
Hero another man, in someway associated
with the traffic, interposed thus: “That the
picture ju»t drawn is ah awful one, we all
admit; but is it possible that tlie Church is
rendered responsible for all this evil. The
picture is too stroug—especially if designed
to reflect upon certain business men in the
Ohnrch. Tho truth is, I do not believe
there is much of itiu the Church—and wliat
there is, is iu such form us to produce no
injury to the cause of morals aud religiou.
Thero is a morbid sensitiveness about some
persons, which ought uot to find its way
into such a body as this. This is an extra
neous question, and ought to bo excluded
from tho deliberations of this grand council.”
While the discussion was thus wideuing.its
range, one of tho Bishops said: “ Brethren,
I have visited almost every section of tho
Obureh within the last few years —aud I
find the same complaint coming up from
every quarter of tho land. I think the sub
ject demands your earnest, prayerful con
sideration."
Upon the suggestion of someone, it was
agreed to appoiut a committee for tho more
perfect digestion of this hugo question, to
be composed of the Presiding Elders of the
several Annual Conferences composing the
Methodist Episcopal Chureli, South. After
a suitable lapse of time, these venerable
men reported as follows, through their
Chairman: “Your Committee have thor
oughly investigated this question, and sub
mit the following conclusions: ‘lu rural
districts, it is complained that unadulterated
liipiors cannot bo obtained for medical und
mechanical purposes—aud that they are
compelled to manufacture for themselves,
in self-defense. But a peculiar feature of
this case is, that with many the amount of
domestic liquors distilled, is iu proportion
to their surplus of grain, or the abundance
of the fruit crop. This is a sad evil. In
this way, barrels arc annually made aud
consumed, by church members aud office
bsarers in the church. And the saddest fea
ture of the whole subject is, that, however
much is made, the supplies must be re
newed every year. From all parts of the
Church reports presout this subject iu a
light that renders it truly alarming. An il
lustrative anecdote is reported from ono of
the most intelligent sections of the Church,
in which two stewards were the principal
actors. Iu the presence of their pastor, oue
of them remarked—‘l must make up so
much brandy for modical purposes iu my
family. With us it has become an absolute
necessity.’ The other replied—‘l’do not
disputo your word—but for the life of me
I oaunotsee howyou can use a whole barrel
of peach brandy in a small family, as a med
icine, iu one year—aud that iu one of the
healthiest localities iu the laud. ’ This was
a poser. But snch is the working of this
evil in country places.
“In towns and cities we find the matter as
bad, or cveu worse, in some respects.
Ohurch-members enter business—form part
nerships—and launch their commercial in
terests, upon the fallacious principles of
* business circles, without regard to their
moral character, or their religious interests.
And through such influences, they are in
duced to incorporate the liquor traffic, in
order to give spice and briskness to busi
ness. A sense of guilt renders them rest
feudier# Christian
less and sensitive, at first. And they usu
ally poise themselves so high upon their
personal dignity, that they are offended
when admonished by or plead
with by their more pious brethren. In one
reepeet only, do they evince improvement.
They will nsnally pay more to the Church,
which seems as a kind of hash-money, in
order to be lot alone in other respects. Bat
all this while, they are stabbing Christ in
the honse of his friends. Another form of
the evil is with those who do not sell the ar
ticle—but deposits are made in back rooms,
where customers can go and supply them
selves in a gentlemanly way—as they sup
pose, without cost. This is a clandestine
bribe—but none the less successful —espe-
cially with those who retain the semblance
of a conscientious regard for duty. And in
various other ways, is this work of ruin car
ried on by those who profess the religion of
Christ.
“Out of this state of things, we find the
very worst evils are growing. Onr smaller
merchants say they deal in this traffic be
cause the larger commercial houses do it—
these larger houses contend that they most
do it in order to hold their own with other
firms in.'.the commercial world; 'and thus
tho cause of God is reasoned down to the
demands of business and the greed of gain,
and that by thoso who liavo in their profes
sion laid down all to follow Christ. Our
young men think there is not so much dan
ger in liqnor as temperance declaimors as
sume—when they see men of position in the
church manufacturing and vending it. Ap
plying the logic of these mercantile men,
they say, if such and such men iliink in
order to introduce their business or culivcu
tlioir society, wo can do so too; and through
this cliaunel of ovil, 04 r most promising
young raon arc 1 icing almost rotted above
ground by geutleinauly dissipation. With
the loss and moral aud iutehectual sensi
bility, their influence upon our young la
dies is only sensual, and constantly tends to
the atheism of woman's heart—which is the
saddest calamity that ever befell any coun
try. Indeed, such are the growing num
bers of the evils engendered by this com
plicity of tho Church with wrong—that wo
most heartily recommend some positive
measures for tho coirection of this bad
practico.”
Objections were make to tho report, by
those who were complicated with the traffic.
But an old brother from a section remote
from intelligent communities arose with
tears in his eyes, saying: “ I have been deal
ing somewhat in this article, simply because
I never heard it presented in tbis light be
fore. lam going home to pour out what I
have on hand, lest I should, by it, be the
means of ruining some poor soul. Breth
ren, I will never sell it«agaiu.” This was
recognized by all as an honest heroic stand
for tho cause of religion, and tho efficiency
of the Charcli. A motion was then made:
“ Resolved, By this Convention, that while
this evil is no worse in onr Church than in
sister denominations—yet it is a ruinous
evil in id'—and we will cease our connec
tion with it, each in his place, only in cases
of quell necessity as our book o? Discipline
contemplates ; «tuil that wt twill ask our sis
ter denominations to join vis in this great
work.”
After a few unimportant discussions, this
resolution was passed with great enthusiasm
by nine-tenths of this vast audience. “And
now,” said old Bro. Watchtower, “I can
trnly say, Loft], now lettest thou thy ser
vant depart in peace, for mine eyes have
seen thy salvat»n.” “Come, Lord Jeans;
come quickly.”
Fairs Horse-Racing Tourna
ments—Tlie Church of Christ.
When, lust year, ministers of the gospel
and members of tho Ghnrch were, as was
then stated anil believed, unintentionally,
anil therefore innocently, present at horse
races and tournaments instead of Agricul
tural Fairs and Industrial Exhibitions, snch
as they hail been led to expect, they were
held up to public gaze aud scoru as hy]X>-
eriles and pretenders, by numerous corres
pondents of the secular press, both North
and South, and thero was, manifestly, great
rejoicing on the part of the scoffers and in
fldels. They felt, and not without cause,
that they hail achieved a signal victory. They
had at last succeeded in seducing, in part
at least, the Church, by these moans, to an
apparent approval of these fascinating modes
of gambling. Beal or only apparent, this
was enough for their purposes. The cause of
God was reproached, Christ was “ wounded
in the house of his friends,” and unguarded
sonls were turned, by multitudes, into the
“ broad way to destruction,” and alas ! some
with an impetus which, will, perhaps, never
l>e counteracted.
Tho charges then brought against the
ministry aud Church wore, as many of ns
believed and still hope, unjust, and will not
be sustaiued by tho developments of the ap
proaching Fairs of tho present season.
It is certainly true that very many, even
intelligent men and women, had no thought
that they were being invited to nttend and
give the approval of their presence to liorse
raciug aud gambling, in the name, anil under
the patronage of tlie good old State of Geor
gia. They had not been able, as yet, to ap
preciate fully the demoralization of the
times. They looked upon Georgians and
Georgia officials ns aforetime, and did not
suspect that they had so far falleu as to perpe
trate such a fraud. They expected an
Agricultural Fair—an exhibition of snch
articles and inventions as would be promo
tive of the industry and prosperity of tho
State. They did not expect horse-racing,
and gambling, and the numerous other cor
rupt and corrupting exhibitions which were
constantly thrust before them, and disgust
ingly forced upon their attention. They
had a right to look for better things, nobler
conduct. But, with these scenes fresh in
their memories, and the undisguised pro
grammes for the Macon and Atlanta Fairs
of the present Autumn before their eyes,
will Christians, especially Christian ministers,
lie present ? How can they ?
Will Christian parents take or send, or
even permit their sons and daughters in their
minority, to attend these popularized, and
a'most baptized, gambling scenes ?
Will they (how can they?) thus introduce
their sons and daughters to the drunken,
the debauched and profano, the sportsman
and professed gambler ?
How {can they, who morning, noon and
night, upon their bended knees, with heart
and eyes lifted up to God, say, “ lead ns not
into temptation but deliver us from evil,”
visit and mingle in these scenes ? How can
they do this “ in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by
Him ?” See Colossians iii. 17.
Will they, before leaving homo for these
scenes of depravity, engage in solemn pray
er and ask God to [sanctify the horse-race,
the money lost and won, and the clapping
of hands and the waiving of handkerchiefs
by Georgia’s fair daughters, to His glory And
the good of themselves and all present, and
will they do this in faith ?
Will they, while these exciting spenea are
transpiring “ give thanks to God and the
Father, by Him,” (by Christ,) that they are
permitted to enjoy the race, to attest the
speed of horses, the agility of riders, the
tricks of interested parties, the loss of thou
sands staked upon tho race ; and above all,
will thoy give “thanks to God” that
through Christ they are present and looking
on when one, in the excitement of the tour
nament, is dashed from kis horse against a
stone or tree, and 1-is soul, in a moment,
hurried into the presince of the eternal
Judge ?
These things aro right or they are wrong.
If they are right, they can and should he
used in the name of tho Lord Jesus with
thanks givinganil prayer. If they cannot be
so used, let him beware who trifles with God
aud mocks Him to His face. “Be not de
ceived ; God is not mocked: for whatsoever
a man sowotk, that shall he also reap.”
Jesse Boiuso.
if ~~
Long Heards and the Gospel.
So long as I was left to pursne my own
quiet course, I felt no disposition to say any
thing pnblicly on the subject of this article.
But as sorao of my brethren, whoso good
opinion T value, are disposed kindly to cen
sure me publicly, I now whli to say a few
things in my defence.
I have never heard a Methodist minister
preach with a long heard on -and iu order
to avoid giving offence, or hurting any
brother’s feelings, I have purposely stayed
away from quarterly and other meetings—at
a great sacrifice of feeling to me.
I do most sincorely and rel'gionsly believe
that it is wrong for a minister of the gospel
ordinarily to wear a long board—first in a
Scriptural sense. When Joseph was sum
moned to npporr before an earthly monarch
(inspired by-the God of heaven to interpret
his dream,) lio made baste to shape himself
end change his clothes. Genesis lxi. 14.
How much more should we appear decent
beforo God in bis house.
Tho Mosaic law required of all Nazarenes
to let their beards grow (of course to dis
tinguish them from other men) until their
vows were fu’filled, and then after offering
their sacrifices to share. Nnmliersvi. 5-9-18
—> lii. 0, 7.
Sampson's mother was commanded not to
let a razor conic on his head —to denote his
beingaNiizflronof ,- om liis birth, Judges xiii.
5. But if other men did not shave bow
could tbis distinguish him?
But it is said they boil uo such instrument
in thoso days as razors. That may or may
not bo trm—bnt they did have something,
the name of which our translators rendered
razor.
That David’s men were directed to remain
at Jericho until their beards were grown—
proves only’ that they bad beard of which
they were proud. Perhaps if I was a young
man —anil thought as some do—l might lie
proud of a large black beard —bnt. never of
a tliin, dingy, sunburnt one.
It is.alleged by some, tint tho Saviour
wore bis' beard long. It may l>e so; I have
seen no authentic account of that fact. But
if ho did, it was to fulfill the law as a Naza
reuo, I presume, uml not to follow a worldly
fashion.
But the inspired Apostle Paul, ju I. Cor. xi:
11; says “ Doth not even nature itself teach
you—that if a man have long hair it is a
shame unto him ” —beard is hair, and being
long certainly looks worse on the face than
the head. Besides, St. Paul dirocts that
everything be done decently and iu order.
But ft minister, high in office, once adminis
tered the Lord’s Supper in one of tho most
refined towns in Georgia, and as ho had a
long beard and mustache, of necessity when
he took tho \rine, ho dipped his long mus
tache deeply iu the glass of wine. He then
rose from his kuees and presented tho same
glass of wine to the lady communicants of
that congregation. It seems to me contrary
to St. Paul’s direction.
But finally, the expression of u minister’s
face often gives a force and power to his
words, that they cannot have without it.
Bat if it is hid iu beard, all that much force
aud power are lost.
Believing firmly the above, I cannot bid
them God speed in this thing, and hence
my course. I may be wrong. If I could
soo I am, my iron will would yield at once,
and as pubb'ely as I w ish this.
J. N. Glenn.
P. S.—Since wiiting tho above Dr. L.
Pierce’s second manlier on female dress has
come to hand. I indorse it all and more—
am glad the old Doctor is employing some
of his latter days in this good work; and let
me add that I think all he says about chig
nons, long trails, etc., is true; and equally
applicable to long beards, anil as positively
forbidden by St. Paul.
Large anil Small Circuits.
In ISSS, Bro. D. and tlie writer traveled
a circuit embracing sixteen or seventeen ap
pointments which paid ns $74 each. In
1800, I traveled a circuit with fourteen ap
pointments, and received something over
S2OO. This, it will be seen, was before the
war and when there was no cause for the cry
of “hard times.” Iu 1803-04, I served a
charge embracing two appointments the
first year, and three tlie next. This charge
supported me better Ilian auy I have served,
and so far aa I am capable of judging, these
were the most successful years of my min
ist.y.
Will the advocates of large circuits please
tell us why it is, that onr small stations
generally support their preachers better
than our large circuits do ? » It is certainly
not because these stations are uniformly
more wealthy. Neither is it because onr
stationed preachers aro more talented or
pious than their brethren on large circnits.
Is it not because our stationed preachers
are pastors, while those on large circuits aro
not— cannot be?
Here, for instance, is Bro. C. on a circuit
with twelve or fifteen appointments—a mar
riage ceremony is to l»e solemnized, or Bro.
A. is ill, or a funeral sermon is to be
preached. Bro. C. is sent for, but he is on
the other extreme of his circuit and his ser
vices cannot be obtained. The result not
infrequently is, that a Presbyterian or Bap
tist minister is sent for. Do we lose noth
ing here ? Does not the performance of
these dnties open to this brother a door and
give him an influence which he would not
otherwise have obtained ?
Again, Bro. C. must fill at least half of his
appointments in the week, and does not
every body know that our people, with a few
exceptions, will not go to church in the
week ? Even our quarterly meetings are
very poorly attended on Saturdays. A few
faithful souls, who would be saved, perhaps,
if they were never to hear any more preach-
PUBLISHED BY J. W. BURKE & 00, FOR THE M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
MACON, GA., WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1871.
ing, compose the congregations week
day appointments. Bnt in these same neigh
borhoods other denominations have church
es—their pulpits are filled on Svnday and
the masses attend their ministry.
Once more, Bro. 0. gets round his circuit
only onee a month, and by the time he gets
pretty well acquainted with hinflock the
year is gone. The children having seen him
so seldom regarded him as a stranger and he
has had bnt little influence over them. The
brethren at Antioch refuse to pay their as
sessment, because they think they were as
much entitled to “Bunday preaching” as
Bethany. Others refuse to pay, because
they imagine the preacher has neglected
them. Thus matters stand at the close of
the year, and poor Bro. C. leaves his bigoir
ouit after a year of hard labor and anxiety,
with half pay. .
In all onr populous districts, let our Cir
cuits embrace from four to six appointments
—concentrate onr forces more—build neat
and commodious churches—let our itinerant
preachers be pastors as Well as preachers—
men of one work — 11 They have nothing* to
do but to save sou's.” Then reach
the masses—our ministry will be tletter sup
ported, and I verily believe all the interests
of the Church wifi receive a fTeslt imjietus
for good.
In our poor and sparcely settled sections
let missionaries be sent with an appropria
tion sufficient with what they may collect on
their works to afford them a support. lam
in favor of sustaining our_ missionaries
abroad, if it cau be done without sacrificing
our Lome missions. One-third of our own
Conference tirritory is lnissiouaiy ground,
aud uo funds—uo appropriations.
It is suicidal to scud a man with largo
family where wo know, or have every reason
to believe, ho will not got moro Ilian one
fourth of a hii(.port, aud require him to give
all his time to tlio work. To expect him to
teach school or cultivate a little farm to eke
out a support is precious little better. The
preacher, under such circninstances is em
barrassed, a check is put upon his useful
ness, and the people arc left to pursue a
course (that of letting their pifrqgJ>orß sup
port themselves) which they will to
abandou under more favorable auspices.
Welljom. Fla. 0. I*. M.
North Georgia Orphans’ Koine.
Iu th's day of bustle and progress may
it not lie feared that many sacred aud holy
dutios are neglected ? Aud can wo, as a peo
ple, expect to be embalmed with lioavenly
iuconse, or perfumed with incorruptible
aroma, wlelst wo rofuso to pay our solemn
vows? Love and truth may be said to act
with diligence ; its linrthens are light—and
ho that loves can inn, fly and qyvi-n rejoice
under tho heaviest burdens. I.ove, when
impressed with a sense of duty, will over
come every obstacle, whilst he who loves
not, faints aud yields to every obstruction.
When the heart is engaged—the. wi'l in
earnest—and tho purpose determin\l. every
imaginable difficulty is en
countered. If wo but resolve to Lear our
part in the labor and. expense of efevating
tho orphans of our departed bravcflljjvojvill
consecrate of the time and moans at our
disposal to the building of Homes for their
protection and guidance.
In memory, eannot overy true son' of the
South recur to the time, when l:is brave
comrade fell by bis side, and liis first
thoughts were for the bereft orphans of his
brave and intrepid comrade. How oft has
the honest heart of every true Southerner
beat with true pride, when hii valorous
deeds illustrated upon the field her noble
character? Aud yet, what uro yon now do
ing to redeem and elev ito the orphans of
your noble sons? Are you educating them
for futnro usefulness, or has self and the
cares of life oaused you to neglect this
solemn duty, which you in tho most solemn
manner vowod to perform?
I know that very many can truthfully
plead extreme poverty. Yet in providing for
your own household, have you evor thought
of the orphans of your brave heroes? And
if so, could you not oven provide a pair of
socks, shoes, or liat, for their biro feet or
heads?
If those bravo dead have falleu iu defense
of yonr lights, aud their heroic and intre
pid acts constitute the proud recollections
of the past to which you can point with
honest pride, how cau we hesitate to give
the richest aud most precious of on »• pro
ducts to the orphans of our gallaut braves?
The true happiness and deh'glit resulting
from a conscious knowledge of having scru
pulously and with exact fidelity, performed
onr duty to these orphans, is more precious
than rubies or fine gold. “ Let tho bubbles
float.” To continue to be is of more im
portance to us than to have beau. I appeal
then to every true Georgian to send some
thing of his moans to the Orphans’ Home,
located near Norcross, Georgia: corn,
wheat, meats, beds and bedding, clothing
of every desotiption, from wool hats and fly
bonnets to russet shoes. Yes, aeud them
along, by oxpreas or freight, and I am con
fident our noble roads and companies will
add the freights to yonr contributions. The
smiling faces and gladdened hearts of our
dearest trust, the orphan, will bless you.
Heaven will bless you, and your noble com
rade from his abode of bliss will approve
the noble deed.
Many, very many, good persons have re
lieved their consciences from the perform
ance of this high and solemn duty, by con
tributing to the relief of personal suffer
ings. ThiS'is only temporary and of doubt
ful utility. Idleness, vice, anil certainly
mendicancy may be thus promoted.
At Noreross is au Orphans’ Home, under
the superintendence of that well known
and good man, Dr. Thomas Boring, and his
estimable lady, and thoso two pure Chris
tian young ladies. Misses Crittenden and
Gilisou. There the orphan is mode to feel
at hone, and instructed in every duty nec
essary for future usefulness anil happiness.
Can I not then in confidence appeal to every
patriotic Christian heart in Georgia, to send
forward of your means until the Orphans’
Home at Norcross is made to “bud anil
blossom as the rose.” Brave Confederates—
true Georgians, and pure Christians, do yonr
duty, aud pay yonr solemn vows. Do it,
too, at once. Your material aid is greatly
needed now, iu developing tins Orphans'
Home.
Can so noble and compensating a duty
need urging ? To my old Confederate
comrades I will say: are you willing
for Yankee bullets to kill onr brave brothers
fired by mercenary and hired soldiery, and
then permit the orphans of the brave boys
with whom you have fought aud suffered in
heat and cold, storm and sunshine, to be
the slave to Yankee gold, because you failed
to do your duty to his orphans?
If the holy prophet Gad turned away the
wrath of God and sheathed the sword of
the destroying angel, by commanding Da-
vid to bnild an altar on the threshing
floor of the Jehnsite Orman, and offering
their holocausts, may we not by bnilding
this Orphans’ Home, do much to appease
the wrath of God and secure his approving
smiles? W. G.
Augusta, Oa, Stpt. 19th, 1871.
“Old and New.”
I believe Bros. J. H. Huff, Bev. W. C.
Richardson, and Rev. G. G. Smith, have
about exhausted argument, and I feel like I
want to exhort a little.
I passed through Spring Place about tbe
commencement of Bishop’s reign, and have
been there often, since order was restored.
I am personally acquaintedjwith yonr throe
correspondents. No circuit steward in Geor
gia has ever found an easier way to pay off
a preacher than Jimmy Huff, did, when I
was in charge of his circuit. “Just go to
the drawer, take out the money, and hand
it over. ” Billy Richardson has proved him
self a successful warrior, long ago when one
of John ’B disciples trod on his toes. You,
Mr. Editor, are as well acquainted with Bro.
G. G. S. as I am.
But to "facts" and not arguments.
Prior to 1844, all of Georgia west of Rome,
was embraced in tho Holston Conference.
The General Conference of 1811 extend
ed the boundary liuo to tbe State line.
I was one of tbe first Georgia preachers sent
to that section (1815, Stunmervil’o and La
fayette Circuits.) My circuit < mbraced all
the territory from John’s Mountain on the
East to Lookout Mountain on tho West, and
from the Alabama lino on tbe South to tho;
Tennessee lino on the North. Hero is a list
of my appointments viz. Ami, Lafayette,
SnmmerviHe, Kirby's, Price’s Academy,
Dirt Town, Mt. Hope, Cano Creek, Penn’s
Chapel, Zoar, Bird’s Chapel, Macedonia,
Broomtown, New Hope, Concord, Pleasant
Hill, Midway, Mt. Zion, Dogwood, Wood’s
Station, Ringgold, lied House, Cave, Rock
Spring, McCulloch’s, Salem, Chickanmuga,
Loagwocd, New Salem, llyan’s. Dry Valley.
Quite enough for four weeks, for me and my
supply, with a number of night appoint
ments thrown in, in destitute neighbor
hoods and extra afternoon appointments and
Toinperaneo lectures. Quarterage received,
#2B2 —twenty-seven dollars of which hail to
go for traveling expense in getting to the cir
cuit. I will say at this late day, a more clever
set of Methodist people, have never found.
Bro. Huff may put me in tho box w itli Bro.
R., not knowing wloch side I am on.
11. P. Pitch fokd.
Drawing Near.
“ Fur now is your mivisioii nearer than whi n i,e be
lieved."
Nearer! though we felt it not
’.Mid the lushing of the strife,
And we mourned our changing lot.
Toiled beneath our shadowed tile,
Hv eneli step our worn feet trod,
We were drawing near to Uod.
When the ilav was all withdrawn,
And we wulked in tenfold night;
When we panted for the day
(if the ever blessed Light;
in those hours of daikuess dim
We were drawing near to Him.
Wncn beneath tho sudden stroke
‘ i All our joys of life wejnt down ;
When onr best beloved broke
’ Earthly bonds to take llielr cron u,
liy the upward path they troil,
Nearer drew we to our God.
When upon our little eye
Gleamed a vision of onr home;
When we saw the glory high
Flooding all that spotless dome ;
In that hour of raptured sight
Pressed we nearer our delight.
Through the long and vanished years,
Doubling, struggling, anil depressed,
Shrouded with' their mist of tears,
We were passing to our rest;
Tempest-tossed and current-driven,
Ever drawing nearer heaven.
Reflections No. FI.
BY BISHOP M’TYEIKE.
The Lord's supper—How il is observed among
us—Gnuses\ofits Neglect—Fanny Religion—
Mow Home Altars are raised—Prayer-meet
ings— ’the question answered, How to re
cruit leaders? — What has become of the ex
horter — Love-feasts —Open doors and what
fol'ows —Atlmtion lo the law of their institu
tion— Where they are successful and where
The Lord’s Supper, as kept at our Dis
tiict Conferences, has been almost uniform
ly a season of great grace. I have taken oc
casion at these meetings either to preach,
or to havo preached, a sermon on the sub
ject, setting it forth not only as a privilege of
ull who profess and call themselves Chris
tians, but a duly ; anil not without manifest
benefit. It is "surprising, when you come
to inqnire into it closely, how many of our
people commune but seldom or not at all.
Instead of crowding to their places at the
feast and blessing the Founder’s name,
they begin to frame excuses for non-atten
dance. And how weak these excuses are!
One ‘ ‘ cannot conscientiously fellowship ”
somebody else, at the Lord’s table, thinking
that in communing be is called on to indorse
the conduct and character of every other
communicant. Another holds back, because
somebody else “ doesn’t like to fellowship ”
him. But the greater number of neglec
tors put it on tho ground of 1 nworthiness.
Vague terrors haunt them about oatiug and
drinking unworthily, and thus “ eating aud
drinking damnation ” to themselves. Truo,
Wesley in his sermon on “Theduty of Con
stant Communion,” has explained the words
of St. Paul (1 Cor. xb) to tho satisfaction of
a tender and intelligent conscience. Dr.
Clarke and other Commentators havo done
the same. But thero are Methodists who
never see nor read Methodist books. The
pulpit is ever in danger of supposing the
people to kuow more than tiiey do. A
brief exhortatioo, when tho minister exhibits
the elements, does not always covor the
ground. This eminent means of grace can
not be despised or neglected without the
soul suffering loss. “ For this cause, many
are weak and sickly among ns, and many
sleep.”
Our ministers arc not, in every case, clear
in this matter. About baptisjjk there is a
controversy, aud the pulpit and press ring
with it. But the other holy sacrament has
been comparatively retired out of view. The
past-ors of stations attend to its administra
tion with commendable frequency and reg
ularity. Some of the circuit pastors ar
range to give the communion at every ap
pointment once a quarter. Others, with n
rnoro numerous and scattered charge, man
age so that tho Lord’s table is spread at
least onoo a year in every, even the feeblest
and obscurest, society. But—shall I tell it?
—wo havo churches iu the country with
moss on the roof, that havo never had the
Lord’s supper celebrated in them. The
Presiding Elder cunuot hold a quarterly
meeting at overy appointment. “Como,”
said a steward to a Quarterly Conference,
“come, brethren, ilo hold the next mooting
at oar church anil let onr people have the
sacrament; wo haven’t had it there in ten
years.” The pastor whs an elder, aud there
were two local elders living within three and
five miles of that church! Wo have travel
ing and local elders of years’ standing who
never have celebrated the Lord’s supper,
beyond assisting in the distiibntion of the
elements, which a deacon cau do as well.
The Itomauists and High-ehnrch ritual
ists make too much of this sacrament. My
observation conviuces me that a great many
of our pastors and people make too little of
it. To develop a perfect Christian life we
mnst “proportion of faith”—
there must be sacraments as well as ser
mons. The Lord has ordained both for
the edification of his children and the sal
vation of the world. This is our definition
of the visible Church of Christ, (See Art.
xiii.,) “A congregation of faithful men, in
which the pure word of God is preached
and the sacraments duly administered.”
That the “pore word is I re
joice to believe. Bnt what of tho other and
material part of the definition? Aro the
sacraments duly administered? Let ns be
ware, under this loose practice, that we do
not forfeit onr charter, as.a true Church of
Christ The disclosures in onr District
Conferences, on tbis subject, and the prom
ises made and the “conversations” had,
will, I trust, lead to good results. May the
Presiding Elders, in their administration,
bear in mind the charges they have re
ceived in the presence of their brethren.
We mnst aim at this—That every member
in good standing shall be a regular com
municant Then will the Churoh have fairer
proportions and a fuller life.
The efforts made to promote family reli
gion are not nnsucoessfnl. The fathers tell
ns that family prayer was onoe the rale and
not the exception among Methodists. We
are trying to get np to that again. It isnot
an unnsnal part of a pastor’s report, on tbe
spiritual state of his charge, to tell how
many family altars he has set up. Many can
give a close estimate of the proportion of
their members who attend to this dnty, show
ing that in their pastoral viaitations they
have done their duty. Some of tho delin
quents have been brought to confession, and
covenants have been entered into for amend
ment Thrilling experiences have been given
of she experiences of the Home Alter—how
shame and habit and other difficulties were
overcome, and what blessings followed.
Brethren need to be tanght and encouraged
by each other. The beet time and tho best
methods of performing this dnty have been
talked over. In the District Conferences I
have attendod, and in those I read of, this
subject has had more or lees prominenoe. It
is a good omen. We shall by God’s help,
succeed. Let ns persevere.
Pastoral visitiDg is best discussed when
preachers and people are face to face. What
iis wanted and wliat is possible in this line
and the chief hindrances, are well brought
up, On the question, Wbat is a pastoral
visit ? a sarcastic layman gave this answer,
which he said was bis cx|>erience—lt is for
the preacher to call and get. his iliuner and
have his horse, fix!. Per contra, the preaoh
ers reminded the brethren of tilings unrea
son able and impracticable that were expected
of them. Mutually a better understanding
was reached, so that, and other points, such
as : Ought a minister to visit his members
where not specially invited ? Ought he to
visit those who hear him though not mem
bers ? Can he visit every member daring
the year on an average cirouit ? On tbis
last, a diligent and model pastor from Mis
souri showed, from his memorandum book,
that ho had made ofer six hundred pastoral
x isits in one year—and he counted not mere
“calls,” but oulysuch visits as were accom
panied with religious conversation and pray
er. Another, iu Tennessee, gave aH the
result of four month’s work in a thickly set
tled circuit of four appointments aud new to
him—nearly throe hundred such visits. Itin
erants may be pastors. It is still true, as
Baxter said, that a house-going minister
makes a church-going people. The remark
is credited to John Wesley that if an angel
hod chargo of the spiritual welfare of a con
gregation, he could not compass it without
going from house to house.
How to keep up the prayer-meetings ?
Much benefit may be expected from the in
terchange of views that nos taken place on
this snbjeot. It is the pastor’s duty, by the
Discipline, not merely to annonneo but to
hold prayer-meetings, nnd where ho cannot
attend, to engage the services of others as
leaders. The oxhorters of other days re-ap
pear in the country places but diminishing In
number. In whole Districts here and there,
not one is reported. The exhorter too soon
grows into the preacher or lapses back into
the silent meinbiff. We have endeavored to
call out this silent character.
How towemedy the paucity of public-pray
ing persons which, in some localities,makes
the prayer-meeting monotonous if not im
practicable, has called forth practical sug
gestions from all sides. “Work them in
eaily ; start them when warm in their first
love or melted in the revival”—has been
generally agreed on. Ouo layman, who had
long held the working oar in his Society,
told ns of a plan that tiroughtrelief. At the
close of a protracted meeting he rose and
spoke to bis neighbors on this wise : “ You
know how it has been. I have been left to
serve alone. Now, who will help me ? Give
me yonr hand awl yonr names right now.”
And a company gathered rronnd him whose
hearts God had touched. He said things
hod been better at his church ever since.
Young men’s prayer-meetings, by a largo
concurrent testimony, have been found suc
cessful in prepaiing, and bringb g forward,
laborers They meet to tliemselvee, anil
exeicinc Ilnur gifts together, and are mutu
ally nliti. il and emboldened to take up what
is cabl'd Hie cross more publicly. Excel
lent things arc spoken of the female prayer
meetings.
The love-feasts, held ou Sunday morn
ings, have been refresh iug. Our pi*oplo yet
have an experience anil they can tell it. If
anywhere this ancient means of grace has
lost its savor, (as in some places is ascer
tained to lie the ease,) we have insisted ou
a return, as the remedy, to the law of its ob
servance and institution. The agapas are
primitive, if uot apostolic, and continued
to be used in the Chnrcli until the fourth
century, when their abuses by gluttony and
riot caused them to be abolished. A com
mentator of authority with the evangelicals
of the Church of England, and a clergyman
of that Church, said in the eud of the lost
century : “ It was .this which brought tho
love-feasts into disrepute in the Church, and
was the mentis of their being at last laid
aside, [i>y the Council of Laodicea.)
Iu latter days tlu-y have been revived iu all
the polity aud simplicity of the primitive
institution among tho Moravians and the
people called Methodists This abuse is
never likely to take place among the Metho
dists, as they use only bread and water.”
(Scott on Jude, 12.)
But an unprecedented and unexpected
abuse has crept in, in “latter days.” The
worldly-minded, the unawakened, and even
scoffers, under relaxed administrations, are
admitted. These are indeed “ spots in your
feasts of charity.” A love-feast with open
doors, to which anybody anil everybody
may come who pleases, is a travesty, for
which Methodism is not responsible. The
attention of brethren under whom this loose
practice has obtained has been emphatically
called to the plain words of the Discipline.
Bold men aud practiced talkers may give
their experience and open their hearts and
tell the secret of the Lord that is with
them, before a curious, critical, unsympa
thetic crowd; but the tender and touching
testimonies of godly women, the trembling
utterances of the young convert, the con
fessions of the penitent are not for exhibi
tion iu such places.
Let us get back to the primitive and bet
ter practice. The testimony is that every
where under it love-feasts are still a power
and a delight. The fact is, our people have
suffered themselves to be browbeat in this
matter. The world and some of other com
nuiuions have taunted them about doing
things open and above board, and free meet
ings and liberality and sueh like stuff, until
some of them hardly dare to entor into their
closet and shut the door to pray in secret.
The Church is a family, and has a right, at
proper seasons, to be alone. It is there,
separated from the world, that it is eni r
gized to overcome the world. The voice of
the Master is still heard speaking to his
weary and tronkled disciples while the crowd
is surging around, “Come, ye yourselves,
apart into a desert (or retired) place, and
rest awhile.” Let Methodists remember
that they have uothiug to hope or to fear
from the world. It is by being crucified to
it and having it crucified to them, that they
have had any success or retain auy power.
Whatever respect or praise the world to-day
awards us has been oompelled. We owe
it nothing—but to operate uncompromis
ingly against it, with all the power of the
pnrest form of Christianity. Whenever
outsiders—friendly ontaidem—are allowi and
to shape our course and to dictate onr poli,
cy, the glory will have departed.— Nashville
Christian Advocate,
—No one loves to tell a tide of scandal
but to him who loves to bear it. Learn,
then, to rebuke and silenoe the detracting
tongue by refusing to hear. Never make
yonr ear the grave of another’s good name.
From the Noshvillo Christian Advocate.
T|*e New Monthly Magazine.
The bill of fare for October is very appe
tizing. Here it is :
Nothing But A Woman. By Allan Mel
ville, The Cephalopoda. Illustrated. The
Witoli. By 8. Adams Lee. Piociolo, or the
Prison-Flower. Selected. Rainy Days. By
Nettie Neale. Effects of Gold in Russia. Se
lected. To China and Back. By George
W. Gift. No. VI. Celebrities That I Have
Seen. By Mrs. Martin. Gossiping Sketches.
No. IX. Woman,s Position, As Tanght in
the Bible. The Altar, the Tabernacle, and
the Temple. By Prof. J. O. A. Clark. Part
11. The Mystery Pervading the Universe.
By Rev. W. F. Mister. The Aged Pair. By
Mrs. Mary Ware. Earthquakes and Volca
noes. Part I.—Earthquakes. Selected. Lit
tle Willie Braddon. By Mrs. Mary Ware.
Field-Flowers. Selected. Editor’s Round-
Table ; Tho Social Influence of Woman ;
The English Home ; Rights and Wrongs of
Woman ; How to Manage Them ; The Good
Time that is Coming ; Why not let Woman
Vote ? The Ministry of Music; The Old,
Old Story; Onr Subscription list; Let ns
Make One Moro Effort.
There is an item in the foregoing which
S'ves us pain and mortiftoation. After all
ie genius, talent, and labor bestowed upon
the Maqazine by the editor, and the hercu
lean efforts put forth by the Agent, the Maga
zine cannot be sustained. The apprehensions
expressed at the General Conference, by
those who did not favor the enterprise, have
been sadly realized. We bear witness to tlie
e imost and persevering efforts of Agent and
Editor to make it a success ; and we deeply
deplore tbe lack of interest in tho Connec
tion which preoluded their success. We
copy from tho Magazine, as follows :
THE OLD, OLD STORY.
The Editor takes his place at the * ‘ Round-
Table” with a heavy heart this month. In
the beginning of the year the prospects of
the New Monthly Magazine were very encour
aging. For four months the tide of sub
scriptions kept a swelling and rising, until
we fondly dreamed that tho flood would waft
ns into the haven of succoss. Alas! before
we reached the port tkero was a sudden
panse, and wo found ourselves in midsum
mer drifting away, ami losing sight of the
blessed shores of green foliage that promised
rest from the burden of anxiety and care.
Then sickness came, and the Editor was
compelled to cease from labor for a season ;
and when he returned, the prospects of the
Magazine were seriously darkened. The
▲gent had made a vigorous appeal for aid,
and had scattered through the mails thou
sands of circulars invoking tho patronage of
our friends. The answers to these appeals
eame back, in many cases, in words of cen
sure ; iu other instances, the circulars were
returned without a word pro or con. The
vast majority treated the subject with pro
found indifference.
In view of this state of things, the Editor
felt constrained to take the course indicated
in his eommunioation to the Book Commit
tee. We have no personal interest in the
New Monthly. If the Church does not need
it—if the Churoh does not want it—we can
not be induced to attempt to force the peri
odical upon a reluctant pnblie. The Editor
addressed the following communication to
the Book Committee:
“ To the Members of the Hook Committee :
“Dear Bhbthbfn : It is with very great
reluctance that I make Ibis communication
to yon.
“The General Conference of the Metho
dist Episcopal Church, South, at the session
in Memphis, iu May, 1870, ordered the pub
lication of a monthly magazine. The char
acter of the periodical was not farther de
fined than that it should be of high literary
grade. It was believed at that time that
such a periodical was needed by the mem
bers aud friends of our chnrcli. Having
been elected to tho post of Editor of the
Magazine, I entered upon my duties, and
the Publishing House issued the first num
ber early in January, 1871.
“I had reason to believe that the enter
prise would meet with the cordial support,
not only of those who ordered the publica
tion, but of those for wiiom the periodical
was designed. I regret to state that my ex
pectations have not been fu'filled. It is not
necossary to inquire into all the reasons why
this support has been withheld. The finan
cial pressure in many parts of the Southern
country during the past year will doubtless
account for the ftiluro of a large class of
persons to come to our aid ; but I cannot
avoid the conclusion that tho indifference
which has beou manifested by tire vast ma
jority of those who sustain our Cliuroh lit
erature is attributable to oue of two causes ;
there must exist dissatisfaction at tho man
ner in which I have conducted the periodi
cal, or else the General Conference erred in
supposing that there was a necessity for
snoh a publication. Iu cither case, my duty
in the premises is obvious.
“ I need not relrerse to you the difficulties
that have embarrassed mo in the manage
ment of the Magazine. I have personally
solicited aid from many writers who were
competent to afford it. To these solicitations
a few have responded ; but the many have
requested to he excused. Iu the straighten
ed circumstances of the Publishing House,
it was impossible to expend a sufficient
amount of money to command the best lit
eral y abilities of the country. I feel no hes
itation, however, iu affirming that many of
the contributions I have published have been
in all respects, equal to thoso of the standard
periodical press. But I have been painfully
conscious that tho Magazine, has uot attained
the high character and position which its
friends desired, and for which I was earn
estly laboring. You bavo been witnesses of
my offoila in this direction : and to you I
leave tho verdict which sha'l pronounce
upon my faithfulness in this regard.
“That I have not given universal satisfac
tion is a fact which neither disappoints nor
discourages ms, because I did uot at the
beginning, and do not now, bob eve that re
sult attainable. It is the lot of a’l editors to
displeaso and offend some of their readers.
To a few the Magazine lias been objectiona
ble, because I have admitted into its pages
that class of reading which is generally
termed ‘.light literature.’ By others, the
objection has been urged tlmt there was too
little fiction. So far ns my own taste is con
cerned, I need hardly say that a well-written
ossay upon an instructive theme is to me in
comparably more attractive than any work
of fiction. Consulting my own wishes, then,
I should have excluded everything that sa
vored of ‘light literature.’ But I did not
soconstrne my duties as an editor, and if for
this I am to be blamed I will patiently sub
mit.
“lam satisfied that a purely ecclesiastical
magazine cannot be sustained; to confine
the periodical to this channel, therefore, is
to doom it to certain failure. On tho other
hand, nothing lees than the enlistment of a
larger circle of patrons than we now have
can warrant its continuance. Iu the me
cbauical department, I think I can safely say
that the Publisher lias given no ground of
complaint. In typographical accuracy and
ueatnesa of appearance, the Magazine is
equal to any published in this country.
“It remains for me to glance at the pres
ent prospects of the publication. The Book
Agent has issued three thousand circulars
outthe connection for aid in increasing the
circulation of tho Magazine. I regret to state
that the few responses made to this appeal
are of sueh a character os to render the con
tinuance of the Magazine, in my judgment,
extremely hazardous. Unless the number
of subscribers is sufficiently increased to
make neoessary improvements in the Maga
zine, I feel convinced that the purpose of
those who originated the enterprise cannot
be accomplished. lam unwilling to take
the responsibility and to bear the blame of
bringing upon the fiuances of the Publish
ing House a heavy burden instead of a source
of profit. I see no way by which this evil
can te averted, unless it may be done by tho
emproyment of a general canvassing agent,
who shall be specially charged with the in
terests of the Magazine. To leave the en
terprise to voluntary aid, is to abandon it to
indifference and neglect.
“ When to all of these considerations I
add the statement of my precarious health,
which, hinder the burden of anxiety and
care, admonished me so forcibly during the
pastfsummer, I think you will not be sur
prised to learn that my decided preference,
E. H. MYERS, D D., EDITOR
WHOLE NUMBER 1871
as a sphere of labor, is the pastoral work. I
can only oonsent to ooonpy my present po
sition whilst I have a reasonable prospect
of rendering greater service to the Church
thereby. As I do not consider this end
likely to be attained, I feel compelled to ask
you to relieve me from the embarrassments
of my present office, and allow me to return
to the work of the ministry in my own Con
ference.
“I therefore respectfully tender you my
resignation as the Editor of the New Monthly
Maqazine.
“ lours in the bonds of Christian love,
“ W. P. Harrison.
“ Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 9, 1871.
To this communication the Book Com
mittee, through its Chairman, Dr. A. L. P.
Gieen, returned the subjoined reply:
"Rev. Wm. P. Harrison, D. I).: Do#r
Brother: The communication whioh you
laid before the Book Committee of the Pub
lishing Honse of the M. E. Churoh, South,
containing yonr tender of resignation ns
Editor of the New Monthly Magazine, t
getber with the facts and reasons which
have led yon to take this Btop, has been duly
considered by ns; and, in accepting of yonr
resignation, we think it dne to you, and the
Church that we mutually love and serve,
that we should oommunicato to yon the facts
and circumstances that have ledms to this
action.
“ We will begin by saying that the origin,
history, and present condition of the New
Monthly Magazine aro fairly and troly set
forth in yonr oommunioation; and you
judge correctly when you say that the Gen
eral Conference was mistaken with respect
to tho wants of the Ohnroh when they es
tablished the New Monthly Magazine. This
is evident from the faot that there aro whole
Conferences in whioh there are but few
numbers taken, so that it cannot be that
tho Magazine failed because its character
was not such as to meet tho wants of tho
Church, for it was ignored without being
seon or read. Neither does its want of suc
cess grow out of the fact that it is not such
a publication as the General Conference
provided for, for it certainly is a periodical
of high grade. Men of extensive reading
and ripe scholarship in Europe have de
clared in tho publio prints, that it is tho
most pnro and elevated publication of tho
kind ever laid upon their tables; so that tho
General Conference made no mistake in the
selection of F Vtor; neither bos the Editor
failed in meetsg the most sanguine expec
tations of his iriends; and we take pleasure
in saying to you, Doctor, that wo believe
all that brain and muscle, and an ardent de
siro to please could do, lias been done by
yourself; so that tho failure of the publica
tion to sustain itself is in no degree owing
to a want of ability or devotion on your
part.
“ It is the opinion of the Committee that
the character and style of a religious month
ly periodical designed for ladies, that will
sustain itself, is yet to be discovered; and
as the Publishing House is not in a condi
tion to publish a monthly magazine at a
heavy loss, we have advised the Agent, at
the end of the present volnme of the New
Monthly Magazine, to discontinue it; so that
you will understand that we have no idea of
an attempt to fill the vacancy occasioned by
your resignation. Tho Agent has already
done all he eonld to increase the patronage
of the Magazine, without success. There is
an unaccountable, unconquerable, death
like indifference on the port of the Church
with regard to tho New Monthly Magazine,'
which completely stultifies all efforts for its
support. The leading ministers of the
Church will not write for it; the preachers
do not seem inclined to act as agents, and
the membership will not subscribe for it; so
that we think we are acting according to the
developments of the mind of the Church
by discontinuing this publication.
“ It is sad to think that we will soon hpv«>
to part with yon—that wo will miss you
from yonr sanctum and our pulpits, and oor
cirole of friends at the Publishing House.
“ You will oarry with you our best wishes
anil prayers that your failing health may be
restored, and that you may long live to bless
the Chuich, and advance the cause of God
among men.
“We are, dear sir, yours truly, in tlio
best of bonds. A. L. P. Green.
“ Chairman of Book Committee.
“ Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 12tli, 1871.”
LET US MAKE ONE MOKE EF^Jfo.
We are unwilling to givo up the New
Monthly until wo have made ono more ap
peal to its friends. Ladies, we appeal to
you. We have on onr books three thousand
five hundred names—if each one of these
will renew, and obtain one more subscriber
each, tho Magazine is safe. Is this asking
too much? Will not our fair friends come
to onr rescue? Now, reader, lay down tho
Magazine., and think a moment. Have von
no lady friend that ought to take the 1 'New
Monthly ? Can you not persuade her lo do
so? Will you not try ? Mako tho effort, and
let us hear from yon. Unless you respond
promptly to this call we will be compelled
to discontinue with the Decombor number.
It will be mortifying to us if we are forced
to take that step. If you value the ;labors
of the Editor—if you desire to seo llio
Magazine continued, show us your faith by
your works, Ono month will decide the
question.
If the responses to this appeal aro not,
sufficient to justify the continuance of the
Magazine, the money will lie promptly re
funded. Send 1(5 to A, U. Bedford, Agent,
Nashville, Tenn., and you shall have two
copies of the New Monthly for 1872.— New
Monthly Magazine.
The Wealth of Age.
Godly age is beautiful, because of its
wealth of experience. A Christian course of
forty, fifty, or sixty years, is a grand volume
of history, adorned with admirable illustra
tions of divine grace. What joys have
thrilled, what sorrows havo saddened, wliat
battles have been lost and won, in that aged
heart I What a testimony bo can give of the
power of grace to sustain, of the truth of
the promises of God, of the changeless love
and tenderness of the Brother and Friend
Divine ! It is delightful to sit at tlie feet of
snch n patriarch, and draw from him the
story of a consecrated life. If yon visit the
far-famed hospital of Greenwich or Chelsea,
yon Boonre the companionship of some war
worn, scarred and battered veterans, win*
can tell yon moving stories of flood or field.
The hoary hairs of the aged Christian cover
tho head of a veteran whose campaigns have
taken place on liettor anil more instructive
fields. As you listen to his record of the
doings of the Captain of his salvation, of
victories gained m moral battle-fields, of
valorous deeds done and suffering nobly
borne by godly comrades who have fallen by
his side, you fool that the grace of God in
vests old age with peculiar interest, and
flings a beauty around hoary hairs. Let tho
young man listen to the voice of age, and
take heed to the counsels of venerable piety.
“ Days should speak, and multitude of years
should teach wisdom ; ” aud so they will if
the days and years have been seasons of lov
ing servioe to their Saviour, times of refresh
ing from the presence of the Lord.—/. Jack
son Wray.
Idea of Death.—That death ami sleep
aro very much alike, the sages all tell ns,
but see how attractively Leigh Hunt de
scribes the latter. “Itis a delicious moment
certainly, that of being wc'l nestled in bed,
and feeling that yon will drop gently to
sleep. Tlie good is to come—not past; the
limbs have been just tired enough to render
the remaining in one position delightful ;
tho labor of the day is done. A gentle fail
ure of tho perceptions oome creeping over
one ; the spirit of consciousness disengages
itself more and more with slow aud bustling
degrees, like a mother detaching her hand
from that of her sleoping child ; the mipd
seems to have a balmy lid dosing over it,
like tho eye ; ’tis closing—’tis closed. Tim
mysterious spirit has gone to take its
rounds ”
Hint to Pskaohbbs. —A heated iron
though blunt will pierce its way, even where
a sharper instrument if cold cannot pene
trate. " _
If you would not fall into sin, do not sit
by the door of temptation.
Botes fas to be o melancholy saint than
to be a mad sinner.