Newspaper Page Text
THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.
VOL. XXXIV. NO. 52.
South Georgia Conference.
OMISSIONS FROM IST DAY'S PROCEEDINGS, PUB
LISHED LAST WEEK.
Bishop Wightman stated that Arminius
Wright hod been transferred to this Con
ference, and that It. L. Wiggins would re
ceive work in it -to be transferred at com
ing session of the Florida Conference.
There was a large representation of the
lay-delegates present, but as their names
are not given in the Secretary's rough min
utes, which fell into the editor’s hands, he
cannot give them here. Many or most of
them will be found on Committees.
There were also present during the Con
ference several members of the Alabama
Conference and some from North Georgia,
as also pastors of churches of other denom
inations in Columbus.
Second Day, Thursday, Dec. 14th.
Conference opened with religions service
by J. E. Evans.
Ques. IS. Who are the superannuated
preachers was taken up, and C. A. Moore,
Wyatt Brooks, .1. B. Wardlaw, J. H. Bob
inson, 1). Blalock, J. B. Owen, H. P. Pitch
ford, W. W. Griffin, T. C. Coleman, F. B.
Ellis, Y. F. Tiguor, J. Dunwody, E. H.
Luckey, and P. Crenshaw, were passed and
continued in same relation. W. B. McHan,
C. It afford and H. .T. Childs, were passed
and transferred to effective list. John S.
Ford was annouucedas having been railed
to his Toward
The following preachers were admitted
on trial: Itobert M. Lockwood, George C.
Thompson, Willian J. Green, John W T . Do
mingos, .T. Fletcher Mixon, and Bnrrel S.
Key.
The following were continued on trial:
A. A. Robinson, B. L. Iloniker, E. D.
Gentry, H. N. Tucker, W. A. Green, J. B.
Culpepper, ,T. W. Glenn. 1. C. Rabun, was
discontinued at his own request. E. J.
Burch, (elected deacon) J. S. Jordon, W.
G. Booth, were passed and admitted into
full connection. J. K. Armstrong and J,
Skipper, were passed and discontinued at
their own request. W. M. C. Conley and
J. G. Pope, were passed and eontinned in
class of 4th year. J. M. Potter was passed
to be ordained elder.
When the class for admission into full
connection was called to answer the usnal
questions, Bishop Wightman made an im
pressive address which was felt throughout
the congregation. He spoke of their sur
render of choice of work, of their conform
ity to the itinerant system and lauded it as
the glory of Methodism and the ground of
its success. lie said: “You must cultivate
the spirit of old Methodism, and preach
the best you can. You must get to tho roots
of things if you would make a fresh and
vigorous speaker. Study books, especially
the Bible, and men; you must know hu
manity to make your preaching suitable to
tho salvation of men. You must have direct
connection botween your soul and the
Christ who redeemed it, or your preaching
will be but sounding brass and tinkling
cymbal. When yon have the power of pray
er you have the power of faith.”
Reports of Visiting Committees of Col
-1 ins worth Institute, Emory College and Re
vert College, were referred to Committee
on Education.
J. J. Jones was edited to the Committee
on Memoirs.
On Memorial from quartetly conference
of Magnolia circuit, the credentials of A.
H. Ogletree wore restored.
J. O. A. Clarke was placed on Standing
Committee on Education, rice, ,T. S. Key
resigned. Adjourned.
Third Day, Friday, December 15th.
Conference opened with religions service
by J. M. Austin.
Tho following local preachers were elected
deacons:
R. M. Lockwood, John T. McLaughlin,
Wm. M. Clemons, J. S. Ashmore.
The following local preachers were elected
elders:
R. Cain, S. E. Bassett, I. L. Avant,
C. B. Anderson, Y. E. Mauget, ,T. F. Mixon.
Rev. J. A. Rosser, of Va., by invitation
of the Bishop made a brief appeal in behalf
of the Methodist church of Washington
City, calling upon members of the Confer
ence to aid in relieving that church from
the heavy incumbrance which now hangs
upon it. The Bishop coincided with Mr.
Rosser in this appeal, and added his testi
mony to the meritorious nature of such ben
eficence. The appeal was also favored by
J. S. Key and Dr. E. H. Myers, the latter
of whom submitted tho following resolution
which was adopted:
Resolml, That we have heard with interest and
sympathy the representation made by Dr. Kosser
and Bishop Wigktman, of the condition of tho
Washington City church, and in the efforts of tho
members of that church to release it from debt,
and that brother J. B. McGehee be requested to
act with Dr Kosser lu canvassing the Conference
and community for collections for said church.
J. J. Jones and T. M. Fnrlow were elect
ed to fill vacancies in the Board of Educa
tion.
Thomasville was selected as the place of
holding the next Conference.
Report of Visiting Committee of Andrew
Female College was referred to Committee
on Education.
J. B. Wardlaw was transferred from Su
perannuated to efleotive list.
John W. Talley was transferred from ef
fective to Superannuated list.
Rev. W. A. Barks, the American Bible
Society’s Agent for Georgia and Florida
addressed the Conference on Bible interests.
He said that owing to financial pressure lit
tle had been accomplished by the Society
he represented in the bounds of the South
Georgia Conference dnring the past year,
but assisted by W. F. Cook, Sunday School
Agent for North Georgia Conference, he
hoped to canvass Southern Georgia and
Florida this winter and pnt tho Society’s
machinery in motion. In North and Mid
dle Georgia he was doing better. He esti
mated that from 1000 to 3000 families were
visited monthly, and fifty Sunday Schools
were supplied gratuitously. About 12 col
porteurs were employed in visiting the coun
ties. Not more than one-half the families
in the rural districts are ever visited by
pastors, and hence the necessity for an active
colporteur in every county. In cases where
families are too poor to purchase the Bible
it is given away. Mr. Parks thought that
ministers should act as colporteurs in sparse
ly settled neighborhoods ; thus they might
be instrumental in doing much good In
some portions of the State, tho Society is
supplying engineers, conductors, and emi
grants with Bibles, some of the latter reach
ing the far West and supplying a great need.
During the past fonr months he had col
lected more money for the distribution of
the Bible than for any similar period of his
agency. In recapitulating, ho said that
12,000,000 Bibles in all tongues had been dis
tributed among heathen nations. No book
had been multiplied so rapidly—at least
three being turned out each minute. No
nation now presented any bar to its free in
gress—not even Italy. In such a cause he
delighted to labor, and could well afford to
travel 1800 miles per month and make 15 or
20 Bible addresses. He urged traveling
preachers to co-operate with him in so good
a work.
Rev. Dr. Haygood, Sunday School Secre
tary, was invited to address the Conference.
He said that in this enlightened day it was
hardly necessary for him to say a word in
behalf of Sunday Schools. He returned
thanks to members of the South Georgia
Conference for their co-operation and sym
pathy. He had gone into this work with
mauy misgivings and owed whatever of en
couragement and success he had met with
to tho goodness of God and the partiality
of his brethren. His special appeal was in
behalf of the Sunday School Periodicals,
which his appointment had bronght under
his immediate supervision. The Sunday
School Magazine at present has 12,000 sub
scribers—it should have 50,000. The Sun
day School Visitor, published monthly,
semi-monthly and weekly has an aggregate
circulation of GO, OOO. The “ Little People ”
for infant classes has a circulation of 43,000.
The “ Lesson Papers ’’ are used by 145,000
children. He estimated the Southern Meth
odist church in round numbers at 600,000
members, and the Sunday children at 300,-
000, one-half of whom have gone into win
ter quarters for the want of suitable churches
and school houses. Tho Northern Metho
dist church numbered 1,300,000, with a
Sunday School scholar for every member,
while the South only had hall a scholar for
every member. When the territory is con
sidered our number of churoh members
compares well with the Northern church,
but the comparison fails in-Sunday schools.
In Northern Georgia the Methodisftlharoh
has 42,000 members—7,ooo on stations and
35,000 on circuits—showing plainly the
great body of oar children are scattered
through the rural districts. He showed that
these were kept from Sunday School be
cause of the lack of suitable houses for their
convenience. He urged ministers to nse
their influence to supply this great want.
The publishing house had sold 50,000 copies
of the new singing book called the “Ama
ranth.” It had not done much the past
year iu adding to its list of reading books,
but hoped to improve in this respect the
coming year. He concluded with a scath
ing rebuke of union Sanday Schools, and
urged upon Methodists to instruct their
children in their own tenets, and thus abide
by the laws of their Church.
His capital addrees was received with
great favor, and will doubtless result in in
creased interest in his work.
The Anniversary or the Sunday School
Society was held at night. The spacious
church (St. Luke's,) was crowded to its ut
most capacity. Tho Sanday School chil
dren of tho city occupying no small portion,
mostly in tho eyo of the speakers. After
religions service and the report from the
Society, by A. Wright, had been read,
A. M. Wynn, the President, bronght for
ward Dr. Hicks, who for an hour or more
kept the audience intent on listening to
one of his immitablo children’* speeches.
Dr. naygood followed him with a brief but
admirable address. An old song, done
into the Indian language and song by Dr.
McFerrin, was sandwiched in between the
two addresses, in a way highly pleasing to
the little folks, while the older “ smiled
audibly ” at the witty sayings of the “ inde
scribable ” doctor. The occasion will never
be forgotten by many who were present.
Fourth Day —Saturday, December 16.
Conference opened with religions services
by G. G. N. MacDonell.
Tho Board of Education reported through
the chairman, A. Wright, favorable to all
the colleges in the Conference. They moved
that the Conference be assessed 31800, di
vided among the Distriots. Dr. Myers
moved that the amount should be made 3900
and distributed in the same ratio. Last year
tho assessment was 31000, and only 3320
wore collected. The Conference liad edu
cated lour young men; had none now at
college, but had several applications. The
amendment was accepted and the report
adopted.
The reports on the Southern Christian Ad
vocate were read by J. O. Branch. The com
mittee highly praise the paper, which is the
organ of the North and South Georgia,
Florida and S. C. Conferences.
The committee in their report approve
the recommendation of the Fnbliahing Com
mittee reducing the price of the Southern
Christian Advocate to §2 per annum, and SI
for preachers. At these prices it will take
§IO,OOO subscribers for the paper to pay ex
ponces. At present, the list represents only
7,000 names. Surely the organ of four
Conferences ought to have more.
[These reports will be found among the
“Documents ” of the Conference, published
elsewhere.]
Dr. Myers, in response to the resolution
commendatory of his services as Editor of the
Southern Christian Advocate, returned heart
felt thanks for the kind utterances of his
brethren, deeming them a large reward for
duty done, and invoked a continuance of
confidence and sympathy in his new rela
tion to them.
Dr. J. E. Evans was elected a member of
the Publishing Committee.
Rev. G. G. N, MacDonell and Gen. N. D.
Guerry resigned their places as members of
the Board of Trustees of the Orphans’ Home
and Revs. W. W. Hicks and H. Fielder were
elected.
Dr. Hicks, chairman, offered report of
Oommittee on Books and Periodicals, which
was adopted. It will be found elsewhere.
Dr. Haygood stated that if Southern
Methodists would send half the money to
Nashville that they did to Philadelphia, they
would be enabled to issue, at the very lowest
price, all the publications they may need.
Dr. McFerrin addressed the Conference,
respecting missionary matters, and made a
special appeal in behalf of the old debt. As
tho result of his appeal, in a brief time the
§I6OO now called for from the South Georgia
Conference was subscribed. Dr. Pierce sub
scribed §50 —but a few friends paid that—
and when the last §2O was subscribed, by
one who had been pressing the payment of
the debt, and had thought that this body had
done its part long since, Dr. McFerrin as
sured the Conference, that it should never
again hear of the debt—he would be ready
to “choke off” any man who did it. At
the conclusion of this episode the Mission
ary Secretary,most feelingly returned thanks
to the Conference for its generosity.
J. W. Burke was appointed local Treas
urer to receive moneys for this debt.
E. H. McGehee and H. Fielder were placed
on Mission Board to fill vacancy occasioned
by resignation of Geo. G. N. MacDonell and
General Guerry.
J. O. A. Clark submitted Report of Bible
Committee, which was adopted. [Published
elsewhere.]
C. Baiford was placed on superannuated
list.
W. C. Conley was made supernumerary.
A. C. Davidson, transferred from North
Georgia Conference, was discontinued at his
own request.
The following was adopted :
Resolved, That a Committee consisting of N. B.
Ousley, B. F. Breedlove, ,J. R. LitUeiohn.G. 8.
Johnson, Wm. M. Hays, H. P. Myers, E. J. Burch,
be appointed to inquire and report to this Con
ference upon the condition of Church buildings
within the limits of the South Georgia Conference,
showing how many are celled or plastered or fur
nished with stoves, and In a condition to be com
fortable during the winter.
The Leoal Conference sat. F,. H. Myers,
President, in the chair.
The Treasurer read lii3 report. It showed
stock in railroad, shares, dividends and sales
of lots during the year, 32,724.34, for the
year, nnd a balance on hand of 3124.27.
He also stated the Conference would have
to sue some parties who had occupied lots
belonging to the Conference in Southwest
Georgia.
Revs. B. W. Lovett and J. O. Branch
were appointed to andit reports.
The Treasurer for the fund of Special Re
lief reported the capital stock at 33,251.41
and the appropriations for year 3150. Col
lection was taken up for the benefit of this
Society.
The Treasurer, Kev. J. O. A. Cook,of the
Preacher’s Aid Society, reported a capital of
32,300 81, various beneficiaries, and 3170
cash on hand.
All these reports uere adopted.
LeVert Female College was aooepted as
the property of the Conference, all the con
ditions having been complied with—that is,
the parties owning the property to pay 3500
of debt and deliver it to the body unincum
bered. The following laymen were added
to the Board of Trustees: K. H. Worrell,
T. A. Brown, J. M. Matthews, K. H. Leon
ard, W. W. C. Monro, T. J. Watte, W. W.
Owen.
Dr. Myers declining a re-election for Pres
ident, Dr. Jos. S. Key was elected President;
Bev. J. Blakely Smith, Secretary ; Rev. T.
T. Christian, Treasurer. Adjourned snbject
to the call of the President.
The Missionary Anniversary was held at
night. A large audience was present. The
Treasurer reported the collections for the
year to be 36,010 70. The assessment had
been 310,000. The Missionaries could get
only 55 per cent, of their allowance. The
Parent Society receives 40 per cent, of all
collections. The Secrotary, J. W. Hinton,
read his annual report. It was an excellent
paper, making capital suggestions, and will
be published.
Dr. Haygood then mode an appeal for
missions, showing it was the imperative
duty of Christians to support them, and
without a missionary spirit a church loses
its vitality and dies. He gave many general
statistics. Methodists in the South do not
give 15 cents each to the cause of missions.
Dr. McFerrin then delivered one of his
inimitable, indescribable and irresistable
addresses—sometimes amusing, again ten
der and touching—and moving aud carry
ing his hearers with him. ne thought the
600,000 Southern Methodists should give
3300,000 annually, and said they would if
the Presiding F.lders and preachers would
educate them rightly.
Then a hat collection was taken- the
amount to be stated hereafter.
The Sun'ilay services were eminently
pleasant and refreshing. A beautiful day
allowed all the city to he out. Our own
pulpits aud those of the Baptist and Presby
terian churches were ocettpied by apjtoin
tees of the Conference. Everywhere we
heard expressions of gratification for the
impressivo aud unctions discourses. Bishop
Wightman preached “Jesus Christ and
Him crucified,” with the clearness, zeal and
force of a true disciple of Paul and servant
of Christ. Dr. McFerrin reached the
heart and drew tears and murmured shouts
from his audience. Dr. Tierce commemo
rated the dead, Ford and Bonnell, and gave
his hearers cause to rejoice in the life aud
immortality brought to light iu the Gospel.
Bat we can go no further. We worship
ped at St. Luke’s, where these preached;
and can only say that a rich Gospel feast
was spread iu many jeluirohes that! day in
Columbus.
Fifth Day—Monday December 18th.
Conference was opened with prayer by
Dr. Myers.
The Bishop reported that he had, on
Sunday, ordained,
Deacons— EJ, J. Burch, Robt. M. Lock
wood, Zoo. T. McLaughlin, Robt. Leslie,
and Jno. T. Whitaker.
Eldf.rs —Jno. M. Potter, Henry J. Ellis,
Richard Cain, Stephen E. Bassett, Isaiah
L. Avant, Victor E. Manget, J. Fletcher
Mixon, Andrew P. Payne, Wm. T. Rea.
The statistical report was read, and it
gives the following exhibit: Total member
ship, 2-1,326, increase, 1,179; local preaohers
213, decrease 3; total Conference collections
§6,198, increase §1,321; infants baptised
719, decrease 76; adults baptised 1,724, in
crease 241; Sunday-schools 276, decrease
17; officers and teachers 1,742, decrease
174; pnpils 11,658, decrease 1,286; requi
sites 17,071, decease 762; volumes 14,402,
decrease 2,895; church periodicals 4,422, in
crease 825; number of churches 388, de
crease 8; value §403,550, increase §4,405;
church sittings 94,405, decrease 1,907; value
churches 862,650, increase 6,440; other
church property §127,510, increase §5,260;
amount for building last year §39,612 10,
increase §3,460 90; paid pastors §60,653 53,
increase, §5,710 15; paid presiding elders
§8,962 34, increase §607 17; paid Bishops
$1,569 OS, increase $547 08; contributions
by Sunday-schools in charge $3,343 69, in
crease $434 16; Snnday-schools to Confer
ence $436 00, increase $l3B 90; contribu
tions to other church purposes $11,148 59,
increase s4ll 09.
A discussion arose, because of a disparity
between the aggregates thus obtained of
members, etc., when it is known that the
revivals of the past year have brought in a
very large inorease. It was attributed in
part to emigration—in part to carelessness.
It was recommended that every preaoher
transcribe the name3 of all his members,
into the “ Preacher’s Pocket Diary,” oarry
it with him and enter every loss or addition,
as it occnrs. Then he will be always ready
to report.
Dr. Hicks offered the following which
was adopted:
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of every
preacher to ascertain, as far as possible, the de
sired or intended destination of removing mem
bers, and immediately notify the preacher In
charge of such place of destination of such re
moval to his charge.
The Joint Finance Committee reported
the total amount collected daring the year,
including the §525 73 of donations, and
§ll3 85 railroad dividends, at §5,031 08.
A balance of §67 50 and a bond for SIOO
were turned over to Preacher’s Aid Society;
collected for Bishop’s §1,602 38.
Rev. G. G. N. MacDonell, Treasurer of
the Missionary Board, reported a total of
PUBLISHED BY J. W. BURKE & CO., FOR THE M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
MACON, GA., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1871.
36,198 15, Including 3187 45 collected Sat
urday night. It was announced tne Mis
sionaries would be paid 357 75 cents on the
dollar.
The Bishop and Treasurer urged a system
of systematic collection, especially in Sun
day-schools. Thus of the amount reported,
31,000 had been collected by Sunday-schools,
Some 3700 by those in Savannah. The Bishop
spoke eloquently regarding a model school
in Baltimore.
Dr. Evans, President of the Missionary
Society, offered a resolution requesting the
Bishop to appoint as follows:
Resolved, That the Bishop be requested to ap
point Dr. L. Pierce as Missionary Agent for the
next year; and recognizing as ws do nis pre-emi
nent worth, faithfulness and great efficiency as a
father in the cbnrch, and belonging, as we feel he
does, to the whole Church, especially to the
Church In Georgia, we do hereby declare It to bo
the sense of this Conference that the amount and
kind of labor be may perform as to time and
place, be left entirely to his own discretion.
Dr. Evans reported on the Orphans’
Home. Bev. S. Anthony, the agent, re
ported he had secured 321,600 —1,350 in
cash, 32,100 due January Ist, 318,150 of
good subscriptions due annually for ten
years. The Board of Trustees offered in
substance the following! resolutions, which
were adopted:
That the Board regard the establishment
of an Orphans’ Home as desirable during
the ensuing year.
That the chairman advertise for locations
for the location of the Home.
That the agent advertise for contributions
for an outfit for the Home, to be sent to a
committee consisting of Revs, J. W. Hinton,
W. W. Hicks and H. L. Jewett, at Macon.
That the agent press the collections of
subscriptions due, and secure as many
others as he can, by February 14th.
That the Board meet in Macon on Feb.
14th, to consider the location of the Home,
and ita immediate organization and estab
lishment.
That Bovs. J. S. Key, W. W. Hicks, H.
L. Jewett, bo appointed a committee to se
oure a charter for the Home and by-laws for
the government.
That the Bishop be requested to re-ap
point Bev. 3, Anthony as agent for the
Home.
Dr. Hioks offered the following:
Resolved, That the Board of Trustees of the
Orphans’ Home be authorized and empowered to
adopt a location at dlacretion.
Adopted.
Dr. Boring addressed the Conference
some time on the duty and obligation of
Christians to support orphans, and the sue
oess of the Home under the care of the
North Georgia Conference.
The following Visiting Committees were
appointed:
Emory College —W W Hicks,’ F A Branch,
J. W. Hinton, H S Wimberley.
Wesleyan Female College— G G N MacDon
ell, E J Corley, John W Simmons, J A Ur
qahart.
Andrew Female College—3 Blakely Smith,
E A H McGehee, Jas M Austin.
Le Vert Female College —Jos S Key, W F
Robison, Geo Johnson..
Collinsworth JhsUltile—\ Wright, S S
Sweet, Robt W Dixon.
Adopted.
The Joint Board of Finance was consti
tuted as follows:
Chas R Jewett, N B Ousley, W Knox, J
O Branch, B F Breedlove, D MoWilliams,
JJ Morgan; W H Hollinshead, A H Flew
ellen, R H Hardaway, C D Rogers, A Curry,
H L Jewett, A C Flewellen.
The Committee on Memoirs nunounced
readiness to report.
The hymn, “ Lot us join our friends
above,” was sung. ltsv. S. Anthony ottered
prayer.
The following mem >irs wore read by the
following gentlemen:
On Rev. Johu Mitchell Bunnell, D.D.,
by Rev. R. B. Lester.
On Rev. Johu 8. Ford, read by RiV. R.
W. Dixon.
Ou Joseph H. Hines, a lay delegate, by
Hon. J. J. Jones.
The folio ving was adopted :
Tho lives of those who are connected
with us in the propagation of the Gospel
of tin S>a of God, are precions in our
sight, and their death should be held “in
everlasting remembrance.” From tine to
time they pass away; the Master calls His
laborers to their reward; and too often they
leave no other record but that of tho time
of their admission into the Conference, and
the names of the several fields they occu
pied. It is desirable to have more, so that
those whom they leave behind, as also
those who come after them, may have some
insight into the inner life of those dear de
parted ones; some treasured remembrance
of their conflicts and trinmphs; their joys
and sorrows; so that, also, committees on
memoirs may, in making up their reports,
have access to the facts of their ,history, as
set forth and verified by themselves. Be it,
therefore,
Resolved , That each member of the South Geor
gia Conference be requested to write oat, at some
convenient time during the ensuing Conference
year, a brief sketch of his life; of his conversion
to God; his call to the ministry; his subsequent
labors; the hardships he mty have encountered;
the difficulties he may have overcome; the suc
cesses which may have attended his labors, to
gether with other circumstances which he may
deem Interesting and important, and present It to
the Secretary of the next Annual Conference, to
be filed among the papers of the Conference for
future reference.
Resolved, That the request contained In the
above resolution shall be considered as a standing
request of this Conference, in respect of all who
may hereafter be admitted.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Dr. J. E. Evans in the Chair; opened with
prayer by J. W. Talley.
The report on the condition of Church
Buildings was, after discussion, recommit
ted, with instructions to report sally next
year,
Resolved, That the examining committees, the
applicants for admission on trial, together with
the nndergradnates of the South Georgia Confer
ence, be required to meet at the place of holding
the session of the Conference in time to begin the
examinations on Tuesday at 9 o’clock a. m., next
preceding the meeting of the Conference.
Resolved, Thnt any member of either committee,
or any applicant for admission on trial, or any un
dergraduate falling to meet at the appointed time
or place, shall, if a member of either committee,
be removed, or if an applicant or an undergradu
ate, forfeit the privilege of going before the com
mittee for examination at that session; provided,
in either instance, a providential hindrance shall
be received as a valid exense.
The first Fridays in May and September
were adopted as days of fasting and prayer.
NIOHT SESSION.
Conference opened with religious service
by Dr. J. L. Cotton, of the Alabama Con
ference.
W. B. McHau, at his own request, was
superannuated.
A vote of thanks to the hospitable citi
zens of Colnmbus for their kindness to tho
pastors of the evangelical churches for their
courtesy, to the railroads for commutation
of fare, and to the reporters and publish
ers of daily papers for their accurate re
ports and free papers, were nnanimonsly
adopted.
The matter of publishing the minutes
was left with the Secretary.
The Bishop then congratulated the Con
ference upon the harmony of their delibe
rations. This, his first visit to the Confer-
ence in his present capacity, was, he said, one
of great pleasure—both in his intercourse
with members and citizens. The workmen
die, but the work goes on. The old and
young die, but they are succeeded by oth
ers. Each has but one lifetime. Your
work will live to infinity. In the appoint
ments he and the Presiding Elders had done
ihe best they could. The good soldier
knows only how to obey orders. No field
can be assigned without labor and anxiety.
Go where the Church bids you, like men
and Christians, with strength and cheerful
ness.
He then read as follows:
TH* APPOINTMENTS.
Savannah District —J. O A. Clark, I*. E.
Savannah, Trinity, J. E. Evane.
Savannah, Wesley Chnrch anil City Mission, G.
G. N. MacDonell.
Springfield, T. B. Lanier.
Kizpab, J. J Morgan.
Bylvania, W. T. McMlchael.
gel, to bo supplied by R. W. Lovett,
ander, J. A. Rosser,
uesboro, N. B. Ousley.
sville, C. C. Hines.
Davis boro and SandrrsvlUe, W. 8. Baker.
Washington, J. B Culpepper.
Gibson, 8. N. Tucker, J. Domingos.
Macon District.—J. W. Hinton, P. E.
Macon, Mulberry street and Vinoville, J. O.
Branch.
“ East Macon and Swift Crock. J. W.
Burke.
“ First street, W. Watkln Hicks.
“ City Mission, supplied by R. Cain.
“ Circuit, J. 8. Jordan.
Gordon, W. J. Green.
Irwinton, to be supplied by F. Flanders.
Jeffersonville, R. F. Evans.
Twiggs, to be supplied by W. Griffin.
Fort Valley and Marshalville, F. A. Branch.
Beaver Dam Circuit, W. W. Tidwell.
Perry, A J. Dean.
Hayneville, E. A. H. McGehee.
Montezuma and Providence, to be supplied.
President Emory College, O. L. Smith ; Profes
sor, I T. Hopkins.
President Weslej an Female College, E. H. Myers;
Professors, C. W. Smith and W. C. Bass.
Columbus District.—T. T. Christian, P. E.
Columbus, Bt. Luke, J. 8. Key.
“ 8t Paul, A. Wright.
“ Wesley Chapel, W. M. D. Bond.
“ Girard and Asbury Chapel, supplied by
J. E. Tooke.
Mascogee, to be supplied.
Hamilton, W F Robison.
Talbotton, R. W. Dixon.
Ta.bot, D. R. McWilliams, R. L. Iloniker.
Geneva, 8. R. Weaver.
Jwfiper Mission, W. A. Green.
Butler, J. R. Littlejohn.
Buena Vista, W. W. Stewart
Cqsseta, 8. D. Clements.
Oglethorpe, G 8. Johnson.
Lovert Female College, H. D. Moore, President.
Lovlck Pierce, Conference Missionary Agent.
Ambricus District.— J. Blakely Smith, P E.
Americus, A. M. Wynn.
Bethel, J. Harris.
Magnolia Springs, J. M. Marshall,
EUaville, C. A. Crowell; R. F. Williamson, Su
pernumery.
SmUhville and Mission, D. O’Driscoll.
Cuthbert, B. F. Breedlove.
St. Paul and Miller’s Chapel, B. J. Baldwin,
Spring Vale, N. D. Morehousa.
Georgetown, to b« supplied.
Dawson, G. C. Clarke.
Terrell, G. T. Embry.
Waston, E. J. Rentz.
Lumpkin, J. M. Austin.
Stewart, J. B. Wardlaw.
Florence, to be supplied.
President Andrew Fema’e College, J. B. McGehee.
Agent Orphans' Home, S. Anthony
Bainbridge District.— R. B. Lester, P. E.
Balnbrldge, Walter Knox.
Decatur, J. F Mixon.
Trinity, G. C. Thompson.
Colquitt, W. F. Roberts; J. M. Potter.
Fort Gaines and Blakely, W. M. Hayes.
Morgan, J. D. Maulden.
Camilea, J. T. Ainsworth.
o*s o, P. C. Harris.
Gro/versville, R. H. Howren.
Dur/.anville, 1,. C. Peek.
Thcinasville, C. R. Jewett.
A' ' \ny and Mission, R. J. Corley.
KiWKiNsviLLE District.— J. E. Burnell, I’. E.
Hawkinsvillc, R. M. Lockwood.
Cochran Mission, L. A. Darsey.
Pulaski and Wilcox, to be supplied by W. D.
Bussey.
Vienna, J. Spence.
Dooly Mission, to be supplied by W. N. Clemons.
Flint River Mission, to be supplied by W. M.
Russell.
Moultrie Mission, to be supplied by W. M. Bnn
ten.
Nashville, J. J. Giles.
Alapaha Mission, B. 8. Key.
Ocmulgee, W. Lane.
Brunswick District.— L. B. Payne, P. E.
Brunswick and City Mission, J. O. A. Cook.
St. Mary’s, 11. P. Myers.
Center Village, W. H. Thomas.
Waynesville, J. L. Williams.
Waresboro, T. S. Armistead.
Jesnp, W. M. Watts.
Holmesville, supplied by Jas. Ware.
Stockton, 8. G. Childs.
Valdosta, W. M. Kennedy.
Quitman, 8. 8. Sweet.
Morven, A. P. Wright.
Hinesville District.— J. W. Simmons, P. E.
Hinesville, W. G. Boothe.
Darien and Mclntosh, E. J. Burch.
Bryan Mission, W. M. C. Conley, Supernumerary.
Scarborough, J. W. Glenn.
Dublin, H. J. Ellis.
Wrightsville, supplied by W. T. Rea.
County Line, to be supplied.
Bwainesboro, C. J. Toole
Jacksonville, H. C. Fentress.
Oconee, R. D. Gentry.
Altamaha Mission, W. F. Conley.
Reidsville, D. G. Pope.
C. A. Fulwood and A. A. Robinson transferred to
Florida Conference.
M A. McKibben transferred to South Carolina
Conference.
C. E. Brown and R. W. Flournoy transferred to
Arkansas Conference.
jk #3. Conference faniments.
Report of Sunday-school Society.
The Sunday-school may be justly claimed
as a conception of Methodism. The idea
was suggested to Robt. Raikea by a Metho
dist lady, who urged its feasibility and
warmly espoused the cause. The venerable
and now sainted Bishop Asbury organized
the first Sunday-school in this country, in
Hanover county, Virginia, in the year 1784,
and from this small beginning a mighty or
ganization has been effected whose influence,
like the atmosphere and the sunshine, pene
trates all sections of the land, and dispenses
its blessings to countless thousands.
The Christian Church, with its joyous and
sweljing ranks, owe, mnoh of its strength,
intelligence and piety to the Sunday school,
for here childhood with its rosy oheek and
flashing eye first learns the great lessons of
immortality, and finds instruction in those
snblime truths that underlie all valuable
knowledge. And that “ awful volume with
in which lies the mystery of mysteries,” is
so explained and taught that infant lips
may pronounce the name of Jesus with
thrilling intelligence, find a Saviour who is
Christ the Lord and comprehend those won
drous doctrines which philosophers and
sages have vainly sought to unfold. Such a
work, full of throbbing hopes and increas
sing and glorious promise, is enough to en
list all our energies. Let none suppose that
the plea of unfitness for the work, or the
want of time, or prior and more important
duties, will be recognized as valid in the
eyes of Him to whom all hearts are known
and to whom our highest obligations are
dne.
The success of this cause within the
bounds of our Conference during the past
year should be a cause of devout thanks
giving to God. From the annual report of
the preachers, we conclude that the Sunday
school interests were never in a more pros
perous condition than at present. So far as
the Board is informed a larger number of
conversions have occurred than at any for
mer period of our history.
The venerable Dr. Lovick Pierce, our Sun
day-school Agent, in his annual report to
the Board says: “One can hardly say too
much of the Sunday-school cause. It is
fast becoming the favorite as well as the
most (highly favored institution of the
Church. There is no way to set our chil
dren upon life’s pathway with any assu
rance of a safe passage, unless their minds
are properly inlaid with the one great idea
that man is to live by every word that pro
ceeded out of the mouth of the Lord.”
We are gratified to know that the uni
form lessons have been so generally adopted
within the bounds of our Conference. And
here we may remark that too much praise
cannot be accorded to Dr. A. G. Haygood,
for his untiring industry and eminent suc
cess in this and all the other departments
of our Sunday-school literature. Dr, L.
Pierce, our Sunday-school Agent already
quoted, says: “It is my duty to say that
whether as my own opinion or as the opin
ion of teachers and preachers, no facilities
for Snnday-school teachii.g ever presented
to the Church offers facilities superior to
our present Uniform Lesson System.”
This is but the expression of what seems
to be the general sentiment.
We cannot too earnestly insist that union
Sunday-schools fail to answer the demands
of our Chnrch, or to promote the spiritual
interest of our people.
Only a negative theology is admissible
under this plan, while the great and cardi
nal doctrines of the Chnrch so important as
we conceive to its spiritual prosperity and
religions progress, are ignored and forgot
ten.
Let our children be taught our Church
polity—our doctrines and our high standard
of practical piety, as they mutually involve
eaoh other. Then and only .then shall we
have discharged onr duty.
The following amounts have been con
tributed as Missionary money by Sunday
schools:
Trinity Sunday school $378 03
Wealey Ch. andCiiymis. Schools 263 60
Bethauy 8. 8., Louisville ct 65 IS
Sanders vllle 10 60 *701.20
First Street, Macon 130 00
Perry Snnday-school 11 00 J $141.00
Talbotton Sunday-school 63 W 0
St. Paul’s “ “ 83 50 $145 40
Americus “ “ 100.25 su)o 25
Total $1,087 85
No doubt other Schools have raised con
tributions but have not reported to the Mis
sion Treasurer.
The following statistics will show our
present condition : Number of sohools,
276; Officers, etc., 1,742; Pupils, 11,558;
Requisites, 19,081; Volumes, 14,402; Collec
tion for Sunday-sohools in oharge, 33.243.69;
Conference Sunday-school Society, 3436.00.
Trusting that our labors the coming yoar
in this great field may be rewarded with
still greater sucoess, and invoking the con
tinued blessing of heaven on this great
interest, let ns renew onr vows of fidelity
to God and the Churoh.
Report on Southern Christian Advocate.
The Southern Christian Advocate has ex
erted within the sphere of its circulation an
influence for good that cau scarcely be over
estimated. It has been, in all of our charges,
the successful advocate of every interest of
the church. It lias contributed more, per
haps, than any other one instrumentality to
incnloate right views and right principles
with reference to the financial interests of
Methodism, to develop the liberality of our
people, and to bring to pass that growth in
the grace of giving which has marked the
history of the church during the past twen
ty-five years. It has, week by week, in
structed its readers in dootrine, and exhort
ed them to diligence in every good work.
It has gladdened the hearts of God’s mili
tant hosts by shouting along the lines the
news of victory after victory won by the
soldiers of the cross. It has been a wall
around us in the evil days when we had rea
son to fear that tho church would be inun
dated by a flood of worldliness. It has stern
ly rebuked every tendency to accommodate
the demands of Christian principle to anti
monian laxity of morals. It has carried
numberless messages of comfort to the sor
rowing, kindled a blessed light upon the
darkened pathway of many a bewildered
soul, and nerved with strength those, who
from weakness, were fainting by the way.
It has preached in the quiet chambor of the
invalid, to those who were unable to attend
upon our ministry. It has helped to break
the bonds of the fear of death which held
captive timid souls by its weekly record of
the testimony of dyiug saints. It haß talked
most eloquently and persuasively to our
children of Jesus and holiness and heaven.
It has been a minister of good to thousands
now in heaven, and to thousands more who
are now on the way.
We see not how any Christian can be a
constant reader of of the Advocate without
realizing great spiritual profit as the
result. It is tho bosfc religious paper of
which we have any knowledge. Its columns
arc more thoroughly imbued with the spirit
of religion than any that circulates within
our bounds. The columns of other church
papers may sparkle with greater brilliancy
of writ—may command the pens of a greater
number of entertaining correspondents, may
have elements of popularity which our Ad
vocate does not claim, but we are sure that
not one has fewer objectionable elements,
not one which has maintained a higher
standard as a religious paper, and there are
none which we can so heartily commend to
the patronage of all our people.
There are few, if any, among us, who are
disposed to withhold from the Advocate the
commendation we have felt it our duty in
this report to bestow upon it, and yet only
seven thousand copies of this invaluable
church paper are taken by the one hundred
thousand Methodist of the four Conferences
of which it is the property. It behooves us
brethren, who profess to appreciate the
value of our church organ, and who love
the cause of Christ, to do all in our power
to change these figures. Let us go to our
fields of labor determined if energy and
perseverance can effect it, to make the Ad
vocate a weekly visitor in overy Methodist
family in the South Georgia Conference.
With the price of the paper reduced to
two dollars per annum, it will require at
least ten thousand subscribers to pay the
expense of its publication. Systematic and
continued effort upon the part of the preach
ers will surely bring up £ subscription list
to this figure.
The fact of Dr. Myers’s resignation of the
editorial management ol the paper has been
officially communicated to Ihe Conference,
and your committee c .uuot close this report
without giving expression to their apprecia
tion of his labors.
Dr. Myers, through s whole career as
editor, never lost sight of the fact that the
Advocate was designed to be a religious pa
per, and his constant endeavor was to make
the paper a blessing to the church. We feel
it due to this faithful servant of the church
that wo say to him at the close of his work,
that it has been well done. His cherished
purpose has been accomplished, he has
made the Advocate a blessing to the church.
The Rev. F. M. Kennedy, a man of cul
ture and of high standing in his Confer
ence has been elected by the Publishing
Committee, editor of the Advocate and en
ters upon his duties on the Ist day of Janu
ary, 1872. Ho comes to this post of duty
with such testimonials to his worth and
ability as assure ns of his eminent fitness
for the place.
We recommend the adoption of the. fol
lowing resolutions:
Rend ml 1. That by his devotion to the Church’,
his fidelity to Christian principle and his marked
ability, Dr. Myers, in the editorial management of
the Southern Christian Advocate has merited, and
we now give him onr hearty commendation.
2. That we congratulate the church upon the
election of Rev. F. M. Kennedy as editor of the
Advocate, and pledge to the oditor our earnest co
operation in promoting the prosperity of the im
portant interest of which he assumes control.
3. That we approve the action of the Publishing
Committee in reducing the subscription price of
the Advocate to $2.00 per annum.
4. That the member of the Publishing Com
mittee from this Conference, shall here.fter be
elected annually and each of the patronizing Con
ferences is requested to elect its own member an
nually.
Report of Committee on Education
The relation that education sustains to
Christianity is not only an intensely inter
esting one, bat one whieh has evoked the
profoundest consideration of scholars,
statesmen and divines. While infidelity de
nounces any union between them, as an al
liance franght with the most disastrous
results and prophecies evil, and only evil,
from the oonneotion—Christianity, with a
profound conviction of its inalienable right
to mind and culture, and all the powers of
immortal being,has not ceased to assert that
right, wlxile it points to results in proof of
its claims and in vindication of its authority.
It has been truly said that “no power can
be turned loose on the world so dangerous
as the roughly educated but unsanctified in
tellect,” as the guardian of every interest for
time and eternity with which man is inevi
tably connected. The Churoh would be
recreant to her solemn trust did she not with
zealous oare watch the mental as well as
moral onltnre of those committed to her
enstody. Fully appreciating this view from
the earliest inoeption of Methodism, edu
cation has been subordinated to her noble
work, and sohools and colleges have sprang
into being under her evaagelioal influences
and labors, and to-day she does not blush
whea standing side by side with tier sister
Churches, the public scrutiny is invoked.
The colleges and schools owned by this
Conference and placed under its control and
patronage, are reported to be in a prosper
ous condition. The Wesleyan Female Col
lege, long the immortal pioneer in the
cause of female education, still mantains its
high character and exerts still a mighty influ
ence on the pnblie mind. Recently the la
mented death of Rev. John M. Bonnell,
D. D., its honored President for so many
years, creatod a vacancy which wo rejoice to
know has been promptly filled by the election
of Rev. E. H. Myers, D. D., who was his
distinguished predeoessor. Under his Pres
idency, and with his able assistants, the Col
lege is secure in ripe scholarship and Chris
tian culture. Two hundred and fifteen
pupils aro now iu attendance, and ninety
boarders are accommodated in the College
building.
We have no repott from Emory Col
lege ; but from indirect information we
learn that this institution still promises to
oontinue an enviable seat of learning. The
Faculty has recently been reorganized, and
Rev. O. L. Smith, D. D., has been elected
President, with a corps of professors which
leaves not a donbt in the public mind that
yet greater achievements and more signal
success is to be expected iu the theatre of
education. We most oordially commend
this honored Institution to the continued
and increasing patronage of the public.
The Andrew Female College has been
placed under the Presidency of Rev, J. B.
McGehee, who enters on his duties with
flattering promise. To his custody and that
of his assistants we may well commit the
interests of education in this section of the
State with the confident expectation that
thorough mental, moral and religious cul
ture, will reoeive the most assiduous care.
The LeVert Female College and tho
Collinsworth Institute, the one under the
supervision of the Rev, H. D. Moore, Presi
dent, and the other under the control of
Rev. J. T. McGlaughlin, are institutions
every way deserving the support of our peo
ple, and we earnestly urge that constant en
couragement on the part of the Churoh
which such faithful instructors so richly
merit.
In conclusion.y our committee recommend
the adoption of the following resolutions :
Resolved, 1. That Emory College, the Wesleyan
Female College, Andrew Female College, LeVert
Female College and the Collins worth Institute
are seats of learning that reilect honor on our
communion and we most earnestly commend them
to the increasing patronage of the public.
2d. That In the death of Kev. J. M. Bonnell,
D. D., the country has lostan eminent educator,
the Wesleyau Female College an accomplished
officer, the Church a man in whom there was no
guile, and the ministry a col&boier of no mean re
port.
Report on Books and Periodicals.
The Committee on Books and Periodi
cals beg to submit the following report:
From the Annual exhibit of our Publish
ing House at Nashville, for the year ending
July 1, 1871, we learn the most gratifying
facts.
In the mercantile department, notwith
standing the depression of the times, a most
encouraging prosperity is reported, with a
large and saleable stock on bund.
This success is due first of all to the ad
mirable management of the Agent, Dr. Bed
ford, and secondly to the strenuous efforts
of our preaohers and people to increase the
sale of our books and the circulation of our
periodicals. The Agent writes. “R.t no
period has the Churoh shown their devotion
to this interest, pr a greater anxiety for oar
saocess, than daring the post year. With
a unanimity for which we have no prece
dent, our preachers and members have ral
lied to our support.”
From the Publishing department have is
sued during the year several invaluable
works. Your Committee desire especially
to mention Dr. Summer’s Commentary on
LuJce, with accumpauying questions —a work
of rare merit anifr indispensable to families
and Sunday sohool teachers, and most valu
able aid to the studieus preacher; also, “ The
History of the Organisation of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South— compiled and edited
by Dr. Bedford—a work that must be dili
gently read by preachers and people, being
a triumphant vindication of our Fathers and
an armor of defense against those bearing
oar name who still trouble our Zion; also,
and particularly, Ralston's Elementary of Di
vinity, an octavo volume of more than one
thousand pages, the intrinsic value of whioh
is beyond conception. This great work is
prominent in our course of study, and it is
not too much to say that the simple style of
the author will render the study of TheoloJ
gy as attractive as it is important.
In the department of Periodical literature
we have to record (with one exception) the
most gratifying success.
The reduction of the subscription price of
the Nashville Christian Advocate, iron, three
to two dollars per annum, has wrought won-
E. H. MYERS, D D., EDITOR
WHOLE NUMBER 1881
ders in that department, that oommend tho
ohange to the judgment of all onr people.
Its circulation has increased one hundred
per cent., thereby carrying good tidings, and
the current history of onr beloved Zion, to
thousands of homes heretofore unblessed
and unvisited by any religious journal. Yoni
Committee suggest, also, that this wide and
increasing circulation, consequent upon tho
reduction of subscription price, accounts
for the increase in the demand and sale of
our denominational literature. Our people
read in tho Advocate commendations and
reviews of new books, and forthwith the de
sire is begotten to possess them, and tho
benefit (financially) aoorues to the Publish
ing House, while the people are oducated
in the truth.
Your Committee are heartily in favor of
reduction in the price of both books and
periodicals as rapidly as the publishers for
the Chnrch can afford it, as a missionary
enterprise.
The New Monthly Magazine, Your Com
mittee have no words to express their sur
prise and regret at the failure of tho New
Monthly Magazine. They aro finally per
suaded of.its need and importance, and ear
nestly hope that it may yet revive and hold
on its way to suooess.
The Agent writes: “Wherever itsolaima
have been properly presented, handsome
lists of subscribers have been the result.”
Sunday-school Publications —Your Com
mittee find their greatest satisfaction in the
reports from this department. A number
of beautiful volumes, prepared by Dr. Hay •
good, have made their appearance, while
others are passing through the press.
The Sunday school Visitor circulates over
60,000 copies; Our Little People, 40.000; The
Sunday-school Magazine over 12,000 oopies,
and nearly 70,000 oopies of Lesson Papers.
The Amaranth— a Sunday-sohool Music
Book, ordered by the General Conference of
1870—made its appearanoe about Ist of May,
and has had a circulation far beyond the ex
pectation of many fearful people, and is
destined to supplant, largely, books of a
similar character emanating from sources
unfriendly to our people.
In conclusion, your Committee beg to
offer the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the circulation of religious de
nominational literature is Indispensable to the
establishment and preservation oi the faith as we
have received it through our fathers from Christ
the Head; and that it Is the duty and should be
the glory of every preacher and member of our
Ohurch to engage In this department of our
work.
Evolved, That wo commend to all tho Sunday
schools within our bouudi the adopt on only of
the requisites and publl -atlons beard or supplied
by our own publishers and depositories.
Report on Bible Cause.
The Gommittee on the Bible Cause have
heard with unfeigned pleasure, through
JRev. W. A. Parks, agent of the American
Bible Society for Georgia and Florida, of
the continued prosperity of the noble insti
tution which he so ably represents. Too
much praise cannot be given to the Ameri
can Bible Society for its liberal distribution
of bibles and testaments to the destitute
within the bounds of our own Conference.
With commendable liberality, the Society
has canceled all old debts due by oar peo
ple, and has paid to all auxiliaries within
our borders what was due to them. To
Georgia it donates §3,000 annually, and
through its indefatigable agent, now pres
ent with ns, has visited many destitnte
places and supplied them with the word of
life. We earnestly recommend that auxili
aries be formed wherever they are needed,
and that the preachers of this Conference,
by all means in their power, assist the agent
in the work of. distribution, and in raising
funds to aid the Sooiety in giving the Bible
to all who have it not. To the Society wo
give our thanks, invoking upon it the con
tinued blessing of God, and praying that
its success in the future may be greater than
it has over been. To its agent. Rev. W. A.
Parks, and to his newly appointed assistant,
Rev. W. F. Cook, we pledge a oo operation,
and extend to them a hearty welcome into
all oar churches.
Report of the Board of Education.
The Board of ednoation have oarefnlly
surveyed the interests oommitted to their
trust, and would express their profound re
gret that a larger sum has not been col
lected the past year for the education of
indigent young men who are called to tho
ministry—the itinerant’ ministry in the
bounds of this Conference. We earnestly
hope that a sufficient amount may be raised
the coming year to aid applicants now be
fore the Board. We present tho following
resolation.
Resolved, That an assessment be made on the
various Districts of (900, to oraer to aid In the
education of indigent young men who propose to
enter the ministry In this Conference, and that the
apportionment be as follows :
Savannah District (187.50
Macon “ 187.50
Columbns “ 187 50
Amerlcus “ 187,60
Bambiidge “ 75,00
Brunswick “ 87,60
Altamaha 87.50
, 1000,00
Etymology of Methodist.
The British Quarterly for October has a re
view of Tyermaii’ti Lite of We-ley in a < ar
ticle entitled “ Wesley and
The following is a comment on the etymol
ogy of the term Methodist:
“It does not seem very easy to settle the
precise etymology of the term Methodist,
whether derived, as some have said, from
an allusion in Jnvenal to a celebrated quack
physician, or whether, as Mr. Tyermuu
seems to think first used in a pamphlet at
tacking Whitefield in the earlier years of his
ministry, in which the author fetches up un
old sentence from the pages of Chrysostom,
who says, ‘To be a Methodist is to be be
guiled. ’ We ourselves happened onoe, in a
parish church in Huntingdonshire, to be
listening to a clergyman notorious alike by
his private character and vehem.-ut iuiole
ranee, who was entertaining his audience on
a week evening by a discourse from the text
in Ephesians iv. 1-1: ‘Whereby they lie in
wait todeoeive.’ He said to his people,
‘Now yon do not know Gr<*)k; I know
Greek, and lam going to tell } ou wh it this
text really says.’ It says, ‘th -v lie in wait
to make you Methodists;’ the word used
here is methodeian, that is really the word
that is used, and that is really what Paol
said, ‘ they lie in wait to make you M tho
dists.’ A Methodist means a deceiver, one
who deludes, cheats and beguile*. Tuo
Grecian scholar was a little at fault in bis
next allusion, for he proceeded to quote
that other passage of the apostle, ‘We are
not ignorant of his devices,’ and seemed to
be nnder the impression that * device ’ was
the same word as that on whioh ho had ex
pended his oritioism. ‘ Now,’ said he, ‘you
may be ignofaut because you do not know
Greek, but ‘we are not ignorant of his de
vices,’ that is, ‘of bis methods, his deceivers,
that is his Methodists.’ It was a piece of
the riohest oritioism wo ever remember to
have heard in any pulpit. In such empty
wit and ignorant panning, it is very likely,
however, that the term had its origin. Bo
that as it may, ‘ Methodist ’ soon became
the designation of a really large body of
social and spiritual reformers, and assured
ly no term has obtained greater renown
and importance since ‘the disciples were
first called Christians at Antioch;’ bnt in
foot the word is to be found in several places
in our obsolete English."