Newspaper Page Text
TWO DOLLARS PE/ ANNUM.
VOL. X£X/. NO. 50.
(Spiral |oetrg.
Di ajeet U Apai
j P.V'EEV. LA IT WOOD.
Onty)’ one tlie Iwlf arc broken
bat confine ujiere;
Day'V boy renewahe token
'hat the last wear.
On by one the frinds are falling
Who delight p stay,
Ar by faith we Itr them caffic?
Us to haste py.
Firing, haltin,'Sad and thoughtful—
Victims of Jetress—
flowing feebi, blind and doubtful.
Onward s 11 we press.
t tath and pilse—pei dulor,; tokens—
Mark ourrapid flight;
'line’s advame the future opens,
Ojrk as .eepes’ night.
\g eufe.-bl( i all b-touchep,i
- 'With tad tooth bYThnj^J
tot-JMHM-:.,-
' Jm
MB
jßi
jmm
y|g *
J
tB
in a -
they
! j-y 1
Oh'lst with hit prit uiu’si-d aud tn^H
Ever held up to our spiritual view.
hook ou the dark side, arid what do we' sefiFs
Sei sin, and conuptlon, from which we hkenld
flee;
Short comings, and failures, which crowd in each
day,
And fill us with doublings, with care, and dismay.
Then look evermore on the side that is bright;
And steaddy gaze on the source of all Light;
For the Bible assures us we’U sutler no loss
With the eve ever fixed, on the wonderful Cross,
Mas. Dasnellv.
From the Nashvillo Christian Advocate.
Letter from Bishop 31cTyeire.
SAN DIEGO— HARUOII AND TOWN —CHURCHES —
A QUEER ERICK— PROSPECTS —LAND GRANTS
—GENERAL REFLECTIONS—HOME AGAIN.
Ocl 27.—Sunday morning we entered the
Bay of Sm Diego; were up to see it aud
the glorious suu rising. The Bay lies
southward, close along the seaside—the
separating sand bar seeming, at a attic dis
tance, in places, to be insecure. It is land
locked—the entrance resembling the wards
of a key—and about three miles wide and
twelve miles long. Seamen praise it for its
security aud capacity. No tre.es are any
where to bo seen The old town of which
the Mission was the nucleus, is situated at
the head of the B ij—mostly adobe—not
convenient to anchorage—and decaying.
The new town is four miles below, ou the
east shore, the site rising easily and grace
fully into the crescent-shaped hills of the
background. Every thing is new. Mr.
Horton purchased the land within the last
decade for a few hundred and .liars. He is
represented to be a public spirit* and and lib
eral, as well as fortunate, man. His hotel,
where we breakfasted, is of brick, credita
ble in its size, bniloing, aud keeping, to a
tow i of more than 3 000 inhabitants. A
bank, churches, shops, stores, residences,
and two “daili s,” one of which,* “ The
World,” is certainly a live paper. Lots,
50x100, are selling at from £BOO to £I,OOO in
go and locations. Streets have been laid off,
exhausting the letters in the alphabet. By
the foresight of Bishop Keener, two lots
were secured fur the Church a year ago, aud
if we had the whole city to select from now,
two more suitable aud valuable for our pur
pose could not be located. The clean
hundred feet square stands on a corner, aud
waits our coming. When will the Mission
ary Board enable ns to do what others have
already done here?
As there is no house, or organized society
of ours, we divided out, and attended re
ligious servile at different churches, of
which there are the Baptist, Congregation
alist, Presbyterian, Northern Methodist,
and Protestant Episcopalian. The accounts
brought from the tirst aud third were en
couraging. Brother Parsons ‘’reports” a
sermon to two auditors very well, for a lay
man; Dr. S. reported, and I reported. So
we each heard three sermons that morning
—one in full and two in outline.
San Diego is to be the terminus of the
transcontinental Southern railroad—in
which fact its greatness lies. It is in the
latitude of Caarleston, South Carolina.
Some look for another San Francisco here
Since Mr. Tom Scott (“railroad king”)
visited the place last summer, and designa
ted depots, real estate has risen a hundred
per cent. The present sustenauce of the
town is a question. Where does its trade
come from? How do the people live—off of
one another? Here arc stores, but who
buys the dry goods? They impress a stranger
as in the right place, only just a ’.little too
soon. Every thing depends on the coming
railroad, they are in position waiting for it;
and though it is a thousand miles off, they
seem to expect it hourly. Hence, great
keenness for trade in San Diego. If you
stand a minute or two looking at a map on
the wall, somebody tips your elbow, and of
fers to show corner-lots, or vacant squares,
that are cheap, and sure to pay, etc. I was
thus employed, whenja voice at my side said:
‘‘Colonel, help me get this brick out.” Look
ing round, I saw a mau with bis head under
his wing, fumbling in his side coat pocket
as if he was trying to draw a pistol or some
thing. He looked up and apologized. “O,
excuse me—thought it was Colonel F.; ex
ease me, sir.” I had often heard of a brick
in the hat, but never before of a brick in
the side-coat pocket; and, moved as much
by cariosity as politeness, I replied: “You
were mistaken in the man, sir; but, if lean
be of any service to you, allow me.”
He held ttrn mouth of his pocket open,
and thrusting my hand deep down, I felt
something cold and heavy, and brought it
up. It was the size of half a ginger-cake
(old style.) and not very unlike it in color
—a gold brick worth £BOO. He was mining
thirty miles back in the mountains, and
though ho had no town-lots to sell, he was
seeking to dispose of shares of stock in a
mine.
It can hardly be otherwise—San Diego Bay
must be the site of a gnat city. Its harbor
has no rival for five hundred miles above or
below it. The Southern Pacific Railroad
will find its terminus in latitude 32. Other
lines of railroad are projected along the
coast leading to San Francisco. One to
San Birnardino is under contract Our
Siuthern States snl people are greatly con
cerned in the general and local develop
ments that are to fpllow along the paths of
these lines of commerce and travel. Oar
Church will have a great work to do; and
o her Churches, I trust, will not be want
ing in the zeal and la or which will be nec
< ssary even when all make their contribu
tion. Arizona will be opened up, and New
Smffcets SJficsrif;
Mexico, and Northern and Western Texas,
and Southern California, according to the
rapid movement of this restless generation.
Agricultural and mining districts will be oo
cupied that are now deserts; villages and
cities aud influential centers of population
will be established. May the Church be on
hand with the saving grace of the gospel!
Are -we ready, are we gettiug ready, for the
opportunities and responsibilities that are
to devolve largely npon us?
On our ship was a tall, bony gentleman
from Pennsylvania—sent out as Judge for
Arizona Territory. Already he has his eyes
on the acqnisition of Lower California as
“a good thing for onr Government.” An
other passenger was Don Pico, the last
Governor of California under Mexican rale
—of Castilian blood and courtly manners.
He was on the way, with his lawyer—an ex-
Confederate Colonel—to maintain a suit in
the courts for a big land claim. Not re
flecting on the justiceof his claim, I may
say that this is a heawArawbackon Califor
nia. Toe improvesettlement of
some of its best for rich men
become ones to die.
league
J el‘ the the
one
Hfl * Bk
fur
wil! mis
may be a century hence
FraSWu wealth, population, and
of the Methodist Episcopal
Hlurch, South, is such a country, and so
Klated to us, is evident. According to tho
Gabor and money expended, and the facili
ties heretofore enjoyed by us, no portion of
our wide field has yielded better, or promis
es more. We have an excellent member
ship and miuistry; the character of the min
istry raised up on the soil is significant; it
is matter of gratulation I refer to those
who, though not natives, have been con
verted and licensed to preach there, and
they make up a respectable proportion of
our local and traveling preachers. In all
the elements of piety and progress, of in
telligence and consecration, and social in
fluence, onr Pacific ministry and member
ship will compare favorably with those of
any Conference on the Atlantic side. Let
us push forward the work on the Pacific
coast. The Church would act wisely in
meeting the developments of the time, and
its opportunities, by a larger outlay of men
and means, for at least the next few years;
where other missionary and aid societies
havo expended thousands, we have ex
pended only hundreds, and yet our success
in extending the kingdom of Christ, and
planting a growing Church in a growing
State, compares well with the results
achieved by those who have been most
favored. Certain substantial elements clave
to us that could not be appropriated by
others, and they have been served by a self
sacrificing and faithful ministry. I have
gone in aud out among them with admira
tion of their spirit and labors, and their
steadfastness, from the first day until now,
and thank God on every remembrance of
them.
At San Diego we are within thirteen
miles of the border of Mexico, aud here
ends onr visitation. Four mouths absent,
now for home! Thursday morning we pass
again through the Goldeu Gate, aud sepa
rate. My compagnon du voyage would see
the lower coasts, tho Isthmus of Panama,
and some of the West India Islands, and a
favorable opportunity otters. With are
gret that may not be spoken, I part with
Dr. Sargent—brother beloved and true
yokefellow.
The trip round, by water, to New York is
thirty days—by rail, to Nashville, seven; I
take this latter. I would rather see “No.
28 South High street,” than see Panama
and all the West Indies.
And here let me record my humble thanks
giving to Him who has preserved my going
out and my coming in. 11. N. M.
North Alabama Conference.
Dr. Oliver writes to the Nashville Chris
tian Advocate:
The third session of the North Alabama
Conference was held in Tuskaloosa, extend
ing from tho 20th of November to the morn
ing of the 27th. Bishop Doggett was pres
ent from the first to its last hour, and presid
ed to the great satisfaction and admiration of
all. We all felt that we had a Bishop in the
chair who was able to meet all the demands
upon him. He dispatched the business of
the Conference with wisdom and prompt
ness, neglecting nothing which should be
done, and doing nothing in a perfunctory
way. The blessings of the Conference and
the community accompany him. His ser
mon on Sunuay morning was heard by a
crowded audience, and was of surpassing
excellence, not only lor the beauty of its
delivery, bnt for its theological depth. It
was on the mediatorial reign of Christ. It
stirred the hearts of the saints and called
foith many responsive amens. Onr Church
has reason to thank God for its spiritual and
gifted College of Bishops. Our Conference
enjoyed exceedingly the presence of Drs.
MeFerrin, Kelley, Andrews, and yourself.
Dr. MeFerrin did herculean work for the
missionary cause at our anniversary meet
ing. He spoke and begged for its support
as though he stood in sight of the judgment
seat of Christ. About SSOO was raised,
which, considering the suff- ring of this com
munity from the summer floods, was munifi
cent. Dr. Ke'ley, by his masterly speech,
greatly contributed to the interest and sac
cess of the enterprise. Dr. Kelley, was here
in the interest of the Central University,
which he ably presented, and enlisted for it
much sympathy, although the Conference,
iu view of its present surroundings, assumed
no official relations to it. Dr. Andrews,
the President of the Southern University,
showed himself worthy of his place ; and
urged the claims of that noble institution
w th an eloquence and power which those
ho heard him are not soon to forget. Its
importance to the Methodist Episcopal
Ghurob, South, cun never be known. May
its influence widen all over our Southern
States. Drs. Mitchell, Bancroft, and Man
gum, from the Alabama Conference, were
with us as brethren beloved. Our mission
ary collection this year fell behind the last :
we hope for better things in the future. We
wish you to be at the next- session of the
Conference at Talladega. You know you
always have a home with us. Having to
write up the Minutes for the Bishop to sign,
and being pressed with business, and hav
ing to attend to it without help, I must send
you an imperfect copy of them. lam not
prepared to give you correct figures in re
gard to our missionary collection. Accom
panying this you will find the appointments.
Florence District. —J. W. Whitten, P. E ; Flor
ence sta., II Brown, W. Weakly, Sop.; R >dgi-rs
viile and Drit-kill’s Chapel. Dawson Phelps, Lex
ington et., T. F. Brown; Cypress ct, J. G Gib
son i 'akland et, W. McQueen; Waterloo ct, G.
W Hamilton; Tuscnmhia sta., J H. Anderson;
■Valley sta.. J. B. StevensoD; Chickasaw ct, B. J.
Gaston; Frankfort ct., W. R. Williams; Colbert
mis , J B. Perkins.
Decatur District —W E Mabry, P. E.; Decatur
sta., W. H. Armstrong;’Trinity sta., J. T. Carry;
Conrtland ct , M. L. Whitten; Leighton ct, J. 8.
Davis; Kusselville ct, T. G. Whitten; Moulton
ct., L. F. Whitten, Danville ct., W. E. Cameron,
J. 1., Brittain; Somerville ct., R D. Evans; Hous
ton ct., K. Scales; Clear Creek mis., J. -N. Scott;
Allen’s Factory mis , J. F. Ellis; Sunday-school
Agent, Z Parker. _ _ „ .
Huntsville District. —J. M. Boland, P £.; Hunts
ville sta , to be sup by B. B. Ross; Tiiana ct., A.
F. Dri-klll; Madison sta, Z A Parker; Athens
sU , F. T. J. Biandon; Athens ct., J 8. Marks, J.
C. Phillips, Sup; Bt-Uusville ct., H P. Turner;
Madison ct., B. F Lea; Marysville and New Mark
et ct, M. E. Johnson. C. Godbey; Scottsboro ct.,
W. T. Andrews, M B. Johnston; Paint Rock ct,
R. 8. Price; Stevenson ct., Julius Linn; Deposit
ct, R. J. Wilson; Vienna ct., i. C HtmkapilLr;
J. M. Ham-r, Sup ; President Athens Female In
stitute, James VI. Wright. „ _ _
OuntermUU District. —J. G. Gurley, P. F..; Gun
tersville ct, J. T. Barbee, J. P. Glass; Tennessee
Valiev ct, J. H. Tucker; Brisoe’s Cove ct., A. N.
Lowrey; Valley Head ct., I. Q. Melton; Van Bu
ren ct, W. C. McCoy; Cedar Bluff ct., J. W.
Newman; Center ct.. J. A. Neely, J. G. Walker,
Sap.; Gadsden ct.. J. 11. Cameron; Flat Kock
mis., Jae. Cox; Pine Grove mis., R. T Moore.
Talladega District. —W. K. Kirk P.E.; Talladega
sta ,C. I). Oliver, Talladega ct., R. A Timmons;
White Plains ct, T. G. Slaughter; Alexandria ct.,
J. B. Cole; Jacksonville sta., J. A. Thompson;
Cross Plains ct ,T. Moody; Fayetteville ct, C. L.
Dobbs; Harrereviile ct., L. M. Wilson; Columbi
ans ct, R. G. Ragm; Shelby Iron-works, V. O.
Hawkins; Montevalloct., R. Stripling; Blue Mou
ntain mis., J. W. Baine; Coosa River mis., W. V.
Tierce. „
La Fayette District. —L. R. Bell, P. E.; La
Fayette sta., P. L. Henderson: 0k Bowery et., J
L. Colman; Fredonia ct., J. W. Christian; Loui
na ct., J. R. Sharpe; Pinkneyville ct, W. D. Nich
olson; DadeVulle ct., R. F. Mountain; J. N. Du
pree, Sup ; Socapatoy ct, W. T. Patillo, Line
ville ct, E. W. Jones; Arbacoochie ct., 8. G. Cos
by; Millersville mis., C. 8. D. Lassiter; Hatchet
Creek mis., to be sup. by B. Stewart; La Fayette
mis., to be sup. by D Howel.
Birmingham District Daniel Duncan, P. E. Bir
mingham and. Ely ton sta., T. H. Deavenport; Elv
ton ct., W. L. Clifton; Blountsville ct, li. W.
Coons; Murphree’s Valley ct., F. C Stephenson;
Ashvihe ct, P. E. Nicholson; Gadsden sta., An
son West; irondale ct., M. E. Tumiin; Tuskaloosa
et., P. K Brindby, B. G. Blackwell; Jonesboro
ct, T. P. Roberts; Village Falls mis., R. G. Is
bell; Presid-ntof Green High School, F M Grace.
Tuskaloosa District. —J. D. Anthoi v, P. E ; Tus
kaloosa sta , to be sup. by Jiff. Hamilton; North
Portct., J. E Andrews; New Lexiugton ct., C.
M. Livingston; Jasper ct., D. S. McDonald;
Fayette ct.. E. F. S. Roberts; Gordo ct. A. G.
Copeland; Piekensville ct., R. J. Sampler; Car
rollton ct., G. R. Lynch; Yorkville ct., Evan
Nicholson; Yellow Creek ct., J. F Randall. T. N.
Shelton, Sup.; Vernon ct, D W. Ward; Bexar
et, G. B. Wilson; North River ct., to be 6up. by
James Freeman; Palmetto mis., to be snp. by D.
McKee; President Tuskaloosa Female College, B.
F. Lirrahee.
Transferred— J. G. Wilson to Louisville Con
ference, and President of Warren College.
Mnents
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to that
the Pacific,
ps of Japau and
rmie unequalled,
Norill-west Texas Annual Con
ference.
The North-west T*-xas Annual Conference
held its seventh session at Belton, Texas,
October 28-28, Bishop Keener presiding ;
John S McOarver, Secretary.
We make up the following summary from
ourexchanges:
There was a full attendance of the mem
bers, with a largo and manifestly interested
audience, from first to last. Mach impor
tant business was transacted. The utmost
harmony and brotherly kindness prevailed.
The effects of our session will tell for our
beloved Zion for years to come. Bishop
Keener left us deeply rooted in the affec
tions of his brethren, aud the vast congre
gations that listened were edified and
blessed by his ministry. The year just
closed has been one of steady increase and
marked results ; advanced position has been
assumed on every part of our field, and
what is manifestly cheering, God is still
pleased to dwell with us and claim us for his
servants.
Two itinerants and one local preacher
were ordained deacons; five itinerant and
four local deacons were ordained elders.
The statistics show a large increase of mom -
hers, and development in almost every! di
rection.
An Educational Aid Society was organized
during the session of the Conference, which
was joined by nearly all the preachers, Find
by several others. Its object is to fiu|'i. - -h
means for the itinerancy, as well as for the
children of itinerant preachers. Six yonng
preachers now are receiving gratuitous tui
tion and board at Marvin College.
The following transfers were made : W.
G. Connor, A. M., D D , from the Texas
Conference, iormeriv of South Carolina ; J.
M. Pugh, A. M., from the Mississippi. D.
W. Fly, from the North Mississippi ; Cbas,
E. Brown, from one of tho Georgia Con
ferences ; W. W. Jared, from the Western ;
and J. R Randall, from the Tennessee.
The whole membership of the Conference
is twelve thousand four hundred and sev
enty five, which is a gain over last year of
two thousaud two hundred aud thirty-two.
The contributions for missions was only
$1 500 ; for widows and orphans §3OO. The
next Conference meets at Waco.
Leaf Fall.
Fall—let them fall arouad ;
Fall, on the reddening ground ;
Fall, as we fall away from life’s sere tree,
Into the ocean of eternity—
Lost, swallowed up, and drowned.
Fail, though the ?nn is high, .
And bright and blue the sky ;
Yet every roughing wind its myriad sends.
Falling, still falliug, as false-heurte.l friends
In our adversity.
Yet while they fall, still fall,
A bonnier light than all,
A bluer sheen than yon autumnal sky.
Shines on me, as I feel thy love lit eye
• Dispel my being’s thrall.
We walk, those leaves above,
Thy soft voice, like the dove,
Low murmuring; or as when, the wood among,
On morn of Valentine, the wildbird’a song
Whispers her mate of love.
So let them fall away,
Friends of the Summer day—
False friends, who cannot bear affliction's test;
I know the love that liveth iu thy breast
Will never fall away.
Never 1 Not even when
Beyond earth’s narrow ken,
Like dead leaves fluttering in the autumn-tide,
We two have passed, our love shall still abide,
Shall have grown perfect then.
— From Tinslty's Magazine.
Remarkable Answers to Prayer.
The following extracts nre taken from
that interesting work, called “The Memo
rials of Methodism iu Virginia,” written by
the Rev. W. W. Bennett, D. D , editor of
the Richmond Christian Advocate :
Rev. John Easter was one of the pioneer
preachers who helped to introduce Metho
dism in Virginia, near one hundred years
ago. He is represented as being the most
powerful exhortatory preachers of his day.
His faith was transcendent-, his appeals ir
resistible, his prayers like talking with God
face to face. Perhaps no man has ever
been more signally honored of God as an in
strument in the conversion of souls. On
one of his circuits eighteen hundred mem
bers were added to the Church in a single
year.
Many thrilling scenes under his preach
ing yet linger arnoDg the people in those
counties where he principally labored. A
most extraordinary display of his faith was
witnessed in Brunswick. At Merritt’s meet
ing house a quarterly meeting was in pro
gress, and so vast was the concourse of peo
ple from many miles round that the servi
ces were conducted in a beautiful grove
near the church. Iu the midst of the exer
cises a heavy cloud arose, and swept rapidly
towards the place of worship. From the
skirts of the grove the rain could be seen
coming on across the fields. The people
were in consternation; no house could hold
a third of the multitude, and they were
about to scatter in all directions. Easter
rose in the pulpit in the midst of the con
fusion. “Brethren,” cried he, at the top
of his voice, “be still, while I call upon
God to stay the clouds, till His word can be
preached to perishing sinners.” Arrested
by his voice and manner, they stood be
tween hope and fear. He kneeled down
and offered a fervent prayer, that God would
then stay the rain that his work might go
on, and afterward send refreshing showers.
While he prayed, the angry cloud, as it
swiftly rolled up towards them, was seen to
part asunder in the midst, pass on either
side of the ground, and to close again be
yond, leaving a space several hundred yards
in circumference perfectly dry. The next
morning a copious rain fell ngaiD, and the
fields that had been left dry were well
watered.
The following marvellous account is fully
authenticated: He was holding a meeting
in the forest; it was in the mid-day of his
PUBLISHED BY J. W. BURKE & COMPANY, FOR THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH
MACON, GA., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1872.
fame and power; hundreds upon hundreds
had gathered to hear the wonderful man.
Iu the midst of his sermon, while all weir
hanging on his lips in breathless silence,
suddenly a rushing sound as of a mighty
wind smote the ears of his hearers. AJI
eyes were instantly turned upward, but ho
storm had smitten the forest, not a twig, not
a leaf stirred; still the awful sound swept
over and around them. Instantly, several
hundred horses broke from their fastenings
and rushed wildly in all directions through
the woods. Hundreds of men and women
fell fiat upon the ground, struck down by
the mighty power of God. The cry of con
viction that arose was appalling; even the’
holiest of Christians trembled in the pres
ence of that mysterious sound. The work
of conversion was as instantaneous as the
work of conviction, and many were the wit
nesses for Christ that arose in the midst of
the awe struck multitude. The effects of
thi3 display of Divine power were great in
deed on the minds of the people far aiul
near. The work spread like fire in dry stub
ble, and hundreds were added to the Church.
Episcopal Methodist. A
The Kingdom of God.
BY REV. R. SAPP.
One of the finest conceptions revealed to
the world by the Christian religion is that
of the kingdom of God. Nothing is more
highly calculated to attract the attention
and charm the fancy of men than this reve
lation, unless it be the King who sways its
scepter. The conception of this kingdom
pervades the entire Old Testament Scrip
tures. Its effect upon human society is de
scribed in language the most exalted and
glowing. A quotation from Isaiah will illus
trate how this idea filled and inspired the
minds of the old prophets. “ The wolf shall
also dwell with the lamb, and the leopard
shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and
the young lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them. . . . They
shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy
mountain ; for the earth shall be full of the
knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover
the sea.” This language is in anticipation,
and describes the period of its final triumph,
after Christ has compled his work and the
kingdom of God has become universal to
the race.
This kingdom and its Kiug being placed,
conceptually aud iu language., in contrast
with earihly dominions and their rulers, wasj
very natur.lly looked upon by the Jews—'
whose religion was outer, consisting princi
pally in rites and ceremonies—as a world
dominion, and that the King was to visibly
reign over his subjects upon the earth, and
was to vanquish his foes by breaking them
in pieces with a rod of iron. The exposi
tions of Christ and his disciples, found in
the New Testament, redeem it from all these
liabilities, and present it as it is, a purely
spiritual kingdom, to be established iu the
souls of men, and thence have an outer de
velopment iu the visible Church. Notwith
standing these expositions of the Divine
kingdom by Christ aud his disciples, men
are so engrossed with the objects of a mate
rial life, so familiar with force iu connection
with earthly powers, so impressed with the
display and “glorious pomp ” of those who
reign in the kingdoms of this world, that it
is very difficult to enter into this fine and
beautiful and spiritual conception of the
Divine word, and have a clear understanding
in regard to it, in its origin, its nature, its
progress, and its final triumph on the earth;
to know and appreciate the silent and quiet
way in which it is working itself to supre
macy among men.
It is the aim and work of Christ not to
seat himself in an earthly center of powt-r v
and authority, but to establish his king
dom in each individual soiA and thus, 'en
throning himself in the heart of man after
man, subject the race to his sway. This is
a purpose of revealing an enthusiasm, and a
reach of mind, aud breadth and grandeur of
view, without a parallel in human history.
Where has been the mighty man or con
queror whose aims or work, however great,
will begin to parallel this aim and work of
Jesus ?
The principles of this divine kingdom, as
well as its worship, being purely moral and
spiritual, its progress is silent and quiet. It
cometh not with observation. It is like the
summer’s warmth, coming on the south
winds, pouriDg its genial influence over the
face of nature, bringing greenness and beau
ty in its path. It may be all the more stable
and glorious for this fact. Iu the physical
world there are movements inconceivably
grand, which we cannot see at all or appre
hend by our sensuous faculties, except iu
their slow results. Who perceives any sense
of the esrth’s annual journey around the sun?
Not a human being in the world could
prove such a motion by the testimony of
the senses. Also, the slow and silent move
ment.s which evolve aud shape the being of
nations and the political condition of man
kind are invisible in the actual p- gvess of
one day, or one year, or soninUmts of a
whole age. As many of the mightiest force
of the material world go forward, execr.ting
their ministry unobserved by the human eye
or senses, being yet as effective iu accom
plishing their work as the more demousU
‘five, so it is with the principles of the di
vine kingdom. Christ presents an illustra
tion of this iu the similitude of the leaven
which a woman took and bid iu three meas
ures of meal. The life-force, lying hidden
and silent, transformed the entire quantity,
until all became leavened. And thus it is
with the kingdom of God, in the souls of
individuals and iu the heart of the race.
Not only is the kingdom of God in its
principles and worship purely moral and
spiritual, it i3 likewise as purely pacific. It
is said of its King, in one of the lofty pro
phetic descriptions given of him. “He b’lall
not strive, nor cry ; neither shall any man
hear liis voice in the streets. A bruised reed
ihall ho not break, and smoking flax shall
he not quench, till he send forth judgment
unto victory.”
The sword cannot be lifted up, by divine
authority, to extend it. It never gains en
trance by violence ; nor does Jesus ever re
main in authority by coercion, either
iLuougb the means of physical force or mo
t.ivis which have physical power iu them.
If it is established, it must lie iu connection
with the consent of the one becoming the
subject. If obedience is rendered to the*
kingly head, it must be willing and loviug ;
consequently while organizing, a dominion,
and when finished, an empire, of love. It
is one of the grandest visions which ever il
luminated or fired the imagination of a mor
tal, that a hundred millions—five, ten hun
died millions—of human souls may beoccu
pied by that kingdom which is righteous
ress, peace, and joy iu he Holy Ghost, and
all these millions freely and lovingly sub
jeering themselves to the sway of the scep
ter of the King all beautiful, and rendering
to him such an obedience as is received by
no eaitbly potentate.
This kingdom of God is arrayed before
the mind as being in opposition to the king -
d'm of evil, of which Satan is potentially
he hea l and representative. It embraces
in its organization good principles, good
men, and good angels, and these only ; aud
its opposite kingdom embraces the evil, and
the * vil only And thus the kingdom and
the forces Lave been arrayed throughout
the length of human history, and the battle,
nut of physical force, but of moral princi
p’ b, of truth and falsehood, of good and
evl, has been waged without cempromise,
a'd will continue to be until the kingdom
• f God g3in the mastery, the great final vic
ory is won, and the bright visions of the
e u y prophets are realized with the coming
o' the Sabb ith of the world.
The kingdom of God hss even a wider scope
in i'S presentation than this. Physical and
animated nature, the whole creation
groaned and travailed with man in his moriH
ruin, is to be penetrated with its power, aDd
transformed by its influence, and redeemed
from its smitten and semi-chaotic condition,
and raised into that “new creation” in
which dwelleth righteousness. Man and
the.earth are to be equally disenthralled by
the_ power of the King immortal, and exalt
ed into light a?.d life, into order and beauty,
into love and glory, and the reign of Jesus
is to be forever and ever.
Science may array itself against tho influ
enee of the kingdom of God over the physi
cal and animated world. But why should
it? Science postulates the doctrine of de
velopment and progression of tbe material
universe. It even brings the earth and tho
universe, now organized and dressed in glo
rious beauty, having stars and suns and
light, lip through vast ages from the condi
tion of unorganized, no-luminous matter.
This view of the kingdom of God and its
influence upon the material world below it
is that of progression, but of progression in
connection with the fact of thesuperveniDg,
as one of the faotors in the operation, of the
supernatural. Science which puts God away
from the operations of nature is dull and
blind ; it stumbles in the dark.
This view of the kingdom of God but car
ries man, and nature j. necessary adjunct to
his welfare, forward in the path of progress—
to an extent and glory known to no man.
New York Christian Advocate.
The Primitive Methodist Preacher
in Court.
At the recent Primitive Methodist mis
sionary meeting at Birmingham, Bev. 11.
W. Burnett told the following story ;
“In the early days of Primitive Method
ism, under the labors of one of our veteran
missionaries, a notoriously bad character
-got converted. Quite in harmony with the
custom of those times, he soon began preach
ing. On one occasion he had a large crowd
of"people gathered by the way-side, and to
these he preached Jesus. An officious con
stable came up and took our friend into
custody. The news spread like wild-fire
that old Tom was locked up for preaching.
Had it been said that it was for poaching no
one would have doubted it, but this preach
ing gave quite different character to the
affair. Oa the following morning the court
was crowded to hear the trial. The charge
was read over, and the prisoner asked what
he had to say in reply. Now this man had
been in that dock so often that he did not
feel at all concerned ; he seemed quite at
home. Very quietly folding his arms, he
addressed the magistrates to the following
effect:
“ ‘Gentlemen, do you mean business ? ’
“ ‘ Business ! business ! of coarse we do.’
“ ‘ Well, gentlemen, please excuse me ;
but if you mean Jiusiness, allow me to say
that of late a great change has come over
me, and I never now commence any busi
ness without first praying about it ; if you
please, we’ll pray. ’
“ He did not wait to know whether they
pleased or not, but with all the fervor of a
tnew convert poured ont his soul in prayer.
'All in the court and on the magistrates’
bench were deeply moved, some to tears.
But he prayed rather long and, good as it
was, they thought he might now close ; so
the presiding magistrate said in an under
tone.
“ ‘ That will do : just stop him.’
“The constable, shaking our friend’s
slpeve, said, ‘ Stop ; ’ but he prayed away.
Pulling his sleeve yet more vigorously, he
said, ‘ Stop, man, stop ! ” but he prayed
with increasing fervor.
“Oeeof the magistrates saw one of our
preachers in tho body of the court, aud call
ing to him said ‘“Mr. . you come and
stop him ’ But our dear old brother en
joyed this novel prayer-meeting too much
to be induced to stop it; so he replied, loud
enough for all to hear,
r “ ‘ Nay, nay, you’ve started him ; I can’t
stop him,’
“However, onr friend in the dock drew
his devotions to a close, stood upon his
feet, and, again folding his arms, said with
becoming meekness,
“•Now, gentlemen, if you please, I am
quite ready for business.’
“The prisoner was ordered into an ante
room while the ease was considered.
“One of the magistrates, moved to tears,
aid,
ri " * We have often had this man before us,
’Tjft nSver 1- un?Ser stieft eif Guns ranees. It
this is a sample of the work achieved by the
labors of the Primitive Methodists, I wish
them sneeess wherever they go. ’
“ It did not take them long to decide that
he had broken no law, and therefore they
would very gladly acquit him.
“ ‘ Well, gentlemen,’ said an officerof the
court, ‘ shall wo call him in and say he is
acquitted! ’
“ What! what ! call him in ? No, never,
or you’ll have him on his knees returning
thanks. Let him go out at a side door, but
tell him he is fully at liberty to curry on his
good work.’” —London Methodist Recorder.
llow tiae Blessing Comes.
The subjeot of prayer is entertwined with
our every thought of God, since prayer is
the only avenue by which our souls go out
to him. No mood of philosophic contem
plation is too high, no thrill before the
beauty of nature or of art too vague, no
study of the Divine works and words too la
borious and methodical, no aspiration too
silent and subtile, to be comprehended in
the spirit and realm of prayer. The Chris
tian’s life is like the palace of Daniel at
Babylon, with its council hall for business,
and its stately front, may be, turned toward
! the world, but its most precious and sacred
with windows always.open toward
Jerusalem. Shut up the chamber of prayer,
aud the bouse is dark, without the virion of
the Holy City.
That is a narrow view of prayer which
confines it to petition; while, on the other
hand, that is an unsatisfactory, incomplete,
and unscriptural view which leaves petition
out. Nor do we enter the true conception
when wo make our prayers to consist of al
ternate bits of heterogeneous moods—a lit
tle thanksgiving, a little adoration, a little
aspiration, a little confession, a little peti
tion, and a little resignation, with a final
doxologv of praise. It is true that the lan
guage of uttered prayer must pass from one
theme to another; but tho spirit of prayer
perpetually blends them all.
v- If such is the wide sphere of prayer on
our side, shall we limit our conception of
God’s response? If we can address him in
so many ways, may he not reply through
channels innumeral and infinite? Our no
tion of the Divine expression is often infe
rior to our knowledge of onr own. Wo ap
proach him along the wondrous yet familiar
lines of human thought and feeling, and
forget that all these, and the universe of
power besides, are at his command. Ours
are the windows; his are the boundless and
1 luminous deeps of heaven.
prayer takes the form of a cry for
n- Ip, or entreaty for blessings, temporal or
spiritual, we are too apt to look for results
in the channels we ourselves have marked
ont. It is true that we ask in deference to
the Divine knowledge of what is best for
us, and hold ourselves prepared to find our
special wish denied by the Divine wisdom
and love. But our thought is often a sel
fish one, after all. We feel like children
who have sought, in vain some hurtful thing,
>md think onr Father’s decision was con
fined to a single choice, and he refused us
because to grant the request would have
injured us.
We should realize more deeply the pre
cions promise that all things shall work to
gether for onr good, if we love God. That
is lo say, his Spirit, if we keep our hearts
open to it, will transform for us any fate
that comes upon us. We are not to look
for suspensions of natural forces to deliver
!us from natural pains. We are not even to
| interpret the events of life exclusively ns
LSod’s dealings with us. There is a terrible
■LS - of spiritual selfishness that grows from
view of onr relation to onr
Father. Tims we have known of
a p,-to
•’! M
Iu onr joy ;;s well as our sorrow, in our daily
immunities as well as our sudden deliver
ances, God calls us to give our hearts to
him. And all things work together for the
good of all who love him.
The iruitful blessing springs, then, with
in ns. As the sun end run are sent upon
all, so the love of the Father yearns over
all; but as the rain can not bring
harvests from k.rrtm ■;round, so even one
nipoteut love is vain upon unloving
hearts. They who wil! ol : sfc, can not re
ceive, though the hand < of the Giver are
full. It is in vain t,ha; he skies are nblazS
with light and glon he windows of
the chamber are that.
Why, then, should ■ pray? Because if
we pray, we cannot kelp drawing near to
God; and if we draw m .• to God, we can
not help praying. 3 : ■■ .-o v. e love to ask,
and God loves to ■■ ■ *!. Ik cause prayer
makes all events hies igs to us, and what
ever apparent g-'od tvo might receive, not
praying, would be robbed .-f its deepest be
neficence. Becan; prayer is the highest
form of intercourse—pure spirit face to
face with spirit—and or.t of if comes, iu
measure n.vfalhon'.ablo, die higher life of*
inspiration and now r, the life which is
eternal. Because—ah, there are ten thous
and reasons that wo should pray, and not
ous that wo should case! —Christian Union,
Importance of tine Hcsiisreefioii.
Many have, perhaps, keen able, iu looking
at the church’s hope in Christ, :o see the
importance of the doctrine of the resurrec
tion ; but the more we search the Scriptures,
the more we perceive, in this doctrine, the
fundamental truth of the gospel—that truth
which gives to r>- • option its character, aud
to all other trill ’ ■ ir real power.
For instauo ..o does not know that
Christianity • ;;a root and its foundation
in that sol<- and ali important event, the
death of ou - .- ..assed Saviour ?
But if i: had been possible that death
could have v Id the Saviour in his power,
death, instead of being the foundation of
joy and the certainty <-f salvation, would
have been the source of a black despair
which nothing could have di < ipated.
It is the resurrection which throws its
bright beams even into the duk tomb of
Christ, the tomb of the only righteous One,
and the trophy of tho n • rent victory of,
the pi hcc of this world.
It is the resurrection which explains the
reason of that mono mv amiraissiou to the
power of the devil and sabjefttiou to the
necessary judgment of < iod.
We see also how Uri; truth c’r.ra ‘tcrizes
the preaching of tho apostles. We read
(Acts iv.) that the pm-.-n, were “grieved
that they preached thr >v'jh Jcsus the . esurrtc
tion from the. and ad. ” ” Tina Jesus,” said
they, “ hath God rid and up, whereof wo ire
all witnesses ;” and win n they were about
to choose someone to fill the vacancy which
the crime and death ol Judas had made in
the number of tho nr-.ai.lt s, I', ter, .-tan ing
up the midst of them, eh rod that the
resurrection ought to be 11 5 s .-itmn subject
of their testimony.
“Wherefore,” said be, “of t-hrso men
which have compound us ml the time that
the Lord Jesus went iu anil out among ns,
beginning from the h si of John, unto
that same day th;d I!- v. ii ken from us,
must one he a v:it: ewwd t > ! <f His resurrec
tion.”
And no 1 - to multipp. • ssages, fv Paul
says: “Jf Christ be not raised, yov.r faith is
vain ;pc are pet lu air sins,” (i Cor xv ),
and the, who:- chapter : e acn the iaipor
tauofe of t.“> resurrect 1 -n oevers, as
well as thud Christ ruths
indissyluhk • ■ > . ■ ■ i the
New T-;,m '.a v-.-•:i■:: liable
- f *-■ -■
of that, a lie the pretended
righteousness of t h< Pi. - to the perfect
and divine i-ig!., - • of Christ onr
Savioir, so li.id 1•■ .. ■ ' : tho incredulity
of theßadduci eri to opp. ir ds fu uianv ntal
doctrine of tho resurrection, or: ached by
the apostles who v. re win * ■ "i it, (Acts
v. 17;.
It is by tin ; oectnti'; of ■ resurrection,
and by the glory ■vhich ehnll follow tins
resurrection iteeii, that the foundations and
the hopes of the Ciirhtiaa faith are bound
together; and by tho same doctrine it in
that justification, and th-A v V*-h is tho power
of the Ciirisiis - re, are ne
cessarily united.
Il is oommi uly n
of Christ i the pr ;• It of the
Christian ; Jigi. . ■! -.a;ration
that the work ’ •’< ,t '■■■■ntUfor
infidels. Jf w ■
Christianity > ■ . - ■> do not t< i v-*,
the fact of I;. • ;- - :i: -- ■ ■••• i-s! ■, •• r. i.. •., .-■>
to speak, m . ■ n?i of its truth
turns. G... 1•• ..>• . en.i. But for
Christians, in: !’;•> •• ■ ■ '> < elievt: in
the blessed H 'V ; >;■ " ' "usehope is
already found'd , !U -siunity of tho
word, aid wi,■■ . the power of
that word in ' mils, tho
resurrection. : •: i t.tnren,
contains nine;,
The misery <f 1 n , h;; :i.i one of tiic
consequences o über, has been
to bo satirii by tim grace of
God, recovered. m> 1 is indeed the
case, the truti < mpie n ss of the
work of Chn ... Thi r • hi:, ,-j < ar.. too
often apt to s!o.> ■ r in the h.-pe and
having a pari hi t > ' tuink of
searching th.. id i hi-richer,
contained in it, to h , ! .< ! -ifin of
“theexccU net/ of th ■ - if Christ,”
the portion :d • y generated
soul.
Sometime- iM ..-1 . <c !V- il-sh
excuses it:e ; i '.r ■ ••; ' \V -dom.
which w<uld avoid . knowledge ;
sometimes i . activity
which has Jill !••. . ...i v. h -■ it is
habit and tlid./ '. r ■ U ■ f iv i-i the <• u: '( -
qnence of h i duG h and no’ ihi'
expression -f in. h-r. - . -e. -:rained ’
bv * i love of Oh:'. ■ ; 'uily
iu it is not thus Cnrisli .i;
tie y h’ nger and th God. Ami
where ahnl! they fiod 1 til satisfy
their ands t- if • ••• i. .-.nd in all tho
glory which • <■ goisiness and
powi rHe ha t! ■ ; ; tud which al mo
dm satisfy il. ' peo
ple !
Sr. Paul h . ■! e■- hi ■ T r wwre
an they may seem a--- ' t ’.be. ilesh,
when he spoke of '■■ ■ ; u <p. stiou.
He regarded ill lh e i I'Uri
son of tho exi'clliU" . < !-• 1. igo of
Christ Jesus Liu Lord, i-r ”■ ".-i ho had
suffered the >•.• i. < :>!l ■ ~ 1 counted
them but du:i. : o ;=• it- •• i-;ht win
Christ and be foun t iu ! it having his
own righteonsnes: - , v, ; .ie v•' o! the Jaw,
but that which wa in Ch ist, the
righteousness of Goi by faitn ; that he
might know Jesu C irist, at and the j>. tcer oji
His resurrection from tern - ■ • ' One
thing he did, for:;eUm ■' tlie t.'r.igs which
were behind, and re irhi:n;y forth to tnose
which were before, h< pu toward
mark for the priz tho I ; of
God in Christ Ji-.sti (Pi-il. II*).
He found tin ■>, in the m -rrer - itm. not
only the evil!. : ;• • of th" f : llil.tt'>••. Ot Id’
faith, (Rom. J. 4.) an i u:; proof of the
accomplishtuent of th, - i-.'.'i u.etion try sin
(Cor. xv. 17.) but much : ••• " si. i'li ■
resurrection was, to this up ‘■■ <; the faith
as well as to St Peter, : 1 sonrcf
of a living hope, the pow<: ' -it: - - '’in.
He sought.to know th ;• - ■ • ' th- • -sur
rectiof. He suffered >1 > ■
if by any meat, s lie nilr’i -.ni:'unto it if
the churcli has lost In - . • r spb-.fivi
pov.er. it is no! -r ; U( .it h i
that which ii’ • 1 wi' >■ eg. 0. - , •.*•
soul of tin up . ' ented
it* If OS the .i. .a: ■ n-ind
of Peter, that :->■*- < I
Beloved hrethfi , ■ -■ ■ trrd.b
on this poin , ed word
of our God, {Suit vie irifi- b- ,G:ic‘i_d on
these powerful < I-j< <-i.i • " f :: n ; •tn may
the Spirit of God guide into all truth,
according to Hi: gi ici< L r °-
mise He never fails to fulfil; ’ ’ us then
expect its accompli-’imen t— -DrMs v Herald.
A Blessed PnosmcT.—Th fits which
bind families together—families who all
have a Christian hope—shall never be dis
solved. Death comes among them, but we
take the Bible in our bauds and 1 ascribe on
their tombstones—“ Pleasant in life, and in
eternity not divided." One after another
falls, until the last of the circle is carried to
rtTiiTo'Hwi'
■
■
fll r r!
if..
Hc>
sis
■f life.
Hro the fetl-
Mrold sinner;
IK it were not
Bevery experi
& for ns; only
Kt light only.
his long home, but the grave cannot retain
them. By-and-by the family is to meet
again; husband and wives, parents and
cuiidren, masters and servants, are one day
stand within the gates of the New Jeru
salem, all washed, and sanotified, and justi
fied in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by
the Spirit of God.
iielisiou In the Family.
Christianity was evidently designed for
all classes.of men, and should be the con
trolling power in all the conditions and re
lations of life. It contemplates all the
moral wants of man as an individual, and
all that pertains to him in his connection
with society, And especially is it adapted
to tho family relation, inculcating the only
lessons and principles by which were ever
secured tho sanctified blessings of a Chris
tian home. It guards at every point the
purity, the love, the sacrednessl of such a
home, and gives to it a charm which no
other place on earth has. It lecognizes tho
family as being instituted by God, and
teaches what are the duties of all those who
compose it. Fathers and mothers, hus
bands and wives, children and servants,
these are all instructed in regard to their
dispositions and deportment towards each
other. Now it is evident that a religion
which so recognizes the family, so particu
larizes its different members, and instructs
them in their relative duties, should be
cherished and cultivated in every domestic
cirle. There its lessons should be studied
and learned with the greatest assiduity and
care. The head of the family should make
provision for an habitual religious influence
aud culture there. Tjiere should be a “ fam
ily altar ” around which all may gather, and
with devout hearts supplicate the divine
protection and guidance, and express their
thanksgiving for the blessings which they
in common enjoy. Nothing tends more ef
fectually to prepare a household for the
cares and annoyances of the day, as the
bowing together before such an altar, and
offering up the morning prayer; nothing
has more power to sanctify and endear all
the affections and blessings of home. The
remembrances of such home in later years
aro sacred, mingled with all the better feel
ings of tho soul. Ann yet we fear with all
our advancement in other things, there has
been a sad decline in regard to the religion
of the family within the past fifty years.
But few fathers comparatively, as we ap
prehend, gather their families around them
for religious instruction and conversation
on the Sabbath now. They leave this to
Sabbath-school teachers and others. And
many, we are sorry to say, do not have with
their families daily prayer. We are greatly
iu error if this whole matter of family re
ligion is not sadly neglected even by mem
bers of the church. It is one of the alarm
ing deficiencies of the age. Business en
grosses time; men hurry away to ihis with
out prayer iu the moring, and the soul of
piety is neglected even if its form be re
tained.—Zion's Advocate.
From the Nashville Christian Advocate.
A Remarkable Escape.
Ou the morning of tho (sl l April, 1872, I
was sitting in my study, in the rear of tbe
First Methodist Church, iu Atlanta, Ga. A
friend came in and told me that he believed
the central tower of the church was about
to fall, aud that the crack over the front en
trance to tho tower had opened more than
half an inch. Whilst he was speaking one
of the large oap-stones on the tower fell to
the earth, aud shook the ground. I de
termined to pass into one of the apartments
of the outer vestibule, where I could see the
;•:>*>•? nwtai-le, aad ascertain if f,be brjpk
work of the buttresses was merely peeling
off or really crumbling down.
There was but one door leading from the
basement lecture-room, to the basement of
the vestibule and tower. On reaching this
door, I opened it, and saw through the
open timbers above, (the house being un
finished.) that the crack in the front arch of
the tower had opened about an inch. Step
ping forward to the base wall of the tower,
I looked up, and saw an arch overhead,
gen'ly crushing to pieces, and one of the
crushed fragments of brick fell at my feet.
I sprang from this spot across the basement
vestibule, about nine f*et, and reached the
threshold of the basement door. As I
touched the door, the firet crack of the in
tersecting timbers of tho roof and tower,
about sixty feet overhead, took place. The
roof timbers held the descending mass
about ten seconds, until I had escaped from
tho door up the basement aisle—then the
second crash came, and the wall of the
basement fell, pushed forward by eighty
five feet of vertical brick-work, the rolling
bricks nearly reaching my feet!
I feel that it is lo the gracious providence
of God that I owe my deliverance from sud
den death, and a fnll consecration to his
survive w the fit expression of my gratitude.
The tower has been rebuilt, the entire
brick-work is now complete. It is due to
my church in Atlanta to say, that for the
last three years they have paid out for re
ligious purposes, a sum equal to §3O per
member annually, or §9O per capita for the
three years. For a congregation by no
means wealthy, this is a most excellent ex
hibit. W. P. Harrison.
A Trifling Incident and its Mag
nificent Result.
It was a cold winter day about seventy
years ago when a devout Welsh minister
asked a little girl of his parish to repeat the
Lxt of the preceding Sabbath. She could
not do so, and biushingly pointed to the
deep and drifted snow as an excuse for her
inability.
Naturally anxious to understand the re
lation between the snow and the text, the
good man asked her to explain. It soon
appeared that tho Bible out of which she
was wont to learn the text was owned by a
distant neighbor whom the unusually deep
snow had prevented her from visiting.
Having no Bible at her own home, she was
thus dependent on friends living at a dis
tance for tdie privilege of reading the word
of G"d. This trifling incident started an
inquiry in the minister’s mind which has
i windrow results. He soon found that
a 1 :r fc 'o number of his people were without
the Scriptures and unable to buy. With
energy combined with piety, he set out for
London, aod appealed to the Directors of
tho Religious Tract Society for some kind
of organization to supply his poor country
men with the Bible. His appeal was not in
vain. While the thoughtless multitudes
were jostling in the streets, and the din of
London life deafening the ear, a few noble
men retired to au obscure couutuig-room ot
the city, to devise measures for tbe forma
firm of a society which should give the
Billie to Wales. Their plan was nearly mi
i.urcd. when into the mind of one their
flashed a thought—a thought as truly in
spired as any in the canon; it was heaven
born, and simply sought human lips to give
it expression. Up rose oue of the small
company; a glow was on his face and a
magnificent faith in his heart. “Ifa Bible
society for Wales,” he said, “ why not a
Bible society for the world?” Noble words
were these. They fell on the few auditors
like a voice from God—like u triumphant
blast from the sky.
The British and Foreign Bible Society
hod its beginning at that moment. The
lips which spoke it into life have been. dead
for nianv years, bnt who save tbe Almighty
can measure the work they have wrought?
Christian Union.
To Parents.— Parents run the risk of
losing the love of their children who put
aside their trivial questions as of no conse
(jin nee. An interrogation point symbolizes
the life" of childhood. “ Why ” and “ what ”
.■re the keys with which it unlocks the
treasury of tbe world. The boy’s number
less questions often seem trivial, but tbe
wise parent will never turn them off unan
swered, if he can help it. It is his rich op
portunity of teaching. He is met half-way,
and there is all the difference between im
pressing truth on an eager mind and an un
interested one. The little fellow, helping
you at your work and pelting yon with end
less questions, may learn as much in half an
hour there as in a week when his body is a
prisoner in the school-room and his thougnts
aro out of doors.
F. M. KENNEDY, D. D., EDITOR
WHOLE NUMBER 1981
Sometime.”
‘ ‘ Do all you can for the conversion of my
children,” said an invalid father as he fol
lowed his pastor to the door.
“But how is it with you, my friend?’’
questioned the young servant of God.
“ I will be honest with you, my dear pas
tor,” he replied, “At the age of twenty
the Spirit of God strove with me. My lieurt
was tender, and conviotions for some days
deep. I felt sure that ‘ now was truly the
accepted time,’ and would prove the ‘day of
salvation. ’ I was ‘ almost persuaded ; ’ bat
I lingered to count the cost. I was young ;
I could afford to wait just a little while. I
was gay, mingling daily in the society of
those who seemed to have no thought of
the hereafter. Sometime the pleasures of
life would have less oharms for me.
“ A few years passed, and again the Spirit
whispered gently, ‘Come.’ ‘Go thv way
for this time,’ I said ; ‘I will attend to tb*t
matter soon.’ I was then in early manhood,
my mind busy with ambitious plans. Toe
desire of large possessions, increased com
forts, and worldly honors, drove awav every
serious thought.
“Once again the Spirit came, moregentlv
and sweetly than before; bnt then I was
surrounded and hemmed in with business
and friends. My highest earthly hopes had
been realized. Nothing I sought had seemed
to bo denied. ‘lt is impossible now to at
tend to religion,’ I said ; ‘ my family, my
business, everything claims my whole atten
tion. When I have less to do, and lam en
joying the quiet of old age, I promise to at
tend seriously to the calls of conscience.
Eternal things shall then be all my care.’
“ But the grieved Spirit left me forever.
Nothing moves me now. There is no tender
plaoe in my heart but what is satisfied with
the love of earthly friends. I believe in a
God and a hereafter, bnt it is a belief which
brings no joy, no restful peaoe. I stand
upon the shore of the river, but the passage
will be a dark one. Save my children, if
possible, from a fate sc fearful."”
Affectionately the kind pastor labored
wish him, bnt apparently without avail.
And so he passed away, ere he had touched
upon the period of old age and anticipated
rest. — American Messenger.
Miscellanea.
Gratuitous. —The College of William and
Mary offers to educate free of all tuition
fees one student from each city and county
of Virginia, to be nominated by the Super
intendent of Public Schools.
Beginning his Work.— Professor Gilman
recently of Yale College was inangnrated
President of the California University. No
vember 9th, when he delivered an able ad
dress reviewing the range of study demand
ed in a university course.
Contented With His Home. —Mr. Samuel
Webb, a New Yorker, and strange to eay a
printer, recently died in this city at the age
of sixty years, who had never seen Central
Park, had not been farther np-town than
Bleeeker street in thirty years, and was never
on a ferry-boat till he was carried to his long
home.
Colonizing. —The American Colonization
Society sent November 30th, to Liberia, a
company of 160 colored emigrants, most of
whom were farm-hands from North Carolina
and Georgia. Each family receives twenty
five acres of land free, and each man citizen
ship at once. Liberia now contains 500, X)0
inhabitants, fifty churches, and many seh Als
and colleges.
Philanthropic. —Hon. William Gray, -.f
Boston, proposes to lease a large portion
of ground free of rent for a year, upo:
which manufactories may be erected foi
giving empioymeutJ,o men and women de
prived of work by tbe fire, which he will
Bupply with steam power from an adjoining
factory.
Harvard University. —This venerable
institution suffered severely from the Bos
ton fire, having lost nine stores valued at
8562,000 which brought in a rental of §38,-
000 Of the insurance for §216,000 odl.v
§IOO,OOO will be paid. The President und
Fellows appeal to the Alumni and other
friends to contribute §50,000 for the imme
diate use of the University, and §200,000 to
rebuild the stores that were burnt.
The only way to meet affliction is to pass
through it solemnly, slowly, with humility
and faith, as the Israelites passed through
the sea. Then its very waves of misiry
will divide and become to us a wall on the
right side and on the left, until tbe gulf
narrows and narrows before our eyes, and
we land safe on the opposite shore. — Miss
MulocTc.
Baptist Home Missions. —Daring the last
year the New York Baptist State Conven
tion employed fifty home missionaries in tbe
State, who occupied 118 stations, and for
which work it expended about §13,000
There was raised about 832,000 for tin*
Freedmen’s Church Edifice Fund and other
purposes, besides about §IOO,OOO raised for
city and local work.
“Praise and Prayer.”— ln a report of a
noon day prayer-meeting in England under
this head are these “ requests “ Praise.
Praise God for having sent employment, as
was asked, to a yonng man. Also pray for
the conversion of his mother. Thanks to
God for hearing prayer in behalf of Mr. G. f
who is progressing favorably.” It is beau
tiful and childlike thus to mingle praise
with prayer. “In everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving, let your
requests be made known nnto God.”
Statistics show that last year the people
of the Uuitid States paid §135,224,000 for
1,352,246,000 cigars, and smoked them.
The cost of the chewing tobacco and snuff
consumed during that period will bring up
the annual cost of these luxuries to §250,-
000,000. How meagre in comparison with
these enormons figures is the sum contribu
ted during the same period toward sending
the gospel to a dying world. It is nos
evident that men love their cigars better
than the Christian world lovo souls ?
One of the novelties at the fair of the
American Institute is a saw with diamond
teeth. It cuts its way through all opposi
tion iir rapidly slicing a marble block into
thin sheets. Only a few of these precious
stores are set several s apart, but
steam force drives thtyn to aud fro vigor
ously without wearing oiftlieir sharp angles.
The diamond steam drill works ou the same
principle, working its way into solidgranita
farther in half an hour than ten men could
drill in a day.
Decreed. —The statement that religions
toleration had been proclaimed throughout
Japan, which was prematurely announced,
is now true, the Department of Religion
having published a decree authorizing i:.
The “ Missionary Advocate ” states that the
reports of a reactionary movement iu Japan
were originated by the charge d'affaires at
Washington, who having become an infidel
is opposed to religious toleration. He has
been removed, and his successor is an open
advocate for religious liberty.
Curious Developments —The examina
tion of the books and documents th t
passed through the fire shows that what
paper-makers call poor paper, which was
considerably “clayed ” stood the best test;
that parchment used for bonds and legal
documents shrivelled; that the printing on
it and the engraving on notes could bo read
while writing was illegible; that the gilding
on uccount-books was bright and clear as
new; that books packed tight in safes suf
fered less thau those set in loosely; and
that lead pencil marks were legible when
inkmarks could not be distinguished.
Going Forward —The annual meeting
of the General Missionary Committee of tbe
Methodist Episcopal Church was held In
New York, November 13, the thirteen bish
ops and the other members being all } ref -
eut. The receipts for the past year weie
§661,056, exceeding that of the previous
year by §37,691. Believing that the mis
sionary spirit in tbe church was steadily in
creasiDg. the committee deliberately decid< u
to appropriate §BOO,OOO for the coming
year. Of this amount, including a balauo"
of §B6 397, §373,826 was assigned to tbe
foreign missions in Africa, China, Japan,
India, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia,
Bulgaria. Italy, Mexico, and South Ameri
ca, $77,200 to missions among the Indians,
and the foreign population in this coun
try, $344,000 to home missions, and $90.-
000 for miscellaneous purposes.