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182
Southern Christian
MACON. GEO KOI A NOVEMBER 17, 187 b.
The Worfes.
Tb** Rev. J P Pentecost, wbo has at
ta ne'd considerable celebrity in the past
few jeer-i as an earnest and very able
advocate of ‘ open communion” between
B ptists and other Christian denomina
t ns, he.B recently made his stay with the
W or-*n Avenne Baptist Chnrch of Boston,
0 ntiugent npon the elimination of these
words from their declaration of faith:
•'Baptism by immersion is, by Scripture
ex.mpie, a prerequisite to communion at
tre Lord’s table.” The demand was com
p'i*-d wirh. the declaration was ’‘amend
ed by striking oat,” and he remains tbeir
pastor. This cbnrch is one of the oldest
in Boston, having been erected in 1743,
and its action is significant as indicating
the progress of the open communion
sentiment in the Baptist Chnrch. We
r< j >:ce in this and every other intimation
that greets ns, that there is within that
populous and powerful denomination, an
element which is slowly perhaps, yet
steadily, working its disen thrallment from
the bondage of a dogma which their fel
lo v Christians cannot but regard as illib
eral aod unsnstained by the spirit or letter
o' the Gospel.
If this emancipation is ever eff cted
and tb BipnetCbarcb broaghtintoanem
barraSsea • fili ation with the other great
bodies of Christians, the result will be
brought aabout by forces operating inside
that communion, and Dot by any amount
or quality of external pressure. Spurgeon
and Pentecost, and the growing class of
Baptist" of whom they are conspicuous
repres- nt-tives, are the confessors of this
r,d rotation, aid its success depends
wholly npou them. A-"aults from with
out, an I indeed all intermeddling beyoDd
cordial fra f eroal sympathy, is calculated,
in inr jiuKm-ut to retard rather than
quicken progress towar l the desired con
summation The-e i" something in human
nttnre. and it "lt~n 00-txists with a con
si ierab’e amount of grace, which re-ents
interference that is regarded impertinent
or ouantnorized I' i reported of an old
N apo’.i in, that .hough he was a native ot
the city and had uttamed the advanced
age of moety years, he had never been
outside its wails, until the governor pub
lisbed a decree that no one should pass
beyond the limits of the city within a c r
to-, period, when the vet*rau, sizing his
Bti-ff. resented what he regarded an in
fringement oi his personal rights,by airing
hims if in the suburbs of Naples. There
are many in the Baptist Church we doubt
not, whose attachment to the close-ctm
ruuuion dogma has been riveted by pedo
baptist warfare upon that dogma; while
comparatively few, if any, have been
divorced from it by the same means. We
may be in error, but onr deci ed convio
tion is that we waste effort in BCtkiDg to
reform onr Baptist bretLr, n on this qnes
tioD, and only disparage the iffarts of
those liberal Baptists who are laboring to
effect the alignment of tbeir denomina
tion with ull other orthodox Churches id
the observance of this cardinal Christian
ordinance. After all, it is a question in
which they are far more deeply interested
lhan we have any reason to be; why not
then leave it for them to settle among
themselves?
Pull the Wires!
“X,” who now and then enlivens our
columns with bis spicy and telling com
ments on men and things contributes the
following seasonable article to the Chris
han Neighbor. He evidently keeps his
eyes open, and nsee them to purpose. If
any brother, blind to bis own interests,
has neglected the wise suggestions given
below, let him remember the time is
short, and proceed to redeem the frag
ment left, without delay;
Conference approaches Already tbe
rumbling of the great * iron wheel” may
be heard in the distaucc. The time for
action has arrived. “Fat appointments”
m.y soon be in our grasp. Let us t e up
and doing. The time has fully come for
bestowing special favors upon the Presid
ing Elders. On, these Presiding Eiders!
Who would not be one ju-t before t*ie up
uointments are mudi ? Who would be one
just aftei? Br.ng in your gifts, oh ye
ambitious circuit riders and station
preachers. Heap up your fl dteries—upon
the men of tbe cabinet. Tell them of
your wondwful talents and remarkable
success Snow them how you draw the
crowds and build up the waste places.
Pull the ir trother; pull strongly
Get your t ffi-.ual m*ml>e-8 to help, if
nece-sary. Y-a may succeed in pulling
yoursilf m’o a more d-sirable appoint
ment next year. Who knows what per
sistent and well directed effort m-y not
accomplish? B* all means have your
board of stewards to pass a few compli
mentary resolutions. Ir will show their
appreciation of talent, and will effectn Ih
oouceel your msuy shortcomings. Get
some friend to give you a newspaper puff
—tbe bigger, the better. It will give yon
a reputation abroad, and will create tbe
impres-ion that you are truly a desirable
pastor. Lno friend will do this, write a
letter nr two h r <he Church papers your
self B>at-* p‘.rticulerly at what alow ebb
iv re all ihe interests oi the Church when
you took charge, and what a re mark a bl
imp rov. men; there ha" been und-r your
admiaistr-tion. If possible, see the
Bishop luvite lum to call by on his way
to Coufereuoo B exceedingly cordial
aud courteous to him during bis stay.
Have all of your admirt-rs (if you have
any) to o-11 and eee him Be sure and
keep away all this* who have not sense
enough to appreel .te you. Pull the wiree!
pull the wireel I* yon get the appoiot
ment you went, r.j uce over your shrewd
ness and taut Laugh t those poor fel
lows who trust God and the appointing
po * ms, and are thaukful for aDy field in
which to work for Christ. If you ere die
appointed, lay all the blame on your Pre
siding Eider; for is it not his special busi
ness to secure yon t,b best appointment
in the Conference? Pull the wires, then,
my brother! pnlt! 1
Small l hange —Tuis is a desideratum
in almost every community and neighbor
hood, and its scarcity is often a Eerious
inconvenience. Not so, however, at the
Annual Conference. Tne little rills, start
ine from every charge in the Conference
territory, oonverge upon one point, and
the different Boards are whelmed with the
mnltitndinons and motley influx. An
annoying per cent age, too, of this “ frac
tional,” has made its la6t trip when it has
reached the Conference Boards; is too
much “ mutilated ” to render any farther
service to humanity; and, expiring on
their hands, is laid to rest with the epitaph,
“Uncurrent.” Verily, the contributors of
such, shall have their reward. But if every
ten and twenty-five cent note were crisp
and fresh from the Treasury presses, it
would be a tedious and burdensome task
to count them over, which ought not to be
imposed on these well-worked brethren.
Get larger bills before starting to Confer
ence. The “change” will be a conveni
ence in the commnnities you leave ; you
will transport your collections with less
trouble; and the Board will be relieved of
honrs of unprofitable and vexatious labor.
Time For Holding Conference.
We ventured, some week-* sgo. to sag
gest, as we conceived, some advantages to
be derived by tbe Conferences in Georgia
and South Carolina, from holding th-ir
sessions in tbe Spring instead of the Win
ter, as has long been the enstom. The
views presented, were simply onr own,
and entitled to no more weight thro in
trinsically belonged to them. Oue object
we hf*d in view, that is, to draw attention
to the subject, has been attained, and
several brethren have replied through thi
Advocate, deprecating tbe change we sng
gest Tbeir opinions are entitled to as
mneb consideration as ours, perhaps more;
bnt tbe reasons they assign for objecting
to Spring sessions, do not seem to us to
approximate in force, the confesed disad
vantages of meetiog in Winter. So that,
until more cogent reasons are arrayed
against the proposed change than any
that have yet appeared, we are unshaken
in tbe belief that it would promote thi
comfort of tbe preachers and tbeir fami
lies, improve all tbe collections, increase
the average amount of eff-etive ministe
rial service render* and on tbe circuits, and
in every way enbai o : thi w If re of the
work. It is with reftreuea to these con
siderations alone that the qif-stiuu inter
•-sts us. Personally, we have not a pat tide
of interest iu it, and so far as onr indi
vidua! comfort or advantage is involved,
•‘ Dec-ruber's as pleasant as May ” for at
tendiDg Conference If a majority of tbe
members of the Confei* noes concerned,
after maturely reflecting upon thesntject.
believe that it is betb-r to adhere to tbe
present plan, we shall very promptly coo
dade that as tbeir opportunities for judg
mg in the premises are necessarily bet-tei
than ours, we have been mistaken, Hnd
-ball cheerfully acquit see in their ve.rdict.
We have no pride of opinion in this mat
ter to be wounded Onr chief d* sir*-, we
feel sure, coincides with that of every
preacher and Uymia in thee* Conf<-r*-nc( s
-tnd that is. to attain tbe minimum of dis
count npou the efficiency of our service
in the c.nee of Christ. If this deciders
turn is cum.rassed by Winter sessions, h
all mean* continue tberu. But, if we cm
accomplish more, with lees unnee**"s r
isacrifiee, t>v changing to Spring let n
overcome the lL'r iaof long habit, and
ask the Bishops to call as togeihir in
March or April
The Cuban Mission — lt gives us great
pleasure to pnblisb the letter of brother
J huson, which is to be found in onr
Missionary column. This southeri mo-'
xircmity of onr woik, certainly presente
a great and effectual door for glorious ser
vice in the c luce of the M-ster, and origh*
to be heartily entered by our Church.
We oomm-nd the Caban Mission to the
enlarged liberality of the Board of Mis
sions, and wh sincerely trust that this im
portant and growing work will be so
fostered and sustained by tbe Church,
as speedily to yield the results confidently
anticipated by the brethren who are now
zealously prosecuting it.
Wofford College — Brother Walker,
the Financial Secretary, gives valuable
information iu onr column of South Car
olina Church notices, to all whose obliga
tion he bolds for the endowment of the
College. It is eminently important that
the amount matured on these bonds
should t>e promptly paid, and we hope
every one who has given a bond will leave
no iawfal means untried to provide for
meetiog tbe installments that are due.
Crowded Out —Editorial, and other
matter, which we had < xpected to get iDto
this issue, is necessarily laid over, as the
foreman informs ns that he has more than
enough matter ‘ set np” to fill the form,
and the “chase” being made of iron, will
not stretch.
“Worn Out”—Not “Played Out.”
Duriug the jear 1867, onr beloved and
venerated friend and brother, the R v.
John W. Glenn, of the North Georgia
Conference, although a superannuated
preacher, served the pie sant station of
Cedar Town as a “supply.” He found
himself able to preach twice a month, and
right glad were the good people of Cedar
Valley to have this trnly good and great,
man ftr their under shepherd. Every
man, every woman, every child, lovtd
and revered him. And he desi rved it.
He grew feebler during the winter, but
the fire w*s in his heart. and the genuine
soldier’s gaudia certaminis neived his arm
for one more campaign. It was wonder
ful to see how his love of preaching, bis
z--al in the Master's work his devotion to
the Church, his joy in saving souls, in
creased, deepened and broadened, as in
firmities and diseases grew upon bim.
One visit—the last we made bim and the
l-st time we ever Si.w him—we can nev*r
forget. It was early in April, 1868 It
became evident that be conld no longer
It-ud the Lord's host. His place bad to ba
fiiled but, as his Presiding Eloer, we bad
not the heart to break it to him We
spent the evening,and the morning of the
next day, listening to his words of wisdom
and bis glowing recitals of the grand old
days. Jest before telling him goodty—
for we waited for him to mentiou the
matter—he was silent for a time And
then he began with a trtmulons voice:
•‘I kuow why you came. It must be so.
The time has cc me. They must have a
new preacher at Cedar Town ” We had
known bim from childhood but had never
seen him weep except when he was happy.
But he was weeping now—the tears we-e
streaming down his face. His emotions
were unutterable as he sobbtd out the
words: “This is the saddest day of my
life. My heart is in the work as much us
ever. Bat I can preach no more.”
All this came buck to us a few days ago
as we saw a dear brother—with impaired
health—full of trouble and fear at the
thonght of being superannuated. We
shall always love bim more for his tears
at the bare thought of being “laid on the
shelf.” It must be a dreary and desolate
feeling that hannts—like an unwelcome
ghtsi—the heart of a preacher wbo has
no charge—who “can preach no mere ”
It kills some men. Question 18 in our
order of Conference business, “Who are
superannuated?” is almost as sad as ques
tion 19, “What preachers have died dur
ing the past year?”
The Discipline asks this question:
“What is a superannuated preacher?” The
answer is: “A superannuated preaoher is
one who is worn ont in the itinerant ser
vice.”
Here are several things cur Conferences
should carefully consider.
1. He is “one who is worn out.” There
is a great difference between being "worn
out” and “played out.” As it seems to
us, in considering the matter of super
annuating a man, the question should
never be: “Can we find a place for brother
A?” but rather, “Is brother A. worn out?"
It has, somehow, a suspicious look when
brother A. is “placed on the superanna
ated list” a few minntes before the Bishop
reids out the appoin ments In such a
ease the compelling fact seems to be, not
that brother A. is really judged to be
“worn out,” but that the “cabinet”
“c-.n’t find a plac** for him”—a place that
‘-nits h'm. and a place tßat he suits. The
o-e question is this — ‘ls brother A worn
out?'' If not, he ought not to be super
annuated, although a place can’t be found
for him It is the solemn duty—to broth
er A. and to the Church—of the Bishop
and “the cabinet” to find a place for him,
or to do something else.
2. He is “one who is worn out in the
itinerant service.” Notin something else
—as law, or medicine, or merchandise.
Asa general rule—perhaps one might say
as a universal rule—it is an injustice to the
man himself, to tbe Cbnrch at large, and
to those who are of right “on the super
annuated list” to “receive on trial” a man
fifty years old, or about that old. “ Worn
out in the itinerant service" —is tbe defini
tion. Let Bishops, “Cabinets,” Boards
of Finance, and Acnnal Conferences, see
to it that there be no substitution of
“played out” for “worn out.” There are
many advantages in putting only “worn
oat” men on the superannuated list. We
mention here but two.
1. It would make a corps of veterans—
au “old guard ” —who will receive, be
cause they will deserve, universal honor.
They will be the “elders,” before whom
loung men will “rise up in the gates ”
2 It would add much to the contribu
iouh of the Church for their comfortable
and honorable support. Tbe people will
give freeiy of their substance to relieve
tbe wants and to comfort tbe age of such
as are “worn out in the itinerant service;”
they “reluctate ” —as a friend of ours
oold say—to give to those who are only
“played out.”
G .niou-old guard! The venerable men
de-erve to be honored. The Chnrch could
i|i afford to spire them Sore are their
-inptations at times—tbe devil wbisper
eng: “You are of no nee now; you are
inly m the way.” It is a miserable uu
riitb. They are of much U"> ;G >d "res
that the Church hi" need of them, aud
h-refore requites them to staud guard a
itr, e larger. Their very presence in n
nsoiraticn. Their battles and th-ir v:e
tones are written in th furrows and
wrinkles. They t-U that one time 'll*
great Condi kept L nil XIV waiting he
ctare ms rhenm.itii*m compelled him to
hobble "lowly up the stairs. He apolo
ijsz-d to the king. L mis answered:
“Never miud co i-iu; he may take hi"
■ une wbo is loaded down with so many
honors.” So the very infirmities of our
•‘worn out ” veterans are the souvenirs
•f victorious c impugns. May we never
see a Couferr . ee in which these noble and
vei.eruble men are not truly loved and
honored! How much young men may learn
from them! Let them cleave to them us
ElLba cleaved to Elijah. Some day, may
they catch their descending mantles!
Great is the trial of their faith in their
enforced silence. It was while he was
b eked up in the dungeon of M ichscrus
that John the 3ipti"t sent messengers to
ask: “Art thou He that should come?"
Frederick Robertson thinks that even his
s’rongsoul was tempted. Aud why not?
We have seen holy men in sore trial be
cause they can go forth to the wars no
more. The “brethren” cannot be too
kind to ike “ fathers ” of the Conference.
Are they not entitled to more brotherly
sympathy? But we owe them—yes, by
every token, owe them—more than sym
pathy, reverence and love: we owe them
a support in their old age. The English
rejoice to give homes to their disabled
and superannuated sailors at Greenwich,
and to their soldiers at Chelsea; while the
French veterans find refuge and comfort
in the Hotel des Invalides in Paris.
Debt indeed I So it is, but we should
esteem it a privilege to cheer the age and
soothe the sorrows of these holy men, who
have “worn” themselves “out” in our
service. It is cruel to turn a good old
horse cut upon the commons to die; it is
base ingratitude to neglect onr old
preachers.
But some of them are at rest; they have
their reward—no doled out pension.
Their widows and orphans rtmaiD, the
Wards of the Church. For Christ’s sake,
let us so care for these b. lpless ones that
He may say to us on the last day: “Inas
much as ye have done it unto ene of tbe
least of these my brethren, ye have done
it unto m**!” H.
Oxford, Oa.
Correspondence
Advancement in tlie South Geor
gia Conference.
The near approach of onr Conference
session has indnced me to look back over
'be work of the past few years and
make a few notes. They may prove en
t.rtainicg to some, and suggestive to
o hers
I find by consulting the record, that we
had as our portion, set cff to us at the
division of the old Georgia Conference,
and received from the Florida Confer
euce 19,217 members.' We have had a
continued increase each year,—tie largest
in any one year being in 1869, that is,
1,587. The nett increase for the eight
yeais, is 8 285, averaging over one thou
sand a jesr. This certainly shonld be
cause for great gratitude upon onr part as
workers in the Masttr’s vineyard. If we
had been more faithful, our success would
have been more gracious.
We have not been so successful in our
Sunday school work. We have made
some progress, but not enough to justify
a feeling of complacency. We had in
1867, at the first session of our Confer
ence, 206 Sabbath schools. We had in
1874 290 schools, an increase of 84 But
I find that in 1871 there was a decrease of
19 schools, and in 1872 no increase at all.
The year 1871, seems to have been a dis
astrous epoch in oar Sunday-school enter
prize. For, we not only fell short nine
teen schools, but we lost 1,285 scholars;
and during 1872-3, we lost 857 more,
making a total loss in three years of 1,642
scholars. lam unable to account for this
strange and lamentable showing, occuring
as it did when the public mind was more
than ordinarily aronsed upon the subject
of Sunday-schools. It is gratifying, how
ever, to report that the nett increase for
the eight years, is 3 323 scholars.
While our financial exhibit, is not what
it ought to be, yet it compares favorably
with the results in other Conferences,
oovering vaster and richer territory.
Daring the eight years past we have raised
for missionary purposes 845,147.73; and
for Conference claimants 836,820.33. The
average pay to the pastor for these eight
years, is 8505,76%. The largest salary to
any cne pastor was paid in 1867, amount
ing to 83,350, and another in 1871, of
83,250, The largest number of preachers
SOUTHEKN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
employed in any one year, was 105,in 1872
The largest average salary was paid in
1871,amonntirgto$588 86)-£. Tbe average
salary of the Presiding Eid-rs during tbe
eight years, was 81.188 Their high
est average was reached in the year 1872,
amounting to 81 326 37)£ The higher
amount paid to the Bishops any one year,
was in 1871, amounting to $11569 08.
Other calculations have been made, but
these will suffice.
What are we doing this yeat? The
figures already produced refer to tbe past,
stopping with onr reports of last year. A
few weeks only remain in which we can
work. The times are hard, it is true, and
for that reason we should work the harder!
for it is more difficult for onr 6nperannates
and the widows and orphans to get along
than ever before. We are getting poorer
as a people every year in this world’"
goods, therefore let ns get richer every
year by increased treasure in heaven. As
we have less things to look after tere, we
have more time to “miud things heaven
ly.” 8 S Sweet
“Tlie Orphans’ Home.”
Hr. Kennedy: In the Advocate of tbe
31 inst., I find under the above caption,
a Ci'mmuuication over tbe signature of
W. which demands attention, aDd fur
nishes a favorable opportunity for the ex
planation of certain matters about which
I have ascertained there are injurious
misapprehensions among our friends. I
am glad W. has written, especially since
he evidently loves the Orphans’ Home,
and seeks the advancement of its inter
ests; although he is manifestly under
misapprehensions, possibly misreprtsen
tatioue, as to the management of the in
stitution. He says:
“The design of the Home is to care
for aud educate tbe destitute and helpless
orphans of onr people. Suppose, lorn
lustra'l'm, there are thirty childreu now
<t the Home *hose ages range trom five
to twenty. N iff, if these are to be kept
and maiutaii.ed at tbe Home until tbe
males arrive at majority aud the female",
longer, why, sure enough, there will
neither be means nor room for others, at
lea-t very lew Whiie its agents are e> k ■
mg funds f- r the support of this Lrg*
ela-s f grown-up persons, they wouid
"Careelv be able to ruse money enough to
defr-iy thf-ir own expeuß"B and p-y sala
ries. N >r conld other children be rec-ive >
who really ne.-d the comfort" aud advau-.
ag*s of the Hom-*. until these growu-n* 1
tersonsflud h. m->" elsewhere, or are in
"time way provide'! for. But, if we can
fiud a way or suggest a plan whereby
th'e*> times us many children ctrt b
cord for aud educa'ed under the d'r.*c
tiou of the Cburch with but lit,tie ex
teuKiou of meiu" beyond what are now
einpl 'ytd. pir.iaps for much less—sureli
that or some kindred plan should
adopted. lam informed that, applies
tious are oft *o made to ih Superiuten
dent of the Home for one ot tbe little
boys or girls, by parties who propose to
care for, educate, and traiu them up iu
the way they should go; partita who are
every way worthy and well qualified to
curry out their undertaking. But accord
ing to the present regulations of the
Home, as understood by the writer, these
applications can not be granted, however
worthy and responsible the applicant.
Now suppose there lives in tbe Cave
SpriLgcircuit, a wi riby mau, a member
of onr Church, who has no son or daugh
tt r, and would take, nay. wanted one of
these children from the Home; and sup
pose he should apply to tbe Superinten
dent for one, with his application strong
ly endors and aud recommended by the
Presiding Eldtr of the Burn" Dis'riot,'
would it not be well, to say the least of
it, for tbe child to thus find and enjoy a
home in such a family ?”
I have extended this quotation from
W because it clearly and fully sets forth
what I understand to have been stated
by parties in different portions of the
Conference territory, and because such a
presentation gives the opportunity for
its c< rrection.
Without the slightest censure upon
W.—he writes as a friend, and states
what- he nudiritands aDd believes to be the
truth in the case—l feel obliged to say
that the facts do not sustain a single alle
gation or complaiut contained in the
abo"e rxfcract. More, W’s information
is utterly at fault on the whole subject cf
tbe administration of the Home.
Ist. W. is in error in supposing as be
certainly dres, that the Superintendent
has any authority either to admit into the
Home or to dismiss from it, in any manner
whatsoever, any child or children. Ha is
the appointee of the Trustees, may or
may not be a member of their body; and,
under their control and direction, gov
erns the Home and conducts its domestic,
social, and religious interests.
The Trustees, under the law of both
the Ctn-rjh and the State, are the custo
dians of tbe property and the orphan
family; receive and dismiss orphans as
the law directs, and are amenable to the
Annual Conference for the wise and faith
ful performance of their trust.
I state further; that neither the Super
intendent nor the Agent , nor any Trustee;
can admit a child into tbe Home cr dis
miss one. This perogative is, by law,
confided to the Board of Trustees, and to
them only, and that under specific checks
and restraints, [See the law quoted at
the close of this communication ]
2d. W’s information is at fault touching
the policy and administration of the
Trustees, in that he understands that no
child—orphan—can,and will be, dismissed
from the Home until “the lhales arrivi at
majority, and the females perhaps longer,
etc.”
There is no such law, there has been no
such practice of the Trustees, but direct
ly to the con!r try, no male has been re
tained to an approximation of his majori
ty, no female to the age of womanhood,
while quite a goodly number have been
provided ftr in good families, and have,
thtrelore, been sent away. Oa la.it Wed
nesday, 3d inst., the very day on which
the Advocate was issued, containing W’s
communication, the Trustees were en
gaged in their annnal session art the
Home, and, among other things done,
they dismissed three of the children, for
whom, they were satisfied proper provi
sions were made oatßide of the Home,
and admitted anew inmate.
The first article ever written upon this
subject appeared iu the Advocate less than
six years ago, tbe first steps fer its in
anguration were taken five years since,
the Home was opened about four years
ago; since which time, twelve or more
children have been sent away because
they were otherwise provided for, and
others have been admitted eo fast (more
so) as there have been means at the
command of tbe Trustees to take care of
them.
31. It is a mistake and would be a
perversion of the whole nature and design
of the Orphans’ Home enterprise, to sup
pose it intended to find orphans for tbe
purpose of supplying them to others. I
do not think W. entertains such a view,
but there are multitude! who do.
The object was, and is, to take the
homeless, destitute orphan, to give him a
home, education, business and religious
training, aud thus prepare him for the
great mission of life, and not to establish
au intelligence office, under the auspices
of tbe Cburch, where these li'.t’e waifs
may he secured for service. It ie the pur
pesa to bring them under the iLflaen -es
of the Church and to m .ke of them,
CLristiau meu and women; and, as will be
seen, the law under which the Trustees
buys acted, was framed accordingly.
Under this law, and under th3 solemn
obligations of the case, the Trustees dare
not take up these little, helpless, and un
offending immortals, and then throw them
bsck upon the world, without first mik
ing their impress upon them, and then
seeing to it, as far as human prudence
and forecast can go, that when they are
removed from the Home and its happy
snrroundings, they are placed in good
and safe hands and hearts, where they
will at least have the chance to be saved
4th, If there has been such a case pre
sented as that supposed by W. in the
Cave Spring Circuit, I am ignorant of
the fact, and being a Trustee, I have at
tended their meetinge and closely watched
ali their proceedings. TLitre have been
applications which wire not granted, but
iu no such case ts W. has supposed.
slh. W., and ali others who rtfleet upon
the subject, will readily see that if all
the children of the Home should be sent
*ff as soon as they can be serviceable in
the kitchen and the field, nothing can be
done either in the oue or the other but
by hired help, which, iu the very nature
of tbe case, would be a crushing burthen.
There would be, among the girls, no
cooks, no housekeepers, or seamstresses;
and among the toys, no farmers, or me
chanics, no producers, anu cons< queutly
all labor as well as all supplies would
have to be paid for. Besides, were such
a policy adopted it would largely defeat
the paramount design of the Home, viz :
to educate, instruct, and train these un
fortunates, and, under God’s bit snogs, to
give them good and bnsiuess habits, r-s
t.blished Christian views and characters.
' This cannot be done in so short a time,
especially in cases—-moh as we seek to
ueuefit—wh*r the homeless orphan hai
l) .and either no training, or, wh it is worse
aod often true, the mo*t depraved and
vicious examples aud it fl leuces brongh
to bear no-in them. Thi- remark brings
out the vital features of the Orphans’
1 Home. It, is not au orphan asvlum oa tbe
old plan. It is an orphans' Home
It is with singular pleasure, and as I
trust, gratitude to God, tint I am euablo
to state that under t his Home arrangement
and adminietratiOD, between tweuty and
ihirty of the orphans of our Home near
Decatur, have been converted since they
were admitted iuto the institution. But
I must not pursue this subject furtuer
at present.
In conclusion I beg to say to W , and
all concerned, that there is not an in
stitution of the kind on the American
Continent, run upon as economical a
schedule as that of the Orphans’ Home
of the North Georgia Conference, and I
doubt if any can show equal fruits—in
dustrial, social, educational, and relig
ous—dnriug the four yeara of its exis
tence. Could our friend-, the most san
guine, have expected more, noy, half as
much, io so short a time? Ilomember,
dear friends, that the enterprise was new,
novel, delicate, of stupendous magnitude,
and dependent npou public benevolence
and liberality for its saccesa. This, too,
in the face of almost universal opposi
tion and evil prophesies. Wiil any, can
any reasonable,thoughtful m in or woman,
claim that four years are sufficient to in
augurate, not to say develop and perfect,
such an nnderttking? Let every grand
and noble work of the Church and science
respond to these questions. And jet,
we have siceees aud fruits already, demon
strative of a glorious future.
It will be seen from the following ex
tract frim the setion of the General Con
ference of 1870 which inaugurated the
system of orphans'homes, that tbe Trus
tees have sought to keep the law aud not
to experiment in so .sacred a trust,
Jesse Boeing,
Washington, Ga. , Nov. i, 1875.
Articles 4 lh and sih of the action of the
General Conference of IS7O, providing fur
the management if Orphans' Homes.
Abticle 4. “The Trustees shall hold
all the property, real and personal, of such
Home, in trnst for the Metbocist Epis
copal Church, South ,for the purpotes be.
fore specified; shall manage, direct, aud
when proper, sell or otherw.se dispose of
the same; shall appoint a supirinteudeut,
matrons, teacLers, and such other officers
and snrbordinates of the institution at
may be necessary, and shall superintend
the conduct and management of the
same. They shall also determine the
number of orphans to be received, and
decide between applicants when there are
more than can be admitted, and they shall
a'so determine the time and mode of dis
charging said orphans.
Akticle 5 The Trustees shall not put
out to service any orphan or other child,
who may have been admitted into said
Home, but they may mike such business
arrangements for said orphans, when they
shall have attaiued proper age, as may be
deemed best for them, retaining the guar
dianship and oversight of the orphan
pending such business arrangement.”
The law is good, aud our practice ha h
been as nearly conformed to it as possible,
under the circumstances. J. B.
Collinsworth Institute.
This Institution is located in one of the
most healthy sections of Georgia, about
a mile from the Court House in Talbot
ton, Talbot county. It has the quietude
of the country, with the advantages of
the town —a town of refinement, culture’
and morality.
As one of Iho visiting committee ap
pointed by the Bishop, at the last session
of the South Georgia Conference, l—
and I alone of the Committee —attended
the examination of the pupils of the In
stitute, on the 29 :U October last.
Rev. J. T. McLaughlin, the Principal,
has long experience as an instructor of
boys, and has attained a proficiency rarely
equaled. He is emphatically a “live
teacher.” Keeps himself, by dilligeutap
plication, fully abreast with all the im
provements of the age in his profession.
His experience and powers of discrimina
tion enable bim to decide intelligently as
to tho merits of methods and books, pro
posed as improvements on those in use.
He has independence and candor to
promptly accept and adopt what is deci
dedly superior, and, as promptly to re
jeot what is not, and has attained a high
degree of excellence as a teacher.
In the examination, which I hud the
pleasure to attend, the pupils, by tbeir
answers to questions, and demonstrations
on the black-board, manifested a profi
ciency iu their studies, and a facility,
promptness, and correctness of response,
aud rapidity of demonstration iu some
cases truly remarkable ; in all, interesting
and creditable to both teacher and pupil.
Some of the scholars, and among 'hose
some quite young, worked out sums and
solved problems with rapidity and accura
cy combined, such as I have seldom seen
equaled, Y-t there wtre misses and
failures, suffi dent to show that the pupils
were not drilled with special reference to
the particular occasion.
The black-board is used in recitation in
all the studies, eveu iu the languages, and
to great advantage.
At night, tbe boys entertained and in
tsrtsted the community and visitors, in
the chapel of LeVert Female College,
with deelimation of o iginal and selected
pieces
To those who have boys to educate, we
can most confidently commend Collins
worth Institute as a school of great merit.
Talbotton aud adj aoent country are highly
favored in having a school of such excel
lence accessible.
The ixercisesof the sohool will be re
samed about the middle of January next.
R B. Lester.
Faiibm-n Circuit, North Georgia
Conference.
Mr. Editor: At some of the churches
on this c reuit there h is been a re vival at
high tide since last June. It began before
the protracted meetings, and has not
stopped with them. About seventy have
been added to the Church by profession;
and if I am not deceived in my estimate,
about L-iuety have been converged. Many
have obtained and enjoy the witness of
the Spiiit, who for years have been in
great datkuess. Over oue hundred youog
men are orgauizid iuto Christian Asso
ciations, aud have their meetings semi
munthly at their respective churches, with
hearts set on continuing them through
the winter. The class meeting" have been
resumed aud ate progressing with great
profit to the membersuip. It was thought
Pest in some instances to remove the old
class leaders and appoint young mau
I’uese are sucee-ediug beyond ali expeota
iou. The New hope m ;etiug grew to be
the best I ever atteuded The relations
ot the late B.ah >p A ,dre v, shared largely
of the beat fit. H s orotuer iu-law, Judge
LK-aveuport., who uas been confined to his
oed for years, from tue infirmity of ge,
said, “ I have lived to see what I have
long pr yed for, but never expected to
live to see—the eonvtr-uon of all my rela
tives.” ‘ 1 Let in-die.” Though Bishop
Andrew has been loug iu heaven, surciy
uid prayers have been answered in bless
ings upon bis iiue ige. Tue church is be
uig celled aud stoves put iu for tbe wiuter
compaiga. Too 8 m day -school j, elass
meetiug", and pray er-meetings will go on
through the winter. Oue half of my
membership, who are hea ls of families,
have regular family worship. The Charoh
in this work has takeu good care of its
pastor this year, and say they will do still
better next year. Jno. M. Bowden.
Eitirbum, Ga., Nov. 9th, 1875.
Little River Circuit, Florida
Conference.
Mr Editor: When I came to this work
iu January last, I found that the house
of worship called Silent, was iu such a
dilapidated condition that many were
afraid to attend church. I went to work
to get the people to build anew one.
They contributed liberally, and now have
a neat and comfortable framed-house,
where I have just closed a meeting of sev
enteen days, which resulted in eleven ac
cessions to the Church, mostly young
people. I had hoped and prayed for the
outpouring of God’s Spirit upon this
meeting, and was somewhat disappointed;
but am truly thaukful for such good re"
suits, aud hope that rauc'r good seed was
sown that will yet take root. For the first
three days I was alone. After that, minis
teriil help w.s abundant; our P. E., S.
Woodbery, rendered efficient aid, also
brother Leonard of the Soath Georgia
Conference, brothers Bridges, Towers,
Hermanns, of the local ranks. Brother
Josephus Anderson came to ward the close
of the meeting, preached several soul
stirring sermons, and oa the last day of
tbe meeting dedicated the church, Many
present will long remember with gladness
this serrn >u. Up to this time, there
have bien twenty-two accessions to the
churches on this circuit, and the m<naber
sbip revived. T. J Phillips
October 26 1 h, 1875.
Camden, South Carolina, Con
fercncr.
Mr. Editor: Tue work recommenced
here ou the 27th of October. The pros
pects arc still very promising, the con
gregation growing larger daily —a deep
interest is mauifest—several souls have
found Ch ist precious, several more have
applied for msmbership. The pastor has
tuken twenty-two into full fellowship
since the meeting first commenced. A
large number of penitents are at the
altar night after night.
We need a Methodist ch ireh ho-e in
stead of a small chapel. Who of oar
loved brethren will give liberally to this
needed and important cnise? My faith
feels strong that someone or rnaay will
help this dear people; may God put into
the hearts of H*s children to do it at
onco. Y.mr money will bring yon a glo
rious dividend, brethren, invest at once.
There are hundreds of souis here to be
converted; a cimrah is wanted to work
up the multitudes for Jesus; do, do re
spond, my dear brethren in the Lord.
The bricks are being burnt for the new
Church, let this encourage you to give.
Attend to it now aud God’s blessing will
rest upon you, according to His promise.
Yours humbly in Jesus, G. Peirce
November 3, 1875.
1 H ♦ M
Broad River Circuit, North Georgia
Conference. —Rev. W. F. Qaillian writes
November G:h: Since my last notice
brother C. A. Conaway and I have held a
fot:r days’ meeting at the “Wise S-'hool
House” in Oglethorpe county, oue of the
“waste places” between oar circuits. It
resulted in twelve conversions, and five
applicants for Cburch membership; whose
names were enroll* and ut the Rock, where
they were baptized and received into the
Church. Crowds attended every service,
and it was all ia tha week time, for we
closed Friday and moved down to the
Ruck at night—five or six miles distant.
We must occupy all this ground. Then,
and not until then, will our reproach as a
Church be taken away. Brother C. went
with me to the Rock, and preached an
impressive sermon Friday night; but left
for home Saturday morning. I continued
the meeting till Wednesday night—a pre
cious meeting, seven bright, happy Sun
day school scholars joined the Church—
all converted.
Gainesville District, North Georgia
Conference.— Rev. J. R. Parker adds to
a business note of November 9lb: The
report from this district is, in some re
spects, very good. Two good houses
VOLUME XXXVIII., ]SIO. 49.
have been erected this Fall; two old ones
have been remodeled and made comfort
able; and another, quite creditable, is in
frugress. Seven hundred and sixty four
have been received into the Church
on the different charges, exclusive of
those received by certificate. The number,
I think, will reach eight hundred by
Conference.
Jasper Circuit, North Georgia Con
ference. —Rev. J. J. Harris writes, Octo
ber 27th : Daring this year, I have re
ceived one hundred and twenty-six mem
bers into the Church by profession of
faith ; have made over five hundred pas
toral visits ; have collected every dollar
assessed upon us for missions, both For
eign and Domestic, aud for Bishops and
Conference collection. I fear there will
be some deficiency ou the preacher’s claim,
owing to lack of effort on the part of some
of the stewards. In the two years ot my
work on this circuit, I have received three
hundred and six'y five members iuto the
Chnrch.
Davisboro’ Circuit, South Georgia
Conference —Rav. J. B. Culpepper writes
Nov. 2: I have beea conducting a meet
iugsince Friday night at White Oak Acad
emy, three miles from Matbio’ Church.
Tuiity-oue have joined the Church, and
others will do so. One hundred aud forty
five have been added to the membership
of the circuit, up to this time.
Flat Shoals Circuit, North Georgia
Conference —Rev. J. E. England, writes
November 8: Since my last we have had
some intt resting meetings on onr circuit.
Fifteen or twenty conversions; twelve ad
ditions to the Church.
Missions North Georgia Confer
ence-Received from Oct. 10th to Nov.
9th.
DOMESTIC.
Greensboro $ 3 35
Warr-nton 13 72
Crawfordville 10 On
Cive Spring. 12 00
Lawreuceville., 5 00
Total *ll 07
FORBIGJJ.
Greensboro *:it 75
Eatouion 38 20
Crawfordville 5 65
bawr nceviln 6 00
Foreyrh 8t .tion 32 00
Cave Spring 10 00
Total ,s|23 60
P. A. Heard, Treasurer.
Athens, Nov. 9th, 1815.
Receipts lor Missions, South
Georgia Conference.
From R. W Dixou, CutUbert *2B 00
From A Friend, tlirongh Dr. K nuedy,
for China miss , $5 00; Mexican miss.,
*5 00 10 00
Geo. G. N. MacDonbll, Treas.
Macon, Ga., Nov. 12, 1875.
Utissknarg.
Cuban Mission, Key West, Fla.
Mr. Editor: It is with feelings of un
feigned thankfulness and delight, that I
o *.ll tbe attention of the Chnrch to this
important field of labor. Though hut re
cently established by the General Board,
and maintained by its appropriations,
there are many indications of growing
prosperity, whioh are truly encouraging.
The success already achieved, has awak
ened an intense interest, not only here,
but abroad. This is evinced by tbe action
of many of the Cuban population, with
reference to the Mission, and especially
by tbe resolutions adopted by the Live
Oak District Confi rence, daring its late
session. We humbly pray that tbeir ex
pectations may be fully realized, and their
example imitated by all who desire the
salvation of men. This we do for the fol
lowing reasoi s : Then* are now in the
city of Key West, about four tbonsand
Cubans, who have fled from the intoler
ance and oppression of their native laud,
to find a home among ns. Where they
formerly were, no freedom of speech, or
of the press was allowed. They were un
der tbe influence of the Romish priest
hood, so far as religious inst ruction was
concerned ; and while they despised them
and tin. r m l'giou, they were withoat aDy
other. For missionaries to have gone to
them in Cube would have been certain
martyrdom. N>w they enjoy freedom of
person and conscience, and the majority
are favorably impressed with our system
of gov; rumeut, and particularly with the
polity aud doctrines of Methodism.
Under the i fficient management of the
superintendent of this mission—the Rev.
0. A. Ful wood—it lias assumed an impor
tance which cannot be overlooked by the
Church Numbers recognize him as their
pastor, and not only extend tbeir esteem
and confidence, but often request him to
solemnize tbe rite of marriage, aDd to
bury their dead ; all of which he does in
tbeir own tongue, to their entire satisfac
tion. Bnt this is not all. Through bis
exertions in their behalf, some have
brought to Christ, and have united with
onr Cbnrch. Wben examined with regard
to our discipline and doctrines, they ex
hibited a knowledge of them which was
highly commendable, and which could
only have been obtained by careful study.
These attend the regular services of the
Church, and appear to be seriously en
gaged in tbeir efforts to become pare in
heart and life. The rare spectacle can
now be seen, of a Cuban offering pnblio
prayer in Spanish, to the Giver of all grace
for spiritual blessings. Those who have
been reached ure above the average class,
and a few are men of refinement and ed
ucation. Among these, are two young
men of ability and talent. They appear
to desire to become useful, and even to
enter the ministry. May tbe Lord call
them to the work, and open their way be
fore them.
The prospect lately, has been brighter
than ever before. In addition to those
mentioned, tbe Spirit has moved others
to express a willingness to foisakesin, and
to obtain a home in heaven. These con
template uniting with tbe Cbnrch wben
tbeir knowledge and religions expirienee
will justify it. The applianoes mentioned,
together with a Good Templar’s Lodge,
and a day school for their children, which
is soon to begin, will effect their reforma
tion to a great degree. For this, the
Chnrch should labor and pray.
The results of ihe undertaking are be
yond human calculation. This will be
apparent, if we consider the advantages
which contribute towards their accom
plishment, and the good accruing from
their successful prosecution. As Key
West is only about ninety miles from Ha
vana, may not tbe blessed gospel be car
ried to Cuba by these people, and the
whole Island be brought under the influ
ences of Christianity ? It is not vain to
indulge the hope, as the bistory of mis
sionary effort in all lands has shown, that
“the gospel of Christ is the power of God
unto salvation to every one that be
lieveth.” It remains to be seen, however,
what assistance will be famished by the
Chnrch for this enterprise.
Wh. R. Johnson.
Departure of Sister Laiulmtli
and Brother Parker.
Dr. Kelley, who attended the farewell
meeting at St. Joseph, Mo., October 19,
reports that the occasion was one of
great interest. He says:
The time had fully come when the de
mands of tbe work in China for at least
one additional missionary from the
Chnrch at home could no longer be re
sisted. Brother Lambuth has been for
more than twenty years in the field; has
a number of native stations scattered at
wide intervals over the country, and a
number of native helpers who need liis
constant advice and the support of his
presence. Were ho called away, this
whole work would be as sheep without a
shephird. Brother Parker, under the
direction of our veteran missionary, will,
in a few years, be ab'e to give efficient aid
in extending the work, and be ready for
any emergency of tbe future.
Sister Limbnth, obedient to wLat we
all believed to be her duty, in a few well
ctaoßen words, told ns of tbe work in
Chi a, shutting up ia her heart the mem
ories of years of labor and tod in which
the Oliuroh at hom-i had seemed to al
most forget the wants of her missiona
ries, and had subjected them not only to
toil for their own support, but to wait for
even words of cheer. She spoke only of
her joy in the work, recounted instances
in the Christian experience of Chinese
converts; and gave utterance to her de
light iu the renewed interest of the
Church in the Mission. No one dreamed,
as she sprke of the hearty Christian wel
come which awa ted Brother Parker from
missionaries and native Christians in
China, and tbe longiug of her own heart
to be once again at work, of heart-chords
which were almost snapping within her
own breast. Little did the large audi
ence, listening with such earnest atten
tion to this missionary mother, wbo in
subdued tones and quiet manner told
them of the dep wants of Cbimse moth
ers and children, suspect that as she went
forth to her work she was leaving behind
her two of her own children—the one her
first-born son, the other her only daugh
ter, a fragile little plant wh ise body de
mands the bracing air of the United
States, and for both of whom the help of
Christian schools is demanded. Not a
word of the great sacrifice, not a visit le
tear told of the deep heart throes which
were rolling beneath that seemingly im
passive exterior. A thousand Christian
hearts and more will pray God’s blessing
upon this Christian missionary and moth
er, as she shall bravely go forth to h<r
work and labor of love.
Tbe deep spirituality and consecration
winch pervaded Brother Parker’s minner
aud ad areas give high promise of useful
ness as a missionary of the Cross. We
are glad on many accounts that the right,
man, as we believe, has been found at the
right time. Allow me to say to a nnmbu
of other yonng ministers who are asking
for ratss onary work, that for a time we
shall hav to look to them for the work
of provoking the Church to a g<eater
measure of missionary zeal—a woik as
deeply called for s the acta.) missionary
work among the heath- n, and scarcely
less difficult They will r member that
it has been fifteen years since we have
bad a missionary departure for China.
That wo have just, sent one man to Ohiua
aud another to Brazil, and the only hope
for them to obtain work in Mission fl jlJs
is to so arouse tbe Church at homo that
these departures shall become of yearly oc
onirence Ought, not 700,000 Methodists to
send at least seven mi-siouaries annually
to heathen lauds? Auswcr, reader, from
your conscience; and then ask the ques
tion, have I done my whole duty ?
We had the pleasure of being pre; eat,
on onr way to St J. siph, at tbe session
of the southwest Mtssouri Conference.
Bishop Keener seemed winning all hearts.
Our stay was delightful, 'i’wo things
would have paid ns for our long travel if
notbieg else had; the one. the privilege
of a hearty hand shake with the veteran
ludian missionary, Father Cummings,
aud the beginning of an acquaintance
with this old companion of my father’s
iu the heroic days of Western Methodism,
whioh acquaintance I hope to renew after
we have passed the river. Tha oilier in
cident was the great pleasure of preaching
to a congregation at Vrnita on Sunday
evening. Vinita is in the Cherokee na
tion, and I have not in years so enjoyed
the missionary fe-ling as I did in that
night’s service.— Nashville Christian Ad
vocate.
Stratum Christian
J. YV. BURKE, Assistant Editor.
MACON, GEORGIA. NOVEMBER 17, 1875
Never Surrender.
One of the greatest dangers of the pres
ent times is the di-position of many to be
down-hearted—to give up in despair.
This is quite natural, bnt very bad policy.
’Tis true business is dull, and many of
your ebi rished plans have failed, bnt some
have succeeded. Yon are not near as bad
off as you might be. Your investments
don’t pay—true, but bow many have
nothing invested. It is fortunate that
you have capital upon which yon can
draw in an emergency, though it pays no
dividends. These are hard times, and the
true philosophy is to make the best of
things as they are. Man yourself for a
close contest, determine to fight through.
You cau make nothing by yielding to the
enemy. What good will it do to go about
moping and croaking ! Be true to your
Christian vows and go forward. God will
help you. The psalmist says : “In my
distress I cried unto the Lord, aud he
heard me.” It is in seasons of greatest
trial that we can test the goodness anil
mercy of God. We commend to onr
readers the following article which we find
in the Newnan Star:
The happiest man we ever knew was
Williford Brown, of Campbell county,
some twenty years sgo. He had a wife,
and eleven children under twelve years
old. H lived iu a cabin with one room
and a loft iu it, worked for farmers for one
bushel of corn or teu pounds of bacon per
day. That was hia regular price no mat
ter what the price of ecru was. At that
time it was generally worth fifty cents a
bushel, but whether it was forty, or a dol
lar it. made no difference with happy Wil
liford. He couldu't read, wriie or cipher,
but he said the prioe of au honest day’s
work was a bushel of cira, and a bushel
of oorn would make teu pounds of meat.
That was his simple arithmetic, and be
would not vary from it. He was a good
worker and the neighbors all likt and him, so
be was seldom out of a job. Of rainy
days be would make ba"k'-ts, and of Sun
days be went to chnrch, and none sang
louder nor mere devoutly than happy,
Christian Williford. Many a time wo
have seeu bim going to mill with his
buEhel of corn ou his shoulder, singing
along as happy as a lark. He loved his
wife and children, and evtry addition to
his family sent a thrill of joy to his heart
and made him sing louder than ever, and
love Lis wife better and better.
We saw him tbe other day; he is an old
man now. He was cheerful and happy ns
ever, but a shade of sadness came over his
face as we asked about bis family. He
said bis wife bad gone to Heaven, and two
of bis boys were killed in tbeaimy, and
he lived around arnoDg the balance, who
were doing very well and treated him very
kindly. The neighbors say old Williford,
with bis Bixty-five cr seventy mmmtrs
(for be never ki.ew how old he was, though
he told ns tweuty years ego that he ’lowed
he was nigh on to "fifty), can do as good a
day’s work as any man, and is never easy
except when at work.
Oh, ye croakers of high and low degree!
think ye ye will ever enjoy the hap
piness on earth, or get as near tho throne
of God in Heaven, as simple, ignorant,
happy Williford Brown?