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Sontjjmt Christian
MACON, GEORGIA, .JANUARY 12, 1876.
The Millennium.
Dr. Camming, the celebrated British
ohiliast—who, though a voluminous au
thor and in many respects a very con
siderable man, is mainly notorious for
his repeated miscalculations as to the ter
mination of the present order of things—
is again before the world, with a revised
edition of his vaticinal guesses touching
the millennium. In the Scotch National
Church, on the first day of January, he
announced to his hearers that, beside
many other marvellous occurrences dur
ing 1876, the Jews would be gathered to
Judea, Turkey would be blotted from the
map of nations, and that before Septem
ber, the Son of Man would make His sec
ond advent, and enter upon His personal
reign on earth. It is somewhat gratify
ing to observe that pabt experience has
not been wholly lost upon the learned
Doctor, and that twenty-five or thirty
years of faulty arithmetic, if nothing else,
has taught him to avoid the inconve
nience of exact dates, and to allow to his
predictions the liberal margin of eight
months.
We mef recently, a less cautious proph
et of Dr. Cumming’s school, who assured
ns that he had ascertained beyond the
possibdity of error, the precise point at
which previous calculators had stumbled,
and that with the certainty of to-mor
row’s sunrise, the Second Advent would
take place on July 6th, 1876. We rather
like the definiteness of this Cis-Atlantic
deliverance, and as it falls within the pos
sibilities of the great Dr, Cummiug’s
prediction, perhaps we ought to credit it.
But seriously, we cannot but regard all
such pbeudo-prophecy as fanatical and
hurtful. And it is painful to see a minis
ter o. Dr. (Jamming’s undeniable ability
and excellence, discounting his influence
by persistent indulgence in these millen
narian vagaries. The Second Coming of
Christ is a Scripture doctrine of moment
ous import; but its wholesome influence
is weakened rather than intensifi-d by
these unwarranted attempts to fix, wheth
er specifically or approximately, “the day
and the hour.” The practical effect of
Christ’s second coming, upon the destiny
of all who shall be living upon the earth
when that stupendous event transpires,
is realized by every soul when it passes
from this to the spirit-world. So that,
whether the millenium be imminent or
remote, is far less important to us than
whether we are living in readiness to meet
God. Our paramount and ever present
duty is, not prurient search into “ the
times or the seasons, which the Father
hath put in his own power,” but unwaver
ing obedience to the solemn command :
“ Watch, for ye kuow not what hour your
Lord doth come.” Dr. Cumming’s latest
prediction may, and doubtless will, prove
as fallacious as those which preceded
it ; and yet, long before September,
“Dynamite explosions,” “Marine Dis
atrs,” “Bailroad Accidents,” and the
mauiiu.in casualties reported in the
Daily press, will have hurried thousands
“in a moment, in the twinkling of an
eye,” into the presence of that Judge
who, at some period, which may not
Vie foretold, “shall descend from heaven
with a shout, with the voice of the arch
angel, and with the tramp of God.” By
some sach sudden calamity, or by the
more tardy processes of waßtino- dioan—.
.., icttuer, may be confronted with
the r alities of the eternal world even be
fore the breath of Springtime shall
quicken and beautify the earth, Recall
to mind, those within the circle of your
acquaintance, perhaps of yonr love, whose
prospects for life a year ago, were as pro
mising as yours, who have been summoned
to the spirit-world, and hearken to the
warning, “Therefore, be ye also ready;
for in snob an hour as ye think not the
Son of man cometh.” While then, we
may pity the weakness of the great Scotch
man in wasting the powers of his intellect
upon mysteries that are impenetrable by
the human mind; and may ridicule his
pretensions to prophetic ken; let us not
forget that what he predicts for the race
within the present year, may virtually
come to any of ns within an hour. We
may safely regard the date of the Millen
nium as in the province of unprofitable
speculation; we cinnot disregard the un
certainty of our probation, without in
finite peril.
Our Suiulay-scliool Periodicals.
By some mishap, we failed to receive
these important pnblications for January
before leaving for the Conferences and
were therefore obliged to commend
upon the reliable judgment of others.
Now, however, we are prepared to speak
in terms of unqualified approval, from
personal inspection and examination.
The issues for February are on our table,
in good time, aud of unimpeachable qual
ity. Dr. Cunnyngham is certainly vindi
cating very handsomely the wisdom of
those who called him to the responsible
position of Sunday-school Secretary, and
his initial performances give most encour
aging promise that he will worthily suc
ceed his distinguished predecessor. The
adoption of the International Lessons, as
far as we have been able to learn, affords
very general satisfaction, and will, we
trust, give fresh zest to the study of
the Scriptures. The alternation between
the Old and New Testament is certainly
advantageous, while the world wide con
centration of study and exposition upon
the same portion of the Word, mnst tend
most helpfully to the com prehension of the
truth. The Magazine, Visitor , and Little
People, are all excellent, aud we bespeak
for them a circulation co-extensive with
the wants of the Sunday-school depart
ment of our Church work. Let ns give
to our new Secretary the heartiest en
couragement in the work upon which he
has so successfully entered.
Mrs. Branch’s Letters. —Besides the
numerous iriends of this accomplished
lady, scattered over Georgia and Florida,
all our readers, we feel sure, will thank us
for permitting them to enjoy her charm
ing. ietttre. The one which appears in
this issue, will whet the appetite for an
other which we have on hand for next
week. We are greatly indebted to our
friend for her letters, and hope she will
frequently enrich our columns with the
contributions of her graceful pen.
The Florida Conference. —This body
is in session while we write, at Quincy.
It would have given us intense pleasure
to mingle with our brethren in their an
nual session; and for a time, we thonght
we would be able to do so. But upon re
turning to our office after a fortnight’s
absence, we were well nigh appalled at the
accumulation of work, and found it im
possible, in justice to the claims of the
paper, to leave again so soon. Dr. O. L.
Smith has consented to represent us there
—an arrangement which saves the Con
ference from loss, and leaves ns the only
sufferer, by onr absence. We hope to
have early and fall reports from the ses
sion.
Begin at Once.
The reports at several of the recent
Conferences show a very sad deficit in the
receipts of preachers for the past year.
Their faithfal labors, crowned as they
were with nnusnal success,were rewarded,
in the light of temporal support, with but
very inadequate pay. Even where the
“allowance” was paid in full, there was
no extravagance in the compensation;
but the records show that in very many
cases, the meager appropriation was set
tled at a heavy discount. The painfnl
solicitude and actual privation, incident
upon this failnre of churches to supply
the necessities of their pastors, may not
be estimated here; bat it is all accnrately
noted by Him whose servants have thus
been denied tbeir dues, and the day of
reckoning will come. Let the delinquents
heartily bewail their unfaithfulness, and
make haste to bring forth fruits meet for
repentance. The year 1875 has been one
of great trial, in a pecuniary point of
view, to many Methodist preachers; let
ns bope it will ever remain memorable in
their experience from its conspicuous con
trast with the improved liberality and
justice of the Church in succeeding years.
Surely no enlightened Christian in the
commmunion of the Methodist Church,
can contemplate with any measure of sat
isfaction the financial exhibit of many of
our pastoral charges; and if any Metho
dist can look with complacency upon a
half-paid pastor, without having performed
his wiiolr duty in the premises, it would
be well for him to repent and do his first
works over again, for his piety is certainly
of a type which finds no warrant in the
Scriptures.
The significant question which confronts
us at the threshold of the year,and whfch
addresses itself to the poorest member as
well as the most affluent, is: Shall the dis
creditable, the criminal failures, of the
Church in this department of its duty,
which marked the past year in many
places, be repeated during the one upon
which we have just entered ? For the
character of the Chnrch in such commu
nities, as well as for the real prosperity
of the Master’s cause, let us hope that the
question will meet a unanimous and em
phatic NO But lamentations over the
past, and good resolutions for the future,
will be abortive of practical improve
ment, nnless the methods discredited by
failure are abandoned, and better ones
employed. Success at the close, can only
be assured by organizing for it at the
commencement of the Conference year,
and working steadily toward that result
until it is accomplished. If Church
claims are subordinated to all others, and
postponed until the near approach of
Conference; aud if the great mass of the
membership are exempted fiom partici
pation in the Christian duty of minister
ing to the temporal support of those who
serve them iu the gospel; thon, we need
not expeot any more creditable reports
for the present than for the past year, and
the ministry must labor on under all the
disabilities which such a depressing state
of things imposes. But if the stewards
of each charge will resolve that their
preacher shall have a Gpmmeta* l '' ooJ
, mm rn regular installments, and
will inaugurate measures at once for
effecting this purpose—measures which
embrace the aid of every member of the
Church in the charge;—then all the pro
visos for failure which lurk in those pet
phrases, “ Hard times,” “ Short crops,”
“Low prices,” etc., etc., etc., will vanish,
and we will be redeemed from the oppro
brium in this matter which justly rests
upon ns in many places. We beg those
who are charged with the duty of provid
ing for the support of the ministry—as
they would win the gratitnde of their
pastors, and secure the “ Well done ” of
Him who has commissioned them—to be
gin at once.
South Georgia Conference Orphans’
Home. —By the recent action of the Con
ference, Rev. J. B. Wardlaw was made
Superintendent of this institntion, and
Rev. L. B. Payne was appointed its agent.
These brethren have entered upon their
duties, and relying npon the sympathy
and Christian liberality of the Methodists
of South Georgia, they are hopefnl of
accomplishing the beneficent ends for
which it was established. It is their
earnest aim to disembarrass the institu
tion of debt just as soon as possible, and
henceforward to conduct it without con
tracting debts. In order to do this, it is
necessary that the agent shonld receive
prompt and liberal contributions from the
people. We commend brother Payne
most cordially to all whom he may ap
proach. He is every way worthy, and he
represents an interest which mast strike a
responsive chord in every Christian heart.
The inmates of the Home need immediate
help, aud we hope that brother Payne
will have liberal responses from all to
whom he appeals.
North Georgia Conference Orphans’
Home —The attention of the preachers
and people of the North Georgia Confer
ence is earnestly called to the card of the
Secretary of the Board of Trustees, which
appears among our Church notices for
that Conference. The plan adopted for
providing for the Home strikes ns as
eminently judicious, if it is only efficient
ly carried out. Let those who are iudebt
ed for subscriptions unpaid, and all who
are disposed to aid a noble charity, con
sult the list furnished by the Secretary,
and at once remit to the agent most con
venient.
Minutes North Georgia Confer
ence.—We find a copy of this neat
pamphlet on our desk, and learn from
the printers, J. W Burke fe Cos., that
it was out in time for notice last week had
we been in onr office. The promptness
with which this publication is cotten out
every yer, reflects much credit upon the
editor, Rev. C. A. Evans, and greatly en
hances the interest of the pamphlet to
both preachers and people.
Cokesbury District, South Carolina
Conference. —The preachers'and official
members connected with this District will
mark the changes in the plan of appoint
ments, made by the Presiding Elder in
this issue of the Advocate.
The W. and O. Aid Association.—
Brethren of the North Georgia Confer
ence will please mark brother Pattillo’s
annonneement, on onr third page, and
heed his request promptly.
Recent Publications.
Dedication and Inauguration of the Van
derbilt University. Nashville, Tenn.: Pub
lishing House of the M. E. Church, South.
We are indebted to some friend for a
copy of this handsome pamphlet of 112
pages, which embodies in convenient
form, the Sermons, Addresses, Odes, etc —
indeed, the accomplished programme of
October 3-4, 1875, when the munificent
creation of Mr. Vanderbilt was launched
upon its career of blessing to the South.
A voluminous preface gives much inter
esting information concerning the found
ation of the University, and announces
the present publication as the initial num
ber of the Vanderbilt University Series,
which is to be constituted of annual vol
umes of uniform edition with this, con
taining “Addresses on Commencement
and other special occasions, Baccalaureate
Sermons, and such Scientific Discourses
and Lectures as may be delivered in the
Course of Instruction, and be thought
proper for publication.” In view of its
relation to future issues, as well as the
distinguished merits of the matter con
tained in the first nnmber, all who can,
shonld obtain a copy. It can be obtained
by mail for 50 cents npon applying to A-
H. Bedford, Agent, Nashville, Tenn.
Theodora; A Home Story. By Pbebe F.
McKeen. New York : Anson D. F. Randolph
*fc Cos., 770 Broadway. 12mo, cloth, 486 pp.,
$2.00. Sent post paid on receipt of price.
An exceedingly interesting story, clev
erly told, and well calculated to exert a
wholesome influence with those whose
views upon sectional issues, living or
dead, quadrate with those of the writer.
The thread of the story runs through
the period of the “ Rebellion,” as onr
Northern friends prefer to call the late
war; the writer belonged to the trans-
Potomac wing of the controversy, and
saw everything from that Bide; and hence,
while more temperate in her deliverances
than many others, her book will hardly
have a remunerative “ run ” upon South
ern territory. Story-writers who cannot
waive the debatable questions connected
with the late straggle between the States,
must be content, mainly, with such hear
ing as they can obtain from their own
section, be it North or South.
The Problem of Health ; How to Solve It.
By Reuben Greene, M. D. Boston: B. B.
Rusiell.
The avowed design of the author of this
volume, is to enlighten the masses in all
that pertains to their well-being; to in
struct them in regard to the laws of life,
that they may maintain good health; to
educate their mental endowments that
they may be intellectually sound; to devel
op their moral natures, that they may be
come conversant with the higher duties
of life; and, in fine, to make his contri
bution toward the solution of the great
problems of health and happiness. Dr-
Greene’s opinions and suggestions are
backed by thirty years’ experience as a
practicing physician, and are therefore
entitled to consideration. He is weighty
in his denunciation of the use of tobaceo,
as well as all other stimulants. His infor
mation, however, is wide of the truth,
when he says: “We are informed that the
use of tobacco is as common in the South
ern States among the ladies as among the
gentlemen, nearly every person nsing it
in some form or other.”
Job’s Comforters ; Or, Scientific Stnbathy.
By Joseph Parker, D. D., Minister of the
City Temple, London. New York : Anson
D. F. Randolph, 770 Broadway, corner 9th
Street.
This is a tract of 38 pages,in whose com
mendation,it is enongh to say it was writ
ten by the author of “
Parker, with this little rifle-bore, fairly
riddles the materialists of the present day
as represented by Huxley, Mill, and Tyn
dall. The satire is in the form of a dia
logue between an afflicted Christian, and
three scientists who essay to console him—
“ Huxley, the Moleculite, John Stuart, the
Millite, aud Tyndall,the Sadducee.” Quo
tations from the writings of these leading
apostles of modern scientific thought,and
undeniable inferences from what is to
be found in their books, constitute the
staple of the consolation tendered to
“Job;” and the juxtaposition of sorrow
with such sympathy makes the satire ex
quisite. Get the tract, if you want to
enjoy a racy treat.
“Ile thanked God and took
Courage.”
Paul’s appeal to Cesar carried him to
Borne. After a most eventful voyage he
landed from an Alexandrian corn-ship at
Puteoli—a place of such importance at
that time that it has been described as
“the Liverpool of Italy.” Seven days the
apostle remained with the brethren at
Puteoli, and they, as it seems, sent word
to the Church at Borne, that Paul had
come, and was on his way to the city.
Appii Forum—the market-place of Ap
pins—was about fifty-six miles from Rome
on the Appian way, on the road from
Rome to Capua. The “Three Taverns”
was a place of refreshment on the same
great highway, but about ten miles nearer
Rome than Appii Forum. Some brethren
from Rome came as far as the latter place
to meet the apostle, but most of the
friends, as the story seems to suggest,
waited at Three Taverns. Very sugges
tive is St. Luke’s remark concerning this
meeting: ‘ Whom when Paul saw. he
thanked God, and took courage.” He
had long desired to see the Roman breth
ren. Abont five years before, he made
mention of this Epistle to
the Church which wa?st4tome. Now he
meets some of them. Perhaps some old
acquaintances, as Aquila, Priscilla, and
Phcebe, were in the company that went
out to Three Taverns to welcome him.
Paul was but a man. He had labored
long, and had suffered much. For more
than two years he had been held a prison
er at Cesarea. His countrymen had long
been his relentless persecutors. Age was
bringing infirmity. He had been in many
and great perils—in the city, in the wil
derness, in the sea, among robbers, and
among false brethren. He had just es
caped from shipwreck. All these things,
with apprehensions of what awaited him
in Rome, and anxiety about the Church,
brought depression. Such a man as Paul
was capable of intense mental suffering.
We may well suppose that he had fallen
into sad and depressing meditations. But
his sombre reverie was broken by the glad
surprise of meeting the brethren at Appii
Forum. When he met the other company
at Three Taverns, he rejoiced. He look
ed up and found that the sun was still
shining. Their cordial hand-shake, and
cheerful welcome, was like wine to him
that is ready to perish. Their presence
was rather the ocoasion than the cause of
his thanksgiving. It is a blessing to have
true friends. Paul loved Christian com
munion, but the chief blessing they
brought, was that their coming and greet
ing filled his heart with a fresh and vivid
consciousness of Christ’s presence, and of
the goodness of God. Sometimes a very
little thing will bring deliverance from
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
depressing thoughts. The sight of a lit
tle bird finding his breakfast under the
shelter of a broken stone-fence, while all
the fields were covered with snow and,
just there were some nettle seeds that met
his wants, did once fill a preacher’s heart
with joy—when debt and trouble were
resting heavily npon him. It was not t\ie
little bird nor his cheerful twitter, but the
breaking np of gloomy thoughts and sug
gestion of a providence that cared
sparrows, that bronght joy to the prOacs*"
er’s heart. So with St. Paul—the breth
ren from Rome gave anew turn
thoughts. His past life, crowded with
blessing,rushed upon his heart,and he “was *
grateful; looking forward he had the pro
mise of Jesus, and he took courage. It,
was like passing, in a jonrney, ont of -a
dense fog into a place of snnshine aq^ 1 '
singing birds. Then the heart lifts itself
up.
We suppose that Paul did not make ary
cureful analysis of his reasons for being
thankful—he “thanked God” in the
quickened conscionsness he bad of the
divine goodness. Reason enough he bad
no doubt. But so it was, “he thanked
God.” How natural the next statement
He thanked God,” and took courage." Here
is a deep lesson for ns all. Gratitude anl
hope belong to each other; rather hope ij
born of gratitnde. Gratitnde is the trni
cure of melancholy. The ungrateful aftr
not the hopeful, nor the courageous. Le\
us, for all “his wonderful works to thi
children of men”—for his goodness UL
each one of ns, “thank God.” Then wfc
too will “take courage.” We should nfl@
in the beginning of anew year, bnufl|
Ebeuezer looking both ways—a
of gratitude, and a symbol of hope.^^r^
“Here I’ll raise mine Kbenezer,
Hither by thine help I’m come;
And I hope by thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.”
Will we never have done with our ever
lasting whine about “hard times—hard
times?’’ What good does it do? Whin
ing and croaking bring no relief. If it is
all true, what is the use to be telling wbat
everybody knows? O, this whining an&
croaking—the very winds must be veary
of us. Some people have almost persuad
ed themselves that the sun is not as aright
and warm as he used to be, It is it sin
and a shame. If we worked morj aud
whined Jess, the times would get so |er.
Suppose that we all—editors and head
ers—solemnly pledge ourselves not to say
“hard times” again in six months? Wbat
a relief to ourselves and to others. Let
us imitate Paul, and “thank Goa.” TtOfe
we will “take courage.” Instead ofcoifi
plaining about how little we have, at us
rijoice that we have so much. Gratsui,ie
will cure melancholy; whining and ooiu
plaining will destroy hope. Let us “black
Him for all that is past. And trust Him
for all that’s to come.” H.
Oxford, Oa.
Ccrrespontoe
Letter from Mrs. Branch.
Santa Rosa, Cal,, Dec. 10, 1375.}-,
My Dear Friend: You see by the post
mark above that our long journey is over,
and we are at last in Santa Rosa, safe and
sound. I assure you that we feel truly
grateful to the Great One who has ,
served us safe through. lam sitting nfjfr
an upper chamber window which looks
out upon a very thriving looking, embryo
cits hit fn oav atmosuhern ,
the view. Brother Fitzgerald, who mes
ns, seems to regret that we should see our
new home first “in a fog;” says it is a
verv different looking place in sunshine.
The vegetation around the house is ery
luxuriant, and the green of the foliagt of
a rich hue. The choice plants shame my
floral pets, which I left so reluctantly; but
still I think I could cry over mine now if
I saw them.
The only drawback to my present sat
isfaction is that Mr. Branch is suffering
from a dreadful cold. After passing all
through those ice-bound regions and
whistling winds, unscathed, what should
he do as soon as he reached San Francisco
but rush to a barber, undergo not only a
shaving but a shampooing also. The air was
quite cool,and he sat in a large dining
at the hotel directly after his head cooling
operation. The consequence was that by
morning he was so hoarse he could scarce
ly speak, and suffered greatly from his
throat.
But I have gone ahead of my manu
script and must return to where I left off
describing our route, in my last letter to
you. We were then abont to cross the
great Mississippi river. We heard many
conjectures as to how we were to go over.
Someone said, “ The cars go right
aoross.” “How in the world can that
be,” asked I, “ when there is no bridge?”
Even courageous Emmie shared the dreai
which seized me. We sat trembling
as the ponderous train backed to the edg<
of the deep water. I could scarcely sup
press a shudder, when, behold! we glide!
quietly into a ferry-boat, with a tract
upon it, as securely as if we were upoi
terra firma. Instead of the magnificert
prospect we hoped to cheer us, by the war,
we were so enclosed by the paddle wheeh,
that we had to content ourselves with feti-'
ing safe. We were rewarded, however, by
the view which greeted us after reaching
the opposite bank. After a reviving cup
of hot coffee at the eating house, we weffi
all in a great state of exhilaration; and J?
Dever enjoyed anything in the way of
sight-seeing more in my life, than looking
out over the Father of Waters to the ci|f
of Columbus, built among the shadows
of the great bluff opposite. A mist hrlf
veiled it like a gossamer cloud, and heifi.
and there arose the church spires like so>
many fingers pointing ever upward.
A number of boats of nearly every
description dotted the river and arrested
attention. Orsy cried out romantically.
“Oh mamma, do see ! there’s a gondola!’’
I think it was a scow.
From Columbus we whirled away, near
the river, through rich plantations, and
now and then, a prosperous young city.
We passed the night at St. Louis, but as
it was drizzling rain, we did not, even in
the morning, see the city under favorable
auspices. Such a cloud of smoke'and
vapor-like gas filled the air, that I breath
ed more freely when we were once more
upon our route. How mournfully we are
sometimes reminded of this prison-hon#o
of clay, when our souls are battling lilfe
caged birds, to flee out into an atmdb
pbere of unalloyed enjoyment.
We were to cross the Missouri river I
few miles this side of St. Louis, and ll
heard it was upon a magnificent bridge.
Looking out in pleased expectation, I
caught a sight of the lofty trestle-work
and bridge; and of the busy town of St.
Charles on the opposite bank, with its
many spires rising here and there as if to
meet the bending skies. Again I was
thrilled to the soul—so indescribable is
the impression produced upon
these silent but eloquent evidences of the
reign of Christ among men. Slowly we
to creep over the frightfully high
structure, with nothing but the narrow
track beneath us. How it made all my
exalting joy in the prospect, go shiver
ing into a nameless kind of terror. It
Was not fear, yet I conld not help shud
dering, and all my nerves tingled. As if
fascinated, I could not look out anywhere
Tint down into the depths below, where
r iaen-looked like pigmies. To think of
the hazard of so many lives, and yet peo
ple looked calm and smiling! lam sure
I did not, for my heart was making
mournful commentary. No joys of earth
are unalloyed,and only in the spirit land,
. will the sonl drink in perpetual bliss.
. As the day of travel wore on, I saw how
-thrifty were the farms in Missouri, and on
every one there were flocks of motherly
hens and busy chickens, and flocks of
quiet sheep, and well-fed cows eagerly
nipping the plentiful grass. How peace
ful were the pictnres.
What a change to the hubbub and un
quiet of Omaha; a great crowd rnshing to
the ticket-offioe, all with anxious faces,
and crowding very unceremoniously to be
waited on first. After I discovered that
all the crowd of children were together,
bags and bundles in the depot room, I
bad ieisnre to look abont. It was a scene
fall of amusing interest, bat bard to de
scribe. From all parts of the Union they
came, wore all kinds of costnmes, most of
ttjae wrappings, .however, reminded one of
the Lapland winters. It was freezing
S&kMßfe ladies who traveled without
EKri waited on first, thanks to the
Hjy- politeness of onr ticket agents,
actor, who was remarkably kind,
urged me to go in place of my husband,
and so I took my stand at the little aper
ture where sleeping-car tickets were sold.
It was very tiresome waiting for my
turn, so I said, gently I thought, “ He
Las not even looked at me yet.” He
turned directly and said, “ Madam, if you
were in my place yon would go crazy.” I
Relieved him, and felt sorry for having
added any to his vexations. There are
always two sides to every vexations ques
tion, and we should never forget it.
How my heart went out for the little
babies, so out of their happy fireside ele
ment, opening their innocent eyes, and
expressing their little baby-troubles, by
natural sounds; yet crnel puople wonld
say, “Do listen to that baby crying—is
it not annoying.” I felt like boshing up
all their troubles.
At last, the crowd of nearly two hun
dred, from all points of the compass,were
Safely stowed away in the splendid cars of
the Union Paoific, and we started on our
way across the vast traots of laud which
lay between us and the Pacific Ocean.
The first part of our route after leaving
Omaha lay through valleys,enlivened only
here and there by a town. Soon the
plains surrounded us on every side for
tui’ies at a time. We very soon began to
%muße ourselves with reading, or study
ing the guide book, depending on the
wide-awake children to point out objects
of interest.
Though the scenery in this region was
monotonous without, we found much to
amuse within. The inevitable “ selling
youth,” who frequents every road in the
Union, was a source of great amusement
all. “ Fine California orages—
orages—orages 1” We patronized that
basket-full. Then eame the ohestnnts,
we fonnd a “ oheat;” so the next
tijpe he came through crying “ Ches’nts
—ches’nts—fresh ohes’nts!”we were seized
with indignation,and told him so. Bnt he
was irrepressible, truly,and will get rich if
he lives. It was a refreshing change to see
the little boys at the station, poking their
heads into the oar windows and crying,
“ New red apples—six for a nickle.” The
bays soon disposed of all their niokles,
ahich they feared would not pass in the
niw country to which we were journey-
I look up from my book at an exclama
tion from one, when 10l we are already
mrronnded by mountains. For the first
time in my life,they burst upoij my view,
'me sensation is so novel and grand that
Shakes me silent. For miles and miles
jlcan only look, and in my soul echo the
weds of the Psalmist:, “Praise the Lord
fiom the earth, ye dragons and all deeps.
Hre and hail; snow and vapor•: stormy
wnd fulfilling his word. Mountains, and
-atf-hills; fruitful trees and all cedars.”
A critical voioe breaks in upon my med
itations while a pencil lies idle over the
pper in my hand: “You will not attempt
tc'describe these mountains, will you?”
lit does seem like sacrilege for my poor
pin to make the attempt; yet it is like
tfe pain given by unshed tears, the un
alterable thoughts which fill my sonl as I
gfze.
'We are passing them now, range upon
range,of the Rocky Mountains, all draped
in enow. As night comes on, a glittering
panorama they make, under the silvery
light of a young moon. Again I am
voiceless,but a glimpse of spirit whiteness
like the snow-drifts, comes to me full of
beauty in the words of David: “ Wash
note and I shall be whiter than snow.”
the pure undrifted snow !” cries
my romantic boy, and a laugh goes
round. Carrie says, “ Oh! it is just like
a bij iced-cake.”
•Fcr twelve hundred miles we traveled
tfiroagh snow regions; yet thanks to our
gtogrous friend Col. Cole, though we do
nt to the wealthy of the land,we
went through in the most luxurious cars
the road affords. I might mention here
another debt we owe,but there is a sacred
ness which hangs like a vestal robe abont
the pure kindness of friends, which bids
qn* be silent. I can only say as, a dear
frend said once in not wishing her name
bpnght before the eyes of the sympa
thetic congregation, “It is enough, we
ktow, and God knows.”
There! just as my pencil was gliding
into ‘obedience to my thought, we plnnged
into a dismal snow-shed; out of the daz
zling snow-light, into smoke and gloom!
This is is a long one, and the double en
gine pants up the grade, like a tired horse
—it almost stops. What a dismal pros
pect, to be stopped in one of those useful
but uninviting places. Then we rush out
into the blessed light again, and the first
abject I see is a cloud, nestled all abont
sides, so close I could almost
touch it with a long arm.
I was eager for a taste of mountain life,
.so we got out at the eating-house in
Kheyenne. What a gale was blowing,
■ad the icicles hung from the eaves! We
■inld not realize it within those cars. It
was a miraole we did not lose our hats,
tie wind blew so roughly. I was too
busy looking at the antelope and magnifi
cent buffalo heads which were hung
around the eating-room, to attend to the
m?al, yet I relished a fresh venison-steak.
■We were shown some pieces of petrified
fossil fish, so distinct you
imagine they had been fried
yesterday, and the bones thrown among
the rocks. We had a race back to the
cars. It was like the elixir of youth to me;
but Mr. Branch cried out in great earnest
ness: “ I wonld not live in such a climate
for a million a year.” C. B.
To the Members of the South
Georgia Cenlerence.
My Dear Brethren: Although it is true
I was at onr Conference, I feel it amonnt
ed to so little in the way of Conference
intercourse, that I can only relieve my
own heart by this expression of my in
creased indebtedness for yonr loving-kind
ness. Ton passed my character because
there was nothing against it—although
there was very little for it in the way of
work done. But you passed it because
my life-long labor satisfied you,that when
I do not preaoh, it is only because I can
not. To me, preaching has never been a
task, but a benediction; for no matter
how low the tidal wave of my religious
feeling had fallen, it almost always flood
ed more or less while preaching. Bat my
vocal capacity is gone, and my common
idea is, gone forever. My friends try to
cheer me up with the belief that it will
only be a winter spell. I never felt as
anxions to preach in all my life as of late;
but it is because I desire to kindle again
the upward and on ward aspirations of ear
ly Methodist converts. There is a fearful
falling away on this vital issue. Yes,
brethren—this vital issue. There is noth
ing more certain, either in natural or
moral philosophy, than this: that if reli
gion does not go on it goes ont. God
could never have made the acquirement
of religion a necessity, without making
the sednlons cultivation of it in order to
its preservation, equally a necessity. With
this divine philosophy I had charged my
mind, and had preaehed a few times on
the re-opening vistas, through which we
early Methodists looked into the bright
future of our entire sanctification. For
I might say here and now, that no one
ever went on to perfection, unless he or
she did so by believing in and passing
through this work of entire sanctification.
The idea of reaehing nnto perfection
away this side of entire sanctification, is
simply absnrd.
There lingers about my mind a constant
apprehension that I preached my last ser
mon in Waynesboro, Monday, the Ist day
of November. If so, I am glad my last
effort was from these words—the second
time: “For this is the will of God, even
your sanctification.” It is out of my line
to preach from a few words, but these ex
actly filled the bill of my wishes in regard
to text.
It will be right for yon, my breth
ren, to ask God, to restore nnto me
voice enough to preaoh again; and
especially, if His hand is in it, Umt I may
be able to stand in my lot, as one of the
Fraternal Messengers to the next General
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church in May, 1876. Tour leaving me
as an effective man—although I could not
have had the face to have asked it —is
doubly dear to me on aeconnt of this
commission. I did not want to go there
—if the Lord will allow me to go—as a
snperannnate, bat as a regular itinerant.
For while I can add nothing to the mer
ted honors of yonr Conference, it will add
mnoh to yonr marvellous history that a
member of your body, in the seventy
second year of his ministry, and ninety
second year of his life, shonld be rated
effective, and sent as one of the Fraternal
Messengers of the Methodist Episcopal
Chnrch, South.
If God confirm it as part of His will
concerning me, and my embassy is suc
cessful, I shall then have the answer to
the question, Why have I lived so long ?
And now, brethren, let me assure you
that, while I could not pray with yon,nor
preach to you, I did pray for you. I
wanted to exhort you to go out next year
—every one of yon—determined to preaoh
more closely the sinfulness of sin; and
show that shallowyconvictions of it will
end only in an extemporized moral re
form. Insist on conversions as clear as
the almost involuntary exclamation,
“Abba Father;” and urge every professor
of it to go right on to perfection; assur
ing every one of them who does not feel
this to be a duty, and live accordingly,
that they either started wrong, or else
got wrong. There is no religion where
the sonl is not athirst for more.
I had intended to give you my views on
true Christian sanctification—a subject,
now, no little imperiled by false views
and false conclusions. But I could not
speak, therefore I have written some es
says on the facts and features of this
higher life plane. I hope they will in
troduce our dear old Advocate to a broader
circulation in 1876. As I cannot preach
to you, I must write. A happy new year
to every one of you—and this it will be,
if we all preach more holiness, and grow
holier ourselves. So Lord let it be.
Your truly, L. Pierce.
Minutes of the South Georgia
Conference.
Mr. Editor : At the late session of our
Conference I was elected editor of “ Con
ference Minutes.” I addressed myself at
once to the duties connected with my
office. In three days after the adjourn
ment, the copy was in the hands of the
printers. The minutes are now ready to be
distributed, and will be sent out as rapidly
as possible. The subscription list is far
too small to cover the expenses. Will not
the brethren increase their lists? Owing
to this fact, I have been compelled to put
the minutes at 20 cents per copy. This
is as cheap as they can be afforded. The
pamphlet contains fifty-six pages, nearly
twice the size of our former publications.
I have endeavored to give the entire pro
ceedings as they occurred—showing ev
erything that was done, and how it was
done, and by whom it was done. Let
those who have not paid their subscrip
tions respond at once. S. S. Sweet.
Spring Session at Randolph Ma
con College.
Mr. Editor: If no intrusion upon yonr
columns, it will greatly oblige me and
gratify many persons, if yon will allow
me, in answer to numerous inquiries, to
say: not the Ist of January, bnt the 15th
of February is the beginning of the
Spring Session at Randolph Macon.
Students entering before that time have
to fall into advancing classes at great dis
advantage; but on the 15th of February
they can enter classes just formed. Board
is very cheap,—from $lO, to sls per
month. Forty-eight dollars will pay all
tuition fees from February, to last of
Jane—the end of the session. Those who
desire to enter college at the opening of
the Spring Session, will please correspond
with the Proctor Major W. A. Shepard at
Ashland, Va. Jas. A. Duncan,
Pres. R. M. O.
Key West, Fla. —Rev. O. A. F ilwood
writes, Deoember 10: Up to this date fifty
one Gnbaus have united with the Ohnroh,
VOLUME XXX IX.. NO. 2.
and the interest still widens. We need
a house of worship for their ppecial ben
efit. Can yon not help ug. by calling at
tention to onr wants. Use your pen in
this interest. Rev. J. B. Allard, one of
the most learned and influential Roman
Catholic priests in Florida, and for years
chief pastor of that Chnrch in this city,
died yesterday morning.
Bisliop Pierce, and a Piece of
Bark.
The good Bishop does not forget Emory
College. Being at Sunshine a day and a
night recently, he gave me for the College
two very interesting specimens. The first
is a section of baik irotn one of the famous
Rd- wood trees of California It is wtll
worth looking at. One sees at a glance
that it belonged to a giant among the trees.
The Psalmist says in one place, “A man
was famous according as he had lifted up
axes upon thiok trees.” But the tree this
bark came from was too “thick” for any
axe. Snch trees, they say, are bored down
—how Ido not know. But we have this
section of Red-wood bark in the museum,
duly labelled.
The Bishop gave me also, a beautiful
petrifaction from the Cascade Mountains,
Oregon. It is from the heart of what was
once a great tree. How long ago? This
is also in place, and Prof. Bonnell knows
what to do with it. Mrs. Pierce gave me
for our cabinet of cariosities a piece of
the famons Appomattox apple-tree. A
friend in St. Joseph, Mo., the Rev. E. R.
Hendrix, has given me for the College a
beautiful fern-leaf, locked up in a piece
of lime stone rock. Mr. F. F. Jeffries has
given for the same repository a blind
fish—rather an eye-less fish—from the
Mammoth Cave, of Kentucky.
Now let all onr friends take this broad
hint: Send us things. Send all kinds of
fossils (in rooks, not men), curiosities of
nature, fine specimens in mineralogy.
Write on them the place where they were
found, and the name of the sender. We
have now a great quantity and variety of
mineralogical specimens, but yet there is
room. Let ours be as large and as good
as the best. Send your curiosities and
specimens to Emory’s Museum. They will
do good here. Our professor can “find
sermons in stones.”
Also send books Let every Methodist
in Georgia and Florida, and every friend,
send us a good book for our library. We
have many good books, bnt we need more.
Don’t be afraid of sending what you think
is a common book. We wish common
books as well as rare ones. They are giv
ing all sorts of things to the Vanderbilt —
things old and new, books common and
rare. Somebody sent a papyius leaf with
inscriptions that stumped Dr. Summers
and every man of them; others send books
that everybody can read. Let onr friends
make Emery’s museum and library rich.
Will not eaoh travelling preacher gather
a box full and send to us?
Atticus G. Haygood.
Oar depot is Covington.
Emory College, Oxford, Ga.,Jan. 1 si, 1876.
Letter from Florida.
Mr. Editor: Another year has almost
gone, and soon we shall bo wending our
way to Quincy,the seat of the Conference,
to render an account of our stewardship.
Is there not here some resemblance to that
great day of final accounts where the
books shall be opened, and all mankind
shall be judged? We count it joy here
when the “Nothing against him" of the
Presiding Elder, is confirmed by the
Bishop, as he sends us forth to labor for
another year; there, what unspeakable joy
shall be ours, when we shall hear from the
great Bishop of our souls, “Come, ye
blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the foundation of
the world.”
We have had a pleasant,prosperous year,
on the Jacksonville District. It would
take me too long to enter into detail with
reference to the work, my object in writ
ing is to give an occount of a camp
meeting held on Orange Circuit embrac
ing the first Sabbath in December.
Seme of the brethren who, in years gone
by, had enjoyed these meetings in their
old homes, with more prosperous sur
roundings, felt a longing to engage once
more in this precious means of grace. At
our third quarterly meeting the matter
was talked over, and a committee ap
pointed.
They met, selected the grounds, some
pledged themselves at all hazards to tent,
and the result was a glorious success, and
the Wightman Camp-ground will here
after figure largely I trust in the history
of Methodism on Orange Circuit.
The meeting commenced on Friday
night, December 3d, and closed on the
following Monday night. From the first,
God was with us. I think I never realiz
ed before, how ready God is to answer
prayer. For weeks his people had been
praying for his presence with them, and
with faith that he would answer their
prayers; with such confidence as this, it
is no wonder that the Master presided,
and all went well under His guidance.
Oh how often we bear the burden of His
work on our shoulders, when if we would
attend to the work He has assigned us,
and leave to Him the responsibility that
He alone can bear, we should succeed so
much better!
We were favored with the presence of
brother L. W. Braden, of Indianapolis,
one of the workers in the Young Men’s
Christian Association, truly an Evange
list, who entered with the zeal that char
acterizes these faithful men, into the work
of saving souls, and was the instrument
in God’s hands of accomplishing good.
We had the usual manifestations of the
workings of the Spirit, and though there
were no terrible excitements, as is some
times the case, yet a few, realizing that
where the Spirit of God is, there is liber
ty, found it a necessity to disburden their
full souls in a shout of praise.
The meeting closed as I said on Monday
night.
We had a precious time. First a ser
mon on heaven, then an exhortation, then
a call for mourners. Nearly every sinner
came and a number were converted. The
congregation were dismissed, still we lin
gered and for hours talked, prayed and
sang, tongues all unused to eloquence,
were unloosed, and in glowing language
told of their joy.
Silent witnesses of the day before in the
love feast, now found a voioe and talked
for Jesus. Till a late hour we sang and
felt truly,
“My willing soul would stay
In Buch a frame as this
And sit and sing itself away
To everlasting bliss-”
The visible results of all this were seen
in the conversion of sinners, reclaiming
of backsliders, and the new accessions of
strength given to God’s people, besides
the great benefit of bringing together the
members scattered through as large a
territory as is inoluded in Orange Circuit.
Eternity alone can tell all that was accom
plished,
I feel as though we were on the eve of
a mighty revival here in Florida. The
indications are all favorable. Let the
Church pray for it. F. Pasco, P. E.
Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 14 th, 1875.
Orangeburg;, Soutli Carolina.
Mr. Editor: You will be gratified to hear
that Goa is pouring aut His blessings up
on this community. Lasting impressions
have been made upon the miuds and
hearts of these dear people of Orangeburg.
Of those who entertained the members of
Conference.all seem yet delighted, and to
be satisfied that they had the choice of
the clergy aud laity. Some of the gnebts
have found time to write to their hosts
in terms of love and gratitude—and no
doubt,exhortation. What an opening for
good,and what a power the pen can wield
for God, May many more write, and en
courage the hearts of these kind-hearted
citizens. At one place the little boys had
decided to be merchants.doctors.lawyeis,
etc.; but seeing the huppiness exhibited
by the Methodist preachers, they have
concluded that preaching is a good busi
ness and have given up former desires and
say they intend to preach. May the Lord
so order it.
The pastor Rev. J. B. Campbell, com
menced a meeting on Wednesday follow
ing the closing of the Annual Conference,
which continues with much interest.
About ten have professed faith in Christ;
four have applied for membership. On
Sunday last, the Rev. J. L. Sifley preach
ed, after which the sacrament was admin
istered to a large nnmber of persons.
Great solemnity prevailed, and at the
close, several persons came forward for
prayer. I would entreat my loved brethren
to join me in constant earnest prayer for
the work here; it is a long time since this
village has been visited with a powerful
revival influence. May this be God’s time
to bless, and ours to work, to the end
that many precious souls may be saved
through the blood of Christ. I find the
people here appreciate their minister, and
are not satisfied with merely paying their
quarterage, but think of many other way s
in which to aid and comfort him. This is
a pleasant fact, and will call down rich
benedictions from high heaven. I hope to
give you yet a much better report of the
meeting. G. Peikoe.
January s th % 1876.
To the Preacher? ot the North
Georgia Conference.
Dear Brethren: I call your attention to
the first resolution in the series intro
duced by the Board of Missions, and
adopted by you at the late session of the
Conference.
“That collections be taken in January
and February for Domestic Missions, and
March and April for Foreign Missions.”
Don’t think the resolution unwise or im
practicable; the time specified inauspi
cious. The experience of the past three
years vindicates its wisdom and practica
bility. We have never done so well as
since we adopted the spring collections.
Even granting we get no more money, yet
the value of that we do get is greatly
enhanced, because it enables the Board to
make early payments to the missionaries,
thus confering not only a physical, but a
moral benefit; for while their wants are
opportunely provided for, they are in
spirited to enter with vigor upon their
work —“He gives twice, who gives quick
ly.” Bear this in mind and let us begin
early in the morning of this new year tad
labor, that we may accomplish full work ’
in the great and good cause of missions.
Perhaps, brethren, this may be the last
year that the Master will call you to labor
in the vineyard. It may be that when
your name is called at the opening of the
next Conference, some brother with sad
heart may rise up in his place and answer,
“he is dead—his work is done”—Let us
not leave the field without reaping and
gleaning the missionary corner. “Redeem
the time. ” Your brother
P. A. Heard, Treas.
Address mo at Athens, Ga.
Athc?is, Ga ., Jan. 3 d, 1876.
Blairsville Mission.
A CORRECTION.
Mr. Editor: Rev. T. J. Edwards writes
me that reading the report of the Secre
tary of the Board of Missions, he finds he
made mistakes in the report handed in at
Conference, which he desires corrected
through the columns of the Advocate. He
says “The financial report should have
been:
Paid the Missionary $ 109 J 5
For Domestic Missions 10 00
For Conference claimants 1 00
For Bishop’s fund 1 00
Your brother H. J. Adams.
JUilledgeville, Jan. 4th, 1876.
Sfotos of % Meek.
General News.
Chicago, December 31.—1 tis thought nearly
three-quarters ol a million dollars will be found
due the Government on the recent whisky
seizures in this city.
Balt Lake, December 31. —There is snow
twelve feet deep on a level at Alta City.
Nabhtillb, January I.—Edmond H. John
son, a noted thief and express robber, has es
caped from the penitentiary through means of
bribery. The new Fisk University, named in
honor of General Clinton B. Fisk, was formally
dedicated to-day in the presence of a large as
semblage of people—white and black,—Gov.
Porter, and other State officials. Gen. Fisk
presided and made an earnest and touching plea
for cordial relations between the races—for the
education and elevation of the colored people
and for the cultivation of a liberal and patriotic
feeling everywhere. Abounding, as it did, in
most generous sentiments toward the Southern
people, and urging that the dead past bury its
dead, it elicited the warmest commendation.
Gov. Porter, Bishop McTyeire, ex-Commis
sioner Smith, President of the Howard Univer
sity, and'others also made addresses. The Uni
versity building cost *120,000. The institution
partakes somewhat of the nature of a normal
college, as since its establishment, ten years
ago, it has graduated about one hundred teach
ers and candidates for the ministry—all colored.
New Orleans, January 3.—The Legislature
met to-day. Kellogg’s message is exceedingly
elaborate. He congratulates the people on the
hopeful prospects of the State. The debt of the
State is reduced to a point within the power of
the State to meet principal and interest at
maturity. Both principal and interest are
guaranteed by the Constitution. The bonded
and floating debt of the State when he took
charge was $24,093,407. The present bonded
and floating debt, January Ist, 1876, is $19,061,
645 25. While this reduction ef debt has been
effected, the general expenditures of the Govern
ment have been largely reduced and taxation
has been diminished from $21,500,000 to $14,-
500,000. The message says accurate statistics
indicate that the crop of cotton, sugar, rice and
fruits raised in the State of Louisiana during the
past year largely exceeded fifty millions of dol
lars in value, while for the first time in the his
tory of the State the crop of corn has been equal
to the home demands, .eaving a surplus for ex
portation. With capital insured against exces
sive taxation by the funding law and the con
stitutional amendments, it now only rests with
the citizens themselves to give to immigrants as
surance that their lives and property will be
protected by the laws, and that no social ostra
cism will be visited upon them on account of
political opinions, and the State will receive an
influx of labor and capital which will increase
its prosperity a thousand fold.
Memphis, January s.—Governor Ames’ mes
sage to the Legislature was read yesterday. It
opens by calling attention to the late Statq