Newspaper Page Text
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Southern Christian
MACON, GEORGIA, FEBRUARY 2, 1876.
The Sunday-School.
The writer on this subject, whose arti
cle appears on our first pag?, enunciatts
views which we scare ly sappose were in
tended to be endorsed by the South Car
olina Conference in its adoption of tie
Rep rt to which he refers. That Report
was read to the Conference, and the im
pression made upon our miud—and.as v e
think, upon the minds of the great body
of the Conference —by that portion of :t
which *• P.” understands as being elabo
rated in his article,was emphasized by an
editorial in these columns two weeks ago.
We assented very cordially to the propo
sition that the Sunday school is part and
parcel of the Church—“ the Church in
oi e of its manifestations,” as the Report
tipretises it—and Inert fore “ not to be
ignored or neglected by members,without
blame;” but it did not occur to us that
we were recommending—under the force
and authority of such penal sanctions as
are covered by “ Church discipline’*—a
Weekly resolving of every Church into a
Committee of the Whole on the Study of
the Scriptures. A later and more cartful
reading of the Report satisfies us that it
does embody n but we fee! very
sure it was not in the minds of most ol
those wlio voted for its adoption. Tin
universally accepted theory of the Sun
day-school is that it embodies that depart
xnent of Church activity that addressts
itself specifically to the religion* instruction
and training of the children and youth of the
Church. It does not, of courre, <x bide
adults who are disposed to assemble at the
same time and place, for Bible study; au<
p is in perfect harmony with its natnrt
and designs, to encourage this collateral
work But the normal function of ttu
Sunday school is the training of ti.e
young. This is its prime and preeminent
work, and in this view it is not misnamed
The views enunciated in the Report, us
amplified and explained by our corre;-
pondent, would, if practically carried out,
or rather, attempted to be carried out, rev
olntioniza tile whole Sunday-school sys
tem, anil by attempting too much, accom
plieh less than is now being done. Bet
tor cliDg to what we have, than risk its
loss by grasping at an inviting shadow.
The diligent, prayetful study of the
Scriptures, is a sacred duty of every
Christian, which may not be neglected
without serious spiritual damage. The
fuithful performance of this duty should
be frt quently and earnestly urged by
every pastor; he should devise and re
commend the moat efficient methods for
promoting an intelligent comprehension
of the Word among his people; and,there
cau be no doubt, that choir organizition,
as far as practicable, into Bible clatsts, is
a wise and wholesome plan. But this is
additional to the specific work con’etn
plated by the Sunday-school; and huwev
er it may be incidentally, and to some ex
tent, incorporated with it, cannot safely
be made to include it. Load the Sui.di.y
schooi with the Biblieul education of the
whole Church, and the speedy collapse of
the impracticable scht me, would, in our
judgment, bring serious disaster upon a
most important and prosperous depart
ment of Church work.
Oar correspondent complainp, and just
ly,that“onr Sunday-schools have not done
all the good they might have done.” This
is as true of Sunday-school work, as of
the preaching of tliegispel; aud the in
effi-.ianoy aud frnitlessness of ranch of
this work is simply lamentable. Bat the
remedy for this, it seems to us, is not to
lie found in the practical abolition of the
Suuduy-school by its amalgamation with
something else. The existing system is
admirable, aud in older to serve effectual
ly its high mission, only needs to be vital
izod by such a vivid realization of re
sponsibility on the part of teachers, as
will impel them to the thorough, prayer
lul preparation of the Scripture lessons
they assume to impart to their scholars.
We sympathize fully with our corres
pondent in his convictions as to the vital
necessity for more general and thorough
knowledge of the Bible among our peo
ple; but we let-1 constrained to differ with
him as to his method of securing it, be
cause we believe that method would prove
impracticable, aud the experiment would
only result harmfully to the Suuduy-school
cause. Let all possible encouragement
and stimulus be given to Bible study
among the adults of the Church; but let
the Sunday-school retain as its peculiar
and paramount work the instruction of
the young, and let the entire mtmbirship
bear in mind that this is a work which
they are bound by their Church obliga
tions to foster aud promote. Tnis,unless
we are grievously mistaken, was what the
Conference desigutd to inculcate by
adopting the Report in question.
The Southern Review.
The following is the table of contents
of the January number: History of The
Late War; Mohammed and Mohamme
danism; Life and Times of John of Barne
veld; Heathen Persecutions of the Prim
itive Christians; Nuernberg’s Greatest
Artist ; The Perseverance of -the Elect ;
The Sun of Righteousness—A Sermon;
Moody and Sankey; True Greatness;
Notices of Books; Miscellany.
We have not yet had !he opportunity
of reading all the articles of this number,
more than half of which are from the
editor’s own pen; but such as wo have
had time to read sustain fuly the exalted
position which has been achieved for this
splendid Quarterly. Our selections have
all been from the editor’s contributions,
which, while they illustrate his towering
intellect, display likewise, equally con
spicuous but less admirable qualities of
the writer. The first article is purely po
litical, and had it appeared anywhere else
would have been promptly recognized, by
mauy infallible marks, as the production
of Dr. Bledsoe. In his article on the
I\ rseverance of the Elect he vindicates,
with wsrmtb, his orthodoxy as an Armin
ian, and argues, in the style natural to
him, that his critics, in charging him with
Calvinism, have failed to recognize his
legitimate distinction between the terms
“Saints” and “Elect.” The possible
apostasy of saints is not denied; but as
salvation is conditioned upon persever
ance, the “ elect ” are those only who
God foresaw would perevere, and they, of
course, do not fall away. Tbe “Heroines
of Early Methodism,” by Mrs. and Miss
Martin, receives a very handsome notice,
in that very interesting department of
the Review devoted to Notices of Books.
► Miscellany” is anew feature of the Re
view, which the Editor hopes to make the
most readable article of all in the estima
|A. T. Bledsoe, Editor. Baltimore: Bledsoe &.
Herrick, 34 McCulloh St. Price $5.00 a ■
Preachers, $4.00. J
tiou of many of his patrons. We are sor
ry to learn that the Review has a number
of delinquents on its list of subscribers,
and we do hope they will hearken to the
appeal of the Editor, — pay what they owe,
and prevail on others to subscribe. Dr.
Bledsoe says on this point:
If subscribers bad beeu as punctual this
year as usual, we might have made our
proposed visit to the S mih; bat, as it is,
we have been tied down, like a galley
■dave to bis oars, and compelled to row,
row, row, beetnse we conld not pay for
assistance. The senior editor of the Re
view'haa tarnished no less than six articles
for the present nnmber; and be now calls
apou delinquent subscribers to come for
ward with “ material aid ” and support.
We know, we can never forgot, that many
of our subscribers are poor preachers; and
hence, if we were able to do so, nothing
would sff rd us greater pleasure than t,o
send every one of them a copy of our Re
view grans. Bat we beg them to consider
that we are as poor as they are; and that
wtiile other religious quarterlies, such as
the Princeton Review, the Southern Pres
byterian Review, the New Englander, and
-o forth, are backed by the talent, and the
genius, of a whole faculty of learned ed
itors, we have to stand alone. Dear
brethren if yon cmnot help us, do not
complain if we drop your names from our
list of subscribers. We already send as
many copies of our Review to poor
preachers gratis as we can afford to send,
red if others cannot help us to bear our
hard ns, which are very heavy, we implore
thi - m not to increase their weight and
i re-sure. We beg them, moreover,to aid
ns to increase the list of onr subscribers.
l'ujihg nubsCiibere, we mean; we already
have too many of the other sort.
Wesley .Monumental Clmrcli.
By thosewboread the proceedings of the
H >uth Geo-gia Conference, it wasohsirv
ed, that at the request of the Conference,
Bishop Doggott made Dr. Clark’s appoint
meut with reference to his appropriating
part of his time to the advancement o*
this important enterprise. With what
cordiality and enthusiasm this action of
the Conference is hailed by those imnie
diately charged with the erection of Un
building, will be seen from the following
letti r handi dus by Dr. Clark. No mor<
efficient agent for the prosecution of thib
work could possibly have been chosen, aud
we join hoartily in the endorsement of
Dr. Clark and bis enterprise :
Rev. J O. A. Clark, D D. —Dear Pro:
At a meeting of the Buildiug Com
mittee of Wesley Monumental Churob
bold this evening, on motion of Bro. R
B Reppard the following resolution was
unanimously adopted:
“ Resolved, that the appointment of Dr.
J. O. A. Ciaik as agent for the Wesley
Monumental Ctmrcli is heartily endorsed
by the Building Committee, and, that w<
hail this action of the South Georgia
Conference, M. E Church, South, with
ph uaure and satisfaction, believing that
lie will greatly promote the interest of
our special enterprise and the cause id
general.”
R eferring to above in behalf of the
Committee, I will state that this is the
first regular meeting of the board since
Conference. The resolution tint feebly
expresses the opinion and satisfaction en
tertained by *he committee. No action
of the Conference cruld aid ns more in
our work. Nu member of that body can
til! the position with more satisfaction,
aud we feel that our brightest hopes will
be realized.
The U immittee have every confidence
in yonr judgment and discretion, and will
acquiesce iu any arrangement yon may
prom se or desito
Your letter to Bro. Wynn, respecting
the late contribution of $2,000.00 for a
Memorial Window, caused a pleasing sen
sation. God bless the donor. Bro Wym
has no doubt written as to the progress of
the huildiDg; wo hope to have the slate on
by the middle of February or first of
March It presents a flue appearance,even
better than the drawing.
The illness of Bro. Wynn greatly re
tards his arrangement for canvassing Sa
vanish —we pray that he may be restored
to health and itreugtb to continue hit
glo-ious mission. With brotherly live
aud affection I am
Yonrs Trnly.
C. H Carson, Sec’ty.
Building Com. W. M. C.
Life of Bishop Andrew.
We gladly copy from the Nashville Ad
vocate of January 29bh,the following letter
of Bishop Marvin; from which it will bt
seen that he has acceded to the request of
Bishop Audrew’s children, that he should
prepare a Life of their venerated father
Wo hopo that every one who is in posses
sion of any such letters as Bishop Marvin
calls for, will forward them to him with
out delay. With such a subject as Bishop
Andrew, and sueh a Biographer ns Bishop
Marvin, the Church may confidently an
ticipate a book of rare interest and worth.
Lot all who can, expedite its preparation
by sending forward such material us they
can fnrnish, at the earliest possible date:
In response to a request of his children,
I have consented to undertake the prepa
ration of a Life of Bishop James O. An
drew. In doing so I shall desire to let as
much of his owu mind and heart appear
iu the book as possible.
For this purpose I am solicitous to col
lect letters written by him. No doubt
m my are preserved by those to whom they
were written. No doubt many are mere
brief answers to various calls. Such
would be of no service. Bat any letters
of the following description will be gladly
received:
1. fcluch as may refer to important
passages of his owu life and experience.
2 Such as were written to friends on
occasion of temptation, bereavement, or
perplexity.
3 Such as may express his views npon
religion or Church polity.
4. Such as may have been written to
y'-ang preachers for their encouragement
t r instruction.
5. Such as may have reference to the
events of 1844.
6. Such as refer to the work of the
Church among the slaves of the South.
Besides thee, any letters that may be
roneidered to be of interest, will be gladly
ceci ived Those who may have them in
possession will confer a favor by inclosing
Ehern to me at 2719 Lucas Avenue, S’.
L'-ois. Mo E M Marvin.
St. Louis , Jan. 17, 1876.
BisHor Foster in Savannah.— We learn
that Dr E H. Myers hearing that Bishop
Fosti r of the Aletliodist Episcopul Church
was about to visit Florida, and wishing to
reciprocate courtesies received from him
in other years in NewYoik, wrote, inviting
the Bishop to the hospitalities of his home
and to his pulpit, should he take Savannah
in his route. The invitation was accepted,
and on Sunday, 23d January, Bishop Fos
ter preached two very able sermons in
Trinity Church, to the edification of large
congregations. The intercourse, we learn,
between the Bishop and onr pastors in
Savannah aud the members who saw him,
during his brief visit, was of the most
pleasant character. He visited Wesley
Monumental Church—on which the work
men are placing the roof—and expressed
great satisfaction with its progress, and
mnch interest in its completion, as a tri
bute of the Methodism of ail names to
John Wesley.
Wofford College —We are gratified
to learn through a private note that the
prospects of this institution are most en
couraging. The number of students has
been steadily increasing since the first of
and there is increased attention
part of the stn
; jmtkuessaruong them.
Iu the Fourth Watch of the
Night.
o_>ce before, the disciples were caught
in a ‘’storm of wind” that “came down on
the lake” as they were passing from Caper
naum to Gadara. But that was in the day
time, and, though “asleep in the hinder
part of the ship,” Jesus was with them.
Bat the second storm came upon them in
the night as they were going towards Ca
pernaum, whea Jesus was not with them,
for, having sent the multitudes he had fed
to their homes, he had “departed into a
mountain to pray.”
It was only a few miles—abont seven or
eight—across the little sea. Ordinarily,
brisk rowing would take them over in an
hour ir two. But on this occasion “the
wind was contrary unto them.” This lit
tle lake was easily agitated by sudden
storms of wind, corni. g down upon it.
MacGregor, in his entertaining book
“The Rob Roy on the Jordan,” explains
this expression of St. Luke in describing
the first storm—“there came down astorm
of wind on the lake.” In giving his own
experience with such a storm, he pays:
“Just as the R >b Roy passed below Wady
Fik, a f 1 range distant hissii g soundid
ahead, whine wo could see that a violent
storm was raging. Instantly all hands
were on the alert to meet if. The waves
had not time to rise. Tlr ; gusts had come
down upon cairn water, aud they whisked
up loDg wreaths of it into ihe sky. * *
This toiront of heavy cold air was pouring
over th mountain crests info the deep
caldron of the lak- *bolow, u In udlong flood
ol wind, like a water! ll into a hollow;
just as is said io L >k>:— there came down
a stoim of wind upon the lake.’ The
peculiar effects of rquails among moun
tains are known to uli who have boated
mu h on lakes, but on the S a of Gaiilee
the wind has a singular fores and sudden
ness; and this, no doubt because the sea
*in so deep in the world the sun rarefies the
air iu it enoi m iu.- ly, and the wind speed
ing swift above a long and level plateau,
gathers mu-h fore.- as it sweeps through
flat deserts, until suddenly it meets this
huge gap in the way, and it tumbles down
here irresistible.”
Such a stoim was upon the s. a during
the night the disciples were tryiug to
cross over to Capernaum. They were “in
the midst of the sea” when n;gbt fairly
set in. Aud th-.y were stilt there, as it
seems, till nearly daylight next morn
iug—“toiling iu rowing, for the wind was
contrary unto them.” They were tossing
about helplessly in the darkness—watch
ing for the day dawn, and wisliiig that.
Jesus were with them.
Jt.iUS knew where they were, and he
know their danger St. Mark says: “And
when even was come, the ship wao in the
midst of the sea, and He alone upon the
land." They did not know where he was;
he knew where they were. They did not
see him; butket.iw them—saw them in
their peril just as it was: “And he saw
them toiling iu rowing.” But he did not
go to them at first. He waited a long
ti me —at least six Louis he left them to
their toiling with contrary waves Prom
night fall till between three and six o'clock
next, m ming, they were loft to them
selves —as tin y supposed. But all this
time he saw them. Why did ho wait so
long before going to their resore? He
coald have gone to them as easily during
the first as the fourth watch, but he did
not. When the night was far spent and
they had found out how little they could
do, he came to them. “And about the
fourth watch of the night, he cometh unto
them walking upon the sea.” Very
strange and—such is our impatience and
unbeluf—sometimes very trying to his
disciples, tossed of the waves aud the
winds, is God’s waitiug. Often he does
not interfere, when we think that the very
time has come. Often he does not niani
fcstliimieli when we think we must be
delivered, and we can endure no more.
He leaves ns in the waves aud in the dark
ness, “toiling in rowing” till tLe first, the
sicond, and the third watch are past, and
then, “in the fourth watch of the night,”
He “oomes to us walking on the sea.”
How helpless the disciples tossing iu the
sea! How sovereign Jesus walking on itl
We have great comfort in this history.
The night may be dark, the sea may be
tossed with wild winds, the waves may be
contrary, we may be toiling in rowing in
the very midst of the sea, but Jesus sees
us—bees us just as we are. Christians
cannot suffer unseen, for Jesus sees them,
And he who sees them will come to them
—although it may be not till the fourth
watch of the night. But he who comes
will also come at the right time. It may
not be our time, but it will be the right
time when he comes. It is enough to
assure our faith to know that Jesus sees
us—secs us toiling iu rowing. If he see
us in trouble, he will come to us. He
said, and the promise is very precious and
very broad—“l will come again.” And
he will not come before the right time.
When the faith of the disciples was tried
to the uttermost, and they were in condi
tion to understand their helplessness, and
to be taught that Jesus will come, though
he delay long, at the right time—then
Jesus walks on the water to them.
Very beautiful are Trench’s words of
comfort to the Church and to iudividnal
Chiistians also:
“Nor ought we, I think, to fail to re
cognize the symbolic character which this
while transaction wears. As that bark
was upon those stormy billows, such is
ofteutimei tbe Church, tossed to and fro
ou the waves of tbe troublesome world,
It seems as though its L ird had forgotten
it, so little is the way it makes; so b ffi and
is it, and tormented by opposing winds
and waves. But his eye is on it stih; he
is in the mountain apart praying; ever
living, an ascended Savior, to make inter
cession for his people. Aud when at
length the extremity of tbe need has ar
rived, he is suddenly with it, and that iu
marvellons ways past finding out; and
then all that was before so laborious is
easy, and the toiling rowers are anon ut
the haven where they would be.”
Two things let us know, and be com
forted: Jesus “sees us toiling in rowing”
and he will come unto ns—at sneh a time
and in snch a way as will bring us the
greatest blessing. H.
Oxford.
Recent Publications. *
Eclectic Magzine : E. R. Peltou, 25 Bond
street, New York. Terms $5 per annum.
Single number, 45 cents.
The February number contains an ex
cellent portrait of tbe Hon. William M.
Evarts, which is accompanied in the let
ter-press with a brief editorial sketch of
his life. The leading article is on “Mod
ern Sorcery,” and in it, the claims aud
pretensions of Spiritualism are subjected
to a caustic analysis. There is a charm
ing paper on “Weather,” a remarkably
valuable statement of “The True Eastern
Question,” a paper on “Women" in the
“German Homo Life" series; an intereet
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
ing record of a visit to “Charlotte Bronte’s
Birthplace;” an amusing article on “A
Neglected Humorist” of the past genera
tion ; “Note from the Crimea ;” “The
Wagner Festival of 187 G;” “The Pleas
ure of Wealth;” and “Hymmis Respon
scrinp,” by the Right Hon. W. E. Glad
stone. Libii'il installments of the two
stories—“ Her Dearest Foe,” and “Jona
than,” are given; and the Edi'orial De
partments contain the nsual variety of
interesting and useful notes on literature,
science, and art.
Scribner’s Monthlt : Scribner & Company,
743 and 745 Broadway, New York, flayear,
February contents:
New York in the Revolution; The Hollis
Bust of MiltoD; A Happy Lover; A Han
dred Thousand Homes; Beds and Tables,
Stools and Candlesticks; Philip Nolan’s
Friends, or “Show yonr Passports;” A
Piece of Secret History; Ercs; The Uni
versity of Michigan; Fernando Noronha;
Fame; Fortunuta’s Pocket; French Duels;
Gabriel Conroy ; A Poet’s Constancy ;
Revolutionary Letters ; Topics of the
Time ; The Old Cabinet; Home and So
ciety ; Culture and Progress; The World's
Work; Brie. Biac.
St Nichoias fob February, I** out
with the usual number of btoric-e, sketches,
poems, aud pictuns. Its frontispiece is a
very effective drawing, illustrating the
opening story of “The Black Douglas,”
contributed by Hz-kiah Butterworth.
Among the other stories are “The Two
Goats,” by Susan Coolidge; “The Shower
of Gold,” a dainty little fable by R R
Bowkei; “Sally Watson’s Ridge.”
ing narrative; “All for Bijou,” the record
of a very laughable predicament, and one
of Mr. Trowbridge’s capital “Bass Cove
Skatches.” The serials, Mr. Brooks’
Western story, and Mr. Bayard Taylor’s
narrative of Icelandic life, continue as in
ti resting as ever. As for piactioal articles.
‘Toboggans unit their UV wnlelectrify the
boys, who will appreciate and soon begin
to practice the new method of coasting de
scribt and therein; while the description of
tho ‘ Chinese New-Year,*' and the direc
tions for “Acting Ballads,” and for mak
ing and stocking an “Aiquarium,” to
gether with a talk abont “Valentines,”
will bn read with interest by ull alike.
Lucy Ltrcorn contributes a fine poem,
‘ The Country Boy,” and there are several
other excellent poetical contributions
such as Mary Dayton’s ‘ A Puzzled Boy,”
Carrie W. Thompson's ‘ Little Meimaid,’’
and the neat little ballad, “A Valentine,”
by L E li. “The Very Little Folks,”
too, have a rare treat in the cupitaj story
(with its twelve illustrations) of “Victor’s
Wonderful Auimals, and What they Al
most Di t.”
Tre Galaxy, New York: Sheldon & Cos. $4
a year. Contents for February:
Madcap Violet; Home-Rulers in the
English Parliament; Anna Seward and
Major Andre; Elizabeth; S iicide; Trans
formatioi ; Paroia and Bologna; Renbin
Dale; The Tradition of Conquest; Minor
French Nivelis's; Sicial ami Domestic
Life Under tbe A .-cient Regime; Parson
K ily; Barberry; A Word or Two on Em
erson ; Array Reduction ; Drift-Wood ;
Scientific Mist eihny; Current Literature;
Nebn’se
Briggs ife Brother’s lit.cstkatbd Floral
Work. Rochester, N. Y.
Though the January issue of this peri
odical is less elaborate and ornate tjj.au its
predecessors, it nevertheless contains a
vast deal of information and instruction
for those interested in the
ere or garden vegetables. Tbe reduction
in size has been made to fall rather np
on the ornamental than the instructive
department of this leading American ex
ponent of horticulture. These gentlemen
have for years led their craft iu this line
of advertisement, their Floral Work
having no rival iu similar publications;
and they do cot propose to surrender their
preeminence. The pamphlet before us is
less portly and beautiful than usual, only
beeanse they intend to signalizj the “cen
tennial year by an elaborate work, which
shall be substantially bound, and will eon
tain an axhanstive treatise npon the care
and oulture of all the plants, flowers,
bulbs, etc , that are of practical service
in America.” They promise that this
work shall be fit for the parlor-table or
library, aud intend to send it as a pre
mium to customers. Such enterprize de
-B‘rves encouragement, especially, when
it is backed by the liberal dealing, and re
l.able goods of Messrs. Briggs & Brother.
The Atlantic Monthly ; Devoted to Litera
ture, Science, Art, and Politics. Boston :
H. O. Houghton & Cos. New York: Hurd&
Houghton. $4.00 a year.
February Contents: Confession of St
Augustine, Under Moon and Stars; Man
mat’ka; Piridias to Pericles; Jacques Jas
min’s Franconette; To Morrow; A Liter
acy Nightmare; The Unseen World; Pri
vate Theatricals; Boston; Old Woman’s
Gossip; The Railroad Dea'h Rate; The
Currency Conflict; Recent Literature;
Art; Music: Eoncation.
Littell’s Living Age, nnmber 1650,
bearing date January 22d, is the fourth
weekly number of the new year and new
volume. It contains The Prose Works of
Wordsworth ; The Curate in Charge; In
a Studio; Lawson’s Travels in NerfGninea;
Left-Handed E sa; The Limits of Illnstra
tion; Consideration of Others; Diary and
Correspondence of Sunuel P< pys: Vesu
vius; and the usual choice poetry Mid mis
cellany. The present is a time
to snb&cribe, beginning new
volume. For fifty-two sixty
four large pages each, (or more than 3000
pages a year) tho subscription jwce ($8)
is low, or still better, for $10.50 any one
of the American $4 monthlies or weeklies
is sent with The Living Age for' a year,
both postpaid, Litteli & Gay, BostOD,
are the publishers.
farespit&tnce
LaUrange Female College.
Mr. Editor: The present term of the
LaGrange Female College has opened
most auspiciously. Notwithstanding the
“ hard times,” the prospects are most en
couraging—more so than they have be en
in many years. We are now occupying
rooms in the new building, and fail very
oomfortable indeed. I went forward npon
the faith of subscriptions obtained last
summer, aud had these rooms finished.
Now I hope every subscriber, when he
sees this, will at once inclose tbe money
to me fry registered letter. Don’t let the
determination to do so become cold. I
hope every one who has not subscribed,
will send me a small amount. If 300 sub
scribers will send $5 each, I oan complete
the building and have it ready for Com
mencement. Will not the Alumna; of the
College come to onr assistanoe ? If each
one will contribute something, end spend
a day soliciting others to do* so, the work
is accomplibhed. J. R. Mavson,
Lagrange, Ga.
The Southern Review for Jan
uary—History of.the War—lVr. A.T. |
Bledsoe. •
Tnis ponderous Q larterly for Januury
is before the public, with its usual array
of attractive artioles, most of them from
the pen of its learned editor.
The leuding article is entitled “ History
of the War,” and is os ! ensibly a review
of Greoly’s “Antrioan Conflict,” and
Stephens’ “ War Between the States.”
These gentleman play the role of John
Doe and Richard Roe—they serve the
pnrprse of bringing the case into court—
they certainly do not figure much in the
trial.
The Southern Review stands at the front
of that class of American literature, a dis
tinction achieved by the great energy and
talent of Dr. Bledsoe. He is not a man
of fortune with ample means to employ
first-class writers, a condition deemed
necessary to success in similar enterprises
The Review is not the organ of any great
Ohnrcb, or other corporation—it repre
sents no sect, nor school in philosophy—
it is Dr. Bledsoe’s own organ, free and
independent in all things. The Metho
dist Episcopal Church, Sonth, has given
it encouragement, but has never adopted
it as a Church periodical Objection has
often been made to the prominence given
to politics in the Review , aud without: ef
ficient reason, as ib does not represent the
Church in this or any other matter
I think its chief value is found iu its
fearless advocacy of sound political views,
at a time ween such vindication is greatly
needed bnt is very feebly rendered by
th ose wh< se vocation is statesmanship.
Dr. Bledsoe has given a full discussion
of the political doetrinesof leading states
men and parties as these are related to the
storms of controversy which shook the po
litical fabric as by an earthquake, and
swept tho land with the ravages of war as
ly a cyclone. He gives the promise of an
other “History of the War,” and this arti
cle is probably a fair sample of what may
be expected when bis promise is In filled.
It is a characteristic article, exhaustive
iu its rauge of fact and argument, full of
that egotism and arrogance in which Dr.
B. excels all writers living or dead. It is
wholly immaterial whose views are con
troverted, he is likely to appear very
much as an ignoramus when Dr. B. assails
his arguments or character Au incau
tious reader will likely olose one of Dr.
B’s reviews with a contempt for the moat
renowned authorities. A wide awake and
well informed reader will certainly close
the reading with something like disgust
at the arrogance of the reviewer. I never
read this able writer but with mingled
feelings of pleasure and paiu—pleasnre,
because of the truth evolved—pain, be
cause of the fieice temper exhibited in
the discussion,with a persistent effort to
belittle his adversary.
Dr. Bledsoe brings prominently into
his leading article the “Missouri Compro
mise,” its adoption and repeal. He con
fesses, for a wonder, his ignorance in that
he did not know Henry Ciuy was not the
author of that celebrated piece of patch
work. Having he: rd a lawyer of distinc
tion charge the repeal as a violation of
good faith on the part of the Sonth, he
was so illy informed that lie could make
at the time no defense. His lawyer was
certainly no politician, no statesman, bnt
a blind partisan who had read as little of
political affair i as Dr. B. up to that time.
It is wrong, however, to presume that
Southern statesmen, and intelligent men,
were as much in ignorance about this
matter as these learned professors in Mis
sissippi University.
The writer of this notice was not born
until six years after the adoption of the
“Missouri Compromise in IS2O " —ho was
young when it was repealed in 1854; but
he cannot remember when he Hist learned
that Henry Clay was not the author of
that measure. Indeed, a fact so well
known and so long, by a Methodist
preacher, might Certainly have been
learned without any laborious research.
The ODly wonder is how any reader of
political affairs coaid escape making the
disoovery.
Dr. Bledsoe is a very knowing man, and
usually a very accurate writer. Wbat is
said here is for the purpose of illustrating
that snpercilicions manner of Dr. B. al
ready noticed.
Such men as Calhoun, Webster,Toombs,
Stephens, Davis, etc ,eto., deserve a more
respectful consideration. I think it quite
likely that any of these gentlemen wonld
compare favorably with even Dr. Bledsoe
in political knowledge—all of them have
been considered men of fair intelligence,
some of them have been classed as great
meD. He promises that Mr. Stephens’
name shall not appear in his forthcoming
“History of the War.” Really that is
snperb!
If Dr. B. will read Benton’s “ Thirty
Years,” and his “ Abridgement of the
Congressional Debates,” in several huge
volumes, with the “ Madison Papers,”
abont which he writes so much, he will
probably fiDd onr country has produced a
great many knowing men beside himself.
Webster, Calhoun & Cos., may have been
a little lazy in their researches, aud they
did not have as many facilities perhaps as
are now accessible, at I suppose they
read, while college boys, the celebrated
discussions of 1798, and 1799, and were
fairly informed men, considering their
abilities. Dr. B admits that he was once
a disoiple of Webster and Story, but
finally adopted Calhoun’s theory of the
Government. Calhoun, he thinks, was a
giant, but how much batter he wonld
have appeared in the celebrated debate
with Webster in 1833, if only he had pos
sessed the information about the subject
matter in debate which Dr. Bledsoe has
gained by diligent research! Webster,he
says, deceived the people; Calhoun either
could not or did not nndeoeive them.
The fact is, that while the weight of ar
gnment sustains Oalhonn’s theory—also
Dr. Bledsoe’s—it must be confessed, the
fathers were contradictory. They wonld
not, eonld not, settle the question of
secession, and adjourned their unhappy
differences to their grand children’s day.
An attempt was made in the convention
of 1787 to establish a consolidated gov
ernment ; it failed—bad for the nation
alist. A move was made by the same
body to settle dispates between the States
(which were anticipated) by international
law, recognizing only a league of the
States ; this motion failed—bud for the
secessionist. These same fathers did not
understand themselves. They made a
Government which is an absurdity in the
ory, and a terrible failure in practice, as
all mast now see. Ido not blame them
—they did their best. Governments
made on paper mnst ever have an inferi
ority to those which are the product of
different agencies meeting together and
moulding into such shape as necessity
shall demand. Any other establishment
has no more validity than Sir Thomas
More’s ".Utopia,” or John Looke’s “ Re-
public;” affairs of imagination and ab
stract philosophy, not suited to the de
graded and depraved nature of mau.
Macon. Oa. J. W. Hinton
Mutual Aid Society—South Caro
lina Conference.
At the recent sessiou of the S mth Car
olina Conference, the Mutual Aid S ciety,
organiz -d one y ear ago, held its annual
meeting. The Constitution was carefully
r vised and amended aud was finally
adopted as follows :
CONSTITUTION.
Art. 1, Sec. 1. This S >oiety shall be
called the Mutual Aid Society of the South
Carolina Conference,of the ME. Cunrcb,
South.
Sec. 2 The object shall be to provide
means, so that at the death of a member,
a home or other aid may be provided for
the surviving family.
Art. 2, Sec. 1. Any member of the Con
ference, in his usual health, shall be eli
gible to membership, without respect to
age.
Sec. 2. Any layman may beoome a
member by paying the mortuary fee ac
cording to the Seale, without any initia-
tion fee ; provided, the family of such
layman shall have no claim upon the funds
of the Society at his death.
Art 3, Si c. 1. The officers of the So
ciety shall consist of a President, Vice-
President, Secretary,Treasurer, and Three
Curators, to be elected annually.
Art. 4, S :c. 1 The President shall pre
side at all meetings when present, and
perform all the usual duties of a presiding
officer; but in his absence the Vice-Presi
dent shall preside, or if he be absent a
President pro lent shall be elected.
Art. 5, Sec 1. The Secretary shall keep
exact minutes of all meetings of the So-
ciety, record the same in a substantial
book kept for the purpose, keep all papers,
manuscripts,and letters,subject at all times
to the inspection of the Curators ; and
Bhall h :ve tho same with the Secretary’s
book at the annual meetings of the So
ciety.
Ait. 6, See. 1 The Treasurer shall oo!-
lect all funds due the Society, give receipts
for the same, keep an exaot account be
tween the Society and himself, and the
S iciety aud its members, invest all funds
with the approval of the Curators, aud
give bond for twice the amount in the
treasury at the time of his election, with
security approved by the Curators.
Sec. 2. His books,accounts, and invest
ments, shall be under tbe inspection aud
direction of the Executive Board.
See. 3. He shall pay out funds en the
death of a member, onlv by direction of
the Society, under certificate of the Pres
ident countersigned by the Secretary, and
on surrender of the “Certificate of Mem
bership” of the deceased.
Art. 7, Sec. 1 The Curators shall audit
the Treasurer's books and accounts, in
spect all papers, mam scripts, and letters,
approve the Treasurer’s bond and securi
ties; and, with the other officers of the So
ciety,shall form an Executive Board for the
payment of amounts due on the death of a
member, aud for the transaction of neees
sary business in the interim of the annual
meetings. A written report of their pro
ceedings shall be presented at the annual
meetings of the Society.
Art. 8, See. 1. Auy clerical member of
the Conference, in his usual health, may
become a member of this Society at any
time, by paying ten dollars initiation fee
to the Treasurer. He must accompany
his application with a statement of his
age, aud he may, if he so desires, desig
nate the party or parties to whom pay
ment shall be made in the event of his
death. The Treasurer shall furnish each
member with a certificate of membership,
which certificate shall specify the amount
of the mortuary fee in each case, as well
as the name of the claimant, if one has
been designated.
Sec. 2. On the death of a clerical mi tu
ber, a mortuary fee shall he collected from
each surviving member, eb ric-il aud lay,
according to the follwing scale :
From the age o( 15 to 25 years, pay $4.00
“ “ “ “ 25 to 30 “ •• 4.40
“ “ “ “ 30 to 35 “ •* 4.80
“ “ “ “ 35 to 40 “ “ 540
“ “ “ “ 40 to 45 “ “ 600
“ “ “ “ 45 to 50 “ “ 080
“ “ “ “ 50 to 55 “ “ 700
“ “ “ “ 55 to 00 “ “ 840
“ “ ‘ “ 00 to 05 “ “ 9.00
“ “ “ “ t>s to 70 “ “ 10.80
Art. 9, Sec. 1. The amount of one
thousand dollars shall ne paid to the fam
ily of a deceased preacher, for one hun
dred members, aud this shall be the ratio,
of payment for a greater or smaller
number.
Sec. 2 Settlement with claimants shall
take place at the session of the Animal
Conference.
Art. 10, Sec. 1. Members failing to pay
the mortuary fees by the session of the
Annual Conference succeeding the death
of a member, forfeit membership, andean
reunite with the Society only by repay
ment of the initiation fer, and by vote of
the Society.
Art 11, Sec. 1 Oa the death of a cler
ical member,application shall be presented
to the Treasurer by tbe widow or child of
the deceased, or guardian of child or
children, or any one legally authorized to
receive the amount due.
Art. 12, Sec. 1. Should deaths occur
in any given year so as to exhaust the
treasury and the mortuary fees, the Exec
utive Board shall levy, according to the
mortuary scale, a tax sufficient to sustain
the claim or claims, which tax shall be
paid by each member within three mouths
from the date of the levy, or forfeit mem
berehip.
Art. 13 See. 1. The only relatives en
titled to receive the avails of tbe Society
shall be the widow of a deceased member,
bis child or children, his widowed mother,
or snch other person or persons as muy
have been designated by him; and in tbe
absence of any direction to the contrary,
tbe claim shall be in the order here men
tioned.
Art. 14, Sec. 1. Any member of five or
more years standing, desiring to withdraw,
or who has forfeited membership, shall be
entittled to a paid-up certificate to the
amonnt of dues he has actually paid into
the treaßtiry of the Society, which amount
shall be paid to a legal claimant upon pre
setation of said certificate to the Treas
urer, at the death of said member.
Tiie following officers for the ensuing
year were elected : H. M. Mood, Presi
dent; J. A. Porter, Vice President; Thos.
Mitchell, Treasurer; W. D Kirkland,
S-cretary ; W. H. Fleming, W. Smith
aud J. T. Wigktman, Curators.
It was resolved to hold the annual meet
ings of the Society on the first day of the
Conference Session.
It is earnestly hoped that every mem
ber of the South Carolina Conference will
now make application for membership to
Rev. Thos. Mitohell, Chester, S. 0., in
VOLUME XXXIX., NO. 5.
accordance with the provisions of Art. 8,
Sec 1, of the Constitution. In making
application for membership, give your
age,and name the party or parties to whom
you wish the money paid in the event of
your death. If >ou fail to designate any
one, the Society will recognise claim
ants aeeording to Art. 13. On receipt ol
your application with the ten dollars ini
tiation fee, the Treasurer will issue to you
a Certificate of Membership, whieh cer
tificate will state the mortuary fee yon
will be required to pay on the death of a
member, as well as the name of the claim
ant in the event of jour death, provided
you have designated auy particular person.
The Treasurer is also ready to receive
the names of laymen who are willing, to
aid in this good cause, according to Art
2, Sec. 2, of the Constitution. Surely
there are at least 100 laymen in the bounds
of the South Carolina Conference who
will agree to give the small sum of from
§4 to $lO, on the death of a clerical mem
her of this Society, in order to provide a
home for his helpless family. In making
application for membership, laymen need
only send their names, with their post
office address, and their age. The Treas
urer will keep a correct list, and on the
death of a clerical member he will notify
you of the fact, and of the umouut which
you will be expected to pay.
Let there be prompt responses from
both preachers and laymen that the S ioie
ty may be at once placed upon a sound
basts. W. D. Kirkland, Sect’j,
Greenville , S. (7., Jan. 191A, 1870.
Stoves—Sn ixlii y-Se li aol -Pi ay r-
Mee ting—Revival.
Dear Brother Ee-nedy: Che.rin<j news
to j eport from On. r. te.- Sprints (<S antes
from Spartanburg). G-.lh.tb g..oiousij
visited His people with a time of refresh
ing from His presence. Commenced a
meeting there on first Sunday, inst., and
closed on yesterday. The Holy Spirit
was manifestly present at each service, do
ing His work upon the hearts of the peo
ple. At the last call for penitents, about
fifteen or twenty knelt for prayer. On
Friday night, upon requesting all who had
beeu blessed during the meeting to rse,
fifty or more promptly stood up—some ot
wh >ra were not, members of any Church
The meeting might have been profitably
continued during this week; aud would
have beeu, but for lack of ministerial aid.
Seventeen applied for membership, some
were converted, and tho Church greatly
revived. Truly may we say, “the Lord
hath done great things for us whereof we
are glad;” aud to His most blefesed name
be all the praise, honor, and glory forever
and ever.
Brother J. F. Smith,who is preacher in
charge, was with us sevtral days during
the meeting. We seldom hear of a re
vival at a country church in winter. This
exception is doubtless attributable to the
following circumstances, viz:
1. A good stove keeps the house warm,
no matter how cold without.
2. There is a Sunday-school, which was
organized five years ago, and it has con
tinued, without intermission winter and
summer, ever since its organization.
3. Tueie is a weekly prayer meeting.
It commence'! four years ago, and has
never gone into winter quarters.
The stove alluded to, has performed an
important part of t,bis work. My own
experience leads me to conclude that at
least one third of the preaching done in
oouutry churches iu this lutitude is lest
for want of a stove, or some other means
of making eonfortable our houses of wor
ship. It is marvelously strange that close
calculating business men—men who know
the value of a dollar—will pay for preach
ing, lulu ireds of dollars annually, which
fails to accomplish the object aimed at,
simply b cause the house is not warmed;
aud this, too, wLeu twenty dollars will
purchase a stove and fixtures of sufficient
force to heat any of our country churche',
N >w, without the stove at Cherokee
Springs, the Sunday-school, and prayer
meeting would have been closed during
the cold w ather, and in that event, it is
not likely that the Church and communi
ty would huve been prepared for a revival
o‘ God’s work among them, at this sea
sou. O for the time to come, ai dip edi
ly too, when men si a ! ns > as much ci m
mou rensi- and sound judgment in man
aging tho Church and its affairs, as they
employ in the prosecution of their t< m
porai internets Very frafctrnully,
B O. OIiIVEB.
Spartanburg , S. C., Jan. 17,1876.
An Urgent Appeal.
Bear Brethren and Friends: Again we
entreat yon to come to our rescue. We
have called, earnestly and frequently,
through the Church papers for money to
build a Church in Camden, where there is
none, and where the society must decline,
unless one is built.
Many kind friends have responded, and
we have been enabled to pay for and have
hauled 50,000 brick. We have over SI,OOO
on subscription which is sadiy needed just
now. We are very anxious to begin build
ing in April or May, but it will be utterly
impossible, unless our brethren aud
friends aid ns.
Many well wishes, “God speed you,”
and “abundant success to you,” have been
received; but, brethren, all of them will
not procure one brick, plank, or nail, by
which alone success is warranted. It is
the old story “depart in peace, be ye
warmed and filled; notwithstanding yegive
them not those things which are needful;
what doth it profit?” James ii: 16. We
would heartily thank you for your “well
wishes” if you would only substantiate
them with a bank note, large, or small.
Think of 41,000, Southern Methodists in
South Carolina; and if hi of that number
would only give one dollar, we would have
over the amount necessary to build God’s
house.
(D. V) We are determined to have a
church edifice We feel confident, thut
though a few will disregard our suit, feel
ing that God’s cause demands too much
money, there are many who will be glad
to give a little for the much received.
We are anxious to dedicate the build
ing, and have it finished by our next An
nual Conference. We will do so, if you
will respond at once. Brethren we be
seech you to help us.
Yours very truly,
H P. Chrietzbekg.
Camden, S. C., Jan, 19 th, 1870.
Acknowledgements.
Since last report the following contri
butions have been received: L M. Bos
well $100; Jas. B DeLoache $25; Jas. R.
Nelson $10; Bev. C. H. Pritchard $2.50;
Bev. A. J. Stokes $1 50; Bev. M. M.
Boyd, Buv. J. M. Boyd, Bev. Jesse A.
Clifton, Bev. J. J. Workman, Bev. D, D.
Dantzler, Bev. J. C. Counts, Bev. J. 0.
Stoll, Bev. W. C. Power, Bev. J. B. Platt,
and Mr. , each sl.. Total $149.
Yours very traly,
H. F. Chribtzbekg.
Camden , H, C.,Jan. 25<A, 1875.
Toccoa, Georgia.
Dear Brother Kennedy: I visi ed the
celebrated Toccoa Falls this morning, in
company with a Charleston gentleman.
It is one of Nature’s wonders, i'none who
have only seen these Falls in summer
know but half of their wonderful beauty.
Tbe name is said to be of Indian origin,
meaning beauty; and it is veiy suitably
applied to this ereek, and these mountain
hills. The creek, where the wt.-r pours
over tbe precipioe, is about 30 he! wide,
and at this time abont 2 feet deep--pour
ing abruptly down a straight wall of rock
18G feet, into a rook bed, forming a lake
of near one acre —which is this morning
frozen over. The frozen foam and spray,
filling np all the borders and sides if
thnsu piles of rock, together with a per-
pendicular wali of rock 186 feet hnDg
with millions of columns of tags of ice,
sparkling in the face of the King of Day,
presents a scene far beyond desciiption.
When all this ice has thawed, tne plaoe
has lost half its charms—but now, pre
sents beauty,wonder, and charms enough,
to wrest from the stoutebt infidel or tcep
tio the willing confession: The Hand that
made them is Divine. The town taking
its name from these beautifn! Falls.is just
two miles distant, on the Richmond
aud Atlanta Air Line Railroad; and at this
time oontains about 1,200 inhabitants.
About 30 or 40 Methodists worship in the
town academy; but they teem determined
to build a chapel, and support their pas
tor, notwithstanding the hardness of the o
times. There is also a good seminary,
well conducted here, so that the town is
well to do for schools. Ic is also a very
charming summer resort, having four
good hotels, and nearly all the families
take boarders; so thbt during the summer
months thousands of people visit this
place—for health, curiosity, and pleasure
—and to one who has never seen the beau
tiful Toccoa Falls on a freezing c >!d morn
ing, he could not spend fifty dollars to
see a more sublime and beautiful place.
The good order and morality of so new a
place is truly commendable. Much bus
iness is done here. Two or three thou
sand bales of cotton huve been sent from
this station, together with a good wagon
trade as high up as North Carolina This
will at no distant day he a large town.
Its ample room—being 93 milts from At
lanta, over 100 from Augusta, and about
60 from Athens—together with its health
and natural attradtious, make its pros
pects for healthy and rapid growth, very
fiie indeed. Should you get sick,he sure
to come to Toccoa City next summer.
Living is very cheap—good board from
S2O to as low as $8 per moDtb.
You Know Who.
Toccoa, City, Ga., Jan. 14,1876.
JJfoioitarg.
The Gospel of Numbers.
We had intended in this paper to pre
sent a table of Conferences which have
overgone their assessments, and of those
which have reached the assessments; but,
on examination, we find (he reports too
defective to make such a table with ac
curacy as yet. This week we give you a
table of Charges which have exceeded their
assessments. Many others, we have no
doubt., have done so, but we are only able
to report those vrhich have made us tbe
report we have eo often asked for. If
this publication should lead others to send
us reports, they will appear hereafter.
We will give three tables. No. 1, excel
lent-paid assetsments in full. No. 2
more excellent—overgone assessments.
No. 3, most excellent—the Charge which
slands highest. We this week offer bnt
two partial tables—No. 1, excellent, and
No. 2, more excellent; the others will ap
pear from time to time:
TABLE NO. 1.—1874 —75.
Excellent— Paid Assessments in Full.
Per cent of am’ts
! Average ain’t paid Missions
Charge. Pastor. Assessed. Paid, per member. on all Church
j contributions.
N. Ala. Conf.—Huntsville Dist Jones Valley J. W. Newman... SSB 00 SSB 00 $ 12 I .10
Mo. Conf.— Fayette Dirt.. Moberly K. M. Mann 75 00 75 (0 63 1 .14
Denver Coni.—Helena Dist Diamond City & Radensburg.R. S. Clark 7 00 7 00 34 I .04
table no. ii.—1874— 75.
More Excellent— Overpaid their Assessment.
Denver Conf.— Virginia City Dist Silver Star E. J. Stanley $25 00 $42 50 $193 .10
Mo. Conf.-St. Joseph Dist Francis Street E. R. Hendrix... 325 00 600 00 1 76 .16
N. W. Texas Conf.—Sfevensville Dist. Meridian John R. Randle 25 00 52 85 50 .25
S. C. Conf.—Sumter Dist. Darlington John O. Wilson.. 10 00 20 00 19 .03
Tcnn. Conf.—Nashville Dist North Edgefield P. A. Kerley 37 00 41 25 39 .14
.. I* Elm Street— F. R. Hill 317 00 363 00 42 .12
~ „ Tulip Street J. W. llanner, Jr 242 00 255 80
„ „ , T , Trinity E. T. Hart 40 00 80 20 80 .14
Florida Conf.—Jacksonville Dist Indian River Mission A. A. Barnett-... 10 00 11 00 65 .35
‘‘ „‘‘ Centerville Dist Yellow Creek Alanson 3rown.. 40 00 45 00 07 .07
S. W. Mo, Conf.-Lexington Dist La Monte A. M. Rader 36 00 39 60 26 .10
We have a nnmber of reports which
ought to go into this list, but there are
attached to them no names, either of Pas
tor, Charge, District, or Conference. The
Secretaries are desirous to have reports
from all missionary organizations in onr
Church, such as Women’s Missionary
Societies, Sunday-school Missionary So
cieties, etc. We want them at an early
day, as it is now time for the preparation
of onr Annual Report.
D. C. Kelley, Ass. Sec.
Begin Early.
Brethren: —We have received most of
the moneys collected during the Confer
ence-year now closing. A number of the
Annual Conferences have fallen below
their assessments, which will leave the
treasury empty before all the drafts drawn
by the Bishops in favor of the mission
aries already in the field shall have been
paid. The deficiency mnst be provided
for in dne time. We therefore nrge the
brethren to take their collections early in
the year and forward to the Treasurer at
Nashville, and he will return a receipt
which will be a voucher iu the settlement
with the Annual Conference treasurers.
Nbw is the time to begin the work of col
lecting for Missions.
Mark our word: If each preacher will
begin at onoe and devote a reasonable
portion of his time to the missionary 00l •