Newspaper Page Text
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Smt%rn Christian
MACON, GEORGIA. FEBRUARY 9, 1876.
“Through Christ which Strength
eneth Me.”
How incessantly we need the inspiration
and support which those words enfold;
not only 'or perilons emergencies in onr
spiritual history, but also, and more es
pecially, for the cheerful performance of
every-day duties, and the maintenance cf
a Christian spirit under the galling an
noyances and petty trials that almoet
daily beset us. It is just at this point
that many Christians fall into most hurt
ful error. They realise fully the propriety
and necessity of seeking the strength
whieh comes alone from Christ, when
threatened by some serious spiritual dis
aster, or when some formidable religions
task demands performance. But for en
during without damage the attrition of
minor trials, for discharging with scrupu
lous fidelity the lowly duties of daily life
which perform an important ministry in
developing Christ likeness of character,
they lose sight of their dependence upon
Him; and, trusting to their own strength,
and leaning to their own understanding,
they lapse into negligence and at last in
to overt sin. It is only now and then
that we are confronted with a great spir
itual crisis; only rarely, peihaps, that the
Adversary approaches us as a roaring lion.
And on Bneh occasions, awake to its peril,
the soul flies at once, and effectually, to
Him whose succor ensures safety. Ti e
trophies of Satan from among the follow
ers of Christ are seldom won by unmasked
assault, no matter how furious; and for
the reason that the very vehemence of
the onset develops within ns the con
sciousness of danger, and the hopeless
ness of successful resistance without the
help whieh can be obtained alone from
the Lord Jesus. Some, it is true, pre
sumptuously meet the shock of violent
temptation in their own strength, and go
down before it; but most of those who
fall from their Christian steadfastness,
and, concerning faith make shipwreck,
are the victim! of the fatal mistake which
excludes Christ from the small uffairs of
our lives. Many who have passed un
scathed through the fiercest conflicts, and
won a name for distinguished service to
the Master, have succumbed to the con
stant pressure of inferior trials of their
faith, and forfeited the favor of God; like
a sturdy ship which weathers the wildest
gales, and then goes down in compura
tively still water, from the unobserved in
roads of insects upon her hull,
Onr only safety lies in takiDg into the
faith of our hearts and practice of onr
lives, in all its length and breadth of
meaning, the declaration of the Master,
"Without Me ye can do nothing.” It is as
trne to day as when first uttered; of ns,
as of the disoiples to whom it was
addressed. And, onr seonrity against
the countless perils that environ us, our
success in aoeomplistiing the work re
quired at our hands, is graduated by the
distinctness with which we realize this
truth, and the fidelity with which we act
upon it day by day. We are absolutely
powerless either to do or to endure so as
to please God, except as Christ shall
strengthen us; and, therefore, it is pre
sumptuous and rash to essay the lightest
task or to oppose the least formidable
evil, without seeking his aid This omnip
otent supplement to our utter weakness,
thank God, is available by every one of
us, and nnder whatever ciicumstauces it
may be needed. The strength of Christ,
up to the full measure of onr necessities,
is subject to the draft of faith in the
promise, “As thy day, so shall thy
strength be.” Relying upon him, the is
sue is not doubtful; in his strength, we
may surmount every hindrance, vanquish
every foe. When we cast alt our care upou
Him, He responds to all our necessities,
whatever they may be, and supplies the
strength the measure of the care may re
quire. While then, in the midst of con
flicts, perplexities, and exasperating trials
—whether of recognized magnitude, or
seemingly too paltry to be breathed into
human ear—we never forget onr intrinsic
weakness, let us strive to attain the all
oonqueriug confidence of the man with
like passions, infirmities, and besetments,
with ourselves, who declared, “ I can do
all things through Christ which strength
e_eth me.”
Death op Eev. G. J. Pearce —Few
men were more widely known throughout
Georgia than G. Jeff. Pearce; and tho an
nouncement' that he has passed from the
North Georgia Conference to the company
of the redeemed in Heaven, will agitate
many hearts with mingled emotions of
pain and pleasure—joy, tLat freed
from suffering and care, he has entered
npon the recompense of an ardons and
successful ministry; profound sorrow,that
we shall see his face and hear his voice no
more on earth. A brief note from Bev
J. E. Godfrey informs us that Brother
Pearce died of bilious colic at Decatur,
Ga., on Saturday, January 22d, and was
buried at that place on the following
Tuesday. We hope to receive additional
particulars at an early day.
Since the above was put in type, the
following note has been received from
Rev. W. F. Cook, at Atlanta:
“He was in this city on Friday, ap
parently in his usual health. He was at
tacked on his return home at night, with
what the doctors call, I tnink, biliary cal
culus. He suffered intensely, the spasms
of pain continuing without relief for
nearly twenty-four hours, when nervous
prostration ensued, and he died about
dusk Saturday evening. ‘He was perfectly
conscious of his situation, and bore him
self through his suffering and in the sud
den approach of death’,said his attending
physician, ‘like a Christian hero.’
When satisfied that relief was impos
sible, he said, ‘I would like to have had
one more day to arrange some temporal
matters, but the will of God be done. I
am ready. ’ He was buried at Decatur.
The preachers from Atlanta attended his
funeral in a body—brother Crumley offic
iating.”
Death op Rev. B. J. Johnson —The
following note from Rev. J. H. Harris,
brings us the first intelligence we have re
ceived of the death of this esteemed and
most worthy brother. We have sympa
thized most tenderly with brother John
son in the acute and almost incessant
sufferings he was called to endure during
the last year of his life, and the profound
sorrow occasioned by the intelligence of
his death, is sweetly tempered by medita
tion upon the blissful exchange it has
brought to him. Brother Harris, writing
February Ist, says : As there has been
no notice in the Advocate of the death of
brother B. J. Johnson, an old minister of
the North Georgia Conference, I give you
the facts. His death, which occurred De
cember 22d, 1875, was a most glorious
triumph of grace—with shouts of viotory
he went over the river. Brother Johnson
was truly a good man and a good preach-
er. Faithfnl in all his works, no wonder
that bis end was peace. He was in his
forty-fifth year, and had been a member
of the Conference for twenty years He
has left a wife and three children. Let
the Church remember them in prayer
and kindness.
A Bit of (experience.
The editor ot the Presbyterian presents
in the following paragraph an inside view
of his official life, so similar to onr own,
that but for the Presbyterian shading of
the picture we might have suspected him
of taking his notes in our office. We
have done a good deal of “good-natured
editing;” too much, we feel sure, for the
weal of the paper; but we sometimes
resolutely stand between the Advocate and
the indiscreet friends who would “help to
spoil it,” and then!—well, at such times
we pass through the least enjoyable peri
ods of editorial life. Let the uninitiated
read the following, and if capable of sym
pathy, let the editor of the Church paper
share it:
“Good Natured Editing,” says some
wise man, “ spoils half the papers in the
United States.” Yes, verily. “ Will you
please publish the poetry I send ?'’
saysone; “ it is my first effort;” and some
crude lines go in to encourage budding
genius. “ Our Church is in great peril,”
says another; “ will you publish our ap
peal?” and a long and dolorous plea is
iDserttd. “My father took your paper
for twenty years,” writes another ; “ I
think yon ought to publish the resolu
tions passed by the session of Big Brake
Church when he died,” and in go resolu
tions of no interest to a majority of the
readers. “I am particularly anxious that
the vie ws I present should go before the
Church this week,” and out go a covey of
small, pithy contributions, to make room
for three columns from a ponderous D. D.
“ There is an immediate necessity for the
exposure of one who is a bitter enemy to
the truth,” writes another, as he sends an
attack upon an antagonist which will fil 1
an entire page. “I am about to publish
a book identifying the Great Image of
brass, iron, and clay, and I would be ob
liged to you to publish the advance
sheets of the fifth chapter, which I here
with enclose to you.” “Why do you not
publish in full R.’s great speech in the
General Assembly? It would increase
your circulation largely.” “If you will
publish the sermon I transmit to you I
will take eight extra copies!” “ The
Church must be aroused on the subject of
Foreign Missions,” says a pastor, as he
forwards the htlf of his last Sabbath’s
sermon. And the ladies—bless their sweet
smiles and sweet voices!—the good
natured editor surrenders to them at once,
and they go away happy, utterly uncon
scious that they have helped to spoil the
paper.
Rev. Josefhus Anderson, D. D.—The
following report of the action of the
Chnrch in Tallahassee, on the occasion
of Dr. Auderson’s transfer to the White
River Conference, was clipped from the
West Floridian, but in the midst of the
crowding work of the Conference season,
the slip was mislaid, which will account
for its late appearance in these columns.
Few ministers if any, have a more en
viable record than Dr. Anderson perhaps,
as a devoted pastor, an eloquent and edi
fying preacher. Every charge that he has
served in Florida would join heartily in
the action recorded below. By his trans
fer the Florida Conference loses heavily,
while the brethren to whom he goes gain
an accession to the Arkansas pulpit of
rare ability and worth. We heartily com
mend Dr. Anderson to them, as a brother
they will soon learn to love and honor :
Resolved, 1. That we receive the tidings
of Dr. Anderson’s transfer to the White
River Conference with emotions of heart
felt sorrow.
2. That the services of Dr. Anderson,
both as an able expounder of the truths
of the Bible and as a faithful pastor, dnr
ing the past four years, have been highly
prized by us; and while we deem it a duty
to him, it mitigates in some degree the
sorrow of onr hearts thus publicly to ex
press our appreciation of his virtues and
excellence as a minister of the gospel.
3. That in parting with Dr. Anderson
we part with a pastor greatly beloved—we
part, at once, with a friend and brother,
endeared to us by the most tender rela
tionships and the most pleasant associa
tions.
4. That by the transfer of Dr. Ander
son the Florida Conference loses a very ef
ficient preacher, who consecrated to the
Methodist Church, in this State, twenty
one years of zealous, unremitting, self
sacrificing and successful effort; a scholar,
distinguished for mental qualifications
and culture of high order; and a Christian,
noted for a life of beautiful, consistent
piety.
5. That our prayers shall attend our
brothel and his family in their new field
of labor, and that our Church, our homes
and our hearts are always open to receive
them, should they ever feel disposed to
return to Florida.
The “Odium Theologicuh.” The
proverbial tendency of theological debate
to engender bitterness of spirit and pro
voke acrimony of speech, is receiving
fresh illustration among the Baptist
preachers of New York. The secular pa
pers of that city report very heated and
discreditable discussions in their Minis
terial Conference, growing out of the
heresy of Dr. Jeffrey on the subject of
restricted communion. When Christian
ministers so far forget their calling, and
the decencies of debate; and so grossly
misrepresent the spirit of their Master,
as to “give the lie” to a brother minister;
one can scarcely regard it a hardship to
be denied communion with such. From
the newspaper accounts, the recusant
Doctor seems to have been among the
best behaved in the disorderly nssembly.
Obituaries.— We have several obitua
ries on hand, simply signed with initials
of the writers. These, as we have stated
over and over again, we cannot publish.
One from St. Mary’s,Ga., is signed “8.,”
and one from Pickens C. H., S. 0., has
the initials “,T. P. P.” If the writers of
these notices will send us their names
within the prescribed time, the obituaries
will appear; not otherwise.
Rev. W. W. Hicks —We learn through
a private note from Florida, that Dr.
Hicks, who was located at his own request
at the recent session of the Florida Con
ference, has connected himself with the
M. E, Ohnrch, and been put in charge of
Trinity Chnrch, Jacksonville. He has onr
best wishes for congenial associations and
increased nsefnlness in his new field.
Note The Changes. —The preachers
and official members of the Sumter and
Marion districts, Sonth Carolina Confer
ence, will do well to mark the changes
made by their respective Presiding elders
in the published appointments.
North Georgia Conference, W. & O.
A. Association. —We hope every preacher
of this Conference will read Brother Pat
tillo’s notice, and heed his request.
Db. Pierce, and the Bishop.— Rev.
R. W. Bigham, Presiding Elder of the
AngustaDistriot says, inanote to us of
February 2d :
“ Dr. Lovick Pearce,attended my Quar
terly Conference, Hancock circuit, Janu
ary 29th, and preached a sermon thirty or
forty minutes long in words; a day long
in suggestive thoughts. His voice was
readily heard throughout the room—
thirty by forty feet. The light that is in
him shines more and more to the perfect
day. I called to see him at Sunshine,
Sabbath afternoon. . It is a heart-j■ >y to
catch the tenderness, freshness, and wis
dom, that glow in the words of the nona
genarian, in social life as well as in the
pulpit. The Bishop is looking quite well,
preached and administered the Lord’s
Sapper, Sunday. The sermon was a good
one even for him, abounding in sentences
like apples of gold. It was a freezing day,
yet amid his ministrations our hearts
warmed with heavenly fire.”
Our Georgia Emigrant —Very many of
our readers will ecj >y with us the follow
ing favorable intelligence from Rev. J.
O. Branch, wich we find in the -Pacific
Methodist, copied from the Sonora (Santa
Rosa) Democrat :
“Rev. J. O Branch, who succeeded
Dr. O. P. Fitzgerald as pastor of the M.
E. Church, South, in this city, is one of
the finest palpit orators on this coast. He
has only been here abont a month, but he
has already won an enviable notoriety as
an eloquent divine and earnest Christian
gontleman. His church is crowded to its
utmost capacity every Sunday.”
Recent Publications.
Tub Speaker's Commentary, New York.
Scribner, Armstrong & Company.
Tte fifth volume of this work is before
us, and like the four preceding ones, ad
vertises handsomely the admirable book
making bkill of the American publishers.
Projected under the auspices of the Speak
er of the British Hjuae of Commons,this
excellent work contains the Bible accord
ing to the Authorized Version of 1611,
accompanied with an explanatory ana
critical Commentary, and a revision of
the translation by Bishops and other cler
gy of the Anglican Church.
volume covers the books of Isaiah. Jere
miah, and Lamentations. The notes and
comments on Isaiah arc furnished by Dr.
W. K*y, formerly president of the Bish
ops’ College, Calcutta, and anthor of a
commentary on the Psalms; and those on
Jeremiah and Lamentations, by Dr. R
Payne Smith, Dean of Canterbury. The
propheticl books are prefaced by judi
cious remarks and snggestions as to the
interpretation of prophecy; and instruct
ive observations upon the life and times,
the character aud style, of Isaiah and Jer
emiah. We do not thiuk that the sug
gested “revision" offered here, is in every
instance an improvement on tl* current
version; notably,when the “ authorized ”
“ Is there not a lie in my right hand?” is
substituted with, “Is not that which I am
clinging to au unreality?” Sach foibles,
however, so far as we have been able to
examine, are rare; and on the whole, this
Commentary will furnish substantial aid
to the Btudent, in his endeavors to com
prehend the sacred text It is published
at $5 a volume, aud is well worth the
money.
Barnes’ Centenary History; Or, One
Hundred Years op American Independ
ence.
Messrs. A. 8. Barnes and Company,
New York, announce the early appearance
of a work with this title which is to be
printed on heavy tinted paper, freely
illustrated, and substantially bound in
styles, varying according to the preferen
ces and pockets of subscribers,from $6 to
$lO. The Prospectus of the work prom
ises a History that will be reliable as well
as moßt interesting. We like the closing
paragraph of the prospectus, which we
hope to find true to the letter when we
oome to read the book: “The history is
not sectional, but written in the impar
tial spirit of the historian. In the civil
war due credit is given the Southern sol
diers for their valor and self-sacrifice,
which alone, for so many campaigns, en
abled the Confederate Government to re
sist the overwhelming power of the North.
Without feeling this fully, oae cannot un
derstand the magnificent heroism of the
soldiers on either side, and to diminish it,
is to rob the Union Army of the credit it
deserves for its final success—and the
Southern of the only legacy left from the
wreck of its crushing disasters.” For
fuller information, address A. 8. Barnes
& Cos., 11l and 113, William St., New
York.
McClintock and Strong’s Cyci.op.bdia fo
Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiasti
cal Literature. New York: Harper &
Brothers.
We are gratified to announce, upon the
authority of a note received from the
publishers,that the Sixth Volume of this
invaluable publication, will be ready for
delivery to subscribers on or about the
15th of February. Agents for the work
will find this a most favorable time fur
adding new subscribers to their lists. We
are pleased to learn that, as this splendid
work advances toward completion its sales
are rapidly increasing. The preceding
volumes have been noticed in these col
umns, and as soon as possible after the
receipt, of the sixth, we shall do our read
era a service by directing their attention
to it. Preachers or others who would
like an agency for the sale of this valua
ble work, can address for information
Avery Bill, care Harper & Brothers, 331
Pearl St., New York.
Harper’s Magazine, New York; Harper &
Brothers. $4 a year.
The February number of this splendid
publication is a little later than usual in
making its appearance. The delay has been
occasioned by the failure to reoeive soon
er the first installment of George Eliot’s
new story, "Daniel Deronda.” The num
ber contains sixty-five illustrations, aud
an exceedingly interesting variety of read
ing matter, as will appear from the follow
ing table of contents: Lyme, a Chapter
of American Genealogy; Quatrains; Con
fessions of a Candidate; Vassar College;
Garth; Passages from the Life of Dr.
John Todd; Is the Valve of the Utricularia
Sensitive?; Alexander Hamilton Stephens;
Northern Suow; Poor Mary Ann; The
First Century of the Republic; My Geor
gie; Faith; Daniel Deronda, Book I.; Ed
itor’s Easy Chair; Editor’s Literary Re
cord ; Editor’s Scientific Record; Editor’s
Drawer.
Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, for Jan
uary, 1876, has been republished by the Leon
ard Scott Publishing Cos.; 41 Barclay street,
New York. $4 a year. The contents are as
follows:
The Dilemma; In My Study Chair;
Left-handed Elsa, conclusion; Lace and
Brio a brae; Bee or Beatrix; The First
Step in Army Reform; Public Affairs.
The New York Tribune Almanac for
1876 has all the old and many new feat
ures of great value. Its election returns
are unusually full and accurate, and are ac
companied by full statistics of the trade
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
and commerce of the Uaited States and
Great Britain for the last twenty-one,
years, statistics of the iron manufacture,
cotton product, shipping and railway traf
fic of the United States, all of which, are
specially useful in this Centennial and
Presidential year. The Almanac is useful
to every intelligent man in the country,
is as trustworthy as in the old days, and
much more complete, and may be ob
tained by sendinng 25 cents to the Tri
bune office, Njw York.
Historical Church Register M.E Church,
South. Southwestern Book i&d Publiifiiiug
Cumpiny, 4.7 Nctb Sixth, St., Saint Louis.
Price $3. Sent by mail $3 40.
This book is gotten up to meet a want
that is felt all over the Connection. We
have been out of the regular pastoral
work for some years, and may be mista
ken, but onr impression is that nothing
in the way of a Church Register has been
provided since the old probationary fea
ture passed away from our system. Every
charge ought to have a Register, and the
Publishers of the book before us deserve
credit, and encouragement, for their ef
fort to meet this need. The arrangement
of the space in the Rrgister, is, we think,
susceptible of improvement, which we
hope wiil be made in a subsequent edi
tion. The book is ruled and labeled for:
Meetings of Annual Conferences, Official
Members, Baptisms, Marriages, Deaths,
Church Members, Minutes of Church
Conferences. It would be better to ap
propriate the space allowed for the last
item, to those which precede it, and let
the records of Church be kept
in a separate book. Adult and Infant
Baptisms should be recorded under dis
tinot heads. More space should be al
lowed for Baptisms than Marriages. The
frequent removals of many Church mem
bers, renders it impossible to preserve
the place of residence in a permanent
Church Register; and therefore the space
appropriated to Residence, would be bet
ter given to the column for Removed,
which is too narrow to serve the purpose
for which it is designed. We make these
suggestions, not to find fault with the
very creditable work before us, but only
to aid, if we may, in its improvement.
Concerning Spiritual Fathers.
Not long ago we heard a minister
claim to be “spiritual father ” to a cer
tain brother. A few days afterwards we
heard another minister claim to be “spir
itual father” to the same man. This tan
gled the matter somewhat. But it was no
less tangled when the “son” acknowl
edged neither, but went far-as to say,
“ My mother was more my spiritual fath
er than either, or both of them, or all of
them.” Now Paul writes of sons in the
gospel, thus: “ Unto Timothy, my own
son in the faith;” “ to Titus, mine own
son after the common faith;’’ “ I beseech
thoo for my own son Onesimus, whom I
have begotten in my bonds.” But Paul’s
language hardly jattifies one of us of the
present day, when Christian influence
forms a moral atmosphere in which men
are born—in which they “ live and move,
aud have their being ” —in setting up
an absolute claim to be the spiritual fath
er of a converted soul. But did Paul
himself set up an absolute claim in the
matter of Timothy’s spiritual paternity ?
We thiuk not. For most distinctly did
he recognize “the unfeigned faith which
dwelt first in his grandmother Lois, and
in his mother Eunice.” From them, Tim
othy “from a child had known the holy
Scriptures.” * ll - T
But the brother whom the two preach
irs claimed as a spiritual son, gratefully
acknowledged his obligations to each of
them. Bath of them did him good. And
fifty preachers, at lesst, hed been useful
to him. So had his Sunday-school teach
ers, his week-day teacher, and a great
many good men and women. But, under
God, he owed more to* his own father aud
mother than to all the people in the world
besides. The people he knew were not
the only ones who had helped to bring
him from darkness into light. He had
read many good books, and so their writ
tings had helped him forward in the way
of life. The more he thinks of it, the
more he is inclined to say, “J. have no
spiritual father save the God and Father
of us all.” It is very true that God made
many persons—how many he will never
know in this world—very useful to him,
but of not one of them can he say, “That
man is my spiritual father.”
As we suppose, there is dinger here.
Usefulness should make men modest; they
cease to be useful when usefulness be
comes the occasion of boasting and vain
glory. “ His glory he will not give to
another.” To God be all the glory for
ever! Amen. We should love those who
have been made instruments of good to
ns, but, above and before all,we owe grat
itude to God. Perhaps there has been too
much talk—at least in these days—of
“ spiritual fathers” and “spiritual sons.”
We have thought that it tended somewhat
to spiritual pride—and this is fatal to
spiritual power—on one side, and to
something like forgetfulness of God’s
own work on the other.
It is very encouraging—it should also
be very humbling—to ns to know that we
have been useful to a fellow-being. But,
as we suppose, a truly useful man never
hears of a tenth of the good he does in
this world. In the very nature of moral
influence it must be impossible to deter
mine with precision in such matters.
Gazing upon a great river we know that
many streams have poured their contri
butions into the swelling flood. They
are all in the flood before ns but who
shall tell their names and mark their lim
its and measure their force where the great
river runs into the sea ? They are lost in
each other. Each stream is in the river,
bnt no stream .preserves its identity. The
moral influence that, by God’s blessing,
leads a sinner to choose Christ is, as it
seems to ns, the resultant of countless
moral forces, some of which, perhaps,
have been in op-ration for maDy genera
tion.
How often is that saying fulfilled, “One
soweth and another reapeth, ” We must
not set up exclusive claims when the pre
cions grain is garnered, for the Master has
many laborers. God’s work is the com
mon wotk of all who love him—of all
preachers and of all good men and wo
men. Whoever has the “ mind that was
in Christ” makes a contribution to the
moral and spiritual influences of the
world, and so has something to do with
the salvation of every one who comes
after him into the kingdom of Christ.
Whoever teaches a truth—by word or
holy living—is the benefactor of the race.
Bnt where thousands have been helper’,
let him who, in the order of Providence,
makes the last contribntion, be slow to
claim (he result as his work alone.
Enough for us, if we can only help.
They tell ns a little story of an English
lad who took part in the launching of a
great ship. “An immense multitude,”
it is said, “ assembled together to see it
glide down the slides that were to carry it
into the water. The blocks and wedges
were knocked away; but ihe massive hull
did not stir, and there was disappoint
ment, Just then a little boy ran for
ward, and began to push the ship with all
his might. The crowd broke out into a
langh of ridicule; but it so happened that
the vessel w as almost ready to move; the
few ponnds pushed by the lad were only
needed to start it, and away it went into
the water.”
No donbt there was needed just a few
ponnds to start the ship; the boy did push
just when there was need of the little he
could do. He helped—that was all. Sup
pose he had'stood forth and said, “I
launched that man of war”? Then the
crowd wonld have had better reason for
laughing. Happy is the man who helps!
Oxford, Oa. H.
Comsjwnknre
Letter From Texas.
Mr Editor: I went to the Conference
at Paris to see Bishop Pierce, being five
years his senior in both age and the
ministry, and having married him. As I
never had any other chance of being a
great man, saving by association, I had
once more in life a high, good time of it.
It called up iu my mind the following
lines:
“Lulled in the countless chambers of the brain,
Our thoughts lie linked by many a hidden
chain ;
Awake but one, and lo! what myriads rise;
Each stamps its image as the other flies.”
Wtiat a mighty power of the soul is
thought! With lightning speed it carried
me back to 1827, when twenty-seven in
experienced, nneducated, and unmarried
young men, entered, as probationers, the
South Carolina Conference. Out of that
number I can reckon but three left: Dr.
Murrah of Mississippi, Dr. Boring of
Georgia, and myself. Thank God, so far
as I know, none of them have ever dis
graced the Church by the scandalous
apostasy of these days among men of age
and eminence.
Dr. Emory, Book Agent, two years
thereafter, at Charleston, asked and was
granted the privilege of addressing that
class of yonng men, which he said was
the largest that he had ever known to be
admitted atone time into any Conference.
That speech was made in connection with
the trial of one of the members of the
Conference for immoral condnct. The
charge was, having broken a marriage en
gagement with one young lady and mar
ried another.
That day, I matriculated in the school
of common sense, by listening to the
speeches and witnessing the voting. Nev
er before did I know the sacredness and
sanctity of woman’s person and character.
These holy men (not hirelings) were
there to take care of the Church of God,
which he purchased with His blood, and
not to bargain for easy work and $2,000
salaries—the pest of Bishops and curse of
the Church. I would give to all such the
right hand of welcome departure, if they
would leave ns and go up to the, would be,
more dignified apostolical successionists.
As Bishop Pierce said, “ Angels would,
if permitted, gladly travel the poorest
circuit in their Conference.” They went
wherever they were sent on their SIOO sal
aries, if they could get it.
Of the fathers present in the ministry
that day, I remember Lewis Myers, Dr.
Pierce, S. Dunwody, J Danelly, S. K.
Hodges, Wm. Arnold, Wm. M. Kennedy,
J. Howard, Bond English, C. Betts, J. O.
Andrew, N. Tally, J. L Wynn, Wm. Ca
pers ;besides many others not now remem
bered. These holy men unitedly por
trayed the enormity of this offense in
snch glowing terms as to preclude ail hope
of keeping him from being thrown over
board; and but for J. O. Andrew, who
pleaded that the Conference hold him by
at least a slack twisted cord iest he sink
never more to rise, he would have been
cast into the open sea, across the bar, where
he hud been driven by the speeches made
against him. D >not we of this day need
more admonitions from such holy men as
these were ? Why is it that there are so
many lamentable apostasies of late ? Is
it becauso scholastic, intellectual training,
is rated higher than moral and spiritual
worth ? May God save us from man
worship, centralization, and the devil in
general; to which all genuine Methodists
will shout “Amen!”
At Paris on Sunday, the Bishop preach
ed a glorious, old fashioned Methodist
sermon to the ministers ; such a sermon
as no man but his father, the Abraham of
Methodism, can boat. I would that the
old gentleman may live to baptize on his
one hundredth anniversary, more of his
descendants, and then I would if I could,
carry him like Elijah, home to heaven in a
a chariot of fire. R. J. Wynn, M.D.
Green HM, Titus Cos., Texas, Dec. 14,1875.
Minutes of the South Georgia
Conference.
Bear Advocate: Your correspondent
has received the Minutes of the late Ses
sion of the Sonth Georgia Annual Con
ference, edited by Rev. S. S. Sweet, who
deserves a great deal of credit for the sys
tematic way in which they are gotten np.
It was a happy thought to elect him their
editor. We are all more or less interested
in them, and some of ns keep a copy of
every edition filed away for future refer
ence. In order that accuracy may be ob
tained, brother S. will pardon me for
pointing out some errors iu the last issue
which escaped his notice. In the list of
members, the names of Walker Lewis, el
der, and W. W. Norton, probationer, are
omitted. In the publication of the ap
pointments, the four Macon churches are
bracketed together into one Quarterly
Conference, whereas there are two. The
four Colnmbos charges are also bracketed
together into one Quarterly Conference,
when in fact neither one of them is
bracketed with the other, bat there are
four Conferences The Dawson andSmith
ville station, Leesburgh circuit, Terrell
circuit, and Calhonn circuit, are all brack
eted together, when there are two Con
ferences. Rut the error calculated to mis
lead most seriously, is found on page 32,
under the head “District Conference,”
The reading of ifie Minutes is: “The dis
trict Confert-fice shall be composed of all
the preachers in the district, etc., etc ,
and two delegates from each society or
chnrch within the bounds of the district.”
It should be so worded as to make the lay
representation as follows : Two from each
Quarterly Conference, and one from each
chnrch in the district. W.
Cokesbury, South Carolina Confer
ence—Rev. R. D. Smart adds to a busi
ness note of January 31: I have had a
most cordial welcome given- me by the
good people of Cokesbury,and what is bet
ter than that, I think I can discern signs
of the willingness of the Lord to favor
this community with an outpouring of
His Spirit. Yesterday two weeks a Bible
Society of sixty-five members was organ
ized in our chnrcb, with Col. D. Wyatt
Aiken as President, F. A. Connor, Vice
President, and S. E. Graydon, Secretary
and Treasurer. The prayer-meetings and
services of the Sabbath are largely at
tended—the one almost as largely as the
other—and the people seem to be serious.
On yesterday I baptized three (two by
immersion) and received into the Church
eight by application and two by certifi
cate. The Lord grant that this may be
the droppings before an approaching
shower of his goodness. The Conference
School here opens to-morrow, and it is
hoped under favorable auspices.
How Has Emory Opened 7
Dear Advocote : Wherever Igo of late
lam met with the enquiry, “ How has
Emory opened?” I went yesterday on a
short trip to the Gate City, and though
Candler, of Hall, Turnbull, of Banks, and
others, in the House of Representatives,
were ventilating pretty freely the ques
tion of a constitutional convention, I
fonnd the majority of the Methodists
seeking light that the C(h)andler did not
produce, and more deeply interested in
Emory bonds than Bank(s) stock. Per
haps then, a reply to the question that
heads this letter may not be untimely or
uninteresting.
Well, Emory has opened with a larger
influx of new students than at the begin
ning of any Spring Term since the war,
perhaps since her organization, except
the Spring Term when the State sent her
wounded and disabled soldiers here.
Many new ones have come in, and but
very few old ones have not returned.
The College is bound to succeed if the
Methodists of the three Conferences come
up to their duty properly. Not only has
it opened well in point of numbers, but
well in a point of far greater importance
—the quality of the boys. They are studious;
they are moral; they behave. They have
come here to study, and they are aiming
at their mark with the precision and ob
stinate determination of trained veterans.
The prospect for next, term is even better
than the opening now. Every day in my
“ going np and down in the earth ” I find
boys who propose for certain to enter
then. Some I find who will probably
oome. I just jot their names down in my
memory or note-book, noting also their
post office-, and the first opportunity that
presents I give them to that indefatigble
worker, President Haygood, who takes a
note of them, sends them a catalogue, and
goes to preparing a place for then. Come
on boys ! I have told on you, and the
Doctor is expecting you.
Just here let me suggest to the preach
ers in the Conferences, my plan for con
sideration. Wouldn’t it be well for all of
us to take names and send them to the
President that way? I don’t believe, how
ever, I will confine the proposition to the
preachers; bnt extend it to all Methodists
in Georgia and Florida especially the
Alumni. The truth is, Emory’s Alumni,
every one of them, ought to be agents, live
and active, for her. Her success thc-n
would only be a question of a very few
months, and hardly that.
With this, I expect I had best quit; fsr
when I begin to write about Emory I am
very apt to write too much ; and then you
would, perhaps, not publish it; or some
good, near-sighted brother, might be
“ down on me” for length. Fraternally,
Alumnus.
Oxford, On., January 28th, 1876.
LaGrange and the LaGrange Col
lege—Our Widows’ and Orphaus’
Association.
Mr. Editor: If kind greetings to anew
preacher were exceptional and one coaid
feel that it was becanse of his superior
merit he was thus met, 1 could under
stand the reluctance of some preachers to
say anything about them; but they aie
now in Georgia I think almost univer
sal. At least, that has been my experi
ence. Cedar-Town, Dalton, Marietta,
Barnesville, and LaGrange, have each of
them, since I have been a pastor, met me
kindly. I am inclined to Ihiuk the
thing is common, but it is none the less
pleasant and gratifying. I left reluctant
ly one of the most pleasant appointments
a man ever had, but came cheerfully to
one which bids fair to be equally so. The
good ladies of LaGrauge had everything
ready for the new preacher, and if a man
frets at being circumstanced as this in
cumbent is, he deserves to go next year
to Post Oak Circuit, and have brother
Jerry Larknm as his first steward. The
LaGrange Church is by no means dead.
Everything is not run down. The La-
Grange people are not backslidden, and
while there is much room for improve
ment, there is good promise in the future.
Up to this time, I have never had any
other than a good appointment,and never
served a people I preferred to leave; aud
reluctance to take an appointment has
generally resulted more from attachment
to the old, than aversion for the new.
LaGrange I think will be no exception.
Our College is improving rapidly. Mayson,
the irrepressible, has done much, and he,
and his exeellenVcpadjutor, Prof. Johnson
provide every facility for good teaohing.
The new rooms are neat and well suited
for the work done in them; the boarding
house large and comfortable; and both
tuition and board very cheap. Board is
only sl3 per month. The beauty of La-
Grange is well known, and the health of
the little city so remarkable that it is not
able to keep a liearse. The College is onrs
and should be sustained. The good old
mother in M 'con does not reach all, and
the LaGrange College offers a good home
and a good school to any Methodist girls
who want a religious education.
Three of our brethren gone since Con
ference—one during Conference. What
an illustration of the wisdom and value
of onr Association. For nearly five years
no member of it died; bnt now four homes
will be brightened by what wo shall be
able to send. L9fc all who knew and loved
these brethren in the North or Sonth
Georgia Conference, who are members of
the Association, or who are not, send
something to brother W. F. Cook at At
lanta, or brother Pattillo, at Sparta, or
broths r Evans, at Augusta, that the home
less widow and her orphans may have a
hom’e. The members of the Conference
who must meet these calls may find it
right difficult to do it now, but let each
one make a public mention of it to the
congregation ; and if he has not the
money to pay his mortuary fee,the people
will fnrnish it. Let ns remember that this
is the only call we have had in five years,
and that we calculated on at least being
called npon ten times. Geo. G Smith
Langley Mission, South Carolina Con
ference — Brother E. G. Price writes
January 11: Brother E A. Cook and my
self commenced a meeting here December
21, and thongh brother C. was called away,
the services oontinued until January 3.
VOLUME XXX IX.. NO. 6.
The prospects for a good meeting ware
exceedingly unpromising at first. The
powers of darkness, with bar-room, ball
room, and other places of like charactdr
as auxiliaries, were arrayed against ml
bnt thanks be to God who giveth us the
victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,we
came off more than conquerors through
Him. Toward the close of the meeting
we had a most gracious outpouring of the
Spirit,and many were constrained to shout
the praises of His name. The congrega
tion would remain after dismission until
a late hour, singing, praying and praising
God. Many souls were gathered into the
kingdom; sinners were awakened, mourn
ers converted, believers edified,and back
sliders reclaimed.
‘‘Numerical Status of the Metho
dist and Baptist Churches in Georgia.”
Mr. Editor: Brother Corley’s article
in the Advocate of January 19th, requires
some notice from me.
He maintains that the number of mem
bers of the Georgia Baptist, is not, as
published in the Minutes of 1874, 68,653,
but is, according to his correction, 64,621.
In proof of this, he gives as “one in
stance out- of many,” the fact that the
Bethel Association reports “whites 1,574,
colored 186; total. 3,230,” and asks, “by
what rule in arithmetic was this answer
obtained?”
This is a misprint, examples of which
can be found in almost all snch tables.
The Minutes of this Association were not
printed in 1872 and 1873, and the Con
vention tables for 1874 were taken from
Minutes of a previous year. That the to
tal, 3,230, is not too much, and that the
error is in the number of whites and col
ored reported, you have bnt to glance at
the reports of that body prior to 1871 and
since 1873. In 1867 she reported 6,145;
in 1868, 5 221; in 1869. 4,132; in 1870,
3 609; in 1874, when there were but 70
colored left, 3,088, and in 1875, when all
the colored had withdrawn, this body re
ports in her Minutes now before me,3,287.
In this case Brother Corley’s correo tion
was applied to the wrong column.
It is proper, however, for me to re
mark, that there are some other
discrepancies in these tables designedly
made, but to which the Bethel Associa
tion does not belong. Not unfrequently,
it occurs, that from providential cause or
other wise, some of the churches are not
represented by their delegates in the As
sociation. Many of the clerks of Asso
ciations, while they j-ocord the names fail
to give the number of members of such
churches, which can easily be done by
reference to the previous Minutes. A
half dozen churches in one Association,
have been known to have no representa
tion. In such oases, while I record the
number of whites and colored as fonnd in
the Association Minates, to make the to
tal number in the Convention Minutes
approximate the truth as nearly as pos
sible, I have generally added to the sum
total the number of these churches not
reported. This makes a discrepancy, and
makes the column in the Convention Min
utes headed “ Total number of members”
the one from which to learn the strength
of the Baptists of the State. These ex
planations set aside Brother Corley’s cor
rections, and leave the Minntes of 1874,
in reporting 68,653 as the cumber of mem
bers in the Georgia Convention for that
year, substantially correct.
Bnt the Minntes of the Convention of
1875 made from Minutes of Associations
which met in the fall of 1874, efore the
meeting of the Methodist Conferences of
that year, furnish the figures for a proper
comparison. These Minntes show the
number of Baptists to he 183,435, while
Brother C( riey reports the Methodists to
be 150,015 As I do not know the num
bers of all the denominations in the State,
I do Dot kaow that these figures will ex
oeed them by 25,000; and as I have never
made the assertion, I do not feel called on
to defend it.
My design in notioing Brother Corley’s
firi-t article was simply to defend the stat
istical tables of the Convention Minntes—
not to contravene the opinion of ony one,
not to detract in the least from yonr de
nomination, and hence I have taken
Brother Corley’s ropirfc of yonr numbers
without questioning its correctness.
I mast say before closing, that I do not
see the point in Brother Corley’s closiog
incident, unless it is to intimate that I
have published to the world things as
facts, which a conecientions man, when
praying, cannot confess to his God. I
make no boast of integrity above my fel
lows, but I nm not in the habit of pub
lishing what I do not believe to be true.
Whatever may-be the scruples of the
brother referred to, or whatever may
be Brother Corley’s endorsement of those
scruples, I can pray for the Divine bles
sing, not upon 175,000, bnt npon 183,435
Baptists in Georgia, and at the same time
recollect to whom, I am. talking. If Brother
Corley thinks otherwise, I am sorry.
G. R McCall.
A Matter that Ought to be Better
Understood.
Mr. Editor : On page 155, of discipline,
chapter 9, section 1, clause 2; “The sal
ary and traveling expenses of preachers
shall be estimated by their respective
Boards of Stewards.” Does this mean
that the stewards, in the discharge of
their duty, are to be guided and deter
mined in their estimate “by the ability of
the charge?” i. e. if it will cost SSOO to
give the preacher a reasonable snpport,
and the ability of the charge only reaohes
S3OO, ought the stewards to assess accord
ing to the former or latter fact? A correct
answer to this question will go a long
ways toward deciding the guilt or inno
cence of the ohurohes in failing to pay
their assessments. At least one presiding
elder in the North Georgia Conference
has decided that they have nothing to do
—necessarily—with the question of abil
ity. Their duty is simply to say what it
will take to support him It then remains
with th3 charge to do their very best, ac
cording to their ability, to pay this am
ount. I, for one, as a preacher, am tired
of hearing the Church charged with dis
honesty, unless they are guilty. The
law ought to be better understood.
Vox.
January 31, 187S.
LaGrange District, North Georgia
Conference. —Rev. J. W. Heidt, the pre
siding elder, says in a note of Febrnray 2:
I have just completed my first round in
six weeks—visited every pastoral charge
—met a greater number of official mem
bers than at any time last year—held six
teen Quarterly Meetings preached
twenty-three sermons, administered the
sacraments, instructed the children, and
had the joy of finding the preachers cor
dially received by the people, satisfacto
rily provided for, happy and hopefnl.
The reports at the Conferences show a
very gratifying steadfastness among the
members of the ohurohes, especially the
young. They have resisted the tempta
tions of the winter holidays, the brethren
think, with more than ordinary firmness.
Many conntry Sunday-schools have sur
vived the Winter and are now pro perous.
More money has been collected aud paid
over for ministers’ salaries, at the end of
these six weeks, than was raised in more
lbn three months last year. The church
es generally, in spite of hard times, are
in goid heart, and early revivals are ex
pected it several of them. The t tewards
are starting with a plan, and several ho; e
to have at'nost half of the assessments i t
the Second Quar'nriy Meetings. Pray
for the prosperity of Zion n. onr borders.
A Christian Visit.
The brief tour of visitation of promi
inent Southern cities last winter, con
ducted by Messrs. Cree and Hall, nnder
the auspices of the International Com
mittee of the Young Men’s Christian As
sociation, was so fruitful iu results, that
in answer to many earnest requests from
Christians at the South, aud according to
the instructions of the Richmond Con
vention, the Committee have arranged for
a similar but longer tour this year. It
will be conducted by Mr. Geo. A. Hall,
assisted by other Christian laym-n, and
will begin at Charlotte, N. C., Jan. 26th,
lasting until the middle of April. Among
the cities to be visited are Columbia, S.
C., Jan. 28-30th; Charleston, Feb. 2 6tb;
Savannah, Feb. 8-9th; Jacksonville, Fla,,
Feb. 10-17iL; Knoxville, Fob. 23-24th;
Nashville, Feb. 26-28tb; Chattanooga,
Feb. 25th, Louisville, March l-6tb; New
Orleans,March 10-19tb; Galveston,March
21-23 j; Houston, March 24-26th; Waco,
Dallas, Little Rock, Ark., aud St. Louis.
At several points State Conventions will
be held.
The purpose of the meetings will be
the same as last year,to promote increastd
activity among Christians in per onal as
well as organized work, especially for
young men. To effect this, Christians
are brought together in conference, prac
tical questions about Christian work are
discussed, praise, promise, and prayer
meetings are held, and Bible readings are
given. Among other topics suggested for
discussion are these:
The distinctive purpose and work of
the Young Men’s Christian Association.
Personal sffort for souls: its importance
and blessedness.
The best means of enlisting new work,
ers.
Neighborhood and cottage meetings,
and open-air services.
The undeveloped power of the Churcn
of Christ.
The unconverted are cordially invited
to, and largely attend these servioes.
Last year not only were the main objects
of the tour attained in large measure, but
about 800 additions were made to the
Churches along their route. With the
benefit of former experience, and the
hearty co operation of pastors and lay
men in the different cities, there is every
promise that this tour will be even more
frnitfnl than the last.
[We have been requested by the Secre
tary of the Executive Committee of the
Yonng Men’s Christian Association of the
United States and British Provinces to
give the currency of our circulation to
the above statement.— Editor.]
Conwayboro, South Carolina.
Mr. Editor: Worn and fatigued by
travel, we reaohed Con way bora, our des
tination for the present Conference year
January 9sh, just in time for me to preach
at eleven o’clock. The people received
us kindly and gave ns a cordial welcome,
which was refreshing to onr spirits. Mon
day morning, in company with some of
the friends, we repaired to the neat and
oozy cottage, beautiful for situation, and
in a healthy locality, which the kind peo
ple had fitted np for a preacher’s home.
We found it commodious and comfort
able, neatly furnished, and everything in
side and outside conveniently arranged.
Tho house and lot. containing about four
or five acres of land, well enclosed, and
worth about $2,000, is a liberal donation
to the Church, by Messrs. Burroughs and
Collins. We found at this parsonage sup
plies for the year, consisting of nearly
everything needed, laid io at New York
costs. We had nothing to do bnt go to
work; and to work I went, unembarrassed
and untrammelled, with a glad heart and
free. The people are very kind to us in
deed. The congregations are large, atten
tive and serious. We have a glowing
prospect of a pleasant, profitable, and
prosperous year. Surely the Lord will
smile with complacency on this people and
bless them. Many of our people have
thought of Coawajboro as almost out of
the world, aud of the people ss unknow
ing. Let them read this short statement
of facts, and many of them may learn to
profit. G. T. Harmon.
Conwayboro, S. G , January 2ith, 1876.
Uttos of fjje Meek.
General News.
Washington, January 28.—A meeting of the
National Democratic Executive Committee was
held at the Arlington Hotel to-night, Augu-tus
Schell, Chairman. On motion of Senator
Randolph, of New Jersey, it was resolved to
begin an early'and active organization of the
Democratic party through the United States
for the campaign of 1876. Senator Randolph
was chosen vice-chairman ; Hon. W. H. Bar
num, of Connecticut, Treasurer; and A. D.
Banks, of Missippi, resident Secretary. Speak
er Kerr ; Senators Wallace, of Pennsylvania;
Gordon, of Georgia, and Stevenson, of Ken
tucky ; and Representative Lamar and others
were present.
Wilmington, January 29.—W. T. Austin, a
citizen of.Stokes county,was found dead in bed
at the Purcell House here this morning. He
was suffocated by gas. It is supposed that
after extinguishing the gas last night he unin
tentionally turned It on again.
New York, January 80.—The Journal De St.
Petersburg, Prince Gortschakoff’s organ, declares
that European interference in the present Slate
of Cuban affairs is unnecessary. The differen
ces relative to the interpretation of the treaty
of 1875 concern merely Spain and America.
Europe is uninterested.
Washington, January 31.—The Secretary of
War has written Dr. J. William Jones Secre
tary of the Southern Historical Society, that he
learns with gratification of the disposition of
certain parties holding Confederate archives to
place them either temporarily or permanently
at the disposal of the department, for nse iu the
pub ieation of the records of the war now on
hand. The department is not only willing but
anxious to secure every official report, letttr,
telegram or order emanating from either side
during the late war, and lias no thought
whatever of discriminating in favor of one
section against another in their ;pnblication,
the only object being to place on record in an
official form for the nse of historians and others
interested, all the data in its possession on this
subject. Persons having knowledge of 6uch
records will confer a favor by communicating
to this department.
Atlanta, February I.—The Supreme Court
decided to-day that a homestead allowed undei*
the amendment of the bankrupt act was not
good against a judgment founded on contracts
made before the constitution of 1868, the
cr. ditor not having gone into the bankrupt
court. In the House, Mr. Allred, of Pickens,
Introduced resolutions denouncing outrages in
Nor th Georgia, committed by revenue officials