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Son%nt Christian Rotate.
MACON, GEORGIA, APRIL 5, 1876.
A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF TROUBLE.
Our Northern brethren are somewhat per
plexed about a matter which we hope, how
ever, will not involve them in any serious
trouble. Ihe last General Conference, in
which alone, by their law, resides the right
of fixing the place for holding each quadri
ennial session, selected the city of St. Louis
for the session in May next. For some cause
—the in.-ufficient strength of the denomina
tion in that place to sustain so onerous a
burden, we believe —it was deemed best by
many to choose another place. So, after
consultation, afid reference of the question
to the Annual Conferences, it was decided
to meet at Baltimore, and there the delegates
are to convene on the first of May. The ques
tion, whether a lawful session of the Confer
ence can be held in Baltimore, has been
raised, and discussed to some extent in the
Church press. It is to be a session of unu
sual importance. Questions of unprece
dented gravity touching the economy and
relations of the Church are to be settled,
not to speak of the host of officers to be
elected. It is of paramount importance to
the future peace and welfare of the Church
that the body deciding these matters should
be free from constitutional disabilities that
m ; ght leave their decisions in question. And
yet, there stands the law that the General
Conference shall fix the place of meeting,
while the approaching session is about to be
held at a different place from tnat deter
mined upon by the only body having author
ity in the premises. A correspondent of one
of their Church papers, suggests, what seems
to us, the only unquestionable way of cor
recting the irregularity, and avoiding possi
ble future embarrassment; and that is for a
quorum to assemble in St. Louis at the ap
pointed time under the presidency of a
Bishop, and then adjourn immediately to
Baltimore. It may seem like splitting hairs
or stickling for a trifle, and yet we can con
ceive how such a defect in the organization
of the Conference as might be remedied by
the course suggested,could be made the occa
sion of indefinite and most damaging strife.
The indications are that determined efforts
will be made to modify the Episcopacy and
Presiding-eldership, if not wholly to do away
with the latter office. Should these efforts
succeed, and the incumbency of the Bishop's
office be changed from life-tenure to a defi
nite term of years ; or, should the Presiding
eldership be either abolished or radically
changed as to its functions ; there would be
a formidable minority who could give end
less trouble in contesting the validity of the
changes, based upon the legal incoinpetency
of the body claiming to have made them.
We mention only these two prominent mat
ters, though there are others of almost equal
importance, liable to be similarly embar
rassed by the irregularity in question. And
then, too, every official elected by this Con
ference, would hold his position by a very
precarious tenure, if dissatisfied and litigious
“outs” should choose to “contest their
seats ” by challenging the legality of the
electoral body. None of these troubles may
arise, and yet the possibility is by no means
merely imaginary. Let us hope that the
wisdom of our Northern brethren will find
a safe way out of the tangle in which they
are involved, and that they may be able to
devise such measures as will heal any infirm
ity in their approaching legislation that
might engender subsequent strife.
We of the Church, South, are fortunately
secure against any such trouble as we depre
cate for our Northern brethren. By our
Discipline, while the General Conference has
the original selection of the place for hold
ing its sessions, it is provided that “ The
Bishops shall have authority, when they
judge it necessary, to change the place ap
pointed for the meeting of the General Con
ference.” Such a provision might be profi
tably inserted in the Discipline of the M. E.
Church, but as they write Bishop with asmall
b, and seem to have nervous apprehensions
of episcopal encroachments, they are more
likely to abridge than expand the preroga
tives of that office. “We shall know by
waiting.”
WIDOW AND ORPHAN AID ASSOCIA
TION, XOKTII GEORGIA CONKKKKNIK.
We published last week a brief but earnest
appeal from the President of this Associa
tion to its members ; and as we learn from
the Secretary and Treasurer that the re
sponses are coming to him very slowly, we
venture to recall the subject, and reiterate
the appeal to every member to send in his
dues. If the contribution called for were a
simple gratuity, the appeal would be a most
emphatic one ; and in this respect, it claims
the liberal consideration of all Methodists in
the bounds of the Conference who are not
members of the Association. The object is
to provide homes for the families of devoted
men of God, who have died in the work of
the ministry; and every member of the
Church they served, should feel it a privilege
to aid, according to his ability, in this praise
worthy enterprise. To the members of the
Association, however, the call appeals also to
■proper consideration for the temporal well
being of their own families when they are
called away. Membership in the Association
is forfeited by failure to meet the mortuary
fees, and therefore every brother who would
secure to his family, in case of his death,
such relief as this Association is designed to
provide, must not refuse or hesitate to send
forward the levy which has been created by
the death of others. While grateful that
God has spared him to his wife and children,
■let him show forth his gratitude by helping
-'with ready will and glad heart, those who
have been bereaved. The present demand
is unusual, and, it is said, the times are very
hard. But, if you feel the pressure of the
times, how unfortunate the condition of these
dear families of your deceased brethren,
whose chief dependance has been removed
from them? It is not likely that these de
mands will ever again multiply so rapidly ;
but it is more than possible that your own
stricken household may be among the next
for whom a call is made. As ye would that
your brethren should do unto your families
when you are taken from them, so do ye
unto those for whom your dues are now
urgently solicited. If it grieves you to think
that your brethren, because of difficulties
which though great are not insuperable,
might withhold from your widow and father
less children, the amounts they have pledged
themselves to contribute; then, see to it,
that nothing short of absolute impossibility
prevents you from avoiding the wrong which
you deprecate in them.
Oxfobd, Ga. —Rev. J. W. Heidt, in a pri
vate letter dated March 28th, says : We are
moving on pleasantly here. Dr. Haygood is
quite easy in the professorial chair having
gifts in teaching, as well as iu writing and
preaching. He has the respect and esteem
of the students, and is warmly sustained in
his presidency by the Faculty and our citi
zens. We lately enjoyed a series of meet
ings held nightly in the church, at which
there was considerable revival influence.
Some of the students were added to the
Church. I learn that the meetings will be
resumed as soon as the weather becomes
more settled. Brother Haygood is as good
a pastor as he is President. Harmony and
'happiness rule among this good people, and
make the community a “ charmed circle.”
DR PIERCE’S NINETY-SECOND BIRTH
DAY.
On Friday, March 24th, the venerable Dr.
Pierce completed his ninety-first, and en
tered upon his ninety-second year. In ac
cordance with family usage, long observed,
the anniversary was celebrated by a gather
ing of the dear “old Doctor's” descend
ants, who spent the day in joyous reunion,
and feasted together at a sumptuous board.
Accepting a kind invitation to join the fam
ily on this interesting occasion, we boarded
the Macon and Augusta train at 5£ a. m. ;
and in a few hours, through the courtesy of
the gentlemanly conductor, we were dropped
at the gate of “ Sunshine,” the happy, hos
pitable home, of Bishop Pierce, and his
son-in-law, brother Turner. The genial
smile and hearty hand-shake of the Bishop
greeted us as we stepped from the train, and
we were conducted immediately to his fath
er’s chamber. Having passed a restless
night, and being sadly prostrated by a most
exhausting cough, his appearance gave pain
ful emphasis to the feebly uttered remark,
“I am very near heaven.” Though we had
several times been with Dr. Pierce when
extremely ill, we never saw him when he
seemed so near his end as on this morning,
and we could not dismiss grave apprehen
sions that the worn veteran might close bis
long pilgrimage on this anniversary of its
beginning. With that wonderful power of
recuperation, however, which has so often
restored him to comparative health from the
very grave’s mouth, his system responded
promptly to the tonic influence of the socie
ty of friends and loved ones, and before the
company dispersed, he was comfortable,
cheerful, and talked with considerable ease,
to the edification and delight of all who
stood at his beside. In almost any other
case, it would be utterly unreasonable to in
dulge any expectation of farther service
from one so aged and prostrate ; but in the
light of Dr. Pierce’s unique history, we do
not regard it an irrational hope that he may
reach Baltimore in May and sit, if not stand,
in his place, as our leading messenger to the
General Conference of the M. E. Church.
There were about thirty-five of the old
patriarch’s lineal descendants who gathered
to this annua! festival of the tribe; and
these, with collaterals in the way of hus
bands and wives, and two strangers who had
been bidden to the feast, constituted a goodly
company. The only drawback upon the
joyousness of the occasion was the illneßS of
him in whose honor the company had assem
bled, and this was materially lessened by his
manifest improvement as the day advanced.
The sky was overcast and rain fell during
most of the day; but under the roof, we
understood as never before the beautiful
significance of the name that had been given
to this charming home.
“ Sunshine” is in the country, away from
those conveniences of city life —green-gro
cers, poulterers, and confectioners—which
so greatly facilitate the impulses of hospital
ity ; and yet, in this rural home we joined
the numerous company in a banquet, seldom
surpassed anywhere, we venture to say,
either in affluence of provision or excellence
of quality. The viands were various and
abundant; and each too.hooine dish acquir
ed additional zest from the appetizing con
viction that it was a direct importation from
the home barnyard, field, or garden, and
had not depreciated in quality on the hands
of the middleman. After the seniors had
regaled themselves with “ food convenient ”
for them—in kind, if not in the quantity
consumed —the young folks had their chance;
and they improved the opportunity in a way
which demonstrated their inheritance of an
cestral gifts. Happy, and healthfully hungry
from the morning romps, they received the
diligent service of parents and grand parents
until the last little teaster was fully satisfied,
when they dispersed to renew their play. It
was, all in all, one of the loveliest scenes we
have ever looked upon.
About 4 p. m. the company separated,
each to hold in perpetual possession, de
lightful memories of ihe duy. A four-mile
ride to Sparta with Rev. G. H. Pattillo
through a heavy rain, several hours’ stay
with Lovick Pierce, Jr., and his lovely fam
ily, the return trip to Macon accomplished
between the hours of 1 and 7 a. m., and this
memorably delightful episode in our edito
rial experience was at an end.
MOODY AND SANKEI.
Mr. Thomas K. Cree, the Secretary of
the Executive Committee of the Young Men’s
Christian Association, writing of the work of
these evangelists in Philadelphia, mentions,
as its most mauifest characteristics and re
sults:
Ist. The immense multitudes that day af
ter day heard the Word; none questioning the
fact, that it was faithfully and earnestly pre
sented, in plainness and simplicity, both in
preaching and in song.
2d. It has brought together in a common
work, a large portion of the ministers of all
denominations, and they and their churches
have by intercourse one with the other, been
brought into an acquaintance and sympathy
which years of ordinary effort would not
have accomplished. Among the most pleas
ant recollections of the meetings were the
friendships engendered by it.
3d. Extra services have been inaugurated
in very many churches, and through them
many souls have been gathered into the
fold.
4ih. Ministers and churches have been
quickened. The Gospel is presented more
plainly and simply, the study of the Bible
has been increased, and a band of workers
in all the churches have learned from expe
rience how to approach the unconverted, to
discover their difficulties, apply the remedy,
and through the Word, aided by the influence
of the Holy Spirit, lead them to Jesus.
sth. Tens of thousands from the country
have come in, attended the meetings and car
ried home their influences. Special services
have been inaugurated, and thousands reach
ed who were not near the meetings.
6th. The secular press has been filled for
weeks with reports of sermons and meetings
incidents and general religious information,
introduced with startling, and at times, well
selected head lines, bringing the subject be
fore classes of people which the religious
press would have failed to reach. The tel
egraph has almost daily carried into all sec
tions of the hand reports of the work, at
times giving fair reports of the sermons and
meetings.
7th. The subject of religion has been the
all absorbing topic of conversation in all cir
cles, “on change,” in the “marts oftrade;”
in the “circles of fashion,” in the “shops
and factories,” the homes of the multitudes,
in the “bar-room,” and on the “streets,”
and never before was it so easy to approach
people in regard to a personal interest in
Christ.
Bth. The Christian Convention brought to
gether for conference, and into contact with
and under the influence of the work, nearly
a thousand ministers and five hundred lay
men, representing the activity of a large
number of Christian Associations and Church
es.
9th. The collection through the instrumen
tality of Mr. Moody, of one hundred and
twenty-five thousand dollars, for the Young
Men’s Christian Association will materially
assist that Association in the completion of
*ts building—an institution calculated to be
oflasting benefit to the young men of this
city.
10th. The thousands of requests for pray
ers, aud the hundreds of letters received,
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
acknowledging answers to prayers, have 1
strengthened the faith of the people of God,
and btought home to them most prominent
ly the fact, that God does hear and answer
prayer.
11th. The prominence given to God's
Word and to the Holy Spirit in the work,
the need for a personal Saviour, the fallacy
of all human effort in salvation, have been
so impressed upon saint and sinner, as to
need little more than reiteration, and will
have a lasting influence.
12th. Many of the special meetings inaug
urated still continue. The Noon-day meet'
ing, the Young Men’s meeting, the Young
Ladies’ meeting, and the Boys’ meeting are
still gathering in results, and the Union
meetings were onlyjtemporarily abandoned,
when the churches and workers were needed
for home use.
13th. The numbers converted, ministers
and those familiar with the work have rea
son to think, has been very large, and prob
ably those indirectly, reached is as large if
not larger, than those reached directly; yet
the more lasting good is unquestionably in
the quickening of God’s people.
14th. and lastly. God has gotten to Him
self the glory of His own work. Sinners
have been saved, backsliders have been re
claimed, and believers edified.
SANCTIFICATION.
We will complete in our next issue the
publication of Dr! Pierce’s “ Thoughts on
Sanctification,” in which he has set forth
very fully the views of one wing of the army
of disputants as to the modus by which this
indispensable attainment is to be reached.
In this issue, “Enquirer” states concisely
the theory of the other wing. His article i s
not in the form or the nature of contro
versy, but simply a clear statement of his
belief, and that of many others, on this sub
ject. We hope therefore that it will not be
deemed important or desirable to re-open
debate upon the question. In the mean
time, while it is not probable that the emire
body ot true Christians, or even all Metho
dists, will ever come to identical views as to
the process of the believer’s entrance upon
this gracious state, let none ot us forget the
sacred obligation, the solemn necessity, ot
striving incessantly after the attainment
itself. Holiness is to-day, as it has ever
been, the preeminent want, the “ high voca
tion,” of the Church; and there is encour
agement, amid the abounding wickedness of
the times, in the iudications of steadily in
creasing interest among Christians in this
vital subject. A clear statement now and
then, of convictions as to what is the Scrip
ture doctrine concerning Christian holiness
may prove helpful ; protracted controversy
is liable to inflict damage.
Martha Washington College. —We see
by the last Uolston Methodist that the trus
tees of this institution at a recent meeting
elected Prof. Warren DuPre, of Wofford
College, President, to supply the vacancy oc
casioned by the resiguarion of Major R. W.
Jones, who has accepted a professorship in
the University of Mississippi. We admire
the judgment of our Holston brethren, but
siucerely hope that Prof. DuPre, who has
been so long and usefully identified with
Wofford, may decline to sever his connection
with that honored institution. Not that we
“love Caesar less, but Rome more.”
“Daii.y Christian- Advocate.”— The ap
proaching General Conference of the M. E.
Chnrthwill be one of great interest to our
peopie as well as to those of the Noith. Many
of our readers, we feel sure, would like to see
the proceeding, from day to day, and the at
tention of all such is directed to the announce
ment of Messrs. Nelson Ik Phillips, with
reference to the “ Daily " to be issued during
the session of the Conference, which ap
pears in our advertising columns.
Hearken and Obey. —Read Rev. S. S.
Sweet’s kppeal in our column of Church no
tices, aud if you are in arrears, make haste
to repair your sin of omission.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS.
Blackwood’s Magazine. Republished by
Leonard Scott Publishing Company, 14
Barclay St., New York. $4 a year.
Contents of March number: The Dilem
ma; Secondary Education in Scotland;
Some Aspects of Friendship ; To “ Mai
mey; ” Eton College; Little Bobby: A
Sketch in Paris; Some Gentlemen in the
City; Powers of the Air ; The Opening of
Parliament.
Wide Awake, An Illustrated Magazine for
Girls and Boys. Boston: D. Lothrop
& Cos. $2.00 a year.
This elegant and unexceptionable periodi
cal for the young folks, of whose merits we
have had occasion to speak several times, is
fulfilling its mission with constantly increas
ing success. Besides its appropriate and
improving letter-press, the number for April
is eminently pictorial. The Management of
this magazine seem to understand one im
portant point, viz: the bulk of boys and girls
are attracted by fair, large, open pictures;
although there are plenty of engravings in
this very number noticeable for fineness of
detail for older tastes. The illustration of
“Gold-Locks’ Dream of Pussie-Willow,” a
delightful poem by Clara Doty Bates, is a
charming design by Mrs. Finley, a sister of
the poet. “The Fate of a Face-Maker” is
another capital poem capitally illustrated;
both of the poems with their pictures are to
be specially commended for originality of
thought and gracefulness of expression. The
"Behaving” paper in this number is worth
the price of the year’s subscription.
Littell’s Living Age. Littell & Gay,
Boston. SB.OO a year.
Number 1659 of The Living Age, bearing
date March 25th, is the last of the current
volume. This and the preceding weekly
number contain the following, among other
valuable articles: Modern English Prose;
Dutch Guiana; The Pope and Magna Char
ter; George Eliot’s Heroines; Mazarin; by
the author of “Mirabeau,” etc.; Some Traits
of Composers; Caroline Herschel; The Two
Amperes; Matthew Prior; A Winter Morn
ing’s Ride; The Drainage of the Zuyder-Zee.
together with the story of “Bee or Beatrix,”
and the continuation of “The Dilemma;”
the usual select poetry, miscellany, etc. The
next number —the first in April—begins a
new volume, and is a good one with which
to begin a subscription.
Ladies’ Repository, E. Wentworth, D. D.,
Editor. Cincinnati: Hitchcock & Wal
den. $3.00, a year.
The April number, besides two elegant
steel engravings and the well-filled “Editor’s
Repository,” contains the following attrac
tive list of articles:
The Old World and New in Social Con
trast; Mosaic and Antique Art; Polly’s Plun
der; Coins; Distance; Faith and Feeling;
Rev. Thomas T. Tasker, Sen, (with steel en
graving;) The Greville Memoirs; From Caen
to Rotterdam; Deeds not Words; The Sil
very Key is Lost; The Finale; Noted Men of
Revolutionary Times; Stories and Legends
of the Violin; The 111-starred Marriage; A
Scrap of Colonial History; A Backward
Look; Eisenach and its Castle; Amusements;
Saturday, a Preparation-day.
Ishmael; or, In the Depths, is the name
of Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth s great
est work, to be published in book form,
in a few days, by T. B. Peterson & Brothers,
Philadelphia, Pa. It is pronounced by crit
ics the best work ever written by Mrs. South
worth, and has never been published except
in a New York weekly, in which paper it was
issued many years since, under the name of
“Self-Made; or, Out of the-Depths,” and it
is now in press, and will be issued in a few
days, in book form, for the first time. Mrs.
Southworth, in the preface to “Ishmael,”
says; “This story, in book form, has been
called for, by thousands, during several
years past, but the author has reserved it,
until 1876. as her contribution to the Centen
nial; not only because she considers it to be
her very best work, but because it is pecu
liarly a National Novel, being founded om
the life and career of one of the noblest of
our countrymen, who really lived, suffered,
toiled, and triumphed in this land; one whose v
inspirations of wisdom and goodness were
drawn from the examples of the heroic war
riors aud statesmen of the Revolution, and
whose life is a guiding star to the youth of
every land, to show them that there is no
depth of.human misery from which they may
not, by virtue, energy, and perseverance,
rise to earthly honors, as well as to eternal
glory.” It will be published in a large duo
decimo volume of seven hundred pages,
bound in morocco cloth, gilt back, price sl.-
75, and be for sale by all Booksellers, or ad
vance copies of it will be sent to any one on
their remitting the price of it to the Publish
ers.
THREE GOOD MAPS.
Having been asked repeatedly our opinion
as to wall maps suitable for Sunday-school
instruction, we have concluded that a short
article on the subject may be useful to some
persons.
There can be no two opinions as to the
desirableness or usefulness of reliable maps.
If we are to learn or teach geography, they
are indispensable. This is recognized in thet
secular school. Who undertakes ter leac?
geography in the day-school without maps?
Few Sunday-schools, however, possess any
appliances whatever for teaching Bible geo
graphy. We understate the case, as we sup -
pose, in saying that not half of even our city
Sunday-schools can show a single map on
their walls. How few private residences con
tain such maps! And, what is worse, com
paratively few pastors’ studies contain them.
The t ruth is, Bible geography is a subject very
little attended to. The result is, there is
very general ignorance of the whole subject.
There are, as we have occasion to know, in
the minds of hundreds of people otherwise
well informed—the vaguest possible notions
as to Bible lands. Many persons think that
ancient Palestine was a very large country.
Its location they cannot even guess—it was
somewhere in Asia. Its boundaries and re
lations to adjacent regions they have not even
thought about. We have found grown up
persons—educated too, after a fashion —who
could not tell whether the Holy Land is
within the torrid or the temperate zone.'
Recently a young gentleman spoke of the'
Jordan as of a very large and long river. He
had heard of it, and sung of it, till, in his
imaginal ion, it was a soi t of Asiatic Amazon.
How could he know ? He bad perhaps never
looked upon a map or into a book that he
might learn. It may be doubted whether
half the grown up people of our congrega
tions know the relative positions of Galilee.
Samaria, and Judea. Many think and speak
of the little lake of Gennesaret as if it were
about the size of Lake Saperior.
But a few weeks ago we heard a young
man —a hard student and a good scholar for
his years—say of Mt. Hermon that he thought
R was “not so high as Stone Mountain” —
that phenomenal pile of granite in "sight of
At'anta, Ga., which lifts itself about 1,100 or
1,200 feet above the surrounding country.
It seems needless to argue the importance
of a correct knowledge of Bible geography-
There is much in the Bible history tits*. c&V*
not be rightly understood without such
knowledge.
Probably no maps that have been issued
for the illustration of Bible geography are
entirely satisfactory. In fact, the careful
investigations of learned and diligent ex
plorers are adding year by year to our knowl
edge of Bible lands. But for all practical
purposes we recommend, most heartily, the
series of “Sunday-school Maps” issued by
Nelson & Phillips, Agents of the Methodist
Book Concern, New York. They are large
enough for ordinary uses —about five or six
feet. They are printed on .white linen, in
good colors, that hold their own very well.
Two of them we have had upon our study
walls for over five years, and the colors are
still fresh, and the lettering distinct. They
are easily put in place—four lathing nails for
the eyelets at the top and two or three carpet
tacks for the bottom being quite sufficient.
We have found these three maps very useful,
so much so that we have procured a second
sett for our recitation room in Emory College.
They are great helps in teaching the weekly
Bible lessons.
No. I. is entitled “The Scripture World.”
It admirably illustrates the geography of the
Acts of the Apostles. Now, how can one
understand the history of Paul’s missionary
travels without understanding the geography
of the countries in which he journeyed and
preached, and of the seas over which he sail
ed ? No. 11. is a map of the Holy Land, and
gives us the political and tribal divisions of
Palestine, the position of the neighboring
heathen tribes, with other information most
needful in order to understand the geography
of the Old Testament, and of the gospel his
tories. No. 111. gives us Egypt, Sinai, and
Palestine, with a topographical view of the
vicinity of Sinai.
This map is particularly useful in studying
the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and
their wanderings in the wilderness. The
first two of these maps contain useful tables
of measurements; the third, of the.
journeyings and encampments lsrael in
the desert.
These maps are easily folded up; a preach
er could take them in his saddle-bags round
his circuit, and deliver lectures greatly to the
edification of teachers and children. They
cost $5 a piece, and may be ordered of the
publishers direct, or, we suppose, (we have
not inquired} from J. W. Burke & Cos. They
are well worth the price.
In this connection, we think that we will
do a good service to our pastors and teachers
by calling their attention to two excellent
volumes—useful with, or without the maps;
viz: Whitney’s '-"Hand Book of Bible Geo
graphy,” and Freeman’s “Hand Book of
Bible Manners and Customs.” They are
from the press of Nelson & Phillips, gotten
up in the best style, rich in illustrations, and
sold, we believe, at $2.50 each. The first
mentioned is the best book for ordinary pur
poses, we have seen, and we have had the
use of a large number of such works. It is
just what the Sunday-school teacher needs.
The second is as good in its way. There are
larger and costlier books. These are large
and full enough. They are trustworthy and
so arranged that the student finds wbat he
wishes without difficulty. H.
Oxford, Ga.
Talbot Circuit, South jGeorgia Confer
ence.—Brother W. H. Woodall writes us that
the first Quarterly Conference of this circuit
for the year was held at Pleasant Hill Church,
March 11-12, and was a very interesting occa
sion. The sermons of brother J. B. Me.
Gehee, the Presiding Elder, on Saturday and
Sunday mornings were practical, edifying and
such as profoundly to impress thp congrega
tions who heard them. “Uncle Tommy
Maddox” of Merriwether county, a veteran
soldier of the Cross, preached a good sermon
on Saturday night. The.love-feast and com
munion services on Sunday were well attend
ed and were profitable seasons. The Confer
ence was. held on Saturday afternoon, and
was a very pleasant session. The reports
from all parts of the circuit were encouraging.
The .Sunday school cause, especially, is
steadily growing in interest and efficiency.
Brother Woodall furnishes us extended notes
of brother McGehee’s two excellent sermons,
' which we would gladly publish if we could
furnish space for contributions of that kind.
Corresponkutf.
"OftTEK FROM BISHOP WIGHTMAN.
TAMPA, FLORIDA.
Feeling a special interest in our missionary
operations among the Cuban population on
the Island of Key West, I made arrange
ments to visit the southern portions of the
Florida Conference, soon after the late ses
sion. Accordingly, on the evening of Feb
.rijsry 1, I set out from Charleston in the fine
steamer City Point, Captain Fitzgerald. We
reached Savannah the next m wring, a keen
north-west wind giving one a pret y feeling
idea of winter. Went ashore, and was driven
by my good friend Reppard, in his buggy, to
see the “Wesley Monumental Church.” I
found the workmen engaged upon the roof.
The structure is of brick, imposing in size,
and of fine architectural proportions and
design. It will be, when completed, one of
the handsomest church-edifices in the South.
It is paid for, I understand, as far as the
work has at present been done. I am sure
the noble enterprise could not be in better
hands, so far as careful supervision of the
quality of materials, workmanship, and gen
eral expenses, is concerned. All of us Meth
tUtiujts should consider it a privilege to put
some testimonial of respect to the memory of
John Wesley in this Church, which stands
where he began his ministry, and will stand
through coming time a worthy memorial of
that illustrious man, the influence of whose
character and life is working in all the world
with ever-increasing power, and will stretch
over all the future to the end of time.
Returning to the ship, I was joined by the
Rev. C. A. Fulwood, a pleasant traveling
companion, who was en route to Key West,
to resume his pastoral duties there. When
we got to sea, in the afternoon, the wind had
moderated, and being “off shore,” we had
litt'e or no motion, and the remainder of the
run to F‘ rnandina was very enjoyable. There
we took the train to Cedar Keys, on the Gulf,
165 miles south-west, which point we reached
before dark. The propeller “Valley City,”
in which we were to take passage to Tampa,
.did not reach the wharf until Saturday morn
ing. All day Friday we had unpleasant
weather, raw and wet —preventing preaching
night, a service I had been invited, and
had promised to perform. The wind blew
hard during the night, and on Saturday morn
ing we had the prospect of a rough sea for
our run to Tampa. But after we got off, at
midday, we found the advantage of another
'“off-shore” wind. The steamer hoisted her
sails and went along steadily; nobody was
sea-sick; and the table was patronized by all
hands. Two large fishes, a kingfish and
grouper, were caught, the line being fastened
to the stern of the ship, and the hook baited
with a bunch of cotton-yarn. We were in
Tampa Bay long before sunrise; the water as
smooth as a river, and the air balmy as the
breath of early summer. The steamer drop
ped anchor four miles off the town, and a
steam-launch came out to take the passengers
ashore.
This was my first visit to Tampa; in fact,
no Methodist Bishop had ever before set foot
ashore there. There are getting to be very
Jew places of any note, in the whole South,
l of which the like can be said. As we ap
proached the wharf, I recognized, in the
group of gentlemen collected to welcome the
visitors, my old friend Dr. Franklin Branch,
who was a practicing physician in Abbeville,
S. C., in 1833, when I had charge of that
circuit. He was an estimable Methodist gen
tleman, the hospitalities of whose house I
occasionally shared. He removed to Florida
nearly thirty years ago, living first at Manatee,
and then at Tampa. The Doctor has two
sons, eminent and useful ministers; one a
member of the South Georgia Conference,
the other recently transferred to the Pacific
Conference.
I was cordially welcomed to Tampa by my
old friend —with whom, by the way, time has
dealt very gently. Brother Fulwood went
with me to Dr. B.’s, and preached for us, at
11 o’clock, an excellent sermon, clear, im
pressive, and well-delivered. Immediately
after the service he returned to the steamer
and left for Key West. In the afternoon I
attended the Sunday school; found it in the
hands of brother Clarke, a faithful Superin'
tendent, assisted by a good staff of teachers;
and was glad to see the live look of things.
The exercises were closed with an address to
the children. At night I preached to an in
telligent-looking assembly which filled the
church. The building is not large, but com"
fortable, well-lighted, aisles carpeted, and
ihe singing of the congregation led by an
organ. As though we were in midsummer,
the windows were raised and the night-air
was refreshing. We have a stationed preach
er here, Brother Casteel, a young man, who
is well received, active, studious, and pro
mising to be very useful. There was divine
service that morning in a public hall, by an
Episcopal clergyman from the North, whose
health is delicate. There is a Baptist Church,
but no pastor at present; also a Roman Cath
olic Church.
The population of Tampa is small, some
thing below 700. Very few colored people
t&ie here. Vegetation is green, and a large
*mulberry-tree on the corner is in full leaf.
Orang—tree* grow all around my host's house,
with plenty of the golden fruit hanging in the
midst of the dark-green foliage. A basketful
is taken whenever any one wishes to eat, and
the oranges are delicious. Near the garden
is a lemon-tree in blossom, with lemons in
all stages of growth—plenty of them ripe, and
plenty lying on the ground under the tree.
In a corner of the yard is a little patch of
pine-apple plants, the fruit beginning to show
•itself. Guavas and papaws are also in the
yard; and beyond the garden, on the com
mons, are groves of opopanax, covered with
their sweet-smelling yellow blossoms. A
bouquet of flowers, among them superb and
fragrant roses, stood in a vase on the chancel
table on Sunday—all this in the dead of
winter I
The mean temperature of Tampa, for Feb
ruary, is a little higher than 63°. Its mean
temperature for July is only 80° 7'. This,
surprising as it may seem, is the maximum
average of its summer heat. You sleep com
fortably at night all through the summer
months. The winter isothermal line of 62°
passes a little south of Tampa. An air of
repose and Sunday-quiet prevails. Very lit
tle business-stir is observed. The signs of
the dilapidations of the late war are to be
seen here and there. Yet the visitor observes
many comfortable-looking houses, well-in
closed and painted. An old suite of barracks,
belonging to the Government, faces the bay,
to the left of the town—a romantic situation,
with a grove of venerable live-oaks hard by.
Below, an old Indian mound stands near the
margin of the bay. Farther on is a brick
yard, where bricks composed of lime and
sand, molded and then hardened in the sun,
are manufactured. Judge Magbee, to whose
kind attentions I am much indebted, gave me
a morning’s drive around the farms adjoining
the town, where the evidences of rapid im
provement are visible. What is needed is
railroad connection with the rest of the world
—an outlet for its fruits and early vegetables,
and a rapid, cheap, and easy inlet to invalids
and tourists and settlers —that given, an im
mediate change will come over the face of
every thing. Think of the finest, largest,
oranges grown anywhere, selling at a cent
apiece, when purchasers can be found 1
I spent a week visiting around and preach
ing, and left with the Presiding Elder of the
District, who held his quarterly-meeting while
I was there. It was with regret that I passed
Manatee in the night, and found it well-nigh
impracticable to stop, as I had intended.
There is communication with Key West only
once a week, and brother Robinson and I
kept on in the Valley City, after bidding
adieu tef our kind Tampa friends. We were
two nights and a day and a half making the
run to Key West. The second night out,
about midnight, the steamer was struck by a
“squall” coming up suddenly from the west.
I was waked up by the roar of the wind. It
is impossible to describe the unearthly scream
of the storm as it rushed through the vessel’s
cordage and drove the waves against her side.
The ship reel, and, and quivered, and seemed
to groan; but the screw kept its steady revo
lutions, and we went on through the dark
night and foaming sea. The magnetic cur
rents kept their courses as quietly as though
perfect calm reigned over sea and earth; and
the faithful needle in the binnacle gave the
men at the wheel their direction better than
a thousand shining stars could do. The
storm lasted a half hour, but it left a high
sea; and few wanted breakfast next morning.
I certainly did not try the experiment, more
than satisfied to escape the dreaded mat de
mere by lying quietly in my berth. About 1
o’clock we made the outside buoy to the Key
West bar; then smooth water; then dinner;
then a sight of the tufted, fringed-leaved
cocoa-nut-trees; and presently we were at the
wharf. Wm. M. Wightman.
LETTER FROM DR. J. 0. A. CLARK.
Washington, D. C., March 25, 1876.
Dear Brother Kennedy: As you are
aware, I came here in the interest of the
Wesley Monumental Church, at Savannah,
Ga. My first appeal was to our Senators and
Representatives in Congress. Their noble
response is as follows :
Washington, D. C., March 17, 1876.
We, the undersigned, members of the 44th
Congress from the State of Georgia, take
gr-at pleasure in recommending the Wesley
Monumental Church, now building in Savan
nah, Ga., to the memory of John Wesley—
the founder of Methodism—and solicit for it
the sympathy and financial aid of the people
of these United States everywhere, North
and South, East and West, believing it to be
an enterprise eminently worthy, and pre-em
inently calculated to develop and foster that
fraternal spirit, the return of which, to all
parts of our common country, all good men
desire to see.
With great assurance, we heartily com
mend the agent of this Church, now in this
city, the Rev. J. 0. A. Clark, D.D., LL.D.,
who has long been known to us, as one having
the full confidence and endorsement of his
Church in Georgia, and of our entire people.
T. M. Norwood, U. S. S.
J. B Gordon, U. S. S.
Julian Hartridge, M. C., Ist Dist.
Benj. H. Hill, M. C., 9 h Dist.
Philip Cook, M. C., 3rd Dist.
Wm. E. Smith, M. C., 2nd Dist.
J. H. Blount, M. C., 6th Dist.
H. R. Harris, M. C., 4th Dist.
W. 11. Felton, M. C., 7th Digt.
These names constitute the entire Georgia
delegation, except Mr. Stephens, who is sick
at home, and Mr. Candler, who is on a visit
to Atlanta. Mr. Stephens is greatly missed.
Many are the inquiries about his health.
To these gentlemen, one and all, I am
gratefully indebted for many favors. Tney
kindly introduced me to others—several of
them contributed liberally—-all did what they
could. These are all good men, and true —
most worthily and ably do they represent
Georgia, in the 44th Congress. If their
purses were as large as their hearts, their
contributions would largely have swelled my
list. They are faithful, vigilant sentinels.
The Georgia delegation stands second to
none in the estimation of one and all of the
many with whom I have conversed.
To our own immediate representative, the
Hon. James H. Blount, of the 6th District,
I would be ungrateful, if I did not record my
indebtedness for many acts of kindness, and
bear witness to the very distinguished place
he has won in the House. By assiduous la
bors on his Committee —one of the most' im
portant in the House, the Committee on Ap
propriations—by his valuable experience in
the 43rd Congress, by his prudence, by his
watchfulness, by his urbanity, by his firm
ness, he has inspired respect and confidence,
and proved himself to be one of the most
practical and useful members the South has
sent to the 44th Congress.
There is one thing here, by the way, that has
impressed me with peculiar emphasis. It is
the immense advantage which long tried ex
perience gives in the Senate and House.
Familiarity with its rules, with the prece
dents, with the departments, and with the
whole complicated machinery of government,
can only be acquired by long years of service
and constant practice. Hence, those States
which return, year by year, those public ser
vant who have been tried and found faithful,
have an untold advantage over those which
adopt, as their policy, rotation in office.
Julian Hartridge and myself, when we
were boys, were in the same Sabbath-school
class, in Savannah, our native city. At
Brown University, in our college days, we
again met, and atone time, were room-mates.
I have followed him from that day till now,
with anxious solicitude. His talents were
brilliant, and gave promise of most distin
guished success. The hopes he then inspired
he has not disappointed. And, if he lives,
greater honors await him. One thing alone,
this friend of my early youth lacks —the con
verting grace of God. Our paths in life have
been divergent. Literature, law, politics, he
has assiduously cultivated, and well have they
repaid his devotion. The itinerant ministry
has been mine. To preach the gospel to sin
ners, to save souls, to minister unto others,
have been the single purpose of my life. To
day, as I write, the love of Christ still con
straiqjng me, I can truthfully say, that I do
not regret my humbler choice. Rather would
I be instrumental in saving a single soul, than
to put on the judicial robes which Marshall
wore, or the insignia which distinguished
Washington in his double character of war
rior and statesman. lam happy to say that
Julian Hartridge has consented to deliver the
literary address at the next Commencement
of Wesleyan Female College.
I would like to speak more particularly of
all the men whom Georgia has sent to repre
sent her in Congress. But this is not the
place; and perhaps, I have already said too
much. I cannot help it. I would like now
to speak of Norwood and Gordon —par nobile
fratrum —than whom no State in this broad
uuion, sends truer, or more faithful senators.
But I must forbear. They assisted me by all
the means in their power.
I must now gratefully acknowledge my in
debtedness also, to another, for much valua
ble assistance in my mission. The Rev. Dr.
J. P. Newman, of the Metropolitan Church,
was especially kind, inviting me to preach in
his pulpit—which I did—and to the hospital
ities of his house. Not one word did I hear
from him that waß not spoken in kindness to
us. And as to his appreciation of my mis
sion here, the following letter will speak for
itself:
Washington, D. C., March 24,1876.
My Dear Dr. Clark: I propose to be one
of One Hundred of our Preachers to give
SIO,OOO, towards the Wesley Monumental
Church, in Savannah, Ga., —this amount to
be given personally, or to be raised by sub-
as the preachers may elect.
Two reasons induce me to make this offer:
First—Such a church is needed in the city
of Savannah, to represent Methodism.. Sec
ond—Such a church will be a fitting memo
rial of our appreciation of the labors of Wes
lev. And our donations will be our fraternal
greetings to our brethren of the South.
Yours truly, J. P. Newman.
SIOO.OO paid.
But I must not write any more. I will
only add, it is impossible to raise money
now, in this city. The public mind is ab
sorbed with the investigations before the
House committees ; hundreds are out of em
ployment, and suffering for bread ; money is
scarce; business is dull; their name is le
gion that come here to beg ; the future is
dark ; and many believe we are only ankle
deep in the sea of financial trouble.
J. 0. A. Clark.
LETTER FROM BISHOP PIERCE.
Mr. Editor : Marshall is an interesting
town—well supplied with churches, and
seems to be progressive. Here, on my first
visit to Texas, I held a Conference long
years ago. At this time the Presiding El ier
was holding his last Quarterly Meeting, and
several preachers on their way to Confer
ence had dropped in, and there was no lack
of service on Sabbath. The labors of the
day were divided among us, and I remained
over and preached again on Monday night.
Tuesday morning a goodly company of us
set out for Carthage, thirty miles distant.
After a slow travel over a bad road—in
Western phrase —“ we made the trip.”
I was assigned to brother Booty, who took
good care of me and many others. Confer
ence opened and moved smoothly on. The
presence of various brethren from other
Conferences added much to the interest of
the occasion. We had Dr. Wiley, Presi
dent of Emory and Henry College; MeCar
ver, the Bible Agent ; Mitchell from Texas,
and Veach from North-west Texas Confer
ence. These brethren each had a message
for the Conference, and while there was
some conflict of interest, they managed dex
terously to avoid all friction. Wiley was for
Emory and Henry. He thought every Con
ference ought to patronize its own institu
tions, but if the people would send abroad,
no place like Emory and Henry. Veach ,
plead manfully for Georgetown and the
Texas University, and made a strong appeal
to the pride and independence of Texas.
Emory and Henry was a good place—none
better out of Texas, but the University was
first in its claim upon every Texas preacher
and citizen. Mitchell went in soul and body
for the Huntsville Female College—never
mind the hoys —they can rough it and strug
gle for themselves —take care of the girls—
educate the women. So they had it—good
sense and good humor —and each man won
a victory. At leßsl, all were satisfied. We
adjourned in peace and love.
Carthage is a hard place to get to, and still
harder to leave. It is a pleasant place, with
a clever people—but without carriages of
any kind, either private or public. How to
get away was, with many of us, a very seri
ous question. To increase the trouble, a wet
spell was upon us—the rain was falling, the
sky all covered with clouds, the wind strong
and cold. I was to preach in Henderson
that night, and at Austin next day. First
one plan failed, and then another. At last
a gentleman (Dr. Latimer) who was going to
H., hearing of my perplexity, offered me a
seat in his buggy. I got another place for
George, and away we went, through rain
and mud, and a wind that seemed to whet its
edge on every tree it passed. Yet the day
was not without its cheer. Good company,
pleasant talk—a good dinner by the way,
provided by a brother who would not let us
pass—and the prospect of meeting the en
gagement at night, robbed all outward dis
comforts of their power to afflict.
Through much exposure to wind and
weather, I met both appointments. Now
then, for Galveston. After my late experi
ence, how glad lam for a railroad! An
other night travel—but the track is smooth,
and the cars luxurious, and “ balmy sleep ”
helps me through. By a change of schedule
I am thrown behind time, but my German
brethren, understanding the difficulty, wait
for me. I was domiciled at my old Galves
ton home—but, alas 1 brother Briggs was
not there. He perished at sea a few years
ago with all on board the ill-fated steamer.
I missed his genial face and lively conversa
tion. Sister Briggs and the children gave
me a heart-warm welcome and made my so
journ delightful. I like Galveston. It is a
charming place to live in. It is well known
and need not be described.
The German Mission Conference is asmall
body, but full of pluck and enterprise. The
preachers and the people are loyal to the
Church. They stand up liberally to all its
interests. The Conference covers a large
territory, and at some points lias had consid
erable prosperity. In the examinations the
brethren deal with each other with great
directness and fidelity, and all appear deeply
concerned to maintain and propagate a pure
evangelism. With them, Methodism embo
dies their highest conceptions of spiritual
religion, and of wise and strong organiza
tion for doing good. The financial help fur
nished by their American brethren is grate
tullv appreciated. Would that we could do
more. The religious services conducted in
German did not edify me much, but those
who understood, seemed to me to say amen
at the right place, and with a will. They
respond freely heartily. Most of our
churches are asylums for the dumb. In
crowded houses ofttimes I feel as if I were
praying in a graveyard. This dead silence is
a compliment to the world, at the expense
of simple, hearty, outspoken religion. Let
everything that hath breath praise the Lord.
One more Conference —the seventh, and
last for this campaign. Early in the morn
ing we took the cars for Houston, and next
for Hempstead, and then for Brenham —the
seat of the Texas Conference. Arrive in
good time,.and take lodging with Col. Gid
dings, of whom I and many more might say
as many good things as Paul said of “Gaius
mine host.” We were fed and lodged, and
transported back and forth every day, in
princely style. A way to ride I rank high on
the list of favors. Walking is an addition to
other labors I neither covet nor enjoy. I
can do it, but had rather be excused. Bro.
G. made me very comfortable in all respects.
The parlor, the chamber, the table, all had
their appropriate charms —and then I rode
in and out, and thus saved my strength fo
the chair, the cabinet, and the pulpit.
G. F. Pierce.
A VOICE FROM GLEN ALTA,
Mu. Editor: After reading your last ed
itorial on “Editors’ Trials,” I confess to
some trepidation in venturiug to present to
you and your readers a short account of the
Glen Alta Circuit —its past, present, and
probable future. This little work was first
served by brother C. C. Hines, who bestowed
upon it two faithful years’ culture. Owing
to the failure—in consequence of sickness —
of the next appointee to reach the work, it
was served last year by brothers M. Hair
and W. B. Merritt, local brethren of the
Buena Vista Circuit. Hitherto the work has
had amissionarv appropriation, but as your
correspondent still holds to the estate of
“ single blessedness ” it was deemed best by
the Board to relieve him of an appropriation,
thus forcing him to work his way from sheer
desperation.
Now, Mr. Editor, I dare say I have the
strangest Circuit in the South Georgia Con
ference. From the extreme points, it is
about fifty miles long, and not more than
VOLUME XXXIX., NO. 14.
one mile broad. Can you produce another
Circuit of similar shape? The Presiding
Elder, and other preachers of the District,
call it the “ Leather String Circuit.” It
has five churches, and about 200 members.
The people are generally poor, but clever
and kind. Notwithstanding its length, it is
a very pleasant work. With a few altera
tions it can be made one of the finest young
men’s appointments, in the Conference.
Within its bounds there are living some of
the “Salt of the earth.” As this is my first
year, of course I do not know much about
the joys and sorrows of a traveling preach
er’s life ; but so far, my experience of the
itinerancy has been extremely pleasant.
The Holy Spirit is with us, and we have
had some gracious meetings. lam taking
my missionary collection as I go. Find
money very scarce. The Advocate does
not circulate as I desire. Am doing all I
can for it. My first Quarterly Conference
has been held. Brother J. B. McGehee,
“ the indefatigable," was on hand, presid
ing with ability, and preaching with power.
I think, with the help of God, under the
leadership of my Presiding Elder, we shall
see wonders here before the year ends.
Your brother, W. F. Lloyd.
Glen Alta, March 20, 1876.
THE ADVOCATE-IMPROVEMENT.
Allow me, Mr. Editor, to record, in capi
tals, the decided improvement in the general
facial appearance,or visage, of the Southern
Christian Advocate, beginning with the
number of March the Bth. The record is
made, and you will find it in the pronounced
and appreciative utterances of the many
readers of the paper wherever you go. “It
is an ill wind that blows nobody any good ;”
and I am glad to Bee, in these times of finan
cial depression, that tl.e Advocate is im
proving. So much for the vernal equinox.
We all hail the change, for the better, as we
do the return of the rich, roseate hues, that
kindle new life into the cheek of our friends
when in advanced convalescence. I hear
but one verdict, and this issues from the
cliancel-y of an indiscriminate public—“ the
Advocate looks better.”
' But allow me to speak of the contents of
the Advocate, more than its general “make
up.” I will only briefly look over some of
the articles of the Bth and 15th of March,
leaving subsequent numbers to pass under
the endorsements here made. Our mutual
friend, J. W. K., comes out in two articles,
and appears in full life size. His style is
terse, sententious, and entertaining. To
those familiar with his track of travel, he
brings up interesting scenery of the past in
stereopticon outlines. Why does he not
write more, and write less —more frequently,
and with less prolixity ? This is an appeal
in behalf of the Advocate for an addition
of the “more,” and not a personal dissatis
faction at the length of his articles ; for I
have learned to like a great deal that J. W.
K. does, and to like it the better when he
does it'in his own way.
“ The Old Enoree Circuit Conference
Journals” read well, and are affluent in sug
gestions. Brother Chrietzberg is reserved
and meditative enough in temperament an I
habit to enjoy, in voluntary solitude, the lit
erary excavations in which he is now en
gaged ; and he is imbued sufficiently with
the tithe doctrine to have carefully trans
ported to us, free of cost, the relics ex
humed from the buried past. Let the arti
cles continue to come, for of their tooth
someness none will doubt, and to the region
of country embraced within the lines of the
“ Old Enoree Circuit ” they offer an accept
able repast.
Bishop Pierce occupies a column in each
number —Bth and 15th. How sugge.-tive of
thought are the lines of travel along which
he wends his way. This is uniformly the
case. They appear to be chosen routes,
looking specially to richness of incident,
combined with wonderful variety of scenery.
He certainly sees more than most travelers,
and under the touches of his promethean
pen, inanimate nature actually lives before
the reader’s eye. Bishop Pierce may over
tax his strength, but he is one of the few
men who never can either write or preach
too much for the masses.
“ Thoughts on Sanctification,” by Dr. L.
Pierce, have run up to No. 4; and to say
that all that the Doctor writes is well and
ably written, is only to vocalize the matured
opinion of all who wish to be regarded as
intelligent. His writings will always do to
study. This is an age, however, of inde
pendent thought and discussion. Romanism,
ritualism, spiritism, baptism—each and all
of these have their sworded knights who go
forth in defense of the truth as they hold it.
Sanctification furnishes its helmeted and
shielded defenders also, and each one guards
with sacred vigil the points exposed to attack.
Would to God we all enjoyed the blessing of
sanctification in the identical sense, and to
the full extent that each person understands
the doctrine for himself. This would be the
signal for a grand rally of God’s militant
forces, and no difficulty would be experienced
in marshaling them in solid columns against
sin in all its phases. I fear that more talk
up for the doctrine than stand up for it—
more preach it than practice it. Dr. Pierce,
however, gives out the fragrance of a rich
and mellow Christian experience, in the
guarded exemplification of the doctrine in
its highest sense.
The weekly contributions of strong, prac
tical thought by H. make the Advocate more
readable. The Doctor has written enough
for the children to know how to talk to his
subject, and furthermore, to elicit pertinent
responses. Ignoring the useless garniture of
mere word-painting, he gives out his thoughts
in the solid and well-defined outlines of truth,
and in the purity and elegance of its own
proportions.
Your own article, Mr. Editor, on the At
lanta Methodist must not pass unnoticed in
this running comment upon the contents of
the Church paper. I would make a real as
sault upon the spirit you exhibit in your
strictures, and in your corrections of errors
as published by the Methodist, in your issue
of March Bth, but for the fact that I know
you keep well fortified, and might repel it.
I will say a word or two about th e spirit you
display in all these attacks, toward the man
ot the Methodist. And my remarks are not
made against the bad spirit, but against an
excess of the good —an exhibition of edito
rial consideration, and fraternal regard that,
under the grace of such patience, is trans
muted into “pearls,” and wasted “under
the feet” of swine. May our editors, or
other representative men of the South, not
admire whom they please, whether Toombs,
Hampton, Jackson, or Lee, without incur
ring the displeasure of these imported, self
constituted, and really chronic fault finders?
To pass unnoticed the published intermed
dlings of such self-appointed sentinels of
Northern interests, appears, to at least one
reader of the Advocate, as but justice. I
will not make myself an intermeddler, how
ever, by even offering this as a suggestion.
It would be well for the Atlanta Methodist
to give currency to the fact that Southern
Methodists will admire whom they please,
without first asking permission from others.
To avoid being misunderstood, I will say
that I entertain, conscientiously, as advanced
views on fraternity, as any other Southern
Methodist, while I hold in profoundest con
tempt the many “pestilent fellows” who
stir up strife on this subject.
J. B. Campbell.
S, C., March‘d 1876*