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170 Southern (Christum Rotate. MAC'*N. GEORGIA, OCTOBER 24, 1876. ENEMIES OF PEACE. It is a sore trial to those in the South who sincerely desire the return of an era of good fe -ling between the sections, to know that they and their people are systematically and unsparingly slandered from day to day by a large portion of the Northern press. The extravagant, and often groundless stories of unprincipled adventurers, whose lease of facilities tor peculation and plundering is conditioned upon the perpetuation of ill-will and hate between the North and South, are accepted as true, and diligently used to in flame the prejudices and excite the indigna tion and anger of their readers ; while the solemn denials and well authenticated con tradictions of those who are maligned, and j whose credibility is subject to no such dis count as attaches to the character of their slanderers, are either denied a place in their columns or contemptuously flouted as wholly unworthy of belief. With many in the South, the feeling of regret at this state of things is only inferior in intensity to the righteous in dignation aroused by the injustice thus done the Southern people. If guilty of a tithe of the atrocities alleged against them by mer cenary calumniators, they would merit the detestation [of all civilized humanity; and the ready currency and credence which these malicious slanders obtain among their fellow countrymen of the Northern States, are not promotive of such sentiments as many of them would like to see re-established between the citizens of all quarters of this broad land. The frequency of popular elections is the most demoralizing and damaging feature of the republican form of Government; and chiefly, because of the inducement and strong temptations to sacrifice truth and justice, and everything else honorable and ennobling, that may stand in the way of success. It is a fact, as undeniable as it is deplorable, that with very many the exigencies of party are held to justify any measures that they may seem to demand. To “carry the election” is, with too many, the supreme object, and any expedient that will further this end, isadopt ed, regardless of its quality in the light of morals or religion. To this depraved state of political morals, more than to anything else, is due the perpetuation of the animosi ties engendered by the war. They would have died out long ago, the close of actual hostilities would have been speedily followed by genuine reconciliation, the two races in the South would have quietly adjusted them selves to their new relations, and the great parties, inevitable to popular government, would have divided upon national rather than sectional issues, had politicians and the political press preferred peace to party su premacy. The restoration of kindly feelings between the alienated sections threatened their continued cousequence and emolu ments, and they have not scrupled to fan the expiring embers of sectional hate by foment ing strife between the races at the South and then misrepresenting and magnifying such collisions as they could precipitate, and branding the Southern whites with oppres sion and the perpetration of atrocious cruel ties upon the negroes. There have been un fortunate conflicts between the races, and in some places there is much bitter feeling between them. In one instance, at Ham burg, S. C., there was unpardonable cruelty on the part of some of the whites, in shoot ing down helpless prisoners. But this atroci ty was as universally and heartily condemn ed by the white people of the South as of the North. The exasperation which culminated in this gross crime, and all the hostile feel ing that, ever and anon finds outward ex pression in riots and bloody affrays, are di rectly or remotely chargeable upon the sys tematic and untiring efforts of political ad venturers to bring about just such a state of things for their own personal advancement and profit. There are rash and unscrupu lous native Southerners, as there are such people everywhere else ; but it is our intelli gent and sincere conviction, that these do not bear anything like so large a proportion to the whole white population of the South as do the “roughs” and lawless “tramps” of the North and Northwest, to the respecta ble and law-abiding citizens of those sec tions. We have no word of encouragement or apology for lawlessness of any kind, but it is simple justice to affirm, as we do un equivocally, that the great mass of the white people of the South have been marvellously patient under the provocations instigated by the class of men to which allusion has been made —quite as much, if not more so, than Northern fellow-citizens would have been under like incentives to resistance. But, it is not our province to defend the South against her detainers, especially at a point where the libels cannot be repelled without allusion to adherents of one of the great political parties before the country for its support; and the subject would have found no place in our columns but for the bitterness and injustice of some of the North ern Methodist press. The leading organ of the M. E. Church published on its first page, a short time since, a violently abusive article against the Southern people, from one of the most prominent ministers of that Church —a production conceived in prejudice and brought forth in fanatical passion. The editor, it is true, commented on the article in a kindlier tone and far more creditable spirit, but his apology for the assailed did them the great, though doubtless unintentional injustice, of accepting as truth, the fictions and exaggera tions of his correspondent’s letter. We do not charge the author of that letter with will ful, conscious defamation; we cannot be lieve him guilty of such ; but we believe he has been prompted by his prejudices to “take up a reproach against his neighbor” upon false accusations, and thereby, however hon est he may be in his convictions, grievously to wrong a suffering and slandered people. “ He did it ignorantly,” may exculpate him from the sin of bearing false witness in some of his gravest allegations ; but even that would not excuse him for the ill-dis guised hostility which inspires his whole article. There is a painful proneness manifest in most of the Northern Methodist papers, to join the partisan secular press in its crusade against the good name of the South, and to inculpate the Southern Methodist Church with the “ horrors” which they al lege as perpetrated here and endorsed by Southern society. Unwilling to utter an un necessary word that would check the pro gress of complete reconciliation between the two Churches, we have passed in si lence many utterances upon which we felt a strong inclination to animadvert; and we speak now under an impelling sense of duty, and in the interest of peace and fra ternity. Such sheets as the Northwestern Christian Adooeate, to the full extent of their influence, antagonize fraternity, and — if they believe what they say, and do not, like many of the secular papers, speak rather for political effect than from honest convic tions —show the real thing to be both unde sirable and impossible. It is from this view, more than any other, that their unkind and defamatory utterances fill us with painful regret. A recent number of the North western comes to us with three columns and a half of what it calls “ghastly facts,” touch ing the “ murderous terrorism in the South;” and more than two columns of editorial, headed “ Excesses by Southern Politicians,” but devoted mainly to indictment of the Southern Methodist press and pulpit for com plicity with crime, and suggestions for the transformation of the Southern States into a second Hayti. With reference to the "ghast ly facts” which Dr. Edwards parades before His readers, we have only to say. that we know some of them to be wholly without foundation,or Buch perversions and misrepre sentations of real "occurrences as to make them no better than unmitigated falsehoods ; and, therefore, we have little or no reason to doubt the manufacture or partisan ma nipulation of the rest. The sensitive editor says, “We are Methodist, and, therefore, constructively answerable to some observers for the Southern Methodist attitude in this bloody contest,” and then goes on to de liver himself of the following unkind, unjust, and insulting paragraph : After that Fourth of Julv murder at. Ham burg. South Carolina, the Southern (Method ist) Christian Advocate was the only paper in that Church to speak out with tolerable promptness. Some other papers spoke later, but reluctantly, and only when stung out of silence bv our just strictures. Later thought and information compels us to modify our condemnation as far as the motives to the silence of Southern presses and pulpits are concerned. We now see that this notori ous hesitation to rebuke Southern ruffianism is chargeable not to their half-hearted horror at the murder of a human being who was lately but a thing, a salable piece of property, but rather to fear of consequences should a Southern editor or preacher plainly protest against “killing niggers” to lessen the ma jority of opponents at a pending election. Even the Southern Christian Advocate, July 16, assumed an apologetic air when it con demned the dastardly massacre at Hamburg. The necessity for apology and explicit disa vowal of meddling with politics when pro testing against murder, is half patent to us, when it is announced that the legal bar of Aiken, South Carolina, in a body, volun teered to gratuitously defend the Hamburg murderers, and, when, later, armed bodies of mounted men assembled to intimidate the grand jury when it approached the question of indicting the murderers. Had we, in July, known all the circumstances, we should have omitted certain points in our condem nation, and have attributed Southern Metho dist editors’ silence to fear, and to appre hensions lest they should inevitably share with the colored man the penalty of opposing the behests of the ruffians who with shot guns present the convincing aspect of certain Southern political issues. In the very first issue of this paper after the affair at Hamburg, at the earliest possi ble moment, we spoke in terms of unmeas ured and unqualified condemnation of the atrocity committed, but the Northwestern failed to see that copy of the Advocate, and with sinful haste proceeded to bear false witness against his brethren. There was no apology for the crime in our condemnation —it was unequivocal and hearty. The other Church papers remote from the occurrence, as soon as they were certified, from sifting the different statements, that such a crime had been committed, denounced it in fitting terms. So far from being “ stung out of si lence by our (Dr. Edwards’) just strictures,” we doubt them experienced any other emotion upon reading his wild ravings than righteous contempt for the man, recog nized as a Christian editor, who could give them utterance. The patronizing and quasi excusatory air with which this reverend de lamer shifts his indictment against the South ern Methodist press and pulpit, from sym pathy with crime to craven fear of conse quences should they boldly rebuke it, only aggravates the offense of slander by convey ing it in wanton insult. The preachers and ed itors of Southern Methodism, answerable to God and their own consciences, not only re fuse to accept the dicta of I)r Edwards as a rule of action, but consult the claims of their self respect in declining to defend themselves against such a gratuitously insulting libel. That'our readers may have a clearer in sight into the animus which swells the Chris tian heart of this Church editor, we quote the following additional paragraphs from his article : On the other hand, if the law does not protect the downtrodden they will assume that duty. Certain Southerners in their idiocy are even now in danger of giving a hint of self defense to the colored man. Whenever the whites raise a cry about “a negro uprising,” they cause some colored man, half of whose blood is white, to won der why there is such terror in the rumor, and that young man thus catches a glimpse of the terrible possibilities within the reach of uprisers when they heve wrongs to redress. If these outrages continue some Toussaint L’Overture may come to the front and utter the words that will run along the wires of African community in wrong and suffering as quickly and terrifically as did the subtile agent at Hell-Gate the other day. God’s authority and the religion of Christ have kept the fires of slave and freedman resent ment below white heat, but if it should ever occur to the poor creatures that God calls them to spoil the latter-day Egyptians and to vindicate their race, they will go through all degrees of danger, pain, and death, to exe cute the decree. A musket costs money, and military drill requires much time, but an unearthly thrill of enthusiasm and a streak of lightning - like devotion to something more precious than life may fall upon a race in one night, and woe betide the armed, over confident, and arrogant oppressor who stands in the path of such an irresistible impulse. It may occur to such a latter-day Toussaint that, while it is ignoble to merely avenge a past wrong, it were imperative justice to coming generations to shake the lucifer match in defiance of the shot gun, and that while assassination cuts short a human pro bation, a burned city may be a heavenly call upon the Ivu-klux to lay aside their guns and engage in laying brick, pending the rebuild ing of homes and business blocks. Should that L'Overture propose to insure whole towns and cities against wholesale conflag ration at the very reasonable premium of political toleration and personal safety to party opponents, the Southern Bashi-Bazouk must needs prenounce the terms reasonable and fair. ******** It cannot be that the day of God’s venge ance is far away. How He will reveal His wrath we cannot say, but Hayti may be the prototype of a possible solution and penalty. It will be remembered that in that unhappy island, prior cruelty and massacre gave a hint to the blacks concerning the effective ness of the torch and the sword. The ana lagous hint given by bloody white murderers in the South must necessarily have sunk deep into the hearts of many men who have been wronged far, far beyond description. May God avert such calamity from the South ; [Bah I—Er>.]1 —Er>.] but if it comes, a terri ble responsibility will rest upon Southeru pa pers and pulpits for their silence in the pre mises, whether or not that silence is induc ed by fear of consequences. YELLOW FEVER. The pestilence, though greatly abated, has not yet entirely disappeared from either Sav annah or Brunswick. In the latter place, the new cases are said to be all of a mild type, which yield readily to medical tseatment. In Savannah, though the number of deaths daily, is greatly reduced, still the fever is malignant; and every day some valuable life that has sur vived the rage of the pestilence, is extinguish ed, creating among kindred and the commu nity that peculiar intensity of sorrowful re gret, that is felt for the soldier, who having passed safely through the storm of battle, is stricken down by a stray shot at the close. Brother Wynn,at last accounts,was regaining his strength, and has resumed his pastoral duties. The physicians report brother Sim mons out of danger, and convalescing satis factorily. _ ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The following sums have been received by me for the sufferers from Yellow Fever, from October 12, to October 19: FOR SAVANNAH. From Wadesboro, N. C., through Rev. J. H. Guinn $ 5.00 From Mrs. E. S. Myrick, Baldwin co., Georgia 2 00 From F. L. Hartiu, Cheowee, S. C 2 00 From Market street Methodist Church, Pttersburg, Va., through Rev. R. N, Sledi 36 80 F. M. Kennedy. SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. HAYING LOVED THIS PRESENT WOBLD. Three times St. Paul mentions Demas. A. D. 64, writing from Rome to the “saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse,” the apostle mentions him in the same sentence with “Luke, the beloved phy sician.” Men are known sometimes by their companionship. We conclude that, A. D. 64, Demas was a good man because we find him with faithful Luke. And he joins Luke in Christian salutation, conveyed through Paul, to the saints at Colosse. A bad man would not have sent such greetings by such hands. About the same time Paul wrote to Phileman his beloved brother and “fellow-laborer” concerning Onesimus. Demas is mentioned in this letter a second time and in connections honorable to his Christian character. He waß in company with St. Paul and other Christian workers : “Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow-laborers." So he was, A. D. 64, a disciple and a laborer. More: he was a dis ciple who, at least, braved the hazards of persecution. Paul was in prison ; so was Epaphras—“my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus.” It was unsafe to be the friend of these men ; it was perilous to advocate the cause for which they suffered. Had the brief record stopped here 1 Then we might write his name with the holy martyrs, “of whom the world was not worthy.” But two years —only two years—later, he is mentioned again and for the last time. A. D. 66, “when Paul was brought before Nero the second time,” he wrote a touching letter to Timothy, pastor of the Church at Ephesns. His circle of friends had gradually broken up —gome frightened, some lured away. Fear of Nero drove some; love of the world drew others. Very touching is Paul’s re quest to Timothy—his son in the gospel: “Do thy diligence to come shortly unlo me.” As the whole tenor of this Epistle leads us to believe, Paul desired to see the pastor of Ephesus for the pastor’s sake, far more than his own. Timothy needed Paul more than Paul needed Timothy. But he urges Timothy to hasten his coming by a statement of his solitary condition: “Only Luke is with me.” Faithful Luke ;no won der he is called “the beloved.” Where is Demas? “For Demas hath forsaken me.” Crescens had gone unto Galatia; Titus into Dalmatia. On some gospel errand we must believe ; for Paul does not say of them, “have forsaken me.” But Demas —the Christian man, the Christian laborer brav ing the enemies of Christ A. D. 64, has “fallen from grace.” The record is unmis takable—“for Demas hath forsaken me.” He had “gone into Thessalonica” —perhaps on some trading expedition. We have, in the few words St. Paul em ploys about Demas (and this is all we have concerning his history) two facts and an ex planation. A. D. 64, a Christian laborer, braving persecution ; A. D. 66, a back slid er —“hath forsaken me.” Demas A. D. 66, is a very different—an unspeakable different —man from Demas A. D. 64. What changes in character two years may bring about 1 Paul explains the apostasy of De mas ; “hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.” And no wonder Demas fell, as tens of thousands have fallen. He who loves the world cannot abide in Christ. Jesus himself says ; “Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.” How many believe this saying of our Lord ? How many thousands seem to be experimenting that they may prove him wrong ! If only men could “serve God and Mammon 1” Then all would serve God. How insidious and how fatal the love ot the world! “It chokes the word and it be* Cometh uiifruitful.” It is like the hot breath 1 of the desert winds on a garden of flowers; where they blow they blight. It is not, at first, that out breaking sin robs the Church of her children. It is “love of the world.” It hath “Blain its tens of thousands.” There is nothing so dangerous to religion of which Christians are so little afraid. From what they and society call sin, they shrink back in horror. But they open their arms to what God denounces as idolatry. Hear St. John: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him.” And Paul says: “Be not conformed to this world.” If any count it mere “old fogy cant” to write thus, let them hear St. James and contradict if they dare : “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God ? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” As wise as witty, as pungent as powerful are the great Dreamer’s reflections on the case of Demas. “ Then I saw in my dream,” says Bunyan, “that a little off the road, over against the silver mine, stood Demas, (gen tleman-like,) to call passengers to come and see; who said to Christian and his fellow, Ho I turn aside hither, aud I will show you a thing.” ****** “Then Christian called to Demas, saying, “Is not the place dangerous? Hath it not hindered many in their pilgrimage? Demas. Not very dangerous, except to those that are careless; but withal, he blushed as he spoke.” But Christian knew him—the son of Judas, the grandson of Gehazi—and would not hear him. But poor By-ends was an easy victim: “By this time By-ends and his companions were come again within sight, and they at the first beck went over to Demas. Now, whether they fell into the pit by looking over the brink thereof, or whether they went down to dig, or whether they were smother ed in the bottom by the damps that com monly arise : of these things I am not certain, but this I observed, that they were never seen again in the way.” Everywhere and always and with all saints there is danger of falling away after the man ner of Demas who “loved this present world.” The world promises cash payment; faith promises an inheritance by and by, and, for the most part, in another world. And for cash payment to appetite—though it be but a mess of pottage —men barter away their birth-right of immortality. Lord, “lead us not into temptation.” Oxford. H. RECENT PUBLICATIONS. Dr. Haygood’s Book, I take great pleasure in adding my testimo ny in behalf of Dr. Haygood's timely work : “Our Children.” The author’s style is plain, direct, and vigorous. He has no new theory to present —indulges in no speculations upon abstruse and difficult questions—but labors to awaken the consciences, and to influence the conduct, of Christian fathers and mothers. The subject discussed is of incalculable in terest to the Church and to the world at large. The book ought to be in every family library, and should be read by every parent in the land. lam confident that it will do great good, and the accomplished author will reap a rich reward in this life ; the thanks of his brethren in the ministry, and the grati tude of the thousands whose welfare he la bors to promote. In the life to come, may he have many stars in his crown. Atlanta, Oct. 1676. W. P. Harrison. High Churchism Ron Mad. Rev. J. M. Boland, of the North Alabama Conference, has written a pamphlet with the above title. He collects the resolutions and utterances of several Conventions, Associa tions, and Ministers of the Baptist Church, showing their extreme and uncharitable views. It is greatly to be regretted that some of our Baptist brethren seek to wage war upon their Protestant neighbors and friends. If they will do so, however, they cannot complain if Methodists are put upon their guard, and informed of the course of these agitators. Brother Boland’s little work will be of service to those ministers who are annoyed by disturbers of the peace of the Church. I notice an error in the pamphlet. Brother Boland affirms that the Baptists have no “Book of Discipline.” This is a mistake. I have before me a book containing three sections, the second of which reads as follows in the title page: “A summary of Church Discipline: show ing the Qualifications and Duties of the Offi cers and Members of a Gospel Church. By the Baptist Association, in Charleston, S. C. This book, in all essential particulars, sup plies the place among our Baptist brethren that the Methodist Discipline does among us. At all events, it was adopted by the highest authority known to that Church at that time, and I presume it has not been formally dis owned. A Confession of Faith, strongly Cal viuistic, having thirty-three chapters, or Ar ticles, occupies 66 pages ; the Church Dis cipline, 30; and the Baptist Catechism, 23 pages. Our brethren of the Baptist Church are not without a printed guide in the gov ernment of their Churches. Brother Boland’s pamphlet can be ordered from J. W. Burke & Cos. Atlanta, Oct. 1876. \V. P. Harrison. The Lover’s Revenge, and other Poems, by Miss. J. Thigpen, of Clinton, Ga.; J Macon, Ga.: J. W. Burke & Cos., publish- | ers. Price SI 25. -4 Those readers of the Southern Christian j Advocate who used to enjoy the monthly visits of the Home Circle will remember the I name ol “Jesse Linn;” —a name that appear- j ed above some of the sweetest poems that l embellished that fine magazine. The fair ’ lady who wore that nom de plume is Miss j Thigpen, the gifted authoress of the work be- > fore us. Our own “Poets’ Corner” has also 1 been favored with contributions from the j same facile pen. Besides those productions of Miss Thig / pen's graceful muse, this volume contains-; other pieces which never before saw the! light. While preserving the freshness and animation of her early poems, the writer,; shows the beneficial effect of diligent study and practice of her divine art in the richer flow and higher finish of her later effusions. J This tasteful volume embraces a variety subjects, for the most part of a religious character. Indeed, the devout spirit that imbues the whole work invests it with its"' highest charm. The poems do not merely entertain; they instruct, soothe, inspire. We commend these tuneful utterances of a cultured mind and pious heart to all enjoy verse the more because it is conse crated to pious ends. The publishers have done their part of the work in most creditable style. Kind Words. —Late issues of this Baptist Sunday school paper have been placed on our table, and a cursory examination of contents enables us to congratulate our Bap tist brethren upon the publication, by their Committee, of a Sunday-school paper whicljp is eminently creditable to their denomina tion. The editor, Rev. Samuel Boykin, ha| just that rare sort of talent which is required for making an interesting children’s paper, and is sufficiently lavish of his denomina tional convictions, we judge, to satisfy t,hs most exacting of his brethren. Kind Word\ is entensely liaptist, and if its youthful read> erg should ever change their faith, it will not be the result of failure to indoctrinate them in the views of their Church on the subjecj of Baptism. The illustrations of the .paitfljj are excellent; and, indeed, it is in alnWj spects what doubtless, if we were a BaptisS we would desire in a Sunday-set >ol paper. ; New Volume. —-Number 1686 of LittelVf Living Age , being the first number of Octo ber, begins anew volume of that standard eclectic weekly. Among the valuable arti cles contained in the latest issues of the mag azine are the following: Modern Philoso phers on the Probable Age of the World, a specially interesting paper from the Quarter ly Review ; From Belgrade to Constantinople overland ; Charlotte Bronte, a Monograph ; An Excursion in Formosa; Social Relations of England aud America; “Retribution” as a Faith and Superstitution ; The Native RaeA of the Pacific States of North America ; Mill bank Penitentiary ; A Human Sacrifice; The Brigands of Bulgarian Song ; The Liturgy of the Jews, by a Jew; The Swarming of Man kind ; The Limits of Fiction ; with serials by Mrs. Oliphant, and Sarah Tytler, poetry and miscellany. Harder's Magazine, for November —pro- fusely illustrated. Magnus and Morna. Shetland Fairy Tale ; Dawn —A Poem ;M* dimval Furniture ; A Puritan Gentleman i|i New England; Poet’s Resignation—A Poem; An Englishwoman among the Himalayas; A Woman-Hater, Part V. Only a Study— A Story ; Tombs in Old Trinity ; Song ; The Laurel Bush, an Old-fashioned Love Story —Part VI; Coming; Mission Endeavot; Peat Fields ; A Grand Business Man of the New School; Garth—A Novel; John Locke; Marcia —A Story ; The Storm; The tion Party at Willowbrook —A Story ; Rarity —A Poem ; Editor's Easy Chair ; Editorjs Literary Record ; Editor's Scientific Record; Editor’s Drawer. Blackwood’s Magazine, for October. A Run Through Kathiawar—The Scythian Ka this; The Friend of the Hero; A Woman- Hater —Part V; The Two Chancellors- 1 - Prince Gortschakoff and Prince Bismarck ; Nenuphar—A Fancy ; Primavera ; Country Life; A River Song; The Mobilizationlif the Army, and National Defense. Correspondence. | GROWTH OF METHODISM AT MIL LKIIGEVILI.E. Dear Brother Kennedy: We would nit boast as to numbers. Milledgeville Chris tians hang their heads with shame in pre sence of the fact that hundreds residing with in the sound of our Sabbath bells, and in the midst of our five white, and four colored churches, are not heirs of salvation; many never frequent the courts of the Lord—npr honor Him by uniting with His public wor shippers. Nevertheless, something should be said to encourage other communities that might be circumstanced as this was a few years ago; and are we not sufficiently deb tors to the grace of God, to demand this pub lic recognition of it? We think so. It is n'ot proposed to bore you with statistics, but to present some facts, and statistics only so far as necessary to the understanding of these facts. Rev. W. J. Scott was stationed in Mil ledgevilfcb in 1800, and had a remarkably successful year. The writer succeeded hifh, and was in a position to know—and now jL*s some of the results of his abundant and wfell directed labors before him upon the Chuteh records. He left 165 white members at the two churches, then forming the pastopa charge, (for Bethel was included.) Among the good things done was pruning the vine. In 1868, there were 200 white members Re ported, and in 1869 there were 190. J Brother Scott left 90 probationers at tihe churches—there were but six when he tobk charge. Of these 64 were received ujjtan trial by the Milledgeville church. Wlfen Bethel was placed in the Baldwin circuit, tin 1867, the Milledgeville church was reduced 53 members, which indicates that somethiiug like that was the membership at Bethel whilst united with Milledgeville. If so, then dt the end of Brother Scott’s year, (1860) "ifeere were 110 members and 64 probation ers. For the next ten years, the average Membership is 136. At the end of brother Jarrell’s first year, (1871) there were 164 iuembers, and at the end of the fourth year if his remarkable pastorate, there were 240 Members. This increase did not end with Es untiring labors, but brother Wadsworth last year 300 members; this year i'nere will be about 325 members reported to he Conference. Now when it is considered that Milledge ville is an old town, with a smaller white imputation than it had whilst it was the seat pf government, that the college, at Midway, -fence brought a large number of young which people here, has been closed ; indeed, when ill the discouraging facts of the past are con sidered, it is a most gracious result. If this large company of professed Chris tians use their opportunity; are but faithful to God, their neighbors, and each other; what development may not the future ex hibit ! There has been untiring labor, unyielding j faith, and hearty co-operation; let these be ,multiplied in the ralio of our numerical (growth, and the blessing of the Lord, that jgiveth increase, will not be withheld. 1 We are trying to meet our assessments for J Missions, Conference claimants, the Bishops, Sand our own Church expenses. It is hoped ijwe will succeed. Our Sunday-school clothes jbwo of the inmates of the North Georgia ifOrphans' Home, and will give something to our missions besides. Your brother. Milledgeville, Oct. 12. H. J. Adams. CAMP-MEETING AT SALT SPRINGS. The meeting commenced on Friday night before the 4th Sanbath in September. The tent holders were early on the ground— several were there before 12 o’clock. I never witnessed such interest. Though the times were hard and oppressive, they came like a rushing stream to the consecrated place. Old friends met again—glad to see each other’s face. They had left home and interest behind, and had come to meet with thegreat Master of Assemblies, and they were notdisappointed—angels kindled the juniper coals, and brought the food of heaven, and with renewed strength they set out upon the journey through the wilderness. Several ministers arrived in the evening; we knew the men and felt confident of grand results, if the Church, like Aaron and Ilur, would only hold up their hands. Some of them had grown gray in the service, and like the old ■ guard of Napoleon, had never flinched in the hottest battle. Rev. R. H. Jones preached the first sermon. God by Ilis Spirit warmed the preacher’s heart and his trumpet, voice had the old time ring—the faith of the Church was strengthened—and they felt that a good time was coming. Rev. C. Trussell preached the 8 o’clock sermon Saturday morning— there was a good state of feeling and the veteran’s heart warmed under the inspira tion of other years. At eleven o’clock Rev. T. F. Pierce preached to the delight and edification of the vast multitude. Rev. E. K. Akin preached at three, basing his reflections upon the ques tion of the prophet, “Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there? etc.” The sermon was followed by a happy state of feeling, and the cloud of glory moved heavenward. Rev. S. P. Jones preached at night upon the judgment —a feeling of solemnity pervaded the vast congregation, while all thoughts seemed turned upon the coming of the final judge. Rev. Sanford Leak preached at 8 o’clock Sunday rnorn iing, and gave us some beautiful thoughts on the sowing and the reaping time; on death and the life eternal. The hour of eleven ap proached, the country for miles around had poured out its mighty population; there were many from the city of Atlanta —all beneath the arbor was densely packed, while hun dreds thronged around. Brother Pierce, trembling with the awful responsibility of the hour, announced his text and launched lorth at once into the broad field of divinity. It was a glad hour to Christian faith. 0, it was a time never to be forgotten, and memory will linger around it in after years. Brother Pierce sat down exhausted; he had said enough, many hearts could have responded enough; if they hear not this, they would not be persuaded though one should rise from the dead. Rev. R. H. Jones preached at three, and Rev. S. P. Jones at night. The tide of feeling still moved and the good work went on. Bro. Duvall preached on Monday morning, a good and impressive sermon. At eleven Rev. S. P. Jones preached again. At three,the writer in great feebleness preached. God came to his help, and the Holy Spirit descended like the dew upon Hermon. Rev. M. D. Norton preached at night—from the tent I could hear his voice, as it rang out upon the darkness; it sounded like the tocsin of battle to lead on the host of Israel to victory. Bro. Thrower preached on Tues day morning. His theme was the resurrec tion, and many hearts were exultant. At eleven Bro. Pierce preached again. It was a sermon never to be forgotten. It was his last sermon; the benediction of the faithful man of God. At three the sacrament was administered. It was a good time. We ate and drank around the sacred board but thought on nobler things. Bro.S.P.Jones — who had referred to the happy death of one we had known so long, to her beautiful vision of the moss covered banks of the river—the little boat—the cherubic oarsmen, the rose of Sharon, the song of angels, and the pearly gates ajar—wished all who desired to meet him in heaven to give him their hand. A multitude came forward, till the pale-faced preacher wept and shouted, and looked as if he longed to shout the jubilate of that world where congregations never break up and friends meet to part no more. Bro. Duvall preached at night; many came to the altar. We had the shouts of newborn souls. God’s people were happy—some old Christians re joiced, feeling that they were almost home. The experience meeting was a good time, and helped to bear our thoughts on towards heaven. Wednesday morning came; we parted in body but not in spirit. It seems like a long time before we have another camp-meeting. But I pray God to take care of the tent-holders—their wives and children; and may they come in the spirit of their divine Master Friday before 4th Sabbath in September next rekindle their camp fires, and help to swell the rushing tide of holy song and prayer. I but express the sentiment of the Church of which 1 am an humble mem ber, when I extend a cordial invitation to Methodists, Baptists.and Presbyterians,to all, whether in the Church or out of it, to come and build tents, unite with us in this feast of tabernacles. Your children may be convert ed, and you may get a blessing that will do you good to your dying day; and from Salt Springs camp-ground memories may come, to iucrease the joy of your glorified spirit and help to swell the song of its triumph forever. We wish to run the eamp-meeting in a plain way, to walk in the old paths. We would invoke the spirit of our fathers —the faith of Abraham and the providential care of Elijah’s God. The camp-meeting has been a great blessing. As for myself I feel amply re paid for all my trouble and sacrifices. It is the place where our children are being born for the skies. And while life and health shall last and circumstances permit, I expect to hear its first song and bow my gray head to receive its benediction. Not only have souls been converted; but the Church has been stirred up to take higher ground in re ligion ; throughout our Zion the cry is “Nearer my God to Thee." This is the leaven that is to work, and will help to widen the triumphs of the Redeemer’s kingdom, till the light of millennial glory shall dawn upon the world as the sun that sweeps through the golden gates of morning. J. B C. Quili.ian. FLORENCE DISTRICT, SOUTH CARO LINA CONFERENCE. SHILOH CAMP MEETING. Mr. Editor: Last year some members of Lynchburg circuit determined to hold a camp meeting near Shiloh Church. An eligible site was obtained, and the meeting was appointed. Only three tents were erected and occupied, but the attendance was good and the results beyond all expec tation. Encouraged by this experience, the preach er in charge for the present year and the members of the Church, braved the obsta cles created by the present financial strin gency and the excited political condition of the country. They set to work and labored so well that when the camp meeting for 1876 opened, there were nine new tents in addi tion to the three occupied last year. One of these was a roomy preacher’s tent. More than this, under the substantial arbor, or shed, were placed seats (with backs!) suffi cient to accommodate thirteen hundred peo ple. Over sixty dollars were expended in improvements, and much faithful labor was done upon the grounds. While they gave and worked, they failed not to offer earnest prayers to Him whose presence and blessing alone can bring success. With such preparations, of course, the meeting from begining to end was a feast of soul. The opening service on Friday night, September 29th, gave proof that the Lord was with His people. Steadily the interest grew. Penitents crowded the altar. Con versions crowned nearly every service. The communion enjoyed on Wednesday at 3 p.m,, was a gracious season. Seventy-one persons professed to receive pardon, numbers were reclaimed, and twenty-two joined the Church. By a misunderstanding, some tent holders had not prepared to remain longer than Wednesday morning, and therefore they moved out at that time. This somewhat dampened the earlier services of the day, but the later and closing services were times of refreshing. On Thursday morning, October sth, all met at the stand and joined in closing prayer and praise. “Good-byes” were spoken, and the meeting ended. The attendance was large. On Sunday over two thousand persons were on the grounds. The strictest order was required, insisted upon, and had. Entertainment was hearty and ample. Friendly interchanges were en joyed,but work for Christ—for the salvation of souls—was the supreme purpose. Two collections were made. On Sunday, while brother Platt was absent, engaged in the sad duty of burying one of his members, an offering in testimony of sympathy and af fection was suggested, and about S3O was quickly raised. The other call was for sub scription to the cause of missions. In cash and subscriptions, $90.30 to be credited to Lynchburg circuit, was received. Pledges to be credited in other charges were given to the amount of $13.25. One great cause of the marked success of this camp-meeting was that it was preceded by interesting protracted services held at the various appointments in the charge. At these services about twenty-five professed conversion, forty-eight joined the Church, and scores came to the altar for prayer. The camp meeting gathered these influences to gether, and hence its remarkable results. During the progress of the work, many touching incidents were witnessed. The conversion of two sisters (twins) at nearly the same hour on Wednesday night, and the rejoicing of their pious mother were deeply affecting. But your columns are too crowd ed to ask space for such matters —gracious though they be. But few ministers attended. There were present, Revs. W. C. Power, P. E., J. B. Platt, P. C., A. Coke Smith, J. S. Beasley and John O. Willson, itinerants ; and Revs. M. H. Joy, W. H. Smith, A. C. and Wm. LeGette, local preachers. And of these several were not present at the beginning of the meeting, and many were compelled to leave before it closed. The deficiency, how ever, was supplied by the efficient help of such faithful lay-workers as the Bros. liem bert, Tilman, Wayne, and others of like mind. The Lord bless His people with such refreshings as were enjoyed at this feast of tabernacles. 0. October 7th, 1870. ATHENS, NORTH GEORGIA CONFER ENCE. Mr. Editor: We have not robbed the South Georgia Conference, yet we have been enriched from her treasury. “How is that?” Dr. L. Pierce spent four days with us on the occasion of our last quarterly meeting, in cluding last Sabbath. If we measure health by work, he was remarkably well. Besides writing some, and reviewing with thrilling interest the scenes and events of his early ministry in Athens, in his weightier conver sations he frequently talked for hours togeth er on the great social, intellectual, and evan gelical questions of the day. On Sabbath morning he preached at First Church to a large congregation, and was generally heard all over the house. He read his own hymns and lessons, “ whetted his own sword,” and preached one hour aud seven minutes with out letting down in voice or style or thought. While the warp of his sermon was such as you would expect from one of his long ex perience in the ministry, threads of gold, the woof was as comprehensive as the Cen tennial Exhibition, and as fresh as the latest fashions. Athens heard him with real pleas ure, and no doubt with profit. I do not often deal in personal mentions, Mr. Editor, but every sensible man knows that I expect nothing from Dr. Pierce but his prayers and counsels —these I do desire as long as it may please God, who gave him to us, to spare his life. I want you to know that we appreciated his visit. And now that I have begun to write, I must inform you that things have changed here since you made us that flying trip last year. Our Church has been re-covered, and our parsonage raised out of the ground, re modelled, repainted, enlarged, and abun dantly refreshed by a well of living water in the yard. And I want you to know, too, that Athens is no longer in a corner, but on the highway of railroads from the sea to the mountains. Just think of it: the preachers and lay delegates of the Dahlonega and Gainesville Districts, and a part of the El berton District, will take a bee line over the North-Eastern Railroad through Athens to Sparta on the fourth ot next December. Who ever knew a preacher to go through Athens to an Annual Conference before ? I hope they will all stop and spend Monday night with me, and this is my card of invita tion : and on our return from Conference— well, we will consult the Bishop. No, sir; Athens is not in a corner. W. H. Potter. Athens, Ga., October 9, 1876. Troup Circuit, North Georgia Confer ence. —Rev. H. J. Ellis writes, October 4: We have had gracious revivals at every ap pointment on this circuit. Some of our members who were never satisfied in regard to their spiritual state, have been fully as sured, and several happily converted. The last meeting, at Pleasant Grove, closed Sun day night, September 24, with 24 accessions to the Church. We have received during the year 149 members—32 by certificate and 117 on profession of faith. We “ inquired into the spiritual condition” of every candi date for membership and found that all — with very few exceptions—professed saving faith in Christ. There were several persons converted who have joined other Churches. SWAIN'SBORO CIRCUIT, SOUTH GEOR GIA CONFERENCE. Dear Brother Kennedy : The Conference year now growing small, has been a gracious one on this circuit. With perhaps two ex ceptions, we have had good meeting at all the churches and a goodly number of acces sions—about fifty, and most of them persons well advanced in years. In addition to the gracious meetings at the churches, there have been protracted meetings held at two other places, where there have bi'.herto been no churches, and they both resulted in the organization of churches, and at oue, money has been raised to build a large house, which we hope to have in process of erection soon. At the other we will have a house soon. Af. ter these statements, it is almost, superfluous to say that our pastor, Rev. C. A. Moore, has been abundant in labors, and very ac ceptable to the masses. The same is emi nently true of our P. E., Rev. J. E. Sentell, who has been in two or three of the protrac ted meetings, fully panoplied with the divine armor. It is hignly probable that brother Moore is less at home, than any married pastor in the Conference only six days in a month. That sounds like old style itineran cy. He will be as acceptable to our people auother year, as any man in the Conference. “In the matter of money,” we have done nothing extra, yet we lead our District in such matters. It is highly probable that all Missionary assessments will be met, (I have not conferred with brother Moore,) and there will be more contributed to support the pas tor and P. E., than has been done for years. It is proper to state, that this is due more to the fidelity of the pastor, than to any other cause, for “hard times” has been showing his greedy mien very boldly in this country this year. It is also proper to state in this connection, that almost without an excep tion, the local preachers and ministers have done efficient service. Sabbath-schools are too important to be passed lightly by. At nearly all of our churches there are, and have been, live Sab bath-schools. There is oue in this circuit that never goes into winter quarters, and a woman is ai the head of it. When did a wo man ever fail, when she set her head to succeed? At the two places where new churches have been organized, the Sabbath schools were the feeders of the Church—got there first. Is it possible for a Church to live and thrive, without a Sabbath-school ? And is it possible for a Sabbath-school to be kept up long, without, building up a Church? In all our Sunday schools, our own publica lions have been used. For the Lord’s good ness in prolonging the lives of most of our members, and grea'ly increasing their num ber, unite with us in thanksgiving. Midville, Oct. 14. L. B. Boucheei.e. BARNESVILLE, GA. Dear Bro. Kennedy : I have had a pleas ant year in my charge—Bartlesville and Sa lem. The lines have fallen to me in pleas ant places. The retrospect is pleasant. A classic author says : “ He possesses domin ion over himself, and is happy, who can say every day, I have lived.” Martial says : “ We may be said to live twice when we can reflect with pleasure over the days that are gone.” From my own standpoint, overlook ing the past, I see fidelity, failure, and suc cess. The field has been tilled, the seed sown, the bread cast upon the waters ; but the harvest is over —the summer is ended —and, alas, many are not saved ! Yet “our moisture has not been (all and altogether) turned into the drought of summer.” The Sun ot Righteousness has now and then dawned upon the Church with healing in his wings. We have had sweet seasons of re freshing from the presence of the Lord. We have had a gracious season at Barnes ville. The Church in a measure has been revived. There have been accessions by letter and by profession of faith. There have been some conversions, and the Spirit of peace and consolation has been with us in our prayer meetings and public services. We thank God and take courage, and hope for other fruits. The collections are now occupying mind and heart, and we pray for liberality. The contributions from this place for Savannah, have been in accordance with the good reputation of the people for be nevolence and charity. We have a good hope that the claims of the Church will be liberally met, and that there will be render ed a good report by The Pastor. P. S. Bro. Yarbrough, P. E., and Bro. L. J. Davies have been with us recently, preaching much to the delight and profit of the people. JONESVILLE CIRCUIT-SOUTH CARO LINA CONFLUENCE. Dear Bro. Kennedy : I have just closed the last of my series of special meetings this year. The Great Head of the Church was with us, and the result is seventy-nine accessions to the Church and about sixty conversions. Many back sliders have been reclaimed, and the membership of the Church greatly revived. I have been as sisted at these meetings by Revs. John A. Wood, J. S. Baily (Presbyterian), J. T. McEllhaney, A. P. Avant, Jas. King (Bap tist), J. S. Porter, J. M. Friday, and W. H. Martin (exhorter). All of these brethren did faithful work. This is my fourth year on this work, and during the four years there have been 248 accessions to the Church, and $2,000 added to the valuation of Church property. God be praised foi all the good done, and spe cially that He has guided me —one of the weakest of His servants—through all these years ; and to-day, I can say, I feel much profit from them, and have not missed a sin gle appointment from sickness during the whole time. I shall soon-bid my kind peo ple of Jonesvilie circuit good-bye, but none of us, I think, will ever forget the blessed seasons we have enjoyed together the past four years. J. B. Wilson. TO THE Y. M. C.*A. 0F GEORGIA. The week comment ing Sunday, November the 12th, will be observed throughout the world as a week of prayer and thanksgiving by the Y. M. C. A. The International Con vention of the Young Men’s Christian Asso ciations of the United States and British Provinces, which assembled in Toronto, July 12th, 1876, adopted the following resolution : Resolved, That the signal manner in which the Lord ha3 answered our prayers, con strains us to put renewed emphasis upon the importance of observing the second Sunday, and the week following, in November, as a season of prayer and thanksgiving. The State Executive Committee of Geor gia desire most earnestly that every As sociation in the State unite in this ser vice, and would respectfully suggest that union services be held at 74 p. in., Sun day, November 12th, and that all Churches in sympathy with Y. M. C. A. work be requested to join in such service. Consult the pastors, and conduct the service as they recommend. If the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ will show as much zeal for a heart-changing revival during the week of prayer as the chil dren of this world have manifested in poli tics since the campaign opened, God will do VOLUME XXXIX., NO. 43. a mighty work through His Church before our Centennial shall pass away. Let each Association respond to the circular from R. C. Morse, Secretary of the International Com mittee. The work laid out by this commit tee is a grand mission, and promises rich re sults ; but, since its success depends, in part at least, upon the co-operation of each Asso ciation, let each do something. A small con tribution from a thousand Associations will aggregate a considerable amount. M. J. Cofer, Sec’y State Ex. Com. Augusta, Ga., Oct. 16, 1876. AN APPEAL OF THE JOINT BOARD OF FINANCE—SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE. Dear Brethren : The Conference year is nearly gone. “ What has been done to ward meeting the assessments made by the Board ?” is a pertinent question for the times. The veterans, who have worn themselves out in the work, are looking anxiously to the coming Conference session for relief. It has been a hard year on them. Enfeebled by age, and disabled by physical prostration, many of them are in great straits for the bare necessities of life. Their bended forms, their faltering steps, their wasted strength, and their fidelity in the past to the Master’s work, appeal loudly to every preacher, and to every member of the Church, within the bounds of the South Georgia Conference, for help. Then, the widows and the orphans of those who have died in the work, stretch forth imploringly expectant hands. Who can refuse them the small pittance allowed them ? The Board cut down the assessments to the lowest possible amount, expecting every dollar to be raised. Every preacher, there fore, ought to use all diligence to raise his assessment; and more from the fact, that Sa vannah, which has always been foremost in this great and good work, has been so grie viously afflicted by the yellow fever that the brethren there will not be able to do what they have formerly done, or what they have in their hearts to do. Let other points, which have been more highly favored of God, make up the deficiency. The preachers’ attention is called to the six teenth answer of the question : “ What are the duties of a preacher who has charge of a Circuit, Station, or Mission ?” “ To make a written report of the condi tion of all the claimants on the Conference Collection within his pastoral charge, at each Annual Conference, to he submitted to the Joint Board of Finance.” By the decision of the Bishop, no one has the authority to pay over to any claimant any moneys collected for this purpose —it must, in all cases, go to the Joint Board of Finance. To meet the claims upon the Board, for the present year, it will require $6,200. The Board has also committed to their care the support of the Bishops. Up to this date but little has been done, and I have personal knowledge, that our good Bishop is in need of funds —in immediate need. I hope that every preacher who has taken up this collection will at once forward the money to my address, Macon, Ga Those who have not, will at once raise the required amount aud do likewise. Let the brethren remember that nothing but the Bishop’s receipt will be accepted by the Board of Finance in lieu of the money. The “King’s business demands haste,” therefore, let not our efforts flag until the work is accomplished. S. S. Sweet, Chm’n J. B. Finance S. G Conf. Note —Owing to the continued ill-health of Bro. Arininius Wright, he has resigned his place on the “ Joint Board of Finance,” and Bishop Pierce, on the 10th inst., appointed the undersigned to fill the vacancy. As the Board failed to have a meeting at our last Conference session after their appoint ment, and consequently elected no Chair man, Bishop Pierce appointed the under signed Chairman of the Board until the meet ing of the Annual Conference, when the “ Joint Board of Finance,” which is the only competent authority, will elect their own Chairman. S. S. Sweet. Macon, Oct. 16, 1876. “DO NOT PASS ME BY.” Mr. Editor : It isdoubtless known to yon and to several of the Bishops that we have a church building, incomplete, in the city of Wyandotte, Kan., that stands as a monu ment of our poverty. The brick-work and roof are both complete, and of the most sub stantial character. This house stands on one of the finest locations in all this country. It has been in this condition for the past two years. We have gone to the very end of our strength. Fifteen hundred or two thousand dollars is all that we need to complete this house, and give the M. E. Church, South, a good house of worship for all time to ceme. This is no individual enterprise. It is the property of the Church, and is clear of all legal incumbrance. What we now have we own. This, the Western Conference, is em phatically a Mission Conference, aud we are driven to the necessity of looking abroad for assistance. There are nearly 800,000 South ern Methodists in our beloved Zion. Now, brother, can there not be found in all this vast multitude 1,500 or 2,000 who will each pay $1 to this family enterprise, and enclose the same in an envelope and send it to my address ? Dear brethren and sisters, this is your property, and we plead for your cause. Shall we plead in vain ? I hope not. When you see this appeal, “Do not pass me by,” but read it and ask yourself the question, “Can not I afford $1?” I will enter every name in a book, with the amount you send. These names shall be called over in the hearing of Bishop Marvin, who has kindly consented to dedicate the house when completed, if God shall spare his life. I hope every Church-paper will publish this article, and call special attention thereto. I hope that every pastor will read it in his congregation, and urge our little claim in the name of the Master and in behalf of our common cause. Wyandotte is one of our most important points, and stands as the door of the State to us. Asa Church, we cannot afford to give it up and lose this valuable property that has cost us alreadys4,ooo. Its internal destitu tion and its vacant doors and windows only mock our poverty and fetter our every move. We have as true a little band of Southern Methodists here as can possibly be found, but they have gone to the end of their own •trength. If some of the Vanderbilts of our Zion could only see our condition, I know that our appeal would not be in vain. May God put it into your heart to help us in this our time of need. “Whoso hath this world’s goods and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” I hope that one will not wait for another, but let all begin at once. I refer you to the Bishops Keener, Marvin, and McTyeiire. Yours in the fellowship of Jesus, Joseph Kino, Pastor M. E. Church, South, Wyandotte, Kan. N. B.—Eevery dollar that is sent shall be applied to the object above mentioned, whether it be little or much. J. K. Key West, Florida Conference. —Rev. C. A. Fulwood writes, October 12th : The revival, of which I wrote you sometime since,, resulted in twenty-seven additions to the First Church and a gracious quickening of many members. This city sympathizes with Savannah, for she has felt the scourge her self. Through private subscriptions $350 has been raised aud forwarded for the benefit of the suffering.