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194 Straljrcrn Cljristian AViitctti. M ICON,GEORGIA, DECEMBER 12.1876 ABSENCE. The editor, after getting the outside of this issue of the paper ready for press, and pre paring as much copy as was practicable for the inside, left for Sparta, the seat of the North Georgia Conference. Almost imme diately upon his return from the Conference, he will leave tor Chester, the seat of the Fouth Carolina Conference, so that he will be absent for some lime from the office of the paper —a fact which correspondents and readers will please keep in mind, in case any irregularities should threaten their peace of mind. FLORIDA CONFERENCE. We are requeued by Bishop Pierce to state that the session of the Florida Conference will begin on Thursday morning, January 11, as published. Brethren will b*arin mind that Thursday, and not Wednesday, is the day for meeting THE SITUATION. At the time of this writing (December 6tb p. m.) it is believed that the electoral votes of South Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana, have all been cast for the Republican candi date. This action, however, contribu'es lit tle to the abatement of the disquietude and anxiety which for weeks have filled the pub lic mind, and shed a blight upon the prosper jty of the country. The methods pursued by the several Returning Boards, have been such a-i to incur the scorn and invoke the denunciation of many of the best men in both parties; nnd success secured by such means, can hardly he other than short-lived. From the school-hoys’ play-ground, all the way up to the Presidential arena, there is Dree in the homely maxim. “ Cheating nev er thrives.” It, may w n a temporary tri umph, but is destined in the long run to dis astrous defeat. The prospect now is, that the debilitating suspense of the past month is to stretch over the intervening period be tween this and the 4th of March. This con flict must ha settled finally in the halls of Congress. I.et us hope that it may be ac complisbed to the satisfaction of all parties, and so as to conserve the peace and pros purity of the country in the meantime, it would be just es well for up, as individuals, to remember that no amount of fretting on our part will affect the issue in the least, aud that therefore we will consult our own interests by dismissing the subject as well as we may from our minds, and devo'ing ourselves assiduously to the re ligious and business duties which claim our attention, and which perhaps have been suf fering from recent neglect. Leaving the set tlement of the Presidential question to the chosen leader,, and the destiny of the coun try to the guidance of Almighty God, lei the rank and file of 'he population, turn their thoughts and energies in other direc tions. MEMORIAL SERVICES AT TRINITY t iit itni, savannah, ua. We had marked for insertion the extracts from an article in the Savannah Morning News of Monday, Dec. 4, which appear he low. when we received the following letter from Rev. G. G. N. MaeDonell, which we take the liberty of publishing without alter ation : Savannah. Ga., Dec. sth, 1870. My Dear Brother Kennedy: 1 have in tended writing you a lull account of the Me morial Seivces, held in Tiinity Church Sunday last, in honor of our beloved dead, but I have so many demands made upon my time that l trust refer you to the published aucount in the Morning News ofMonday. In addition to ‘he ministers present, e.s re ported—Rev. C. B. King, of the Presbyte rian Church, and Rev. Mr. Harris, Hebrew Ilabhi were sealed in the chancel. The occasion was a most solemn and im pressive one, and will linger long in the memory of those who were there. The Communion service which followed the Memorial exercises was a most solemn and delightful occasion, and yet sad, as we missed many dear familiar faces of brethren and sisters, who had often received with ns the emblems of the Redeemer’s sacrifice. The morning service closed with the recep tion of five members into the fellowship ot the'Church by Brother Wynn. My emotions on entering the Church, and beholding the mournful drapery which shrouded the pulpit, and other parts of the house, were deep and tender, and I hastened to the pulpit, and gave vent to my burdened heart with tears. The afternoon services were the most try ing and affecting. Many prominent mem bers of other churches and their pastors were present, and the deepest feeling seem ed to prevade ‘he entire audience. I hope that impressions for good were made, deep and lasting, the fruits of which will be gatlr ered hereafter. A> night I preached to a larg- congrega tion at Wesley Church, and tried to improve the occasion by directing the ntinds of the people to some of the important lessons to be learned from this visitation of God's af flictive providence. The Quarterly Confer ence last night was aDo a sad and impres sive one. Several of our official brethren spoke with warm and tender emotions of the virtues aud labors of their beloved pastor. Resolutions of respect and condolence were passed which will be sent to the Southern Christian Advocate for publication. Bro. Wynn's health has improved very mucli; but his beloved companion is still feeble, although slowly improving. There have been a few deaths from fever since the close of the epidemic, but the freezing weather we are having will most likely destroy all germs of malarial poison. The city has resumed its usual business like appearance, and the people are becom. ing more cheerful and hopeful. Hoping to see you soon, I remain frater nally yours, Geo G. N. MacDoneei.. The following is the article from the News, entire, with the exception of some para graphs which have already appeared in these columns: Yesterday morning and afternoon memo rial services in Trinity Methodist Church were and voted to the memory of the members of Trinity and Wesley Churches who had died during the recent epidemic, and its loved and lamented pastor, Rev. E. H. Myers, D. D., who heroically fell at his post of duty. The church was very tastefully decorated by the ladies in the habiliments of mourning. The pillars at the altar were wrapped with black bands from the floor to the ceiling, the wh'te alternating with the black bands. The pillars throughout the church were similarly draped. The pulpit was hung in mourning, and thegalleriis on either side were likewise decorated their entire lengths. These mourn ful decorations showed careful preparation and taste, and presented a touching sight, which well reflected the sad feeling of the large congregation of friends who filled the edifice. The services in the morning were conduc ted by Rev. A. M. Wynn Pastor of Wesley, and Rev. Mr. MaeDonell, and were of an exceedingly pathetic charac er. During the epidemic Trinity and Wesley suffered the loss of thirty-one members and several Sun day-school scholars. The remarks were of a character exclusively appropriate to the solemn occasion. Tne loss sustained by the Church and reiaiives and friends in the sum moniug to another' sphere of so many usetul members and lotted ones, was dwelt upon wih deep pathos. To refer to each one would be impossible, but we cannot forbear mentioning a few words in regard to the death of little Ludie Walker, one o 1 ’ the most promising scholars of the Sabbath school, who. though but eight years ot age, possessed ' faith sufficient to remove moua tains.” In the afternoon at three o’clock the me morial services in honor of Rev. Dr. Myers look place. The church was densely crown ed, and on the part, of the congregation we noticed many members of other denomina tions who had enjoyed the acquaintance of lie distinguished clergyman, and woo ioved and admired his Christian character. Within the altar railing were Rev. Dr. Ax son, of the independent Presbyterian Church ; Rev. J. B. Reimensnyder, of the Lut"eran Church; Rev. Mr. McFarland. of the First Presbyterian Church ; Rev. Timo thy Harley, of the Baptist. Church; Rev. Richard Webb, chaplain of the Seamen’s Beth-1; Rev. A. M - yiin, pastor of Wesley Church ; anti Rev. Mr. MacDonell, Presid ing Elder. The services were opened by Rev. Mr. McFarlai and, who read out the hymn, “Fune ral of a Christian Brother,” which was sung with grea' fervor, and was followed by an earnest and appiopnate prayer from Kev. Mr. Webb. The congregation then sung the hymn en titled ‘ Funeral of a Minister,” which was read with much impressiveness by Rev. Mr. McFarland. Scriptural lessons appropria'e to the mo merit were read by Rev. Mr. Reimensnyder, and were followed by the singing of the hymn •‘Jerusalem, my Happy Home.” Rev. Mr. MacDoneil, the Presiding Elder, then delivered an eloquent and b-autiful ad dress apon the general character of the de ceased brother and pas >or, which was listen ed to with the deepest a tendon. He wa- followed by Dr. Axson, who spoke briefly and feelingly of his connection with Dr. Myers, an t paid a high tribute to his Christian character, nobiliiy of heart, anu rare abilities. Rev. Mr. Harley next addressid the con gregation, and paid a glowing eulogy to the moral worth and u*etui life of the lamented clergyman. He was followed b. Rev. Mr. A. hi. Wynn, whose association witu the de ceased was of the most intimate nature and who had stood by him amidst the same dan gers in the dbctiarge of the duties of their holy offices. Mr. Wynn was very visibly affected (us indeed had been the ot ier cler gymen who preceded him) during his ad dress, and bis voice trembled with emotion iu speaking ot his beloved co-laborer. He reviewed the deceased's connection with Trinity, the zeal and iiielity with which he had entered upon ms unties on coming here among a congregation, to the majority ol whom he was unknown, as a pastor, and how be had won ail hearts. His comictnon won the Commission of Iho Methodist Episcopal Uuurcn, -Soutli, which assembled in Cape May, in June last, was referred to, and tne interest that he had manifested in the object ■iwidl upon. He described the heroic conduct of tb deceased during the heart-rending scenes oi the epidemic, his utter unselfishness and total disregard of all personal interests, his heart and soul being in the worK of ollevia ling distress and uiinisteriug to the spinluai comfort ot the sica and dying. Mr. Wynn’s remarks had ihe earnest at tention of the entire congrcga ion Here viewer! his associations with ms Irieiia and broiber, aud his language anil voice betosen ed bow deeply his heart was stirr and, and touched his in arers to that degree as to (Iras tears to the eyes of many. After tins address the congregation sa ig >ne verse of that beaulilul nymn, ' i Would Not Live Always,’ and the Doxology, Rev. Air. Hailey closing the solemn aud impres sive services with ihe benediction. FORTY FEET OF DEAD SPACE. Waen every pew iu a churcu is full we understand wliy s line persons sit upon ihe rear benchei; there are no others. But when half the pews are empty we do not, see our way to explain the fact that so many people seem to prefer the rear benches. In this matter there seems to be a difference beiweeu town and country congrega ions. In the country, for the most part, the stna'l congregation gathers rig it around the pul pit; iu the ci'y, lor the most part, it scat ters itself away Iron the pulpit. And it is particularly true of small city congregations at night—they get as far from tiie pulpit as they can. Whether they are trying to get out of range, or whether they simply prefer, on such occasions, the door end of the Church, we do not understand. This we have ob served : the more fashionable the congrega tion the closer does it hug the back benches. Last night, December 3, we addressed a mixed congregation Methodists, Pres byte riuns, Baptists, uni some others. The house was about half full, and the full end was the end farthest from the pulpit. There was not a hearer in the “ ameu corners.” As we looked at our audience over forty leet of deal space, w< wondered if there iiad been only a seore of people they would have just made one straight row right against the wall and as far off as they could get without go ing out of doors. Webster, or some other wise and careful observer, was accustomed to say that hardly any public speaker can overcome forty feet of dead space. It is true, no matter who said it; true, tf it were never said before this writing. We doubt if, to speak accu rately, any man, or woman speaker, ever did, or can, overcome so much dead space. No doubt a rarely eloquent man may make his w iris felt through such dead space, but he does not overcome it. He has only kept it from overcoming him. The best orator who ever moved an audience through forty feet of dead space, would have moved them more had they been, at least, thirty feel nearer to him Ten test is as much space a? should be toLrated between speaker and hearer. To speak at a man forty feet away, peering at the orator as if conscious of being at a safe distance, is to speak at a disadvantage ; to hear so tar off, is to hear at a di advan tage. The words lose motneirum and heat going so tar. A man who has no tire, no sympathy, no magnetism, no oratorical en thusiasmos. may care little about distance. But the speaker who has such qualities— though in small degree-feels himself—and he cannot help it—at a helpless aud hopeless disadvantage, wheu rising behind the pulpit (geueraliy so constructed or placed as to be itself a nuisance) be looks away off and strains his eyes to find a gleam of intelli gent sympathy. This dead space extin guishes eloquence. It paralyzes the able speaker and the able heaver. Very clearly, as the case appears to us, this dead space must be overcome. It can’t be overcome while it remains. There is but one way ; it must eeass to be deal space. It must he utterly done away with. How is it to be done? Several methods sug gest themselves to us. As we are liberally inclined, and never felt disposed to exhaust ourself on a side issue, or a non essential point, we may be allowed to suggest more than one plan for overcoming dead space. We do not claim originality or profundity in the methods we propose. 1. In the first place, as to many communi ties at least, dead space may he overcome by filling the house. If the front pews are full, and all are full, it is easy to propagate the power of thought uni speech to the last pews. There is unbroken connection. The bat tery in New can report itself in San Francisco —sending the current across a con tinent; or in London—diving under the wide ocean —if the connecting wires are in place. But not otherwise. The operator may place his instrument on the shore and click away, looking sea ward with both his eyes, but if there be forty feet of dead space between the battery and the cable, there is no report in London. One method, then, is, fill up the house with people. 2. Skillful architects might, if they would, invent tome adjustable arrangement by which the rear part ot the house might be brought SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. t nearer the speaker. Can’t the people be pushed, or pulled, by some automatic slid ing wall, whether or no, acro.-s the dead space till they are close enough to the speak er for him to look them in their eyes'/ 3. If this second plan be rejected as vis ionary, the speaker might be pulied nearer his audience —putting the dead space behind him. Or there might be a pulpit on wheels, so that it could be rolled across the dead less costly, the sp-aker might, step out of his box (called a pulpit) and boldly walk right up to his audience. He could, as a last re sort. if he be short of stature, stand upon a bench. Or, he might plant in the central aisle a little platform, at convenient distance from the bolder ones who venture nearest. If it should be too heavy for the speak-r to manage alone, special officers (Platfonn- Bearers” they miget be called) who sbou and do this office for him. 4. if both ends must remain stationary, and the preacher be short of statur-, and the congregation object to his standing on a bench, and the moveable pulpit or platform be counted objectionable, there is sd 1 an other plan that we diffidently suggest—the people, when they enter the house, might ke< p on toward the pulpit and begin to fill up from tlia r end. We do not 6ee. that this plan is at all visionary or impracticable. It depends entirely upon the people: they can get nearer the speaker if they will take a few more steps. Thus the d-ad spree is largely overcome by the people them?. Ives —by just putting it behiud them. We fear tha' tuis last suggestion will not be adopted. It is so ea-y—so simple—just walking lo the front. But, it none of our plan-, will do, we beg somebody to invent a m-thod that w.li do. We are not wedded to our own views in this matter. But we are tired of speaking at people from afar off; it is so much better to -peak io people close by. Aud dead space injures ihe hearing as much as the sneaking. . Somehow, speakers and hearers roust be brought nearer to each other. H. Oxford. SHORT LESSONS ON COMMON WORDS. “Act of Faith.'' The word or phrase, which suggests this article can scarcely be called common. Bui the lesson is a good one, and much needed. We copy it without note or com ment from Guesses At Truth : ‘ It is quite right there should be an Inqui sition. It is quite right, there should be autos da fe Tne more the better, if they are but real ones. There should beau in quisition aud autos da fe iu every country yea in every town, yea on every hearth, yea in every heart. The evil hitherto has been, that they have been far too few. Every man ought to perform autos-da-fen, often accompanied l>v death, not seldom by tor ture. Only his autos■ da fe should consist, in the tlaying of hi? own stubborn, unt eiiev ing will. These would be truely autos-da-fe. It is no act of fai'h for uie to oiler up another as a victim. On the contrary it is an act of un belief. It shows I have no faith in uiy broth er’s spiritu ,1 nature. It shows I have no faith in the power of God to work upon his heart and change it. It, shows I hate no faith in the sword of the Spirit, but ho and the sword of the fi sh to be mightier. Nor again, can Faith exist in opposition to Love. Faith is the root of Love, tiieroot without which Love cannot have any being. At times the root may be found, where the plant has not yet grown up to perfection. But no hatred, or o her evil, malign passion, can spring from the root of Faith. Wherever they are found, they grow from unbelief, from wa it of faith in man, and from want of faith iu God. Moreover, such autos-da-fe would be sure of effecting their purpose, which otheis never can. They would be acceptable to God. They would destroy wliar ought to be destroyed. And were we diligent in perform ing them, there would be no need of any others This Inquisition should be set up in every soul. In some indeed it may at times he in abeyance. The happiest spirits are those by whom the will of God is done wiibout effort or struggle. To this aneeTc nature however, humanity can only approximate, at.d that too not at once, hut by divers steps etid stages, at every one of which new autos da fe arc required. - ’ C. “Where Is The Money?” By Atticus G. Haygood, D. D ; President of Emory College. Macon, Ga.: .1. VV. Burke & Cos. Price 25 cents per copy, post-paid. We have received from the publishers a ropy of this neatly executed pamphlet of -13 pages, written by Dr. Haygood, and pub lished in this form “ for the good of all con cerned.” The subject-matter of the pam phlet is constituted mainly of the leiters signed John Smith, which were originally contributed to the Texas Christian Advocate, but were copied into this paper, and several other religious journals. Those letters, however, as they appear here, bavp been re vised and amplified, and the pamphlet con tains some additional diapers. The dis cussion is well calculated to arouse thought upon the vital subject of endowing our Col leges. We hope the pamphlet will be wide ly circulated, and speedily crowned with fruit. The National Repository.— N'ew York: Nelson & Puillips, 805 Broadway. $3.00 a year. This is anew candidate for public favor, yet not altoge her new, as it takes the place in literary circles of the "Ladies’ Ileposi tury,” now discontinued. The January num ber gives promise of increased vigor and use ulness, and of a wider and higher range of thought. The articles are carefully wriiten and edi'ed, though several of them are per" haps, too long; but the reader will not tire in going through them. The first, from the pen of the editor, is handsomely illustrated, and is a deeply interesting sketch o f the jour uey from Suez so Jerusalem. Dr. Wise gives an account ol Macaulay’s mother and sister-; Dr. J. F. Hurst, of the Drew Theological Seminary, summarizes the character of the celebrated Norman Maeleod in a fascinating narrative of his life aud labors; and Rev. W. H. Daniels begins a capital story about “That Boy: Who shall have him?” Mrs. Mary L. D ckinson contributes a critique on “George Sand,” and two or three others furnish briefer articles, hut all well worthy of perusal. Tue Editorial Miscellany is rich in brief notes about Foreign Affairs, Art, Nature, Religion, Things Curious and Use ful, and Books; aud the editor's utterances Ex Cathedra. To the latter department the reader will uaturally turn to see what the editor has to say about the questions of the day in Church, education, religion, and politics. His editorials deserve, and will attract, attention—however surely they may sometimes try the forbearance of Southern readers. The London Quarterly Review, repub lished by the Leonard Scott Company, 41 Barclay St., New York, presents the follow ing table of contents for Octobtr : Straw berry Hill; The Arctic Regions and the Es kimo; London Alms aud London Pauper ism ; The Papal Monarchy ; The Suez Ca nal An International Highway ; Pictorial Illustrations of Shakespeare; The Turkish Empire ; The Life of the Prince Consort ; The Eastern Question and the Government. NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE. Spauta, Ga., December 6th,1876. The North Georgia Annual Confemice of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, convened i's tenth annual sessionin the Methodist church, in theory of Spara, at 9 o'clock, a m.. December 6th, 1876, Bishop Geo ge F. Pierce presiding. Religioig ser vices conducted by the BV?op. The Secteiary of the last Confi rencecalled the roll. John W. Heidt was elected Secetary, and Tims. A. S.-als, Jas H. Baxter, Vm. P. Lovejoy, and David L. Anderson. ass*‘an‘s. Nine o'clock, a. m., and one o’ckfk, p. m.. were appointed as the hours of meeting and adjournment. The bar of the Conference was fixe! at a line cros-ing ihe house at the near fating of the last, window ‘r r >m the pulpit. R. W. Bigham. P. E. of Augns'a nstrict, and Geo H Patillo, pastor of tha fatten, were appointed a committee on Publ| Wor ship. The following were apromted a committee on Books and Periodicals: H. II C. A. Mil h-dl, F. G Hughes, Y. H. Thomp son, and J. C. Hendrix A commi'fee on the Bible Cause Has ap pointed, ks fellows: J F. Mixon, ,W. D. Hea 'n. M. P, -11. and J. I. Wright. P. M. I’vburn was appointed on th com mit ce of the Third Year in pheeoffW. A. Rogers. On motion, a committee on Frato-jial Re lation? wa ,j ordered and appoint d,,as fol lows : W. H. Potter. A G. Haveood, H. J. Adams. N. Ba-s, and Thos. H Dozier. W. F, Glenn was appointed on of the Fund of Special Relief in place of G. J. Pearce, deceased. T M. Pace and Carey King were appoint ed on ;h- Sundey-schooi Board ia pkee of Geo. M. Nolan and W. (’. Dtrry. f C. P Craw o'd was appointed a member of the committee on Education in place of C, I). McCutcheon. Bshop Bierce briefly addressed th Con- ference. The report from the Beard of Visitors to Wesleyan Female College was real, and was, on motion, referred to committee on Education. A communication from Rev. Dr. Thos. O. Summers, General Editor, waspe-adto the Conference. A communication from the General Con in nee Missionary Secretaries wa,- read, and was, oa motion, referred to Bmrd of .Mission^. I)r. J. B McFerrin, General Conference Missionary Secretary, was introduce!, and briefly addressed the Conf- renee in relation to the mis ionary and general interests of the Church. The following members of the Soul) Geor gia Co-ference were, introduced : Dr. J. 0. A. Clark, Dr. J. W. Hin on, J. W. Burke, S. S. Sweet, J. B. Wardlaw, J. A. Rosser, and W. M. 1). Bond : also, W. G. Whidby, President, of State Union Sunday school As sociation. Rev. A. G. Haygood read his report as President of Emory C-,liege, which whs, on motion, referred to the committee oa Edu cation. It was, on motion, ordered that the Con ference sit with open doors in the examina tion of the characters of Elders. The Bishop called the twentieth “Are ad the preachers blameless in their life and official administration?” when the names o( the following eldars were called, and their char actors passed: T. F. Pierce, W. 11. Potter, A. W. Williams, W. W. 0?- lin, A. T. Mann, J. L Lupo, F. G. Hughe?, W. F Smith, L. P. Neese, J. Boring,J. F. Mixon, D. L. Anderson, 1). Kelsey, h. W. Speer, J. E. Evans. W, P. IlarrisorfNWiVC. Dunlap, T. H. Timmons, J. H Harris, and his d-ath announced ; W. F. Cook, W. A. Dodge, W. M. Crumley, and granted a su perannuated reia'ion ; J. A. Reynolds, W. I). Heath, W. R. Branham, A. W. Rowland, A. G. Haygood, A. Gray, M. F. Malsby, and granted a superannuated relation ; W. A. Florence, M. Callaway, C. A Evans,C. W. Key, 11. H. Parks, F. A. Kimbell, R. A. So de, B. F. Fariss, W. T. Hamilton, F. P. Brown, F. B. D,vies, G. 11. Fattillo. J. L. Pierce, 11. J. Adams, W. T. Caldwell. Announcements were made. Adjourned, with benediction by Bishop Pitrce. Second Day, December 7. Conference met at 9 o’clock, a. m., Bish op Pierce in the Chair. Religious exercises were conducted by Rev. John P. Duncan. Minutes of yesterday’s session were read and approved. The calling of the roll was, on motion, or dered dispensed wi h for to-day and hereaf ter. The names of a number of members, absent nti yesterday, were entered as pres ent. H. P. Bell, alternate for C. M. Mc- Clure, lay delegate Lorn the Gainesville District, appeared and took his seat. The exhibit of the Southern Methodist Publishing House, by A. 11. Bedford, Agent, was read, and on motion referred to the Committee on Books and Periodicals. Rev. J. R. Mayson read bis report as President of LaGrange Female College, which was on motion referred to the Com mittee on Education. A communication from R j v. R. Abbey in reference to the clahn of the Publishing Hone against the United States, was on motion ref rred to a special committee, con sisting of J. E. Evans, J. Boring, and W. A. Parks. The second question, “ Who remain on trial?” was taken up. and George \V. Du val. H. M. Q-iillian. John W. Quillian, W. D. Anderson, .1. L Perryman, V. V. Har lan. John D. Himmond, Warren A. Cand ler, Osgood A Thrower, and Elias H. Wood, were approved by C nnmittee, pissed, and continued. Elam Chiiutian was discontin ued at his own request. The fourth question, “ Who are admitted into full connection?” was called, when the following named brethren were called before the Bishop, addressed by him, the disciplin ary questions propounded, and then their cases acted uprn, one by one, as follows : James E. England, approved by committee, admitted and elected to deacon's orders; William E. Shackleford, approved by com mittee and cntii'ited on trial; Jesse J. Har ris, already an Elder, approved by the com mittee and admitted; Thomas J. Edwards, a deacon, approved by the committee and admitted; W. H. Trammel!, approved by committee, admi ted and elected to deacon's orders; J. W. Lee, approve i by committee, admitted and elected to deacon’s orders : F. M. T. Brannon, already an elder, approved by the committee, and admitted ; E. A. Gray, approved by committee, admitted, and elected to deacon's orders ; Thomas K Ken dall approved by the committee, admitted and elected to deacon’s orders; A. J. Hughes, already a deacon, approved by the committee and admitted; Charles L. Pat tillo, approved by committee, admitted and elected to deacon’s orders. The special committee on the communi cation from Dr. Abbey, made the following report, which was adopted : The Committee to whom was referred the paper from Dr. Abbey, as a petition from the Conference to Congress, touching the claim of the M. E. Church, South, for the use, etc., of the Publishing House, etc.; report the paper back to the Conference, with the addition of the words, “ the equity of,” and recommend the adoption of the following resolution : lierolved, That the Bishop and Secretary of the Conference sign the'petition as amended, in behalf of the Conference : aud that the Secretary forward it immediately to Dr. Ab bey. Respectfully submitted, J. E. Evans, J. Boring, W. A. Parks. Dr. Mullally, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. J. Lyons, Superintendent of the American Bible Society, and Dr. F. M. Kennedy, Editor of the Southern Chris tian Advocate, were introduced tothe Con ference. Rev. J. H. Mashburn. Jr., was granted leave of absence on account of sickness in his family. The first question, “ Who are admitted on trial?” was taken up, when the following were admitted : Miles H. Dillard. Asbnrv W. Qnillian, Wm. J. Wool, and Edwin I. Smith. Conference adjourned, with benediction by Bishop Pierce. Third Dav, Dec. 8. Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Religious sendee conducted by 11. H Parks. Bishop Pierce took the chair. The Minutes of yesterday read and ap proved. The second question, “ Who are admitted on trial?” was reamed. and the following were admitted: Selwyn 1,. Smith. EMas B. Rees, Michael D. Turner Merit J. Gofer, R bert I, Campbell. Wiliam O Butler, Oliv r C. Simmons, John 11. Elks and Nicholas Z. Glenn. Gibson C Andrews was r9-adm ; tted into full connection !rom the Free Will Baptist Church, he having been received into tha‘ Church upon his credentials as an elder in the M. E. Church, South. The twelfth question, “ What traveling preachers are elected to elder’s order? ?” was ti.kmi up, and the following were ap proved and elected: Eli Smith. S. P. Jones, M. L. Underwood, W. P. Smith, John T. Richardson (made supernumerary, and con tinued in class of second year), C. C. Carey, J. S. Embry, George W. Hardaway, I. G. Parks, John H. Mashburn (continued in class o! third year), R. P. Martyn, John D. Gray, and Wiley T. Laine. The seventh question, “Who are the Dea cons of one year?” was taken up, and an swered : R. W. Rogers, G. W. Thomas, J. W. G. Watkins, W. L. Wooten, W. H. Speer, W. L. Yarbrough, aud W. W. Lamp kin. At this point, Bishop Pierce vacated the chair, for a session of the Legal Conference, which was called to order by the President, Rev. W. 11. Potter. The Legal Conference having completed its business, Bishop Pierce resumed the chair. The Joi-t Board of Finance then read their Report in open Conference, announc ing the appropriations to the claimants on the Conference, which was adopted. The twentieth question was resumed,when the following brethren were called, their characters p issed : J. W. Stipe, J. W. Ba ker, W. 11. Branham, Jr., D. J. Myrick, T. A. Sials, W. G. Hanson, W. P. Lovejoy, H. C. Cnristian, A. C. Thomas, P. G. Rey nolds, J. J. Singleton, W. A. Rogers. Madison Bell, and John P. Duncan, were granted leave of absence. Announcements were male, and the Con ference adjourned with the benediction by Rev. J. B. McFerrin. Correspondence. LETTER FROM DR. McFERRIN. Mr. Editor: A line from the Conferences may be acceptable to your readers. Hav ing attended the Western, St. Louis, Mis souri, Illinois, 'Tennessee, Southwestern Mis souri, and Indian Mission Conferences, I had the pleasure ofheing at the recent ses sions of the Virginia and North Carolina Conferences, and am now at the North Georgia Conference. lain happy to say, that in all the material interests of the Church there is a degree of prosperity. The “ times have been hard” everywhere, and in all the Conferences, but the brethren have stood up manfully. The support of the preachers has. in some cases, been meagre, hut still the brethren move iorward, trust ing in God, and the laymen are, to the extent of their ability, in most instances, sustain ing their brethren in the pastoral work. It is a singular fact that notwithstanding the tightness of the times, there are many in the older Conferences knocking at the door, ask ing to be admitted into the traveling connec tion. It may be that God allows “ hard times” to come, that he may break the hold of the heart upon worldly things; that those who are called to the work of the ministry may have fewer temptations to enter into secular employments. Let every man look well to the reasons why he fails to obey the call of God; and let those who enter the ministry, seriously consider the motives that prompt them to assume the high and holy calling of a preacher of the gospel. Should any come in lor a vocation, or enter the work as a profession, be had better remain a! home and go to the plow, or work in the shop, or follow such employment as Provi dence may indicate. One thing disturbs me no little : too few of the first-class of the younger men are inclined to go to new fields in the Far West. I wish a large number of those w o can be spared would consent to leave their nat.ve homes and go where they are most needed. You are aware, that in “the regions beyond” “the harvest is great and the laborers are few.” What a pity that there should he a surplus in one place and a serious lack in others, and that those having charge of these interests cannot make the proper distribution. It is proper and just, however, to say that many would ask to be transferred had they the means of defraying the expense of removing their families to a great distance. O, that we had a full treasury, that the poor might be sup plied with the bread of life 1 Another serious impediment is, that so many young preachers encumber themselves with families before they arrive at such an age, and acquire such experience, as will justify their appointment to important posi tions in the Church ; or, if they be sent, they are put on short allowance, starved out, and compelled to leave the work or supple ment their support by resorting to secular employments. But, 1 am on a line of thought I had not in’ended when I began this letter, and yet i must be excused, asfthe brethren are now dis cussing some of the points alluded to in the foregoing remarks. A young man was just now rejected because he had a fimily, and could not be supported. I wish here, and now, to give it as my deliberate opinion, that the ministry and the Church are suffering from premature and unsuitable marriages. I know that this sentence will be read with in credulity, and perhaps with displeasure by many, but I feel it binding upon my con science to hear my testimony’ on this subject. There may be, and doubtless are exceptions, but this in no wise invalidates the rale. My at’eution has been turned to this matter for many long years, and I speak what, I think, I know. But, back to the Conferences. The Vir ginia and Norih Carolina Conferences which I have lately attended, are jnoble bodies of ministers and laymen. In missionary matters they are leading off well, and we are expecting several young men of promise to offer themselves for foreign work. Bishop Kavauaugh was present and pre sided at both these Conferences. He gave great, satisfaction, especially in the pulpit. He has a warm heart, and preaches like he did thirty years ago—only better. The North Georgia Conference is now in session at Sparta, Bi-hop Pierce presiding. The Bishop is laboring under a severe cold, but is conducting the deliberations with his usual ability. I spent an ght at the Bishop's home daring the early part of the week. Elis fa’her is at the Bishop’s house, where he devotes him?ell to reading aud writing. He is wonderfully preserved. Ripe for the kingdom of heaveu, he is just waiting the call of the Muster to pass over ; but, while he tarries, he is busily employed, aud intends, by God's blessing, to “ Cease at once to work and live.” The South Carolina Conference met in Sparta, in a private house, in ISOG. Geor gia was then included in the South Carolina Conference. The house in which the Con ference convened still stands, and is vitwed with i:it rest by the members of the present Conference. North Georgia is a strong, working, and successful b dy. Of the proceedings, you will be tfficially informed. J. B. McFerrin. <S 'parta, Ga.. December B th, 1876. LETTER FROM ORANGEBURG, S. C. Mr. Editor: Every itinerant Methodist minister, by the tenure of his office, may be very properly registered among the annuals without offending good taste by such floral c'asifieation, when the mind takes in the beautiful figure used by the inspired prophet. •‘Tines of Righteousuess—the Planting of the Lord.” Not that the itinerant, like the annual, yields to the first frosts of autumn, -ml lades and dies out of place and charac ter, but that by the very genius of our change ful system, he needs, and must have, official “ rooting and grounding” to authorize fur ther growth and development, as each new year opens before him. We are under an appointment, as ministers, which by the very laws of its being is self limiting, the end of each ecclesiastical year bringing virtual dis solution of the pastorale in every case. The edendarfor 1870 embraces within its lines of registration the beginning and the end of every regular itinerant, pastorate. We are all wiihout pastoral work when the year ends. The year now whirling by us under the mo mentum of eleven months ot unbroken head way, will soon complete its circle, and then conies another South Carolina Annual Con ference, crowded with its incidents and its inspiration?, its lessons and its mandates ; and Ironi iis issues will open the various fields of labor and toil to which each mem ber will be expected to go uncomplainingly. Before the year entirely passes away, you will plea?e suffer a few desultory jottings, touching briefly upon the coudition of the church now under my pastoral care. As “ news from the churches ’ generally de mands a premium, when compare and with the same amount of manuscript touching upon other subjects, I will risk the chances of this article going into the waste basket, subject ing it first, however, to Ihe touch-stone of your own practiced eye. This is my third year of pastoral life at Orangeburg, and I do not hazard a remark that our brethren who were with us at last session will not readily endorse, when I claim for this part of our beloved Zion everything which seems necessary to fill up closely an interesting chapter in the biography of min isterial life. The leavening element, inhe rent in the faultless doctrines of our Church, and the obviously efficient. sy?tem of making appointments, coupled with the inspiration attending a divinely accredited ministry, by which the steady growth of Methodism has proven a wonder to the world, has demon strated its saving power here also. Since this station became a separate appointment, six years ago, there has been by the opera tion of the various and customary agencies of the Church, a numerical growth of nearly one hundred percent. Without presuming to parade what has been done “under my pastorate,” it will suffice to remark that the s atistics now ready for Conference will show a membership of about one hundred aud seventy. Each year, under the Divine bless ing, lias been marked by an appreciable growth in all of the necessary elements of a real evangelical Church, so that the outlook for Orangeburg Methodism is of the most, hopeful and satisfactory nature. The Sun dav-scbool is large, and the management good, and from this source alone the Church will eoutiuue to take on character, and add to the number of her membership; while, in addition to this, Methodism as illustrated here, has an inalienable hold upon public confidence, and exerts a moral power that points sterd.ly to its success in the future. I know ol no pariah in the interior of the State where the material for growth and develop ment offers stronger inducements to conse crated effort on the part of our ministry. It i? true that the yearly “ingatherings” on a station do not compare with the reports from circuits in point of numbers, but at this place there has been a permanent growth in the health and robustness of the Church in all its departments. But, 1 must close, and before I do this, will remark, that this is not a “ farewell letter” to my charge, for I could unite with every member of Conference, new happily situated, in the wish that this was but the in troductory note to an opening and prolonged pastorate, but I must carry out the spirit of my first sentence at the head of this article, anl that is, that at the close of these annual terms , I will be subjected. 3 others, to the chances, or. if you please, the providences, that enter into the revolutions and general movements of the great Pint-rant wheel. I trust that the superior wisdom combin- and in the work of engineering the complicated and yet delicate machinery of the Conference work may be graciously supplemented by the wisdom of the Master, and that we may all get the best appointment where an ej e to the glory of God is recognized as of first impor tance. Yours, J. B. Campbell. INDIAN RIVER MISSION, FLORIDA CONFERENCE. Mr. Editor: Perhaps a brief account of our labors on this Mission will not he unac ceptable to your readers. By “our labors” I mean the united efforts of all our Christian people, of whatever name or denomination. Considering that this is anew country, where a few years since, the red man held supreme rule; and where, at present, infidelity, rang ing from the highest to the lowest order of skepticism, largely controls and directs the religious sentiment of the public mind —we have great reason to bless God that we, his servants, have been instrumental in doing any good. Soon after coming here last year 1 found that, inasmuch as there were few Methodists, in order to do the most good, it would be necessary to enlist the mutual aid and support of all other Christians, and in this way ignoring all denominational differ ences. In my visitations I was as often with them as with our own people. Very soon I dis covered that the plan was working admirably well, for in all the congregations to whom I preached there was a good attendance of the membership of sister Churches. Last year we did little more than organize the Mission. This year, beginning with the four appointments I had formed, and mate rially aided by a couple of Union Sunday schools, and an equal number of prayer meetings, we entered ou our work quite auspiciously. During the second quarter we organized another society—being the second one on the mission—and established a Methodist Sun d .y-school, at the same place. There have been, during this’year, nine additions by certificate and on profession of faith. A number of infants have been baptized. Our church papers a'as! have no circulation here. I have failed in every attempt to get sub scribers. They tell me they have no money. This, in respect to the present time, is cer tainly true. AU of our collections are ex ceedingly deficient. I have done all I could. There have been no special revivals, but a gradual improvement of the spiritual inter ests of the work has been going on. Owing to the inconvenience of getting here, our much loved Presiding Elder has visited us only twice this year. I think the future of our Church on Indian River Mission is bright. Yours in Christ, A. A. Barnett. DECATUR CIRCUIT. NOTTII GEORGIA CONFERENCE. Mr. Editor : The remark is often made by brethren on love feast occasions, “ I can not allow the season to pass and uo‘ give in my testimony in behalf of the Master.” This or its equivalent. Or. if the duty is neglect ed. we have often heard another class ex press deep regret at duty neglected and bless, ing missed. Well, your correspondent feels somewhat after that fashion as he reads the Advocate’s abounding reports from breth ren in all the patronizing Conferences, and remembers that another year with its oppor tunities will soon be gone, and that he has not done what he could by contributing to the general fund of information and pleas ure, and of which the humblest member ol the connection is capable, if he would exer 1 himself. Some degree of prosperity has been en joyed on the Decatur circuit. Meetings, mure or less interesting and profitable, have been held at all the preaching places. Many oftlie brethren and sisters have had a spirit ual benefit and girded up their loins anew for whatever of conflict awaits them. The w iter feels thankful that he lias been ena bled to rejoice greatly, and would feel it an immeasurable affliction if lie had to go one hour wiihout the witnessing Spirit, much more to wade through a meeting with dry eye?, an uucomforted heart, and now and then, a sort of spiritual abandon. Apro pos just here: Some years ago an aged Baptist, minister attended at one of the hours a gracious meeting of urine in Richmond county, at Clarke’s chapel; and, although he did the preaching and your humble servant the exhorting, the Spirit was there in convert ing power ; also, as the Head of the Church has promised, he poured out such a bless ing there was not room to contain it; hence the earthen vessels broke, and shouting was in order, and respectable. (I think the old brother’s eyes sparkled, and that he enjoyed the meeting fully as well as a little Jew who, in former years, was much with my own children, did swine’s flesh.) I met this same brother some weeks afterward, and he tackled me after this fashion : “Have you caught that, fox yet ?” No doubt his hard-shell expanded to its utmost thereat, and very like felt a warmth and pleasure that his soul was an utter stranger to ; for I then and there sat him down iu the porch of the nineteenth chapter of Acts, which has inscribed upon it, “ Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed ?” I wished then to do with him as Paul did for the Ephesians, introduce him to Christ and His Church, but did not have time to wait until he could dry off. The Presiding Elder’s office is exercising brethren in some quarters, as it has done in times past. Is it a question, so far as the importance and continuance af the office is concerned? (May I consider this question in your columns? Yes? Thank you, not unless tlie prospective was more inviting.) Nevertheless, though utiterrified (as Paul would have wives with their husbands) by this; and yet, in no sense on a “returning board” with him, I olaiin the right to give my opinion of Dr. Evans. In the firrt place he is a great big man; and, as a little boy once remarked ol my beard in the presence of a red headed mother, aint it red ' so of my Elder, can't he sing 1 And, as truly, can't he preach ! 1 have carefully weighed him, this year, and pronounce him the most effec tire preacher of my acquaintance. He has just that blending of “ old fogy” and progress that reaches well nigh all classes ; aud he has but to get under weigh in the pulpit to con vince you that he has that well of water springing up. And I think it due him to say, although he may put me down for the Okefennke Swamp mission, or commit some other grave blunder in ray appointment (not being able to see me as well as I see him), since “ rubbing up” against him for ths first time, that he is one of the most lovable men I ever knew. And I want all the brethren of his cla?8, who are passing out from us —a Branham, a Crumley, Payne, Boring, and others —to know that they are embalmed in the affections of their brethren. Aud I hope this will be read and allowed to pass without finding a single brother of so small dimen sions as will allow him to attribute unworthy motives to this very honest estimate of a man “ every inch,” and who has a right to scent the alabaster box that will be broken at his burial. As you generally put “book notices” at the end of your editorials, allow me to call at tention to at least one among the many pe riodicals patronized by our people— Arthur's Magazine. Wh itever its excellences —and it has them—there is this very grave blemish, to which I would call the attention of our young Christians : It is as decidedly the ad vocate of dancing, and is as bitter toward its o posers, as to intemperance and its aiders and abettors. This fact, should be consider' el in dstermining “what magazine to take next year.” But my “book-table” must be short. I had a chapter ou pastoral visiting, which I may send at some other time, the pith of which is, that I am governed in that matter by my own strength and conscience. No one's legs shall be put on my body, or body on my legs; and no “ quarterage” lash shall force me where the simple voice o duty fails to carry me. Of course; the sick must never be neglected, but I will never in a perfunctory way, ai.d wiih its spirit, visit the people, lor preachers can just as effec lualiy disgust as the fashionable Mrs. Trol jope with her card case. Jno. A. Reynolds. COMMON SCHOOLS—And “JUSTITIA.” Mr. Editor: I have resd “Justitia’s” re ply to my last article. In it. I find nothing that has not already been fully discussed by us. The discussion must come to an end, because my friend refuses to argue the only questions at issue in the controversy. I have no desire to recapitulate the argu ments. “ Justit.ia” and the writer earnestly long for a common end —the education of the people. We only differ as to the means to be employed. I freely accord to “ Justi t;a” honesty of conviction ; I claim as much for myself. In my late article I invoked the law and the facts. I “stuck to the text.” 1 find in “ Justitia’s ” lengthy reply nothing that has not received due attention. For that reason only, I will not tax you again with another article on the subject. Justice. Burke County , Dec. I, 1876. VOLUME XXXIX., N ftcliis of % ©Mi. GENERAL NEWS. Memphis, December 1. —The coldest day of the season. Maximum thermometer 30. Weather clear. New Orleans, December I.—The coldest day of the season. The mercury ranged from 32 to 42. A fire broke out early this morning at the corner of St. Bernard and Claiborne street. It reached and crossed Esplanade street, and was still burning at noon. Three blocks thus far are destroyed. A negro who was detected setting lire to one of the buildings during the progress of the conflagration was shot and instantly killed. Another negro, also found in the act of committing the same crime was shot at but missed and succeeded iii makeing his escape. The fire destroyed one hundred and twelve houses. The loss is estimated at $300,000 to $400,000; insur. ance $200,000. About fifty houses were oc cupied by a hundred families, who lost nearly all their effect? and are left destitute, many of them losing their wearing apparel. Columbia, December 2.—The Democratic and Republican Legislatures have occupied the House of Representatives since Noverr. ber 30th. both working to secure an advan tage of the other. The Rephblicaiis are all colored except four, and neat ly all strangers. Columbia, December 2, 4:30 p. m.—Two of the most prominent colored Republican members (Myers and Hamilton) of Beau fort, have just deserted Mackey’s side of the House and were sworn in by the Democrats. Columbia, December 2. A motion was made to day in ‘he Supreme Court in be half of Wallace, Speaker of the Democratic House, for a mandamus on Mackey, Speaker of the Republican House, to compel him to deliver the returns for Governor in Mackey’s possession to Wallace, as the legal Speaker of the legal House ; also a motion for quo warranto on Hayes’ electors ; both caseß to be heard Monday. The Republicans to night seated four more members from Abbe ville county, without hearing protests or con tests, and while the Democrats were in the Hall holding certificates of election from the Board of State Canvassers. Washington, December 4.—The Senate met at noon. Committees were appointed to notify the President and House of Rep resentatives that the Senate was ready for business, and at 12 20 a recess for three fourths of an hour was taken. The Republican caucus of the House nom inated Garfield for Speaker. A caucus of the Senate discussed the situ ation but deferred action until the electoral vote of South Carolina, Florida and Louis iana was decided. The House was called to order by Chief Clerk Adams. A motion was made to elect a Speaker. Mr. Banks appealed from the deci sion of the clerk that the speaker should be efocte before the new members were sworn. The vote was progressing ou the motion to table the appeal. The South Carolina Gommittee meet to morrow and leave for Columbia to-morrow night. The resolution provides that the committees proceed to the respective States to investiga'e the recent elections in these States, and the action of the returning boards in reference thereto, and to report all the facts essential to an honest return of the votes of electors for President and Vice- President, and to a fair understanding there of by the people, and whether the electoral votes of these State? should be counted. Columbia, December 4.—The Supreme Court heard argument the entire day on the application for a mandamus, requiring the Secretary of State to deliver the returns for Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, to Spe.aker Wallace, and adjourned at 7:30 p. m. until to-morrow, at 11 a. m. Soon after the Dual House being called to order, Speaker Wallace announced that as there were 100 special constables in the House to eject the Democratic members, and as he feared such a movement would be resisted and bloodshed would ensue, he adjourned the legally elected House to meet at Carolina Hall. The Democrats then in a body with drew to Carolina HaU* where they are now in secret session. The Republicans then went into secret session in the State House. The town is lull of people, and great ex citement prevails. Macon, December 4. —Anew route to Florida, via Brunswick and Fernandina, has been opened. The first through car from Richmond to Brunswick passed through Macon last night. New York, December 4.—A telegram from Cameron, Fairfax county, Va., an nounces the death, in that place of Samuel Cooper, late Adjutant and Inspector Gener al of the Confederate army, in the seventy eig‘h year of his age. Washington, December 4. —After the us ual formalities, Mr. Edmunds offered a res olution, which was laid on tlie table and or dered printed, setting forth that, whereas tie constitution provides lor the method of electing Representatives to Congress, and recites who are entitled to vote for such Representatives, and whereas, it is alleged that in the States of South Carolina, Geor gia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, the rights of many such persons were denied and abridged during the late election, Resolved, That the committee on Prive leges and Elections be authorized to inquire whether such rights were denied and abridg ed, and if so, to wl.at extent, and who have been affected by such denial and abridgment, and by what authority such abridgment has been carried on. Also that said commit'ee inquire into the fact, whether any Pr. sidei.tial Electors, in the late elections were disqualified, and whether any of them have been interfered with in their rights and qualifications, and whether there is any constitutional remedy therefor; that said Committee employ Clerks and Stenographers, and he empowered to take testimony, and administer oaths. Ad journed. Columbia, December 5. —The Democratic House gained two more from the Republi can House to-day, with certificates from the Board of Canvassers, making sixty-two, aod lacking only one of a constitutional quorum. Both Houses are in session, aud also the Senate. The troops are being removed, and special constables now supply their place. Washington, December 5.—A special to the New York Times, dated New Orleans, yesterday, says, late to-night a number of the T’ilden electors arrived in New Orleans. They will all he here to morrow, and re. ceive certificates of election from McEnery, who still claims to li&ye been legally elect ed to the office which Gov. Kellogg now holds. With these documents they will pro ceed to Washington, and claiming that they are the only legally elected electors from Louisiana will demand that their votes shall be counted. Atlanta, December s—The Atlanta and Richmond Air-Line Railroad was sold to day at public sale, and was purchased by the bondho ders of the road for one million six hundred thousand dollars. San Francisco, December 5. —A Salem, Oregon, dispatch says the canvass of votes shows the Republican majority to be 1,165. A protest has been filed, signed by Senator Kelly and eight others, against the issuance of a certificate to Postmaster Watts, and in favor of its issuance to the next highest. The Governor gives notice that lie will hear arguments on Tuesday. The Republicans will not argue the matter before the Got-.