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TWO DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS. PER VOLUME XXXIX., NO. 51. Original gotten. PROMISES OF GOD.* BY MKd MaHTLS. All Thy pr >niie:> exce^din^ Great and jpreciou c , Lord! I’m needing, Every blessed otic I’m reading, for luycvif, throned Chris., I'm pleading'. Part, from them, Oh Lord! I’ll Lever, Till across Death’s stormy river, Till iu> coal and boiy s~vei, Tul they’ie r.al ze l forever. In their light no fear I’m knowing, By ih.ir light U> h aven I’m going, Through my lears Hope’s rainbow glow’ng, Sunlike to my faith tney’re showing. A>l from Thee, Thou gracious Giver! AL, yea, and amen forever; "While Thy love flows as a liver, Pail lliy shall nev r. * Written on the fly leaf of Rev. Dr. Phimer’s beau iful Mile b ok, with the above tide Contributions. BROTHERLY RELATIONS—THE OUT* 1 <MK. Perhaps, on the current question of ‘ Fra ternal Relations,” our people may be divided into three classes. The first, class consists of those who ate tired of this long strife, and are willing to accept, heartily, all that is meant by “ fraternal relations.” They be lieve that an end of strife is not simply to be endured when we cannot help it, hut that it is to he secured now, unless some worthy reason appears why this is impossible. In this large class there are, of course, minor differences of opinion, but these are as no thing in the presence of a strong, common purpose and desire, to open anew and peace ful page of our history. The second class is made up of those who never will, under any circum-tances. heartily accept a change of relations with Northern Methodists. They do not feel as a personal affliction this war between brethren. They become fully reconciled to this state of things, and can, without any pain look f r ward to its continuance for the rest of their lives. They especially think that, for us to show any earnestness in changing the present relations between the two parties, will b as unseemly as for a maiden to give any posi- live encouragement to a suitor. They wish the Southern Methodist Church to be as quiet and complacent as an iceberg, waiting tor some extraneous influence to turn on it. the warm current which will bear it. passively away from the Arctic zone. When this cur rent is turned on them, in the shape of a de cided public opini in, they will nor. resist it. When they cannot help themselves, they will submit to " fraternal relations,” gracefully or ungracefully, as individual temper, ante cedents, and surroundings, may decide. The third class consists rtf th se who - ever will, individually, accept triucrna! relations, and never will submit to them. These men will go to their graves thanking God that they are not, like other men in this matter. No one of this class, perhaps, will ever get beyond the noiut where our last Sunday school lesson found the conscientious Peter : “ I have never eaten anything that is com mon or unclean.” We do not propose to estimate the rela tive strength of these classes. They embody three distinct types of human nature, and it is probable that representatives of all are found in every portion of the Church. We believe the first class is more numerous than either of the others. We hope it is stronger than both combined. All will agree, that, this discussion has reached a salient point in its history. If candor and distinctness are ever demanded, they are needed now. As to property ques tions, there seems to be no dissatisfaction, in theory, with the maxims agreed ou by the Commission. And, il a single building or acre of ground has been retained which should be surrendered by either Church, un der a fair construction of (hose maxims, 1 have not seen an allusion to such case in the papers, religious or secular. We may even now, perhaps, say, that no unsettled proper ty question disturbs ihe peace of the Churches. For this consummation, thanks to the Com missioners who managed wisely a very deli cate qnestiou and praise to Him who dis posers the hearts of all His children to jusiice and peace. There is a point, however, which may give rise to prolonged, perhaps intensified discus sion. Did the Commission give any opin ion on ihe historical question suggested by the disruption of the Church? It is officially asserted on one side thatthey did not. And this has not been contradicted on the other side. Lei us assume, then, that the Com mission did not pass judgment on this his torical question. Is this a fatal detect in their wo; k ! Northern Methodists, through their Commissioners, say to us in substance : *' We find you with a sound creed, and all the r ghts of a Christian Church. You have, moreover, all the peculiarities necessary to make you a legitimate branch of Methodism. We offer you the hand of Christian fellow ship, and there is our pledge that all exist' ing and future difficulties between us shall be adjusted by the letter or spirit of the Curis tian faith which we alike profess.” Have we any reason or right to ask more? It may be interred from some articles in our Church papers that there are those who demand more. Let a representative of the private membership of our Church suggest that we ought not to expect or require, any more. I beg to suggest, and if proper, 1 would even urge, that this matter be taken up at once, in all fairness and distinctness. What are the essentials, without which we cannot offer or accept the hand of Christian fellowship, in the case of any Church ? Let some compe tent baud draw up a list of these essentials, beginning, perhaps, with “ A belief in the inspiration of the Scriptures,” and ending with “ An agreement with us in our version of our Church history.” Or, is it held that such agreement will not be insisted on in the case of all Churches, but must be demanded in the case of a single Cnurch ? It is in oraer, then, to show by arguments that in this spe cial case, we are authorized to add an im portant postscript to the essentials which the New Testament seems to require. Do not let the flood gates be opened again, or anew lease be given to this family quar rel Dy indirection or inference. Some tiling, have been settled by the late Commissions Let us know distinctly what is left unsettled. If we are to continue this quarrel, do let us know exactly what we are expected to quar rel about. Each Church has its own history written. The comparatively few ot the next generation who will read either over, and the really few who will read both, will come to their own conclusions. The true inter pretation ot history is not a matter to be set tled by a commission. The reader and the writer of these lines may be very contident qf the truth of the assertion, that all the acts of our Church, in 18t4, and subsequently, were well-ordered, constitutional, and Meth odistic. But is tuat assertion a divine axiom that a Church may not question, or even de c ine to express an opinion about, without, by that very act of questioning or declining, throwing itself clearly beyond ;,he range of our Christian confidence and fellowship? If this whole discussion, with additions and variations, is to be precipitated on us, it can only be considered as a calamity to our gene ration. If it is now narrowed down to a dis agreement. about the true reading of some ex citing pages in our common history, surely that will not demand or justify a long war fare. It is, at any rate, reasonable to ask, that the point at issue shall be fairly stated. And. in the interests of truth and peace, an other suggestion is ventured here. If all who write on such questions cannot attain to wise statesmanship, nr high Christian grace, we should, at least, not fall below common fairness. For instance, it I should write, anonymously or otherwise, so as to convey the impression that the mere presence of a Northern Methodist on one side of a geo graphical line would warrant me in crying out, in the hearing of all Christendom, “Stop Thief!” while I made no allusion whatever to the sill)[lie fact that my Church had crossed that line in another direction, I should feel I was dealing very unfairly. It will not he time wasted if the reader will seek to trace some connection between the unhappy condition of our whole coun try at present arid the Church dissensions of tiie last forty years. The politicians have faithfully copied, and perhaps improved on. flip manner of conducting discussions too common in our churches and Cburch news papers. There are good men enough in the country to turn the current of its history, and save it yet, if all good men were large hearted, and open-minded. But, unhappily, this is not the case. Their very goodness may prevent them from being fair minded. “ Do not send me,” wrote a missionary in India to the Church at home, “ Do not send me one of your narrow-minded, wrong head ed, conscientious men. ’ If one such man was to be dreaded there, what are we to do with the crop, the na.ural product of the times, now found all over our land ? If the Christians of this country (its salt!) are in curably persuaded that it is for the glory of God that they should sow discord, confusion, and strife, it may not be uiflicult to fore cast our future. Let jlte long threatened *• man on horseback” gallop up at his quick est pace, and save us from ourselves and from each other. In the case supposed, per haps the sooner he comes the betler. I could envy those who, by reason of their official or personal advantages, have it in their power, just now, to come forth positive ly and effect ively in the Christ-like work of record iation. The cheap praise, which is so easily gained by fanning the flames of pas sion in Church or State, •• 1 neither have nor want.” Jat. STATE VID TO COMMON SCHOOLS. Mr. Editor: On reaching home some days since, after a five weeks’ tiip on my district, I found a pile of Advocates await ing my perusal. I read with some interest the oiscusaiou between “Justitia” and ‘“Justice,” upon the subject of State Aid to Common Schools. The discussion between them seems to he at an end. But the sub ject itself is worthy of turther consideration by the public. Justice says, “The subject ol public schools within the decade may be a question of national politics.” We should consider it earnestly, then, before it is drawn into the fog of party strife, and can be seen only through party glasses on the one side or the other. Any allusion to “ Justitia ” or “ Justice ” in this i.r.icie will not be made to help either against, t ie other, but merely as a means of getting at errors which, as we think, one or the otner is holding, in common with many. “Justitia ” taking as granted, the rigut so widely claimed by the enlightened govern ments of the world to legislate upon the sub ject of education—and so confidently relied upon by those who argue lor State aid to colleges and universities —urges that, upon he same principle, it, is the right and duty of the State to aid the common schools also. That while the rich, who send their sons to college, could provide such colleges for themselves if the State should not, many of the poor would be left without even a Com mou School education, unless the State help to furnish it. In Florida, the facts confirm the force of his argument. Many school-houses that are crowded during tue months when tuition is tree, are so thinned out when the public fund is exhausted, that the school breaks up, for want of a subsisting patronage to the teach er. Most of the patrons are not able to pay the tuition. But in our judgment, there is a greater ob stacle in the way th,.n poverty, and which fails to be noticed iu the count. The chief obstacle in the way, is the eyeless ignorance ot parents, which does not and cannot see, and feel, the great need their children have of right educational training. And because of this darkness and insensibility on the part of parents, much of that weighty “ some thing due to parental responsibility in the matter of primary education,” is due some where else. A blind uiaa walking toward a precipice, ignorant of his danger, and iu the presence and within the help of seeing men. is endowed with a life, for which not he alone, but the seeing ones are mainly re sponsible. And if half a dozen of his blind children are following the noise of his tread and of his encouraging “come on, all right;” then that responsibly to those witu eyes, is tremendously enhanced. If every parent in the laud saw, and felt, the great need his childen have of proper education, he would seek it for them, next after the bread necessary to prevent their starvation —next after the clothing needed to prevent death from exposure. In almost, every instance he would send them to school somehow, or somehow else. Or, what would he far better, if he could, he would teach them at home. All over the land home steads would become school-houses, with parents as teachers. The greatest obstacle then, to right train ing, is the unappreciative parent. The State is oetter informed, and seeing the danger to the blind man and blind children, under takes to save at least the children. The hand of help she offers is—taxation in order to their instruction. But somebody says the S ate has no right to tax one for the benefit of auother. It takes money out of the rich mau’s pocket to give to the poor. Yes ; just as it takes money out of the poor man’s pocket to give to the rich, when the college and the university are endowed. I am aware that the taxing power, like other powers vested in the government, may* be easily abused. But even in the days before the war, when there was some pretence of regard for constitutions, some discretion in their PUBLISHED BY J. W. BURKE & COMPANY, FOR THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH. exercise had to be left with the legislature. Bnt now, since the war, when legislators scarcely think it necessary for decency’s sake, to pull over them that India rubber vestment, the Constitution ; now, when so much of the puolie fund is squandered in defalcations and other corruptions; good men need not be over fastidious about saving some of it for the public good In all the appiopriations made by the State, to provide asylums for the blind, the insane, the idiotic; in all the systems of poor-laws, for the help of the poor and help less; money is taken from tue pockets of the rich to help the poor. Is all this wrong in principle? If not the same principle is in volved in taxing the rich to aid in the edu cation of the poor. And the legislative wisdom of the age regards legislation to this end, within the limits of a sound dis cretion. If it be argued that the Stale had as well be called upon to supply labor for the poor, as Common School funds, it is a sufficient reply for the present to say, the cheapest ana best supply of labor for the poor of the State, would be such an anuoint ing with knowledge as would enable them to see the abundance of it that is waiting for them almost everywhere. The intelligent can see it all around, inviting their endeav ors —except where false training has led them to regard its performance as degrading. But it is urged, “ When a government se cures to tne people a full enjoyment ot file, liberty, and property, its legitimate functions are at an end.” Well, that does simplify the task of government very much ; aud once I gave adhesion to this doctrine myself. But, as I held it, it looks finely in theory, but, as it seems to me, will not do in prac tice. As I understand it, its application would open a Preach in the penal codes of the several States that would give an easy and unmolested passage, not to half the fel ons in the State prisons, hut to more than halt that ought to be there. All laws against gaming, poiigamy, incest, adultery, and the one hundred and one other sins of the like kind, would be swept from the statute-book. For the direct object of these laws is not the protection of life, liberty, or property, but the public morals. Not only would laws prohibitory of so many vices—some of them too horrible to be named, be swept from the halls of legislation, but many wholesome laws for the promotion of virtue, would per ish also under this system of house clean ing—even the laws appropriating funds to help colleges, as well as the helps to tiie Common Schools, Another objection to the Common School system is, that there can lie no legi-iation upon the subject ot religion, and therefore in a system of education provided by the State, the moral nature can have no provis ion made tor its proper development. But why may there not be 1-gislation upon ihe subject of religion ? There ever has been, since the first patriarc hi-.il family had a law of the household, and there eve; will be to the end of time. We have laws prohibiting school-boards from excluding the Bible from the public schools; laws annexing penalties to the violation of the Sabbath; laws declar ing the invalidity of contracts made upon the Sabbath ; laws giving validity to oaths made upon the Bible ; thus giving sanction to the religion it leaches. True, oaths have been sometimes permitted in the courts up on other books, when iu the same sense held sacred; but only when these books taught that vice will be punished by the Governor of the world. For men are held to be incapable of an oatu who do not be lieve that vice will be punished and virtue rewarded. The truth is, all legislation to prevent vice and promote virtue is legisla tion in the service of religion. Tue deca logue is the basis of municipal law in all the so called Christian nations. And in ques tions involving what he thinks inherently right or wrong, the legislator is frequently influenced more by what he supposes the Bible to teach, than bv any well defined no tious about the public policy apart from it. Religion is the tree, and good or ill manners, and good or bad morals, the Hovers —ac- cording as the religion is tru i or false. The Constitution of the United States pro vides that “ Congress shall make no iaw re specting an establishment of religion, or pro hibiting the free exercise thereof.” Con gress may not establish a State Church, nor interfere with the religious opinions of toe citizens, or his mode of worship. But if his religious opinions lead him into immorali ties, these may be punished. The Constitu tion will not protect his Mormonism in prac tice. It will not justify him before the courts in his plurality of wives. Again, it is objected that the Common School system interferes with the right of the parent in the selection of teachers and text books. Now, since it is the unappreciative ignorance of the parent, which for the most part makes the interference uf the State nec essary, this same condition of things makes the selection of teachers and text hooks a work more appropriate for parlies better in formed. And when a school board, chosen by a grand jury of the county, selects, be cause of their fitness, the teacher and text books for the child, it is a conferring upon the parents and child their rights, and not an infringement of them. A little child has no right to liberty and the elective franchise. These are edge-tools, and would be hurtful to him, or to somebody else, because he knows not how to use them. He has the right to be ted and controlled, and spanked, it may be. but not the right to be free until he knows how to use his freedom. So the parents who are to be beneficiaries of the Common School system, in perhaps the ma jority of instances, have the right to have chosen for them the text books and teachers, ra'her than the rightto choose for them selves. There are two extremes in opinion upon the subject of legislation pre.-ty widely apart. One is, that government ought to do almost everything; that the State ought to own all the land, and feed all the people, and edu cate them too ; that the law of property, and the law of marriage, are both sins against nature and humanity, and breed all the selfishness and hate that are in the world. The savage tribes, which moke no apportion ment of lands, and take wives at pleasure, are the nearest practical illustrations of this theory. The other is, that unless one kills some body, or steals something, or fraudulently or forcibly interferes with the rights ot an other, he should he let alone. And “ a masterly inactivity,” then, should be the at titude of the government. Now this latter opinion is certainly not so wide of the mark as the former, but we think it a little off the track. And the golden mean between them is not a mathematical line, with lengths, without breadth or thickness, but a broad way, with space enough for all useful legis lation —wide enough for the commonwealth to be wheeled along it comfortably and no body hurt. A. A. Robinson. Manatee, Fla., Nov. 24, 1876, MACON, GEORGIA, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19-26, 1876. YOUNG LAMES’ CHRISTIAN ASSO TIOX. We have long felt the need of a Society bearing this name, in which the lady mem bers of all denominations throughout the civibzed world, might unite in the study of the Holy Scriptures, the promotion of every good work, and together battle against the wicked influences of the evil spirit. This duty is enjoined in various passages of the sacred writings, and if properly carried out, would, indeed, lift our thoughts from the vain a:.d sord.d pleasures of this life to the continual contemplation of the wonderful goodness and mighty works of that Great Biing whose "glory is above the heavens and the earth.” We may from childhood cultivate a love for the holy, the beautiful, and the true, by studying the wonderful revelations of God’s infinite wisdom in all things that He has created, trom the simplest wildwood flower to the mighty cataract that speaks ceaseless ly in thundering tones of a Hand that is di vine. And, besides the great book of Na tuie in which he constantly reveals Himself, we have the written testimony of the and wise in all ages, not only in the Scrip ture, but in hosts ot other sacred books, which it is our duty to read and thoroughly understand. Ah, many a precious moment is wasted, I fear, in the vain pursuits of worldly pleasures, and in following the al luring glare of Fashion’s glittering display, that might be better snent in the study ot those books whose object is the advancement of religious knowledge. We are admonished to consider the ways of God,” and not to content ourselves with a scant and meagre understanding of His holy Word, but to- ‘‘ teach these things dill * gently ,” “to speak of the glory of God’s kingdom,” and to talk of His power wiih the view of making known to the sons of men His mighty works. A favorite author, Dr. Thomas Dick (whose works are noted for their sublimity of style, and should be read by all thinking Christians), Bays on this im portant subject, “ Why should we confine our views to a few points in the Christian system, to a few st Hies in the fabric of the divine operations, when a wide and unbound ed prospect lies before us? Why should we not rather attempt to rouse the moral and intellectual energies of mankind from the press, iu the school room, and in the family circle, by exhibiting the boundless variety of aspect which the revelations of heaven pre sent, and the holy tendencies of devout con templation on the works and the ways of God? Tuat they may learn with intelligence to meditate on the works of the Lord, and to talk ot all His doings? By enlarging and diversifying the topics of religious discus sion, we have it in our puwer to spread out an Intellectual feast to allure and to gratify every variety of taste—the young and 'he old, the learned and the unlearned, yea, even the careless and the ignorant, the skeptical and the di-sipated, might be frequently al lured by the sehetion of a judicious variety of striking and impressive objects and de scriptions, to partake of those mental enjoy ments which might ultimately issue iu the happiest results.” Actuated by these noble principles, and yet scarcely daring to give expression to their object, so timidly was the first step ta. ken, a few young ladies from each Church met at a private nouse in Thomaston, on the 19th of September, 1870, and opened among themselves a weekly union prayer meeting. Being called on to take charge of this meet ing, I suggested to them the propriety of organizing a permanent institution under the name of the Young Ladies’ Christian Asso ciation. The proposition met with approval, and it was resolved to ask all the ladies in the place, who were Church members of good standing, to join the Association. From each denomination an officer is elected by vote, the eldeily ladies being appointed by the President as honorary or ex officio members. We have been kindly furnished by th Y. M. C. Association with the form of con- S'itution for small towns, and herewiih give the order of similar exercises adopted by the ladies in their meeting : 1. Reading of Scripture, Singing, and Prayer. 2. Reading the Minutes of the preceding meeting. 3. Singing. 4. Essay on some Religious subject. 5. Singing. 6- Reading Selections from the Southern’ Christian Advocate, or other Religious weekly. 7. Singing and Prayer. The Week of Prayer, beginning on the 12th of November, was observed in this place. The Young Men’s Christian Association has accomplished a great work in our midst, having been instrumental in adding twenty souls to the Church. A few years ago there were several establishments in which liquors were retailed; but under the ennobling in fluences of upright, zealous Christians, they have disappeared, and the town is now no ted for its morality. Old and middle aged, as well as the young, manifest an active interest in the Association, and attend the ; Sabbath afternoon services regularly. Our attention was directed not long since to ihe following appeal in the Christian Worker: “ i heir is now open for cultivation a field for Christian work in Augusta which de mands lady workers, and without them can be only partially cultivated. This work will be discussed at the regular monthly mee ing, November 13, and the ladies are cordially invited to remain after the devotional ser vice is closed, and hear the claims of this work to their sympathy and co-operation. The time has fully come when our ILt of lady members should be largely increased or, what is better, a woman’s Christian As sociation should be organized, to co-operate in certain work with the Y. M. C. A. Let the ladies of Augusta talk this matter over among themselves, and take such action as their judgment and hearts may dictate and approve.” If they have responded to this suggestion and organized an Association, we should be pleased to eommucate with them, and to of fer our services should there be work to do in which our assistance is required. Our desire is to labor in our Master’s vineyard aud to grow in grace, with the constant prayer that we may be enabled to “ turn others to righteousness,” and point out the way to them of truth and life. Whenever our presence is needed to alleviate suffering, to comfort the widow and the orphan, to cheer the afflicted, or to help some poor, dy ing soul Ran on our blessed Saviour, we intend by the grace of God to lend a helping hand. Especially now, at this momentous period in the history ot our country, is there a need of woman’s prayers and influence. “ The effectual, fervent prayer ot the righteous availeth much,” and we believe will yet be instrumental in aver:ing the dark clouds that have so long enveloped our impoverished land. Let the ladies of every city, town, and village, or ganize a Christian Association and let ns unitedly worship and serve Him who hath said, “ Take up the cross and follow me, for iI am meek and lowly of heart.” Our mot to shail be that of one of our best ministers, “Evangelical always; sectarian never!" The Psalmist says, “ Life up your eyes on high and behold ! ’ Not only “ the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament 1 sheweth His handiwork,” but the sunlight and the cloud, the rock and the shifting j sand —even the simplest thing in nature—all j attest the great wisdcm which far exceeds > the grandest specimen of architectural splendor this world may produce. Should we then be indifferent in contemplating the magnificence of His mighty works, and in speaking of the glories of His kingdom ? Oh, let us endeavor more diligently, to un lerstand and appreciate the height, the eadth, the depth, of His never ceasing mercy, and of “ His wonderful gooauess to the children of men.” Let us labor to in struct those who walk in darkness, and plead with them to Join us in seeking that blessed Association above, where wisdom, knowl" edge, love, and all things that elevate the soul are made perfect in the everlasting light of God. Lon, a K. Rogers, Pres. Y. L. C. Association. Thomaston, Ga. NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE. Fourth Day, December 9. Conference met, at 9 o'clock, a. m., Bishop Pierce in the chair. Religious exercises were conducted by Rev. W. A. Florence. Minutes of yesterd ry’s session were read and approved. The tenth question, “ What local preach ers are elected Deacons''” was taken up, when the following were elected : Da del H. Foil; he, of Lit tie River circuit, Athens riis triet ; James T. P. acock, of Evans Chapel tatiuii, Atlanta district ; James U. Timmer man, of St. John’s station, Augusta district; James M. Osborn, of Dalton station, Dalion district ; Moses G Fleming, of Elbert cir cuit, Elbett dis rict ; Nicholas A. Moss, of Flowery Branca circuit, Gainesville dist-iet; William T. Nolan, of Fayetteville circuit. Griffin district; John Bonner, Bowdon cir cuit, LaGrange district.; Andrew J. Wallers, of Cave Springs circuit, Ro ne district. Question fourteen h : “ What, local preach ers are elected Elders?” was taken up when the following were elec’ed : James M. Hr well, of Covington circuit, Atlanta district; William A. Samuel, from the Baptist Church, was recognized iu Elder's orders; Benjamin A. Johnson, ot .Varrenton circuit. Augusta district; Blackwood K. B nson, of Appiiig circuit, Augusta district; Robert Leslie, of Troup circuit, LaGrange district; Robert!'. Wilkerson, of Rome station, Rome district. "Question second waste limed, when I). F. C. Simmons was continued on trial. The seventeenth question, “ Who are su pernumerary?” was called, when the follow ing cases were acted upon; P. A. Heard, Tti.d continued ; E.'G. Murrah, and con'tiu tted ; It. H. Jones, and continued; J. B. McFarland, and left effective; John P. Howell, and continued ; A. Means, and con tinued; J. M. Lowry, and left effective. The eighteenth question, “ Who are super" animated ?” was called, when the following cases were acted upon : R. A. Conner, ana continued ; Henry Crawford, and continued; A. J. Deavors, aud continued: John M. Bright, continued; James M. Armstrong, and continued ; M. G. Hamby, and contin ued ; J. B. C. Qiiibian, and continued ; Goodman Hughes, and continued; Morgan Bellah, and continued ; Claiborne Trussell, and continued ; Noah H. Palmer, and con tinued; John W. Knight, and continued; Josiah Lewis, and lelt effective ; W. J. Scott, and continued; W. J. Wardlaw, and contin ued ; Samuel J. Bellah, and continued. The following brethren were placed on the super annuated list: J. Boring, Daniel Kelsey, J times Jones. I he Committee on Education made its re port, which, on motion, was adopted. After which, Prof. Scotnp, of the chair of Greek and Hebrew of Emory College, was intro duced, and addressed the College in behalf of tiie Library of the College, and earnestly asked contributions of books and money for the improvement of the Library. Dr. A. G. Haygood, President of the College, also ad dressed the Conference, making general state merits of the resources of the Coliege, and expressing h gh hope for the future of the in stitution. He embraced the opportunity to urge the indispensableness ot Christian edu cation, and the necessity of endowing the College in order to prosecute her work. Robert Hester, of Elbertou district, and N. C. Ware, of Athens district, appeared and took their seats. Leave of absence was granted to Rev. W. It. Branham, J. E. Godfrey, A. Means. W. H. P.uter, of the Committee on Fra ternal Relations made the report of the com mittee, which was adopted by a rising vote. Ihe Joint Board of Finance made distri bution of amounts to claimants. On motion of J. M. Dickey, the following committee, W. H. Potter, J. E. Evans, W. F. Cook, were appointed to take into con sideration and report suitable resolutions in memory of our lamented brother, Dr. E. H. Myers. Announcements were made. Conference adjourned with the Benediction. Fifth Day, December 11. Conference met at 9 o’clock, a. m., Bishop Pierce in the chair. Reiigious exercises were conducted by Rev. J. M. Dickey. Min utes ot Saturday’s session were read, correct ed, and approved. W. D. Healh, located at his own requested. The twentieth question was resumed, when the characters of the following Elders we e passed: A. G. Worley, J. M. Dickey, W. F. Lewis, W. A. Fariss, C. A. Cona way, J. J. Morgan, W. T. Norman, and granted a supernumerary relation ; J. R. Parker, D. D. Cox, It. It. Johnson, J. A. Myers, M. W. Arnold, M. H. Eakes. J. Chambers, C. A. Mitchell, G. W. Yar brough, L. J. Davies, T. S. L. Harwell, Britton Sanders, J. R Smith, R J. Har well, W. P. Rivers, J. R. Pate, J. B. Payne, George E. Gardner, J. T. Lowe, W. T. Me- Michael, J. W. Heid-, G. G. Smith, P. M. Ryburn, J, H. Baxter, H. J. Ellis, J. S. Bryan, M. H. White, W. A. Simmons, W. J. Cotter, D. Nolan; L. Rush, J. M. Bow den, W. F. Quillian, E. K. Aiken, W. H. Graham, and located at his own request; Young J. Allen, W. A. Parks, J. R Mayson. W. P. Pledger, W. H. LaPrade, D. J. Weems, A. M. Thigpen, B. E. L. Timmons, F. F. Reynolds, A. J. Jarrell, W. R. Foote, Sanford Leake, B. F. Fariss, and granted a superannuated relation. J. Lewis was grant ed a superannuated relation. On motion of J. E. Evans, the memoirs of the deceased members which were read last night, were adopted, and the minutes of the memorial service last night were made apart of the minutes of this Conference; and it was ordered that the tribute to Dr. Myers, which was read, be furnished to The South ern Christian Advocate for publication. Bishop Pierce reported to the Couference that he had on yesterday ordained at the Methodist Church the following deacons: Traveling: James E. England, Wm. H. Trammell, James W. Lee, Ed. A. Gray, Thomas R. Kendall, Charles H. Pattillo. Local : Daniel 11. Fouche, Arthur C. Da vidson (elected last year), Nicholas Z. Glenn (elected last year). The Bishop proceeded to ordain the fol lowing elders in open Conference: Traveling: Eli Smith, Samuel P. Jones, Marion L. Underwood, William P. Smith, Clement C. Carey, James S. Embry, George W. Hardaway, Isaac G. Parks, Robert P. Martyn, Johu D. Gray, Wylie T. Laine. Local: Benjamiu A. Johnson, Blackwood K. Benson, Robert T. Wilkenson. The fifth question, “ Who are re admit ted ?’ was Caded. None were re-admitted. The report of the Committee on Books and Periodicals was read, which after re marks was adopted. Rev. H. H. Parks was appointed on Pub fishing Committee of Southern Christian Advocate, in place of George N. Lester. The Ecclesiastical at this juncture gave way for a session of the Legal Conference. The Ecclesiastical Conference resumed its session at five minutes to 1 o’clock. The Conference, on motion, appointed a session to be held at 21 o’clock, this day. The following were granted leave of ab sence : J. W. Knight, J. W. Burke, J. Jones L I. Wright, and R. J. Powell. The Conference confirmed the election by ihe Board of Ki-v, W. P. Harrison and J. F. Langston as memb-rs of the Board of Mis sions, in place of Rev. J. Lewis, Jr., ami L. D. Fainter. Announcements. Benediction. Evening Session. Conference met. at 2:30 o’clock pursuant to Rejournment, Bi hop Pierce in the chair. The minutes ol the morning session were read and approved. On motion ol A. G. Haygood Conference resolved to receive Dr. L. Pierce, on his visit to ihe Conference this afternoon, in a stand ing posiion. W. A. Paiks read the report of the Sun day school Board. The report was adopted. On motion, W. H. LaPrade and W. D. Anderson were added to the Sunday-school Board, and W. H. LaPrade was elected Con ference Sunday-school Secretary in place of J. B. Maysoi. resigned. W. F Glenn moved that the preachers in charge pav th-ir collections for the Bishop’s Fund ov r to tile I ’residing Elders, and the Presiding Eiders aecoum to the Board of Finance directly. W. A. Simmons offered a substitute that the Presiding Elders be req fired lo ra as the collections llieuiseives. On motion of C. W. Key the whole subject was laid on the table. Ques. 30.—Where shall the next session of ihe Conference be held ? was called when the following places were nominated : Con yers, Marieita, Gainsviile, Forsyth, Rome and LaGrange. The vote was as follows: Marietta. 9, Gainsv lie 87. Tne other places were then withdrawn and the vote for Gainsviile was made unan imous. At the juncture, Dr. Pierce briefly ad dressed the Conference, and then took leave. Dr. Haygood offered the following resolution, which was adopted by a rising vote: Resolved, That the Conference has had great pleasure iri a brief visit from our hon ored and revered Father in the Church, the ltev. Dr. Lovick Pierce, and 'hat our prayer to God is that we may all observe his wi,e counsels, and imitate his pure example, and that God’s grace may be granted to him al ways iu the tullness of the blessings of the Gospel of Christ. Evening Session. The Statistical Report was made, which was on motion adopted. By it the following “ Minute” questions were answered: Question 21.—What is the number of local preachers and members in the several cir cuits, stations, and missions of the Confer ence? Local preachers, 429; white mem bers, 55,504 ; colored members, 64. Question 22. —How many infants have been baptized during the year? 1,260. Question 23.—How many adults have been baptized during the year? 2,906. Question 24. — What is the number of Sun day-schools? 571. Question 25.—'vVhat is the number of Sun day-school teachers ? 3,28. Question 26. What is the number of Sun day school scholars? 29,296. Question 27.—What amount is necessary for the sup -rannuated preachers, and the widows and orphans of preachers? $8,500. Question 28. What has been collected on the foregoing account, and how has it been applies ? $5,069 59, and distributed to claim ants, as per record of the Board of Finance. Question 29. —What hasJ,een contributed for Missions? Foreign. $3 523 31 ; domes tic, $4,109 23 ; total, $7,630 54. The report of the committee on Bible Cause was read, which was, on motion, adopted. The following were announced as having been transferred to this Conference: J. A. Rosser. W. M. D. Bond, R. U. Rogers, S. P. Rii-hard°on. The B'-ard of Trustees of the Orphan’s Home made their report, which was, on mo tion, adopted. The following are the appointments for 1877 : Athens District. Thomas F. Pierce. P. E. Athens —W. H. Poiter ;P. A. Heard sup. Oconee Street, A. C. Thomas F ictorv Mission, to be supplied by W. T. Bell. W r n k niville, W. W. Oslin, \V. A. Candler. M idisou, T. A. Sealß. Morgan, J. E Engla: and, M. B. Turner. Greensboro, \V. T. Haro Ton. White Plains, W. P. Lovejoy. Lexington. A. W. Williams, G. G. Murrah, supernumerary. Winte, ville. C. C. C>ry. Washington, W. P. Pledger. Broad River, J. F. Mixon. Little River. W. L. Yarborough. Ciawfoidville, 0. C. Simmons. Lincolnton, W. H. Trammell, M. 11. Dillard. State University, Rev. E. W. Speer, Prof. Atlanta District —W. F. Cook, P. E. Atlanta —First Chinch, W. P. Harrison. Sixth Church, D. L. Anderson. Fulton, J. J. Morgan. Payne's Chapel, J A. Reynolds. Evans, G. E. Gardner. Trinity, J. E. Eiatis. St. Paul’s, vV. A. Dodge. Edgewood, W. R. Branham, Jr. East Point. O. A. Thrower. Decatur, Wesley F. Smith. Conyers, J. D. Gray. Covington, to be supplied by O. L. Smith. Flat Shoals, W R. Foote, Sr. Newton, J. A. Rosser, f Oxford, A. G. Haygood, A. Means, sup. -j Mt. Tabor and Sardis, to be supplied by [ A. J. Deavors Monticello, Albert Gray. J Monroe. D. F. C. Timmons. \ Social Circle, W. R, Branham, Sr. Emory College, A. G. Haygood, President.; M. Calloway, Professor. Superintendent Orphan’s Home, J. L. Lupo. Augusta District, R. W. Bigham, P. E. Augusta-—St. John's, C. A Evans. St. Luke’s, C. W. Key. St, Jomos and Jones' Chapel, A. J. Jarrell. Asbnry. F. G. Hughes. f Richmond, R. A. Seale. 1 Linwood, A. W. Quillian. Bearing Mission, supplied by E. P. Br iner. Appling, G. W. Hardaway. Thomson, W. C. Dunlap. , Warren Circuit, F. P. Bro wn. ♦ Warrenton, F. B. Davies. Sparta, H. J. Adams. Hancock. J. L. Pierce. G. H. Pattillo. Milledgeville, H. H. Parks, Baldwin, W. R Foote, Jr. Esgmton, F. A. Kim hell. Putnam, W. T. Caldwell. Datii.onega District —J. W. Stipe, P. E. Dahlonegi and Jones Chapel, J. D. Ham mond. Porter Spring Mission, E. 3. Wood. Dawsonville, J. N. Myers. Amicalola Mission. H. M. Quillian. Cleveland, J H. Ellis. Naeooehee, J. W. G. Watkins. Blairsviile and Mission, C. L. Patillo. Morganton Mission, W. H. Speer. Ellijah, T. J. Edwards. Jasper, J. H. M .shburn. Clayton circuit, and mission, J. H. Bentley. Hiwassee mission, G. A. Andrews. Dai.ton District —A. M. Thigpen, P. E. Dalton, P. M. Ryburn. Daltou circuit, W. G. Hanson. Ringgold, W. L. Wootten. Summerville, H. C. Christian. Subtigna, E. B. Rees. LaFayette, G. W. Duvall. McLemore Cove, J. B. McFarland. Spring Place, A. J. Hughes. Resaca, to be supplied by J. S. Harkins. Murray mission, Isaac G. Parks. Calhoun and Oothcaloga, J. M. Dickey. Gordon, P. G. Reynolds. Kingston, J. J. Singleton. Dalton Female College, W. A. Rogers, Pres. Elrerton District —A. G. Worley, P. E. Elbertou, W. J. Cotter. Beth'ehera, C. A. Mitchell. Elbert, W. A. Florence. Jefferson, W. A. Fariss. Franklin Springs, .1. W. Quillian. Mulberry, M H. Etkes. Carnesville, C. A. Oonoway. Danielsvillo, N. Z. Glenn. Homer, G. E. Bo iner. Gillsville, W. E. Shackleford. Toccoa, J. R. Smith. Hartwell, W. P. Smith. Clarkesville, E. A. Gray. Belton circuit, J. W. Baker. Gainesville District —J. R. Parker, P. E Gainesville, D D. Cox. Alpharetta, J. J. Harris. Canton, J. M. Lowry. Cherokee, R. L. Campbell,one tobesupplied. Camming, W. T. Laine. Flowery Branch, R. H. Rogers. Hall, M. J. Cofer. Lswrenceville, G. W. Thomas. Loganville, J. S. Embry. Duluth, J. Carr. Roswell, Eli Smith. Norcross, W. W. Lampkin. Etowah, J. Chambers. Griffin District — G. W. Yarborough, P. E. Griffin, D. J. Myrick. Zebulon, T. S. L. Hurwell. Fayetteville, B. Sanders. June boro J. M. Bo 'dun. f McDonough, J. W. Yarborough. ( Hamilton, T. R. Kendall. i Clinton, W. T. McMichael. ■] Ocmulgee circuit, Supplied by E. M. ( MclCizzick. B trnesville and Salem, W. P. Rivers. Milner, R. W. Rogers. Snapping Shoals, R. J. Harwell. Up-on, J. R. Pate. Thomaston, R. R. Johnson. Forsyth, L. J. Davis. Forsyth circuit, J. T. Lowe. Culloden, J. B. Payne. LaGrange District —J. W. Heidt, P. E. LaGrange, G. G. Smith. We t. Point, W. F. LiWts. Newnan, J. 11. Baxter. Troup, H. J. Ellis. Long Cane, J. W. Lee; E. J. Howell, sup. Whitesville, M. H. White. Greenville anti Trinity, J. S. Bryan. Chalybeate Springs, to he supplied by F. W. Baggerly. King’s Gap and County Line, to be sup plied by J. Jones. Grantville, F. M. T. Brannan. Whitesburg, D. Nolan. Hoganaville, W. A. Si nmons. Senoia, L. Rush, one to be supplied. Palmetto and Jones, W. M. D. Bond. Fairburn, L. P. Neese. Carrobton, W. F. Quillan. Bowdon, J. L Perryman. Franklin, E. K. Aiken. Prospect, E. 1. Smith. Missionary to China, Young J. A'len. LaGrange Female College, J. It. Mayson, President. Agent. Wesleyan Female College, W. A. Pants. Rome District —S. P. Richardson, P. E. Rome, W. H. LaPr.ide- DeSoto Circuit, S. P. Jones. Forestville, M L. Underwood. Cedartown, W. D. Anderson. Cedar Valley, to be supplied by J. W. Traywick. Cave Springs, R. E. L. Timmons. Villa Rica, F. F. Reynolds. Kockmart, S. Leake. Haralson Mission, Supplied by W. W. Simpson. Cartersville, T. H. Timmons, J. T. Morris, sup. Marietta, W. Fisk Glenn. Acworth, M. W. Arnold, R. H. Jones, sup. Powder Spings, D. J. Weems. Dalits, R. P. Martyn. Doug lass villa, W, 0. Butler. Silver Creek —Supplied by A. .T. Watters. Transferred. —A. T. Matin lo South Georgia Conference. S. L. Smitn to Florida Conference. V. V. Harlan aud W. I. Wood to Arkansas Conference. THE FIRST CONFERENCE IN GEOR GIA —ISOli. Seventy years ago, Christmas week of December 180 ff, the old South Carolina Conference, the mother ot us all, held its annual session at Sparta, in the bouse o John Lucas, who entertained a large portion of it himself, and in whose parlor the Con ference held its daily sessions, and lmd plenty ot room. The members present at this session all told, amounted to twenty nine. My brother Reddick and myself were two of them, just graduated into full con nection. I his Sparta Conference, in a feeling sense, was the beginning of days to me. It is wonderful to think that out of this Parlor Conference of twenty-nine members, in seventy years, has become North Georgia, South Geoigia, and Florida Conferences — leaving the old mother, South Carolina Con ference with four times as many members as it had seventy years ago. Including these noble daughters—this twenty-nine has mul tiplied into five hundred living members in these several Conferences, besides thegoodiy number that have died in the work. I am the only one of this twenty-nine that has not passed over. Why God has let me live so long I have never inquired. Thai is bis work. But it is wonderful to think, that I was a member of that little Conference, and are now here an ex member of the North Georgia Conference after an interval of seventy years. In this connection it seems to me eminent ly proper, to remind this generation of the fact that this little South Carolina Confer ence, then supplied with Methodist, preach ing one half of North, all of South Carolina, and all of Georgia, inhabited by white peo. pie, which up to about that time was bound ed by the Oconee River, and that I as one of them do cot see but that we preached F. M. KENNEDY, I). I)., J. W. BURKE, 7^ A. G. HAYGOOD, I>. D., Editor!? WHOLE NUMB3R^H then to all that sought our ministry, as nearly as we do to-day. It is a note-worthy fact. It was because of our four weeks circuits and everyday preaching. We preached as a very general rule, twenty eight regular circuit sermons every four weeks, and now whether you are on an eight appointment or a four appointment circuit you are preaching, as due your people eight sermons in four weeks, falling twenty short of our work seventy years ago. It is there fore easy to see that with our employed min istry, quadrupled, we are not preaching, as many soul-stirring sermons to the people as we were seventy years ago, and consequently not preaching to as many so'tjis. There is great difference between four congregations and twenty eight. I am aware that this is not wholly our (uult, and am just tis well aware we could do three times bet ter than we are doing, if we did not prefer home to pastoral toils and duties. Ido not look for a denial. But you are impatient to hear someth-'ng about tue doings of this ii.tie Conference. Well, it was just like all regular Annual Conferences i its minute details. Bishop Asbury presided with his usual unsurpassed uignity. None of you ever sat under his episcopal administration. If yon had, you would have come to my conclusion, that if he was not born a Bishop lie v/as born for a Bishop. 1 am under the impression that he was the only living Bishop at that time. Bishop McKendrie was added May 1808. Til ere was, however, at this little Sparta Conference, some incidents of thrilling in terest. Bennett Kendrick, was a man of fine health, about'thirty years old, and one ot the most "taking” preachers the Confer ence ever had —had a transfer I think, from Virginia. Transferred to fill a few places for which Bishop A. could find no suitable home material. This minister, so material to Bishop A’s scanly supply—when his char acter was passed, asked, and of course, as he would not decline, obtained a location— and for three mornings iu succession had his horse and sulky all ready to leave, and then put up again. On the third morning he came into Conference and asked tie privil ege of addressing the body—which he did in about these words: ‘ I have tried three mornings to leave you, but God will not let me go. I ask you to take back my location and give me work.” Then if yon had been there you would have seen how old Method ist preachers could cry when*they were both glad and happy. Kendrick was restored and was appointed Presiding Elder of the Wilmington District.. N. C. —went on his work —went one round—took the old timed billtous fever and died in April. So you saw why God would not let him locate. Another event, never to be forgotten by any one present, was Dougherty’s resolution, which was, “that if any member of that Con ference should ever thereafter leave his charge for fear of any epidemic disea- e like yellow lever, lie should never be employed again as a traveling preacher within the ju risdiction of the 8. C. Conference.” One had bol'ed the year before, aud such an ex cited debate, I suppose, was never seen in the South Carolina Conference before or since. The Bishop gave them full scope — they debated it two days—and when the vote was finally reached, the count was fifteen for and fourteen against. I voted with the majority. George Dougherty was iu my opinion the most intellectual man this old Conference ever had on its roll of ministers. He was of Irish parentage, hut I think a Carolinian by birth. He was better educated than the rest of ns. lits race was short. He was now in the last stage of consumption— took no work —reached Wilmington iu North Carolina, where he had many friends, and died in March, 1807. Excuse me for introducing my brother and myself here. In 1800 he traveled the then called Washington Circuit, embracing Han cock county, under James H. Mallard, preacher in charge, and I took the Apalachie Circuit, supplying Green, Clark and Jackson counties with Methodist preaching, under Joseph Tarpiey in charge. This year was held “Piney Woods Catno Meeting” six miles north from here. This was the meet ing of that year held in July, rather a novel ty about here at that iiroe. The crowd was so great on Sunday that we had to divide the congregation into three. I tilled one off in the woods, standing upon a little three feet square pine table, aud the work became so overwhelming, 1 could do nothing more but sit down cross-legged and behold tha work of God. O, that I could once more look upon such a scene ! But as to this little Sparta Conference seventy years ago; did yon admit any young men on trial at. it? Yes, verily we did. We admitted Win. Arnold and Wm. M. Ken nedy. the father of cur beloved editor, F. M. Kennedy. Never did the Conference Go a belter business than,in these two Williams. Their names are embalmed in as many lov ing hearts as ever entwined around living, or lingered around the graves of deceased pas tors. They preached well, sung well, lived well, and died well. Kennedy nied first, nut died with his how bent and his armor on. Arnold lived a few years longer and died a superannuate. But their memory is inscribed on tablets far more precious than plates of gold. Here ends my Conference report, save the pleasure I take in saying this old Lucas man sion is now standing and it may he ihe sight of it now will be an inspiration to this Cou ference. To see hotv small we were seventy years ago, as a whole, we had room enough in a gentleman’s parlor. But now, take us as a whole, it would take a modern tabernacle to hold us. We are now four Annual Con ferences. But is an Annual Conference with us now, ns much a eeasou and place of grace as once they were? My observation douots it, and if not, our way is slowly backwards. L. Pierce. The Rout. —The following is the roll of members of the Conference of 1806, as far as I can now complete it from memory : .losing llandall, Samuel Cowles, George Dougherty, Lewis Myers, Samuel Ansley, Moses Mathews, William Gassaway, Hannon Dowman, Isaac Cook, Maddox, James Jinks, Daniel Asbury, Thos. Nelson, fbos. Darby, Bennett Kendrick, Jas. H. Mailard, John W. Kennon, B.ition Capel, Samuel Mills, Joseph Lattenstall, L. Cullen Evans, (about this time he located; Joseph l’arpley, James Russell, John Pater, Red dick Pierce, Lovick Pierce, (we five were just installed.) —Sparta Times and Planter. You cannot build a house on the tops of trees, and yon cannot build up a Church that symbolizes the real Chuich idea that rests on the upper level of fashionable so ciety. If the Church intends to represent God, then must it fill its bosom with affec tion for the lowly aud with anxiety for chose that are morally lost.