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1878. all, even in the best of times. As soon as a youth has learned his business, off he must go to camp and barrack life, amid scenes and companionships likely to exercise a disastrous influ ence on his future character and con duct. This system is kept up to main tain the power of the German Empire, a power which is of great importance to the ruling class, but of very little to the workingmen. The law for the repression of dangerous Commu nism, demanded by Prince Bismarck, has passed without substantial modifi cation, and it will be a bitter pill for the lovers of free speech, freedom of meeting, and a free press. The dis content caused by it, and the danger to pronounced Communists who re main in Germany, will probably in duce a large emigration from that country to the United States, where the utmost freedom to meet, speak, write, and print, so long as they do not break the peace or injure others, is secure to all comers. The misfor tune is that the German Communist will be apt to abuse the large liberty allowed in our free country, and in stead of simply enjoying the immuni ties implied in our free institutions, will become a political agitator and malcontent. However revolution may be needed in Prussia, we certainly need none in this country, at least none that is proposed by the agrarian tendencies of Communism. We commend the following from the Texas Christian Advocate to our pastors and people. It is a defect in our denomination, incident in part to our want of a settled pastorate, that we have a slack hold on our member ship. We lose from our rolls more members than some churches acquire. Our revivals save our ranks from de pletion. We are wanting in well or ganized methods of work. “ I was a stranger and ye took me in ; when saw we thee a stranger and took thee in ? Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Let us not neglect theso stran gers —these brethren of the Lord. There is at once sense and religion in these well considered words which we quote : “ How are we to reach these wan derers ? Pastors are diligent, yet they can only find a portion of this multitude. We know one community where an Episcopal Church is grow- j : .4Vy thc'-Ti t-’ac otho? de nominations. The pastor is not more ; active than the others, but he has the | co-operation of his membership. They j seek out all who are inclined to their Church, and encourage their presence in the congregation. This warm wel come wins many hearts. Why may not Methodists work in the same way? If each pastor had a working band or ganized, his influence would reach many a circle which, unaided, he can not enter. When he learns that a Methodist family has come into the community, could he induce the ladies of his charge to call and welcome the strangers, how many might bo brought in! If we neglect them, we have no reason to complain if they turn to wards a welcome from another quar ter. We may excuse ourselves by saying, if these strangers are true to themselves and their Church, they will make themselves known without this extra effort on the part of the Church. We must deal tenderly with the weak ones. There liavo been times in the history of many of us, when sympathy and help were sorely needed Our friend, Dr. Cooke, formerly President of the Wilbraham Academy, communicates a most interesting ar ticle to the Zion’s Herald, about one of his former boys. It is not only most agreeable reading, but, without in tending especially to be so, is hope fully promising of the power of the Gospel over life and civilization in the East. Think of it, our Japanese Min ister a Methodist, and a regular wor shipper in a Methodist Church! “Some ten or more years ago, a Ja panese youth came to Wilbraham, bearing a note from the late Bishop Janes, saying that this young man was without friends, and seemed to him of good promise, and he had sent him to the school and would pay bis bills, if no one else did. The young Japanese registered as Iwasgi Nagai, and further said that he was of noble birth, but had violated the laws of his country by leaving without the con sent of the Mikado, or his own Da mio, who was none other than the powerful Satsuma. Supposing the story of his noble birth to be like that of the pretended “Italian Counts,” so numerous in our country, we thought nothing more about it. A few months later he came to the office in great glee, and held up a dispatch in Japan ese, from his own government, which he ’proceeded to translate into good English for our benefit. The docu SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. ment recognized the rank of his fam ily ; extended a full pardon for his ir regular way of leaving his own coun try ; assured him that the Mikado would assume the expense of bis edu cation; and then proceeded to give some instructions for him to observe in fitting himself for the service of his country. But the severest part was the injunction to “ have nothing to do with any religion.” This troubled him exceedingly, for he had just pro fessed conversion to Christianity. He, however, wrote to his government that the religion which he had em braced was not like the Jesuitism which they had known in Japan ; it was a religion which did not inter fere in any way with the duty which he owed to his country. Nothing more was heard from his government on the question of religion. His bills were promptly paid, and he went on with his studies in a quiet and indus trious manner, exhibiting talents of a superior order, till a few months later, when he was called home to enter the service of his country, and we lost all trace of ouy Japanese pupil. Having seen some items going the rounds of the press seeming to identify that Wilbraham boy as the Japanese Min ister, we determined to test the ques tion ourselves. Calling at the em bassy, we inquired for Hon. Iwasgi Nagai, the Japanese Minister. “No such person here,” replied the valet. The steward came, and the same in quiry was repeated. “No such per son has ever been connected with the embassy,” was the quick reply. We then added, “ Please ask the chief am bassador himself, if any one connect ed with him w T as educated at Wilbra ham, Massachusetts?” He did so, and in a moment, in came the Hon orable Ambassador himself—Jushie Yoshida Kiyonari, Envoy Extraordi nary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States of America—and gave us such a cordial and affection ate greeting as is common only among the Orientals. He w T as none other than the Wilbraham youth of ten years ago. The explanation is this: The name Iwasgi Nagai, by which he was known at school, was an assumed name. The first word—Jushie —of his official title indicates the rank of his nobility, and might be properly translated into English as “ Earl.” He is now, we were happy to learn, a man of pronounced Christian charac ter, a decided Methodist, and a regular worshinpar at. the Foundry M F Church.” South Carolina Conference. Rev. M. L. Banks, Upper St. Mat thew's Ct., writes, October 22: “ Our Camp-meeting at Limestone closed yesterday. It was a good time. Such a season of refreshing we had not had there. Brother Martin, our Presiding Elder, who is closing up his fourth year’s work on the District, and who has won our hearts and will go from us with our blessing, was as sisted by Cauthen, Melton, Dantzler, Furguson, .Richardson and Inabinit. There was honest work and plain dealing, when each one, in his turn, occupied the pulpit. The word was with power, and the effect will be re membered. Nine persons gave them solves to the church, and about a dozen their hearts to God. And such a bap tism as the church received! It will be one of our most pleasant reminis cences. Only two of the tents were without occupants. Anew one had gone up, and others will be added next year, if I may be allowed to prophesy. They are needed. The burden of supporting a camp meeting falls heavily on a dozen or so. The camp ground and the church stand on two opposite hills, with a branch be tween. In the grave yard, hard by the church, sleeps the mother of Bish op Wightman. Not far off was once the home of Secrease, the eccentric Dutch preacher. The old church building, w T hich stood till a few years ago, where the new one now stands, was a relic of the past. The boards of which it was constructed were manufactured by means of a whip sawn The time for saw mills had not yet come. How things have moved forward since then. This report will show that the church there is not go ing backward.” Rev. J. C. Russell writes: “The Gourdin Circuit and Mission, and the Sam pit Circuit and Mission , were thrown together last year, and now form the Gourdin and Sampit Circuit. This Circuit is between Black and Santee Rivers, lying along the Northeaetern Railroad. Some of our members are living near old Georgetown. We have an indifferent parsonage at Salters’ Station, on the railroad, in the midst of a cluster of Presbyterians. I travel two hundred miles every 4 month, and preach to twelve congregations. And this brings me around my Circuit once. The parsonage is not in the right place, nor among the right people for a Methodist preacher. My junior and I have been, and are still, hard at work. We held a series of protracted meetings, with favorable results, at the following places: Sampit Church, 22 conversions and 22 accessions ; Pen ny Royal. 6 conversions and 6 acces sions; Bethel, 2 conversions and 2 ac cessions; Gourdin’s, 14 conversions and 6 accessions; Sutton’s, 6 conver sions and 18 accessions. Our meet ings are still in progress. We hope that this Circuit will be divided at the next Conference. By such an ar rangement two beautiful circuits will be formed for preachers, with very small families.” Rev. R. L. Duffie, Lancaster Ct., writes us the following acceptable letter: “Our Fourth Quarterly Conference was held at Camp Creek Church on the sth and 6th of October, and was protracted until Tuesday night follow ing. The altar was crowded with penitents at nearly every service. Five joined the church, several pro fessed conversion, and the church was greatly revived. Brother Williams, of the Lancaster Station, was with us until the close of the meeting. The camp-meetings at Salem, on the Hang ing Rock Ct., arid Zoar, on the Zoar Circuit and Mission, were held in conjunction with the Third Quar terly Conferences. These meetings were largely attended, and the results were good. Some were converted at each. The conversions were clear and satisfactory, and the shouts of God’s Israel were heard on more than one occasion. Several joined the church at each.” The Williamsburg County” Sunday school Convention adjourned October 23d. Rev. J. W. Mcßoy was elected President; Colonel S. W. Maurice, Vice-President; Captain W. D. Fitch, Secretary. Ten schools represented. Large attendance of citizens. Sun day-school work revived in all its as pects, and some able discussions. A suitable constitution was adopted. The Hebron congregation extended to the Convention an elegant hospitality. J. Mcßride Graham, J. F. Carraway and Colonel G. D. Rhoadus were ap pointed an Executive Committee. Next session to bo held ct Bethesda Church. * Rev. T. E. Wanfamaker, Charles ton District, who was *prfsent at Mt. Carmel camp-meeting, on Walterboro’ Circuit, reports that it was a most de lightful occasion. Besides the Pre siding Elder and the pastor, there were several preachers present from adjoining pastoral charges. Professor Duncan, from Wofford College, was present. The preaching was with power, and gracious resilts followed. There were five accessions during the meeting. There were several conver sions, and the church enjoyed refresh ing from the presence of the Lord. The camp-meeting at Cypress has just closed, and we are a; home again. The meeting was well rttended, we had good order, and faithful, earnest preaching by our belovjd Presiding Elder, Rev. T. E. Wannamaker; also, Revs. P. F. Kistler, T. Raysor, W. C. Power, S. 11. Browne ani J. McElha ney, the blind preachei. Dr. A. E. Williams lead one service. Rev. G. H. Pooser. the pastor ol the Circuit, Rev. S. D. Vaughn, Berkley Ct., and several local brethren, were present, and rendered good service. While there were but few convjrsions or ac cessions, yet the Holy Spirit was with us, and we rejoiced together in the Lord. It was good to be tiere. G. H. P. Connectional Facts aid Figures. The Raleigh Christian Advocate tells of three Methodist Churches soon to be dedicated in the North Carolina Conference. We learn from the Advo cate that the Rev. Joel V. Whitten, stationed preacher at lecatur, Ala bama, died on the 20th October of yel low fever. A good man and a valu able worker has fallen. We are indebted to (he Carolina Methodist for the following : We learn that Trinity College has 96 students in the College proper. We are glad to learn of-ill increasing prosperity. We believe trinity Col lege to be second to none in North Carolina. Wo select the following from the Richmond Christian Advocate. Mrs. Herrick gives r otice that the publication of the Southern Review will be continued. Messrs. W. A. and C. J. Griffith, of Salem, Va., are now the publishers, and it is to be issued from Richmond, Ya. Mrs. A. T. Bled soe has a liberal interest in the pro ceeds, and Mrs. S. Bledsoe Herrick continues as one of the editors. The first number under the new auspices | will date from January I, 1879. Wo learn from the Texas Christian Advocate that the following resolution was adopted at the last session of the Northwestern Texas Conference: Resolved , That we most respectfully ask our Bishops for the present to make no more transfers to our Con i ference without the consent of the presiding Bishop and his cabinet. Also from the Texas Advocate : The West Texas Conference opened ! its twentieth session October 16, at San Marcos, Bishop Keener presiding. He reached his appointment on time, via NewYork. A full attendance of preachers and a partial attendance of laymen present. Mexican work well represented. The following, touching our New Orleans ministers, is from the New Orleans Advocate ; Rev. John Math ews is up and about the house. His wife and eldest daughter are now sick with the fever. Both at this time, are doing well. Brothers Krauter and Bohmfalk, of the German min isters, are quite sick, but with good prospects of recovery. Rev. J. ; M. Beard is still improving and will be out in a few days. Rev. Dr. Ah rens, of the German church, and Rev. Tiff Foster, our pastor at Moreau street, though unacclimated, have not been attacked as yet. We collate from the Nashville Ad vocate : The Columbia Conference was held at lloseburg, Oregon, Octo ber 2. One was admitted on trial. Two remain on trial. Two transfers were received. C. 11. E. Newton su perannuated. The preachers were till found blameless in life and official ad ministration. Local preachers, 26; infants baptized, 28; adults, 71; mem bers 1,343; Sunday,schools, 17 : teach ers, 93 ; scholars, 636. No assessment for widows and orphans ; §44.75 rais ed for this purpose, and applied to C. H. E. Newton. Collected for For eign Missions, S6O ; Domestic, $70.75. There are four districts—Willamette, Walla Walla, Blue Mountain, Jack sonville. Twenty-four preachers re ceived appointments. Bishop Wight man presided. Dr. J. W. Hinton, editor elect of the new Quarterly of our Church, writes to the Wesleyan Christian Ad vocate: Aw the time draws near When the projected Quarterly is to.be issued, it is proper to make somO’ public, state ment in regard 1,6 fhe enterprise. Somedelay has been caused by thetime consumed in settling necessary prelim inaries—place of pointing, terms, etc. It is now fixed by fthe managers’ de cision ; Nashville in the place of pub lication, and $3.00 the subscription price—always in advance. Subscri bers will, of course, remit money and names to Nashville. Rev. R. A. Young, D. D., is the Treasurer and one of the Review Committee ; send to him. Names and money will be received by any of the managers, and all the traveling clergy are solicited to act as agents. I mean what I say, — act. The first number, it is hoped, will be out in December. The Raleigh Christian Advocate thus estimates the strength of North Caro lina Methodism : Our membership in the North Car olina Conference, adding the number havingjoined this year, may he put down in round numbers at 60,000. There are twenty-five counties in our State attached to the Holston and Virginia Conferences. The number of Methodists in these counties is put down at 10,000. Protestant Metho dists, we have been informed by one of the preachers, number 10,000. Col ored Methodists—the fruits of the M. E. Church, South, before the war,* number 20,000. The O’Kclleyites, (called Christians), and those who have joined the M. E. Church, North, and another small sect called “ The Methodists,” known as the abolition ist Methodists before the war, are sup posed to number 15,001). This gives a grand total of 115,000 Methodist communicants in the State. Says the Holston Methodist: Rev. J. M. Berry, for many years a minister of the Christian (“ Campbeil ite ”) Church, became a member of the Louisville Conference M. E. Church, South, at its last session. His application for admission was accom panied by a letter, in which he says : “ During the greater portion of those years, I engaged with my fellow churchmen in prosecuting a war against all other creeds. Nearly all such creeds were written—reduced to a tangible form—and in some way au thorized, and thus became subject to a definite mode of attack. On the other hand, ‘ Campbellism ’ enjoyed a chaotic existence in periodical and book literature, and was wholly with out ecclesiastical sanction. In short, our creed existed only in the manifold ipse dixit of innumerable dogmatical preachers and editors; and was not, therefore, within easy range of the science of logic. Hence the difficulty of exposing its defects to the super ficial observer, of which our common humanity is so largely composed. This fact is, of itself, liablo to be taken as a matter of evidence in favor of ‘ Campbellism,’ and accounts for its varied success with persons of that class.” Dr. John E. Edwards writes to the Richmond Christian Advocate, in com mendation of the statistical tables re cently adopted by the Virginia Con ference. lie says: It is a marcel that this very sensible thing has not beeu done before the present. By th/old form many of us have been placed at disadvantage in these reports. Espe cially has this been the case w;hen a Bishop has presided who has con sumed much of the valuable time of the Conference session in calling for statistics, and judging the preachers by these reports. At best, it is a very fallacious test of a pastor’s efficiency. But the feature in the new table to which I allude, as an improvement on the old, is that it provides for the re port of losses in the membership. Sometimes a pastor has had good average success in his work, and has received a large number of members into the church, and yet he may be compelled to report a decrease in the membership of his charge. This is put down to liis discredit; when in point of fact he is deserving of com mendation. The present table calls for a report of losses by removals, deaths, withdrawals, expulsions. It is still defective, in that it has no col umn for those “ who have been lost sight of for twelve months,” and, by the Church Conference, are placed on a retired list. This is often a source of considerable loss to the roll of mem bers. Unassorted Items. Rev. John Ryerson, of the Metho dist Church of Canada, is dead. He was probably the oldest minister in Canada, ami had been in active ser vice fifty-eight years. —Rev. T. J. Melish, Baptist, of Cincinnati, formerly editor of the Journal and Messenger, has been or dtljned to the ministry of the Protest s-ipiscCpui Uliflrcu. Peep of Day,” the most success ful juvenile book, by Mrs. Fayell Lee Mortimer, who recently died in Eng land, had a total sale of 1,250,000 copies. —Rev. Mr. M’Kay of the Chinese Mission at Fomosa, has married a Chi nese wife, a native Christian. He is the first missionary who has married an Oriental wife. —The Board of Curators of' the Missouri University have elected to the Chair of Modern Languages, Mrs. J. P. Fuller, daughter of the late Wm. A. Smith, D. D., formerly President of Randolph-Macon College, Va. —From the necrological statistics of the Congregational ministry dur ing the last three years, it appears that of the whole number (191) who died at that time, 67 bad passed the age of three-seore-and-ten ymars; the average of their ages was above sixty five ; tho mean length of their service in the ministry was nearly thirty-fivo years. —Doctor Schlieman has telegraph ed from Ithaca to Athens: We have made a great discovery. On the pla teau which extends towards the west ern shore of the southeast part of the island, we have found, in digging, ninety houses of cyclopean construc tion, belonging to the Homeric city of Ithaca. Impossible to express here the methodical result of our excava tions. The winter rains- have wash ed into the sea all the ancient trea sures. Nevertheless the discovery of these ruins constitutes a valuable treasure for the island. All the lovers of antique souvenirs will hasten to visit the city of Homer. —Mr. Wendell Phillips lately wrote to an inquirer in San Francisco : "The Chinese are a pains-taking, industri ous, and marvelously capable people. Statesmanship and political economy, as well as Christianity, bids us wel come such help in subduing the con tinent—not violently to thrust them out. That we, who fled here only two centuries ago, should refuse the Chinese a place is monstrous, but that tho Irish, who only fifty or thirty years ago came here and took shelter under institutions already established, should use the rights we have shared with them to oppress and torment the Chinese, is shamefully inconsistent —another instance of hovv often-the persecuted are themselve.s the first to persecute.” 5