THE CHRISTIAN SUN.
TN ESSENTIALS, UNITY ;
IN NON-EvSSENTIALS, LIBERTY;
IN ALL THINGS, CHARITY.
Volume XXXI.
SUFFOLK, V^l;, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 1878.
Number 4r7.
INTRODUCTORY SERMON.
DELIVERED AT THE OPENING OF THE
FIFTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL SESSION
OF THE EASTERN VIRGINIA
I'HRISTI AN CONFERENCE.
BY REV. J. T. KITCHEN.
Text Wliere hast thou gleaned
to day T— Buth 2: 9.
The weakest and most hnuible ser
vant of Jesus is expected to do some
thing for his Master. He may not
be nble to do much, but God knows
the number of talents he has given
him to improve, and has commanded
him to use them. There is work to
be done everywhere, and it therefore
naturally becomes the duty of every
one to do what his hands find to do.
To accomplish anything in the mate
rial world aroiMid us, we must exer
cise thongh( and energy. Without
these we cannot expect to succeed.
Hence we notice the agriculturist
busily employed in cultivating bis
farm, using all tbe improved imple
ments within his reach, so as to facil
itate his work, and make it more ef
fectual. Then we see him bringing
together the products of his farm,
where he stores them away for his
own use, or prepares them for market.
The botanist goes over field aud
woods collecting together different
plants; theu he classifies them, and
gives to each class its appropriate
aarne. What a beautiful and varie
gated pile of leaves aud flowers he
has before him ! It took time, it took
thought, it took work, for this study
of nature. But the grand idea of
learning more about God, aud of
opening the way for others to learn,
richly paid for all the time and means
given to the undertaking. The min
eralogi8t digs from the rich mines
many useful and valuable metals.
These are utilized for man’s good.
Tbe work may bo hard, the progress
slow, but it wilPfeventually give tbe
diligent baud the result of its labor.
Much earth may have to be rolled
away, many rocks ma$*»liave to be
split, before tbe precious ore is
reached,yet the thought of finding the
things which God has placed here for
man’s good, say nothing of the tem
poral advantage, compensates for all.
And the astronomer standing on this
planet, looking out into the un
bounded space beholds much to ad
mire aud love. He brings to his aid
the searching eye of the telescope, and
by this means is enabled to glean
a more” exteuded knowledge of tho
Author’s unlimited work. Thus we
notice that many learned men have
been industriously engaged in ex
ploring, and gleaning from the fertile
field of science which lay so invitingly
before them. Jfor is their work yet
completed, for the deeper they de
scend and the higher they ascend,
there is much to engage their admir
ing attention.
My brethren of the Eastern Vir
ginia Christian Conlerence, we are
gleaners in the beautiful gospel field.
We are colaborers together with
God. Let me ask then with the ap
-propriate words of the text, Where
hast thon gleaned to-day T
I feel that here are many who have
obeyed the command, “go work to
day in ray vineyard,” and that they
are waiting with reports from differ
ent parts of the field of Christian la
bor to give an answer to this ques
tion. Soon we expect to hear where
you have gleaned and what yon have
gleaned for the Master. To feel,
however, that another year is past,
and that we have ono less in which
to work, should not so much awaken
sad emotions as active ones. The
thought often presents itself to my
mind that when our work is done, if
we have any regret at all, it will be that
we did so little in gleaning sheaves
from the field of Christian labor when
there was ample opportunity given
us to do more.
We well remember tbe Bible says,
the uight is far spent, the day is at
hand; let us therefore cast oft' the
works of darkness, and let us put on
the armor of light. Our probationa
ry state, our working time may very
truly be called uight, for we have to
labor through many dark and gloomy
hours. But this night, this working
time is far spent. The time given us
to glean will soon end. The day is at
hand—it will aoou, yes, very soon,
dawn upon us. The faiut, gray
streaks of day can almost be seeu,
when we hope to exult iu these words
of Dr. Young: “Then farewell uight
of darkness now no more, joy breaks,
shines, tiiumphs, ’tis eternal day.” 1
allude to the day wheu we shall be re
quired to give au account of our work
when wo shall be judged according to
the work we have done. Shall onr
woik meet the approval of the Master
.or not? Oh, that every one of us
j could say, and feel honest and earnest
I about it when we say it, “I mu.'jf
work the works of him that sent me
while it is day—the night cometh
when no man can work.”
It is my purpose in this annual ad
dress to see first inhere we have
gleaned, and in the second place to
inquire icliat we have gleaned.
We very naturally suppose that
something has been gleaned from the
General Convention of the Christian
Church, and that the plans there
originated will be brought down to
the annual Conferences for considera
tion. This, then, was. an important
part of the field to glean from, be
cause the work done there affects ma
terially that which is tc follow.
The Sunday School Convention was
another important place to glean.
Some who are here had (he privilege
of attending, and those who did
not, to some extent shared in its
benefits.
Next in order, we may mention
the District Meetings which have
been held to aid in more effect
ually accomplishing the work of the
church.
The Missionary Society organized
in nearly every church, is another es
sential .part of the field in which to
labor. There has long beeu much
precious grain scattered over this
portion of the field, which ought to
have been gathered up, and placed
where it was so much needed.
Pastoral visiting gave another op
portunity for doing good service.
Going in and out among the flocks,
noticing their condition, was quite es
sential. Talking with and praying
for the sick was another privilege,
the pastor had of doing much good.
The pulpit was another place to
work. A blessed opportunity was
given the preacher to do good to all
who wafted upon his ministry. Paul
in writing to Timothy says, Study to
show thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be
ashamed,-rightly dividing the word of
truth. The Christian teacher should
not only study the. Bible,but he should
study human nature very closely also,
so as to understand as far as possible
the people to whom he preaches
Many a wroug impression has been
made, simply because preacher and
people did not thoroughly understand
encli other.
He should certainty study the spir
itual needs of those to whom he min
isters God's word ns far as ho is able.
He should enter into the treasury ol
tho Lord with the key of faith, and
bring therefrom rich blessings of sal
vation for hungering, thirsting souls
There are two books to which he can
have daily access. One is the book
of Revelation, the other is the book
of Nature. Science and the Bible
studied together are most powerful
instruments.for the man of God to
use. The book of Nature is beauti
fully illustrated with living pictures,
and the thoughtful preacher who
loves to behold nature -may draw
largely from the volume which is al
ways open to his admiring gaze.
What a great variety of objects he
has to glean illustrations from ! The
woods with their pleasing aspect pre
sent trees of every variety and
size. There are the leaves from
the tender buds of Spring un
folding themselves into a thousand
forms, moved by every passing wind,
until they are changed into thost
rich, golden tinted colors to beautify
and adorn the departing year. Then
there is the landscape invitingly
spread out, reaching out to the val
lies and mountains which are scat
tered here and there, in which and
over which hundreds ot objects call
out the inquiring attention. Springs,
rivers, lakes, oceans, all are useful ob
jects to draw illustrations from. And
ho who studies the poetry of such
scenes can more forcibly impress the
teachings of God’s word. The clouds
too, that float through the air are
well worth our study. The poet
Cowper brings out this idea with
striking imagery when he says,
“God moves in ft mysterious way
His wonders to perform :
He plants his footsteps in the sen, a
And ride3 upon the storm.’’
Thu Bible student with the book of
nature still open looks out upon the
broad expanse of the heavens,
aud there gathers knowledge which
can bo used to good advantage in
illustrating the Bible. • David l'elt
this when he sang : ‘‘The heavens de
' clare the glory of tied, and the firma
ment showeth his handiwork. Da>
untoday uttereth speech, and night
; uuto night she weth knowledge.” Thus
\ wo have had a good opportunity to
search the Scriptures that we might
briug from their profound depths
‘•things new and old.” The question
now naturally arises, Have we been
diligently engaged in gleaning from
this part of the field of Christian
thought and work ?
The members of the clinreli have
had many privileges afforded them
for gleaning instruction from the
pulpit. They have, in some cases at
least, had the benefit of receiving
i well balanced thought. But how
they have appreciated the instruc
tion, and how much progress they
have made in their spiritual life, we
cannot say—God only knows. I
fear that on the part of many, there
has not been a disposition to make
the best of surrounding circumstances,
but a willingness rather to find fault
and condemn.
Perhaps the preacher semetimes
did not do to suit them ; and it may
be they were right hard to please
anyway.
The church to a very considerable
extent, lias the power, if it will, to
build uji its pastor, by speaking
kindly of him and to him. It can
hold him up or let him fall. Hold up
his good qualities and then help him.
for his own good, aud lor the good of
the cause oi Clrrist, to correct his
faults. If he has a fault, and many
have, tell him of it and not them.
And it seems tome if the church is
what it ought to be, it will seek to do
rhis way, instead of always looking
eagerly for something to happen, so
as to make a great ado about it, aud
then have it to say, Our preacher
don't suit us, we must call another
•A church tjiat is constantly desiiing
a new pastor is not a very desirable
church for a pastor to seek, because
it might want to change him alter
the first year, if not sooner than that
time. 1 do not wish to be understood
as being opposed to a change when
necessary, but simply call attention
to the fact that some people are car
ried away, so to speak, with some
tiling new—a new, fresh man. They
let go one friend to catch another,
and thus they go on and on through
.heir whole life. Then there are
some that have not got the moral
courage to stand firm by a friend
when others oppose him. This is
the most shameful after all. I don’t
like to see people too friendly to day
aud then so distant to-morrow. It is
a bad sign.
My brethren oi the laity, your
brethren in the ministry need youi
help, your sympathy, your co-opera
tion ; without which they can never
be very successful. “Bear ye one
another’s burdens, and so fulfill the
Jaw of Christ.” Learn each other’s
dispositions as well as you can, and
then you will be prepared to judge
more correctly, and to give honor
when it is due. If such a course was
pursued, preacher and people would
do a much greater, and nobler work
for God.
We have let little,-1 rifling things
prevent us from sowing the gospel
seed, and from gleaning the precious
harvest of souls into God's spiritual
kingdom on earth. In some instances
we have yielded to opposition and
discouragement, at the same time
failing to take that Scripture for our
comfort, which says, “He that goeth
forth and weepeth, bearing precious
seed, shall doubtless come again with
rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with
him.” Bearing the precious seed ot
the gospel is a delightful work. And
though lie who engages in this work
is often east down, and is made'to
grieve in his very soul, on account ot
many varied, opposing influences, yet
it. is the most glorious work that
claims the attention of men. At
times everything may seem to be
against him. The wind of prejudice
may blow the seed upon rho hard
ground of opposition, but if they ate
sown with an honest hand, in due
time the ground will bo made soft,
ihc seed spring up, and produce fruit
to the glory of God.
Having noticed some of the places
where we have gleaned, let us now
see what we have gleaned.
As gleaners in the gospel field, we
must show what we have gathered
together for the Lord. May we net
commence with the belief that every
earnest gleaner has done something
worthy to he noticed J
“A kind word spoken thy portion
may be, yet that lightly considered
is a good thing done.” There is a
volume of meaning in a word, a tone,
a look, and a gesture. And almost
every one lias it in his power to
wield a healthy or an unhealthy in
finance. Surely nothing can he more
comforting than to know that we have
made ourselves happy while making
others happy.-. From the lowest rank
up to the highest of human beings,
all like to have due respect and atten
tion paid them. It is not only right
that they should demand this, but it
is highly important tor them to
hare it.
| See (hat man of note passing
: along, who gives all necessary atten
' lion to his inferior brother; he loses
none of his honored and manly bear
ing by adapting himself to the sur
i roundings of him who is not so well
j situated in life, but on tbo other hand
! lie raises himself in the estimation of
| the individual. To raise the fallen.
! to comfort the feeble minded, to sup
| port the weak, to encourage the de
| spending, to help one another on the
I journey of life, should demand the
prayerful attention of every reason
ing mind. “To do good, and to ccra
inufiicate, forget not, for with such
sacrifices God is well pleased.” Jesus
came to seek and to save that which
was lost.
To have friends nmong the high
and the low, the rich and the poor, the
learned and the unlearned, the old
and the young, is a great privilege
for any one to enjoy. But if we ex
pect to have friends, we must show
ourselves friendly. We must speak
kindly of and to each other if we ex
pect to have lasting friendship. We
need to entertain kinder feelings to
wards etfch other. We need more
words of encouragement aud more
acts of kindness. We need to honor
each other more, and to appreciate
one another’s work more. And nntii
we learn to do this, we willnot be do
ing our duty to each other as laborers
together in the vineyard of the Lord.
My brethren, there is an untold
power in kind words, and 1 feel that
ail of us like to have them. Seeing
then that we like to receive them, let
us be willing to give them.
When Boaz saw Kuth in his field,
he enquired who she was, and after
learning the facts connected w ith her
case, lie showed her many favors,and
spoke friendly to her. How pleasant
it must have becu to this woman,
working for her support among stran
gers, to receive kind attention at the
hands of Boaz and his servants. Kind
ness and politeness will not tail tore
ward those who are exercised thereby.
Now let me ask how many enemies
have we restored to our friendship t;
There is scarcely an. individual who
tries to do good but that will have
enemies. Even the Saviour himsell j
had tlie.iu. Paul had them, and otliei
Bible men w ere also surrounded w ith
them. But, admitting this to be true,
still it is unpleasant to know we have
enemies, because there are enough !
things to impede our progress, and to j
mar our happiness without them. !
Have we, my brethren, tried to live so j
as to heal*the wounds and bruises ot ;
discord by pouring the oil of peace:
upon them ? If we have done this, ii i
may be said of us, they have not j
gleaned in vain.
±in\v much means nave weaccumn i
lated to place into the treasury of the
Lord ? Have we been as anxious about
advancing the work of the Lord in
Hir midst as we have been in gratify
ing our owp temporal desires! The
rich temporal blessings of God have
been abundantly bestowed upon many t
lor which they ought to be profoundly
thankful. And we sincerely hope that
those very persons will give a good
portion of it back again, that God’s
name may be honored and glorified
among men.
We suppose that the Christian la
borer has gleaned among the poor,
the neglected, the fallen, and the out
cast of society. Sorry am I to say it,
but it is the truth, that we as servants
of God have shamefully neglected this
important Christian duty in our past
experience. Christ went about doing
good. To whom ? To the poor, maimed,
halt, and blind. His mercy reaches
tlie wretched outcast, and stoops to
the lowest degraded soul. Peter says
in the Bets of the Apostles,“I perceive
i hat God is no respecter of persons;
but in every nation be that feareth
him and worketli righteousnsss, is ac
cepted with him.”
To giean among the educated, to
work among the affluent, to associate
with the refined, is doubtless a valua
ble privilege to enjoy, but it is
equally important to work among the
subordinate in society. Your pres
ence in the humble tenements of the
neglected might dispel much gloom
that surrounds them. Your conversa
tion might shed light into some soul
which had loug been in darkness.
I'T’om this time let us do more good in
this important part of our work.
Coming along down through days,
weeks and months ol the Conference
year just ended, 1 see those here as
sembled who are ready to say,we have
gleaned close by the reapers, and have
gathered precious immortal souls for
the Master. The central idea of all
our work is to save sinners, aud the
work of missions, education aud publi
cations is the meaus being used to open
the way by which they can come to
■Tamil
Oh, that the Saviour of men won hi
hasten the time when these means
shall more fnll.v accomplish his blessed
work in the earth !
The promises to all engaged in the
mission of saving souls are most en
couraging. One of them is this, “And
they that be wise shall shine as the
brightness of the firmament.and they
that tnru many to righteousness, as
the stars forever and ever.-’ My
brother, my sister, my friend,“Where
hast thou gleaned to-day ?” Around
what sick bed have we gently spoken
these lines of the Apostle, “Our light
affliction, which is but lor a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding
andeterual weight of glory”? Beside
what lonely, discouraged traveller
have wo uttered the words, “Behold,
I am with youahvay, even to the end
of the world”! Into what troubled
soul have we whispered, “Let not
your,heart be troubled”? To what
timid, fearful follower of Jesus have
we said, “Be of good cheer, it is I, be
not afraid”? To what stranger have
we spoken the words, “There is a
friend that sticketh closer than a bro
ther”! What dying pilgrim have we
consoled by using the precious'wdrds,'
“Yea, though I walkthrough the val
ley of the shadow of death, I will fear
uo evil, lor thou art with me; thy
rod and thy sliafl', they comfort
me I”
Weary gleaner, toil on a little lon
ger,until life’s work is done ; tiieu you
shall come home, bringing your
sheaves with you, to rest in the
“sweet by and by.”
MiNUTES OF THE FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL
SESSION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
AND VIRGINIA CHRISTIAN CON
FERENCE.
Damascus, Orange Co., 1ST. C.,
Friday, November 15, 1S7S.
The North Carolina and Virginia
Christian Conference met m its fflry
tbird annual session at this place to
day.
Conference was called to order at
II o'clock a. m., by Kev. W. S. Long,
President of the last session, lteli
gious exercises were conducted by
lie v. A. Gv Anderson.
The following Killers answered to
their names :
A G. Anderson, J. \V. Wellons,
\V. S. Long, W. G. Clements, .1. W.
Hatch, R. G. Tinnen, M. L. Hurley,
J. W. Holt, J. W. Pinnix, D. P.
Jones, S. Apple, Peter X. Kiapp, C.
A. Boon, W. W. Staley.
Licentiate.—A. F. Iseley.
1'he list of churches was called,
and found to be represented by lay
delegates as follows : -*
O’Kelly’s Chapel*—J. F. O'Kelly.
New Elam—Sior. Mitchell, Ruffin
Holt, Hines’ Chapel—Samuel Ap
ple. Mt. Bethel—\Y. C. Truitt, Tiros,.
R. Strader. Liberty Hill—L. G. Ays
cue. Pleasant Hill (Chat.)—S. Ed
wards, W. G. Murchison. Pleasant
Grove(Va.)—John H.Chapptl . Con
cord—G. W.j’innix. Christian Cha
pel—M. S. Stevens, N. G. Woodell.
Shallow Well—W. A. J. Thomas,
Isaac Hunt. Shallow Ford—Peter
Michael. Mt. Pisgah—J. C. Fire
sheets. Pleasant Union—No delegate.
Moore Union—S. M. Burns. New
Providence—Jos. A. Loug, Joseph
McAdams, Dr. B. A. Sellars. Ca
tawba Spiings—J. A. Sorrell. Mt.
Auburn—No delegate. Union (Va.)
—E. A. Tuck, P, W. S. Tuck, W. H.
Buntiu. Antioch—Lawrence Dow
dy. Hanks’ Chapel—Thomas J. Grit
fin, W.-S. Petty. Pleasant Rill fJ’n)
—J. W. Dixon. Morrisville—Charles
Pennington, J. H. Moriug. Oak
Level—James Pearce, Wrn. T. Young.
Hayes’ Chapel—J. T. Ball. W. P.
Collins. Mt. Zion—No delegate.
Damascus—Manly Stroud, M. J. W.
McCauley. Lebanon—No delegate.
Apple’s Chape!—S. C. W. Apple.
Good Hope—J. F. Davis. Pope’s
Chapel—No delegate. Bethlehem—
P.- J. Kernodle. Salem Chapel—
H. Marshall, R. J. Massey. Martha’s
Chapel—J. J* Jinkins, S. A. Morgan.
Union (N. C.)—G. R. Maynard.
Wake Chapel—D. B. Jones, G. B.
Adams. Bethel—No delegate. Reece’s
Chapel. — No delegate. Pleasant
i Grove (N. C.)—No delegate. Liberty
School House—No delegate. Zion—
| G. W. Ellington, W. II. Wicker,
Mt. Herinon—Festus Stevens, Z. R.
Kelley.
Coulerence then proceeded to elect
a President for the present session,
The vote resulted in ihe election ol
Itev. J. \Y. Wellons.
On motion, ffro. Peter J. Kerno
die was elected Assistant Secretary,
A letter from a new church called
Mt. Hermou, situated in Wake comi
ty, N. O., petitioning for admission
into the body, was read by the Sec
retary, and on motion, the petition
was granted and the delegates were
introduced to the Conference and en
rolled as members. j
It was moved and seconded that
the church letters he handed in. Car
ried.
On motion. Conference decided to
meet each day at 0 o’clock a. M.,
i spend 20 minutes in prayer-meeting,
adjourn at 12 M., for preaching ; meet.
; at 2 o'clock i*. >r., and and adjourn at
will.
! Kev. A. Apple, appointed at last
session to preach the Annual Sermon.
; being absent on account of sickness,
no sermon was preached.
On motion, the Rules of Order were
suspended until 1 o’clock p. m.
On motion, Kev. W. S. Long and
the delegates from Damascus were
appointed a committee on Religious
I Exercises.
A letter from Rev. B. Craven, Sec
retary of the North Carolina Confer
ence of the Methodist Episcopal
I Church, South, declaring Rev. \V. Jtl.
! Moore, Rev. T. J. Gattis, and Hon.
W. F. Stroud, fraternal messengers
to this body, was read by the Secre
tary,and on motion 11£ o’clock Mon
day was set apart for their formal re
| ception.
Several delegates arrived and were
efiroTIeiTTrs members of Conference.
On motion, the recommendation re
quiring the Standing Committees to
report at stated times as adopted at
last session, was adopted by this ses
sion of Conference.
Conference adjourned.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Conference was called to order by
the President.
Several delegates came forward
and were enrolled as members of Con
ferenee.
The Committee on Sabbath Schools
submitted their report, which wasdis
cussed by Rev. Bros. D. F. Jones, xV.
F. Iseiey, A. G. Anderson and others,'
after which it was amended and re
(erred back to the committee.
On motion, the church letters were
taken up and read.
Ou motion, Conference adjourned.
Religious exercises by Rev. \V. G. ‘
Clements.
Second Day.
Saturday, Nov. lCtli, 1878.
Conference con vened, the President
in the chair.
Religious services by the Presi
dent.
The proceedings of yesterday were
read and approved.
The Committee on Religions Exer
cises reported Rev. S. Apple to preach
to-day at 12 o’clock m.
On motion, Conference proceeded
to elect a minister to deliver the An
nual Sermon before the next session
of this body. Rev. J. AY. Holt was
elected, and Rev. HI. L. Hurley was
chosen alternate.
Rev. W. S. Long then introduced
Rev. “1)rv Thomas Holmes, of the
Michigan State Christian Contereuce,
to the President of Conference, and
; the President introduced him to the
i body. Dr. Holmes made some very
i feeliug remarks in Christian greeting,
in reference to the relations existiug
i between the Northern Christians and
! the -Christians South. He expressed
‘sentiments soliciting more intimate
relations ol fraternal intercourse.
The President responded in some
I words of welcome and fraternal feel
ing.
On motion, Rev. Bros. J. T. Whit
ley and E. W. Beale, and Bro. T). B.
Dunbar, fraternal messengers from
the Eastern Virginia Conference,
I were invited to seats in Conference
as deliberative members. These
brethren responded in some appro
priate remarks upon taking their
seats.
The Committee ou Religions, Liter
ature submitted their report.
Ou motion, the report was made
j the special order for 2 o’clock p. >t.
Ou motion, Conference proceeded
to select a place for holding its next
annual session. Christian Chapel,
Chatham county, X. C , was selected.
A motion to change the time of the
annual sessions was indefinitely post
poned.
un motion, conference proceeded
S to elect fraternal messengers to sis
1 ter Conferences, as follows:
To the Virginia Valley Conference:
Revs. J. W. Wellons, J. W. Piunix,
ar.d W. S. Lrtng.
To the Deep River Conference:—
Revs. \V. W. Staley, W. G. Clem
ents, \V. 8. Long, J. W. Hatch and
J. W. Wellons.
To the Eastern Virginia Confer
j once: Revs. J. W. Piunix, J. W.
Holt, P. T. Klapp, D. A. Long, J. W.
j Wellons aud Bro. J. T. Ball.
To the Georgia and Alabama Cou
j Conference: Rev. J. W. Wellons.
| Rev. tV. S. Long offered the fol
| low-iirg-vcsnhittmr 'which was' uuani
: mously adopted :
| Resolved, That any member of
| this Conference who may, in the
providence of God, be present at the
session of any Christian Conference
in the Northern States, be hereby an
tionized to bear to our Northern
brethren our Christian greetings.
On motion, Rev. W. T. Walker, fra
ternal messenger from the Virginia
Valley Conference, was iuvited to a
seat in the body.
Conference adjourned for dinner.
During the intermission a sermon
was preached by Rev. 8. Apple from
Matt. 19: 27.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The report on Religious Literature
was taken np and discussed by Bro.
J. T. Hall, Revs. Thomas Holmes, D.
D., and J. T. Whitley, after which the
report was adopted as follows :
BEPORT.
The Committee on Religious Liter
ature 'oeg leave to submit their re
port : ,
We feel satisfied that without the
aid of the Press we cannot succeed in
carrying forward the various enter
prises of our Conference. Without
an exponent of our principles,.and a
medium of communication' we cannot
hope to see out entire strength util
ized, or our cause prosper. We cau
neither keep our own peop'e alive,
nor reach the minds ot strangers, in
reference to the great work we are
endeavoring to accomplish.
We have no paper published in the
interest of our cause within the
bounds of this Conference, but the
Christian Sun, published at Suffolk,
Va., very well meets our wants for
the present, and wo recommend ft as
worthy of a hearty support from the
uiembors of this Conference. Soon
after last Conference we appointed a
local agent in each church to act in
bchalt of the Sun, but a number of
those appointed did but little or noth
ing for the paper.
Respectfully submitted,
J. W. Holt.
51. L. Hurley,
J. W. Hatch,
Committee.
The Committee on Religious Exer
cisos reported the following appoint
ments for preaching: Sunday morn
ing at 11 o’clock ill the house, Rev.
Thus. Holmes, D. D.; at the stand at
same hour Rev. W. T. Walker; 2
o’clock P. M., in the house Rev. J. T.
Whitley ; at the stand at the same
hour Rev. E. W. Beale.
Conference adjourned. Religions
exercises by Rev. A.
Thibd Day.
Monday, Nov. 18tii, 1878.
Conference convened, the Presi
dent in the chair. Religious service*
by the President. ■
The proceedings of Saturday were
read and approved.
On motion, Hon. Jno. M. Moriug
was invited to a seat in Conference
as a deliberative member.
The Committee on Home Missious
submitted their report which wasdis
cussed by Hon. J. M. Moriug, Revs.
J. W. Wellous, J. T. Whitley and P.
T.' Klapp.
The time for the special order hav
ing arrived, the report was made a
,-pecial order for 2 o'clock p. m.
Rev. W. II. Moore and Hou. W. F.
Stroud, fraternal messengers from
tiie North Carolina Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South,
were then introduced to the Presi
dent and the Conference. These
brethren made some appropriate re
marks of fraternal greeting in accept
ing their seats among ug.
A letter from Rev. T. J. Gattis, an
absent member of the same delega
tion, was also read by the Secretary.
Bro. Gattis expressed feelings of re
gret at not being able to attend in
person.
The President responded in some
words of welcome and fraternal love.
Rev. W. S. Long offered the follow
ing, which was unanimously adopted:
! ' 'Whereat We have heard with
feelings of profound gratitude to God
, the words of Christian salutation and
love fronijour brethren of the Metho
• list Episcopal Church, South, there
I -''ore,
licsolved, That in order to convey
I totljat body proper expressions of our
j Christian love, we will appointtwoof
i i.ar number as fraternal messengers
i to the North Carolina Couference of
j ih«> Methopist Episcopal Church,
I .‘south.
i Rev. W. S. Long and Hon. J. M.
: Moriug were appointed. Rev. Peter
1 T. Klapp was appointed alternate.
Conference adjourned.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
| Conference convened, tbo Presi
i dent in the chair.
The report o£ the Committee on
Home Missions was taken up and dis
| cussed by He vs. A.G. Anderson, \V. G.
i Clementsaiul 'V. 8. Long:, after which
| the report was referred back to the
I Committee, with instruction to recom
; mend some plan for future opera
! tions.
| 1'ev. I). F. Jones moved that the
i leeoaimendatibn of the’General Con
! vention in reference to districting
I Ci > churches of the several Confer
ences be adopted by this Conference.
| Continued oh second page.j ^