North Carolina Newspapers

The Chris,&aN Suit ‘ FRIDAY, DECKMBEK 6, 1878. Jtev. J. T. Whitley,.Editor. OUR PRINCIPLES. firnucT from the declaratioji or principles or THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.] “We may well nflbrd to dispense with all those doctrines and.tenets which set the brethren at variance, and to take the following primary constitution as the ground-work of our organisa tion , viz.: “ 1. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only Head of the Church. The Pope of Rome, or any other 'pretending to be head thereof, should be regarded as that tanu of sin and son of perdition, who ey ajteth himself above all that is called God. , The name Christian is the only appella tion needed or received by the Church. All party or sectarian names are excluded as being unneces sary, if not hurtful. “ 3. The Holy Bible, or the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is a sufficient rule of Faith and practice'. * ; “4. Christian Character, or vital piety, is a just, and should be the only, test of fellowship, or of Church membership. , “5. The right of Private Judgment and the liberty of conscience is a right and a privilege that should be accorded to, and exercised by, a!l.’J Notice to Coi-mpondcnto. Articles intended for publication should be addressed to the “ Editor of the Christian Sun, Suffolk, Va,” knd Should be mailed so as to rctich • U3 before the Friday preceding the date of their publication* Write in a legible haud, with ink, only on owe side of the piper. All nnoLymous comumnicrttiops will be thrown into the waste basket. No article will be inserted for any one, unless deemed suitable for publication. Let those ministers and lay-mera bers ot the Christian ‘Church, who are gifted with the ability to write to edification, put on payer their best thoughts and seud them to us for publication. Remember that we .need the' help of all our brethreu, in'making the Sun what it ought to be. If Rev. J. E. Hutson js realty mis . represent ;ug the Christians, as Rev. M. lb Barrett has lteeu credibly in formed, he ought to be ashamed ol himself. Read Bro. Barrett’s ail icle m another cohirnn. We believe that Mr. Hutson has been saying uucalled *-for and erroneous things about the Christian denomination, if wc are to judge by statements made in the Religions Herald. It is out earnest desire, to do no injustice to anyone ; and we hope that Mr. Hutson, if he j....- 1iniij.il KmiscH light. , Said Brother W. T. Young, a zeal ous lay-member, at the recent session of the YTorth Carolina Conference, when the Temperance report, was un der discussion : “Fora man to go into a bar-loom and call for a drink of liquor, is one of the most hurtful and hateful examples that a church mem ber can set. I had rather have my fight arm cut off than to do such a thing.” In connection with the snipe subject he said : “Ladies, make this determination: The lips that touch liquor shall never touch miue. Yon ladies hold the reius in this matter, and we are going to hold you respon sible lor the way you use them.” Pon der these words, for they are worthy of thought. Its it really a fact, that the seed of the righteous have never been known to beg bread i It is true, as Bro. J. P. II. states in another column, that David said lie had never seen such a thing in the course of a long life. But is that statement equivalent to a declaration that such a thing had never occurred and never would oc cur? We think not. Indeed, we are of opinion that it can be readily proved, that such a thing has often taken place—that the children of godly people have been reduced to beggary. Who will give us an article of one column iu length, discussing, the subject as thoroughly as it can be done in those limits ? Mind, we want a clear, calm discussion, and don’t be too lengthy. Kjsv. A. W. Maxuum, D. D., a prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in North Carolina, and a Professor in the State University, visited the North Carolina Christian Conference one day during; the late session. Being intioduced to the body, he made a speech that thrilled and captivated all hearts. Among many other things ' he said : “Ever since l have known the Christian Church, I have revered it. It was with me a case of love at fi rst sight/’ ‘ I hope never to see the time when I cannot work in harmoui ous co operation with anyone with whom God can afford to work. In this . respect I do not differ from members of the Christian Church.” Brothei Mangum will always find appreciative hearers, whenever he chooses to ad dress a Christian Conference—at least, so long as his heart is as warm and liberal as it now is. The sight ■ of one such man, who can rise above sectarian narrowness and appreciate good qualities in other denoiuina lions, is worth going many a mile to obtain. And yet, is not his tho true •spirit of Christ ? ; THE SUfcHUr cdUEBIAT* INSTITUTE. This school is proceeding quietly on in its work of usefulness. Kev. E. W. Beale, the Superintendent, has made ariaugenients for the remain der of the preseut scholastic year, as follows: The literary and scientific branches of learniug will be taught by P. .T. Kernodle, A. B., and VirglhiffS 8. Kilby, Esq.; instrumental and vo cal music, by Miss Fannie E. Colvin Mr. Kernodle is a member of the Christian Church, and at present re sides near Greensboro, N. C.; is a distinguished graduate of Trinity Col lege, X. C., with the degree of Bach elor of Arts, and comeg with the high est recommendations of the Presi dent of that Institution, as to his per sonal character and preeminent schol arship. Mr. Kilby is a deacon of the Suffolk Christian Church, was educa ted at Graham College, and has had a most successful career as an instruc tor of youth. He has been teaching in the Suffolk Collegiate Institute for a mouth or more already, with flat tering success. Miss Colvin, who has been connected with the Institute from the first of the preseut session, is a highly cultivated musician, and is giving thorough satisfaction in her department. * The terms of board and tuition have been materially lowered. Board, exclusive - of washing, will cost only ten dollars a mouth. Tuition in the primary grade will cost $15 for ten months; intermediate grade, $25; higher English course, $35; Latin, Greek, French, and German, each extra, $5; music, $32; incidental fee, one dollar. It is hoped that the inducements thus offered will be appreciated by the public, and especially by members and friends of the Christian Church. Those who have children or wards to educate, would do well to write to Kev. E. W. Beale, Superintendent, Suffolk, Va. With reference to the late Kcv. Thomas J. Fowler, Rev. Solomon A*> ple said at the North Carolina Con ference: ‘‘We have never had a man who was a truer friend to Biblical Christianity and to the principles of the Christian Church. * * * The struggle is over, the battle is fought, the victory is wou. He bad uothiug to do but shake bunds with earthly things, and go to his reward in hea ven.” And with reference to the same venerable and lamented man ol Cod. Iter. J. W. Wallows said: “When I last visited Father Fowler, he followed me out to my buggy, and grasping my hand, while the tears rolled down his furrowed cheeks, he said, ‘Brother Wellons, should tje never meet again in this world, let us meet up yonder in glory’; and, bless ed be Cod ! I hope to meet him in that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” The scene was indeed affecting, when at the Conference various brethren express ed their feelings concerning Elder Fowler’s death. All hearts were touched, many eyes were idled with tears, and all tongues were ready to speak his praise. Verily, “the righteous shall be in everlasting re mem brauce.” “1 A31 going to take a bushel of porn from my crib for my pastor, but I believe that Cod will give me back two in its place.” So said a layman as qiioted by ltev. P. T. Klapp, in a speech at the late session of the North Carolina and Virginia Cliris tiau Conference. And we have no doubt that the brother was substan tially right. Liberality towards Cod’s ministers will not be forgotten in heaven. “Inasmuch as ye have doue it uuto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have doue it uuto me.” Therefore, reader, be careful of your pastor this wiuter. See that bis tem poral wants are well supplied, and yon shall in no wise lose your re ward. See it you cannot find out some real ueed ot your pastor, or of his family, and quietly supply the need. The Christian Annual for 1378 is approach iug completion as rapidly as out- priuters can do the work. It is expected tliat it will be ready for dis tribution sometime in December. Let no one become impatient at any little delay that may occur; we pledge our beat efforts to send it forth as early as possible. Meanwhile we again call upon those who owe for the An nual to seud forward the amouuts due. The money is needed now, to pay for the work as it is done. Among the many good things said by Rev. W. il. Moore, in his speech before the North Carolina Conference, as a fraternal messenger from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was this: “The attraction of nature and the attraction of grace, are ex actly opposite. Nature attracts down ward, grace upward. Every Chris tian soul is over rising upward, sky ward.” Very true, but how many who protess to be Christians arc clinging close to the earth ! L. A. (JODEY, of “Codey’s Lady’s Book” fame, has just died at a ven erable old age. The magazine he founded, a«d conducted so long, is continuing with unabated vigor. lii fact, we believe it is considered better than ever. pWtRlCIMIEETjjp. NO. QfU.E. PROGRAMME. Tim',: Fifth Saturday and Sunday in December. Place: Hebron, Isle of Wight coun ty, V*. SA.TY RD AY MORNING. 10:30.—Devotional Exercises conduct - ed by Rev. J. N. Matining1. 11:00.—The Secret of a Successful Pas torafe, by Rev. .1. T. Kitt:l»eu. 11:30.—The Importance of a Church Paper, by Kern. J. T. Whitley, M. B. Barrett, and Bro. Jno. M. Gay. 12:30.— Dinnkh. ' 1:43.—Singing. 2:00.—Ought the Christians to be a Missionary People! If so, why! by ltev. J. P. Barrett, Iff. H. But ler, Maj. I. W. l)nek, and Col. A. Savage. 3:00.—Shall we Educate onr People ! by Revs. E. \V. Beale, J. N. -Man ning, R. H. Holland and J. T. W liitley. 4:00.—Adjournment. SUNDAY MORNINU. 10:00.—The Sunday School, the Nur sery of the Church, by Bros. Juo. U. Newman, It. A. Iticks and Rev. C. J. Ralston. 11:00.—Preaching by Rev. ,1. N. Mau niitg. Diuiier wHI follow. This meeting will be held iu Dis trict No. 2. Tue .Churches at Hebron, Mt. Carmel, Antioch, Wiudsor, Oak land, and Bethlehem compose this District. It is earnestly desired that each or these Churches have one or two representatives present, to give us information upon the condition of our denominational interests, such as Ministerial Education, Christian Sun, Missions, &c., and also to re ceive information concerning the management of these works in their respective churches. The pastors of Churches in this dis-J trict are earnestly requested to an nounce this meeting at their Decem ber appointments and see that repre sentatives (the local agents lor Mis sions, Literature and Education) are sent. 7 Brethren, bestir yourselves aud let us rally around this met-tiug and so help on our work. Let the laymen as well as the ministers be at their posts of duty promptly at 10:30 A. M., Sat urday. Speeches to be iu order must be brief and pointed, as several breth ren have been appointed to speak. The brethren at Hebron have sent us a warm invitation to come, assur ing us that the meeting should have a hearty welcome. The public un i ted. J. Pressley Barkett, Secretary. ORGANIZATION AND CONSECRATION. , Among our needs as a dcuomina > tion are the above, sa,j s a dear brother minister in a letter to me recently. “Two things,” says he, “we ought to have, and two things we must hare, organization and consecration. Our church must be organized more thor oughly, and our ministers must be more fully consecrated to the work of preaching Christ.” And be continues: “Did I not believe that I could do more for the advancement of the Ke deemer’s kingdom where I am, I would leave the school to-day.” Ob, for more of this spirit! AVe need better organization in our churches. That they aro not better organized, is the reason why so little work is done for the Master. Our ciiurelies are not doing what they could do. Let some plau be devised, and carried into effect, to make every church a working church. Will not luy dear brother, Who by his sugges tion has opened up this train of thought, devise a plan ? And let others do the same, and then compare plaus, take the best, and most vigo rously prosecute it. Let this be done, and the yearlKTO will be the most glorious in the histo ry of out beloved Church. Aud then, the other need, a consecrated minis* try, Have we this? Are our minis ters fully given to the worlt of preach ing the gospel 1 Aud if they are not, should they not be ? Does Christ command it t Does the impqrtauce of the work require it? Yea, verily. “(Jopreach ni»y gospel,saith the Lord.” If we can do this more successfully in the sehool-rooui;as I believe some can, let us preach it there. If in the pul pit aud from house to house, let us preach it iu these places. But oh! my dear brethren, see to it that, we preach it somewhere. Aud I for one do not believe that whore God calls a man to preach his gospel, be intends for him to do so, behind a counter, or iu a counting-room, work-shop, or on a farm. Understand me. Any man whom God calls to this special work -cannot do it so.successfully anywhere else as iu the pulpit and from house to house. If he hitches on other things to his work, they will clog the wheels, aud binder his progress. Oh, ye ser vaut. of the Lord, do the w ork of the Master aud your reward is sure. Amen, then, to the suggestion of my dear brother. Let these wants be sup plied. Let us have organization aud consecration; churches more thor ougbly organized aud ministers fully consecrated to the work of preaching Christ. E. AV. B. WgATDAmONEVelSAW, “A beloved brother, an eloquent aud successful preacher, a pastor of pastors, in the vigor or health, writes: “I have been compelled to leave the ministry or see my family starve.’’— licligiout Herald. ‘•I have been young, nhd uow am oM; .vet have 1 trot seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” — T>athl. Had the brother to whom the Her aid alludes continued to preach, his Children, his seed, would have begged bread—a thing l>avid never saw. The Herald forestalls criticism in tho case of this brother who had lelt the ministry, by saying: “It will not do to say and think bitter and uncharitable, tilings concerning this brother—to accuse him of fickleness, or want of trust in Providence, or the promises of the Scriptures. His sac rifices have been great to enable him to continue in the ministry. lie gave up a lucrative profession, he has spent thousands of dollars of his pri vate means, he has sold laud, and economized iu order to preach the gospel.” And after all that, it was quit the ministry or starve his family 1 Behold the fowls of the air: * * * your heavenly leather feedeth them. Are ye ujjf much better than they 1 Matt, (i: 20. Consider the lilies of the field, how they •grow ; * * * Sol omon iu all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothed the grass of the field,-* * * shall ho not much more clothe you, O, ye of little faith f Matt. 0 : 28-30. Is it possible, with all of this brother’s health,eloquence, success as a preacher, firmness, trust iu lTovi dcuce, sacrifices, such us giviug up a lucrative profession, spending thous auds of dollars of his owu private means, selling liis lauds, living eco nomically and sparingly in order to preach the gospel; is it possible, with these aud with a consecrated heart, restiug on God’s many promises to feed liis people, that he must give up the ministry, or see his family starve I In what purt of the universe does be five t What are the circumstances aroiiud him ! What are the customs of his country ? There must be some extenuating circumstance, souiclhiug unknown heretofore in aChristianized land, to bring failure upon this minis ter under tho precise circumstances given by the herald, 'lhe editor must have omitted something, for as the article stands it reads like a dream, and seems to give evidence against God’s promises. Is it sot “God’s work pays sure wuges,” is a motto I have long regarded as the very embodiment of truth ? How is it, Doctor? J. P. B. “WELLONSITES.” A few weeks ago the Rev. J. 13. | Hutson held u protracted meeting at Black Creek Baptist Church, in Southampton county, and I learn from good authority, that on Friday of that meeting, in speaking of the various denominations, ho was pleased to style the Christians “Wellonsites,” and said that we “believe anything, but nothing in particular.” I was somewhat surprised at hearing this, for I vcfily thought, front the posi tion the Rev. gentleman holds in his own church that he was better in formed; and that, if he knew tliore were COO different denominations in the laud, he also knew something of their faith, as he declared that 599 of them were wrong. It he knows any thing of the Christians, he knows they are not “Wellonsites,” and that they do believe something “in particular.” If Rev. J. E. Hutson did use the word “Wellonsites,” when referring to us as a church, lie either did it ig norantly, riot knowing better, or he did it wickedly, with the design to misrepresent and injure us as a church. The Rev. brother may not be a Solomon, but I am charitable enough to believe that lie is not so ignorant as not to know that our church wears the name “Cbristiau” to the exclusion of all other names. So I am inclined to thiuk that he knew, when he made the assertion, that he was bearing false witness against his neighbor. Brother Wellons was a groat and good inau, and did a great deal of good in the church where it pleased God to call him to labor, and jvc loved him for bis works’sake ; but we never thought of taking his name ns an ap pellation for the chnrcb, and the ltev. J. E. Hutson well knew it, if he knew anything. Dr. Jeter, of Richmond, has done a great deal of good, 1 sup pose, in the Baptist Church; hut what would he (Hutson) think of me if i were to eall the Baptists “Jeter ites”t Roger Williams was the father and founder of the Baptist Church in this country. But should I on that account call the Baptists “Williams ites”f ,1 could with just as much propriety call the Baptists “Jeter tes,” “Williaiusites,” “Junesites,” or “Hut sonites,” us be can call ns “Wellons ites,” and come as nigh the truth. The Rev. brother may desire, for aught I know, the Baptists called “Hutson rte».* But- I am satisfied that our dear Brother Wellons, who labored hard tiuu long, and bias now gone to wear the victor's crown, was not ruin enough to desire our Church called “Wellonsites.” And he who applies to us that name, shows clearly that ho is not in possession of that charity of which the Apostle speaks in the 13th chaffer of 1st Corinthians. Now, llrother Hutson, allow me to give you a little advice. If you be lieve that God has called you to preach his gospel to Sinners, and in vite them to‘come to Christ, do the work the Master has called you to do, nml leave the dirty work of mis representing other respectable Chris tians to those who have never ie ceived the high calling of preaching the gospel. If you are an evangelist, be an evangelist, and leave calnmnia tinn to other hands. M. li. Bakrktt. Ivor, A'si., Nov, 12th, 1878. FAMILY WORSHIP. There is no Christum duty which is more neglected than family prayer, not. only by lu.Mnen, but often by ministers. Men are prone to permit the moat trifling things to serve as an e.wii'O I'm- not performing- this du ty. Sometimes men say that God has not giien iln-ai the gift of prayer. They seem to think God ought to have bestowed oil them by a miracle, the ability to pray easily anil graee | fully, or else not to to bin e required it of them. People forget, that men were not born skilled in the occupa tions which they are afterwards to follow in life, but must acquire the facility to perform the duties of those occupations by practice. So in this case, men must acquire by practice, the ability to pray before others. The reason in many cases is, not because it is impossible for us to have family prayer, but because we do not try. Otteu we hear the excuse, “1 have not time ; my business is of such a nature as to claim my whole attention,” or some other frivolous excuse with about as much weight. 1 would in quire of such, Which is of the great er importance, your temporal, or your spiritual interest? The fact that family prayer is so much neg lected, is no proof that it is not a Ohlistjan privilege aud duty. It is a matter of regret, that so many pas tors do not urge the duty of having a family altar erected iff every Cliris tiau family. It may be, and doubt less is true, that many have done this; but being met by so many who declared that it was impossible for them todosuch a thing, have conclud ed that it is impossible for them lo change the opinion of the people.— It is not sufficient to tell the people once that this is a duty, but. we must constantly remind them of it. Some may ask, “Why do you luge tlie hav ing of family prayer! I can be a Christian and not have a family altar in my house.” This may be true, but you can be a better Christian if yon do. J)o yon think anyone will ever lose anything by speuding part of his time in serving God in this manner? The men who are the most devoted Chiistians, are those who perform this duty. Those who spend much of their time in tlie service of God will be amply repaid. We are made better by this service. We can enter upon the duties of the day with the consoling thought, that the first of the day lias been well spent, aud we are encouraged thus to spend the remaining part. An other important benefit is, the good example aud the good influence ex erted over the children. They are apt to become interested in tlie work they see mot tier and father engaged in, and by the influence of the family altar, the children may be led to j Christ, Think of it, parents. Is such a work nut worthy of your considera tion ? LETTER FROM OR. HOLMES. Chelsea, Mich., Nov. 25, 1878. To my dear friends and brethren in Virginia aud N'ortli Carolina, greeting : Dear Brethren and FriendsWe reached cur pleasant homo iu the North at 7 o’clock, Saturday evening, all well. Yesterday morning I preach ed to my usual congregation. Last evening I gave a brief account of our very pleasant sojourn among you to a packed house, though notice of the lecture was not given until the morn ing service, and no announcement made in other churches. This morn ing our minds are’tilled with vivid reminiscences of delightful experi ences of cordial welcome, gencrijns hospitalities, pleasant social comm lin ings, and ‘‘heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” enjoyed among you. How delightful it is to make acqaaiutauces ou eaith that we hope to meet in heaven ! Your names are iuett'acea bly written in our memories. God bless you. Let us all strive so to live as to renew, iu the more blessed life above, tbo.pleasaut acqaaiutauces formed in this. Cordially and fraternally yours, Thomas Holmes. P.' ts.—It is snowing here this morn ing. THE CHRISTIAN’S REWARD. Although religion has been neg lected so ninch in the world, .vet we hope there are many true disciples, children of wisdom, who having by divine grace been brought to the knowledge of God in Christ, are de voting their lives to tlis service.— And oh! how rich, how glorious, will be their future reward! It will bo an inheritance incorruptible, unde iilcd and will lade not away. Chris tians, 1(0 not y onr loyal hearts bound at the thought, that your dear I.ord at some future day will break the bars of the grave and reanimate your sleeping clay 1 Then will Uc confess you before men and angels, pronounce you good and faithful servants, speak of you with endearment asHisbreth ren and sisters, and acknowledge the kindnesses shown you, as though he received them Himself. You may have been dishonored in this woil l by men. You may lone -sat ill the lowest places in our assemblies. \rou m9y have been called by reproachful names and charged with < rimes, which your very souls abhorred ; but in that awful—yet for you illiisti ious, triumphant—day, Christ w ill regard you as His treasures. You wi'd have an ear to hear his voice, and an eye to behold the lustre of liis appearance, and yon will shine forth like the sun, in a cloudless sky. Your souls will bo new ly dressed to grace that high assembly, and bo clothed, not with tiie rags of mortality, but with the robes of glory, “For this corruptible must put i'ii inrorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality Then you will go from the ruins of a dissolving world to the New Jerusa lem, in those new, shining forms, which yen will receive, and they w ill no doubt lie attended with a corres ponding improvement of uiiud. You will take up your perpetual abode in heaven, and spend a blessed eternity with that kind, holy Being, whom you are now serving and loving.— Imuioital ages shall roil away and liud yen si id unchanged ; your happi ness always the same, and your relish for it the same, or rather ever-grow ing as your souls are approaching nearer and nearer to Him who is the source of happiness, and the centre of infinite perfection. Yrour future Home, dearChri.dinns, will not ouly be a happy one, lint ex ceedingly beautiful, according to tbe information received from Inspira tion. It has been compared to a city with streets of gold, w alls of jasper and emerald, and gates of pearl. Oh, what a glorious, magnificent place it must tic. where everything exceeds whatever eye lias seen, or imagina tion conceived. There is no natural uiglit tline, no ignorance, no error, no misery, no sin, no sorrow ; for for raer things will have passed away. We have only written this article, dear Christian friends, to remind you of (he happiness (hat is in store for you; the value of your future lvwatd, and to advise y ou to bo wi i thy of it. “Be not weary in well doing, for in due season y ou shall reap, if you faint not.” F. V. LITERARY NGTES. Tho December Wide Awake opens with it lovely Winter l’iettiro of Dove-life, as an nceompaiiimei t to Harriet MoEwiu Kimball's poem, “The Doves.” “Tib’s Cap,” by Ers Uine M. Hamilton, is a good story for boys. A very interesting little pa per, “Some Pet Lions and their Mis tress,” is an account, of two lions act ually owned by a lady in Boston.— “Aunt Dolly’s School Room Story” relates bow still another bad boy was vanquished by tact and sweetness in stead of the rod. The Fast of “The Child Toilers of Boston Streets” gives an account of the Telegraph .Messen ger Boys. The number, as usual, hits its line illustrated poems. Besides “The Doves” there is a very charad' teristic one, “A Hint from Ho mer,” by Mrs. S. M. B. Piatt, and a quaint, old-time ballad “Tho Laste Battel of the Laste lvnyghtes,” by J. K. Hutting with humorous illustra tions by HopUiiis, who also has some capital drawings for the “Twelfth Misfortune of Miss Muslin of Quiutil lion Square.” Only $2.00 a year.— Ella Barman, Editor. D. Lothrop & Co., Publishers, Boston. Now is tho time to subscribe. Tlio Illustrated Christian Weekly is the only highly illustra ted religious undenominational week ly paper in the United States. It is pure, cheap, beautiful, instructive, moi'rally stimulating, and spiritually helpful. It contains during the year above 400 costly and elegant engravings—a specialty attractive feature of the pa per. Distinctively a family paper, every number contains something to suiteach member of the family. Able writers contribute to its columns.— Its Contributions, Sabbath School Lessons, Stories, Illustrations, Talks with Correspondents, Editorials, Out look, and Items, are of goueral and permanent interest. Price only $2.50 a year, postage paid. Single copies 0 cents. Ad dress 150 Nassau St., New York. WORK FOR ALL. We ns a denomination have our de nominational enterprises; and wo should support these enterprises. In the first place, we have our Mis sion work. This is indeed an impor tant work, probably the most impor tant in which we can engage; fur it is n work by the doing of which, wo may reasonably expect to spread those principles which are so dear to our hearts, the liberal principles of the Christian Church. By engaging in this work we not only perform a duty that we owe to our Church, but we also perforin a duty that we owo to our fellow-men : the duty of having the gospel preached to those to whom it is not preached. This then being a duty, and an important duty, it be hooves ns to do it. Brethren, are wo doing all we can in this direction T We mny be doing something, but wo can do more. Then let us do so, and make this enterprise a grand sue 63SS. Iu the second place, we have onr denominational literature,in tho shape ot the Christian Sun, to support. This paper, so far as I am able to judge, is as good as we can expect, under tho circumstances. AYe must work for it, and make an effort to place it in every family in the Chris tian Church. Much has been done for the Sun during the past two years, but its energetic agent, Bro. Ball, of the North Carolina Confer ence, is showing that still more can be done. Shall we not do it, then! There is still another enterprise for us to sustain—our school, the Suffolk Collegiate Institute. This school has been successful in the past, and can be made so in the future, if wo "ill only work. Then, let us do this work. Brethren, if you hare children to send to school, send them to our school; and if you can induce others to send, do so; you will only be doing your duty. Now, brethren, hero are three fields of labor open t<j> us, and if we will only work, all will be well. K. A. It. PiC NIC ATJVIT. CARMEL. Bro. X. B. Mini fowl sends ns an nc-— count, of n pic nic that took place at Mr. Carmel Christian Church, Isle of Wight county, Va., on Saturday, Nov. 23d. We condense as follows : “Last Saturday, the 23d, was quite an interesting day at Mt. Carmel.— Several of us had received invitations to be present aud^participate iu the exercises of a Sabbath School pic nic. . At 11 o’clock, the school and a large number of spectators having assem bled, the exercises were opened by Bro. B. F. Roberts, of Antioch. A contest then took place with refer ence to proficiency ill the Interna tional lessons of the last quarter, and also in reference to reading. Eight young ladies and seven young men contested. The judges were Messrs. B. F. Koberfs, P. 1). Howell and K. L. Bailey. After a spirited contest the prizes were awarded as follows: the prize for superior excellence both in reading and in Bible studies, to Miss Maggie I. Johnson; the prize among the young men, for excellence in Bible studies, to T. A. Barrett, and ono lor excellence in reading, to E. W. Ballard. The prizes were beautifully-bound copies of the Bible, furnished by the liberality of Dr. J. J. Duck and wife, and G. M. D. Wat kins and wife. <tfhey were presented * in a short speech, by a gentleman who had been selected for that pur pose. Dinner followed, and this was succeeded by7 the distribution of can dies to the happy children. Then the audienco reassembled in the house, and listened to a few short speeches, after which the exercises closed.” Wo are suro our friends at Mt. Car mel had a good time at their pie nic. May the school there flourish and grow, like a tree planted by the riv ers of water! Hon. Kemp P. Battle, LL. D., President of the University of North Carolina, claims a kind of relation ship with Nansemotid county, Va., in this way: Iu 1772, his great-great grandfather, Elisha Battle, who was at that time a resident of this county, removed to Edgecombe county, N. 0., and was elected a member of the Con vention that met iu 1776 and framed the constitution of North Carolina. So, as bis ancestor was a native of this county, the worthy President of the University feels a special interest in this spot. These facts we had from his own lips. By the way, President Battle visited the North Carolina Christum Conference during its recent session at Damascus, and on being introduced made a felicitous little speech. Among other things he said: “An educated person whore moral and religious nature has uot been cultivated, is merely an educa ted wild-beast. His capacity for mis chief has only been increased by his cultivation.” lie said also: “Among the best students of the University of North Carolina, are some young men who are members of the Chris tian denomination.” The visit of President Battle was greatly enjoyed by the Conference.