The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-10-14

edI 5000 forwards this enterprise. LISA
most happy omen when the strong begin to
feel that they have strength enoueb to helm
the weak and are willing to stretch ont
their hands to the feeble and strugolino
Our hope is that this is but the inaTonre.
ton of a system of things which is tn
abide and bring forth beneficial results in
all the future. Such course is fitted to
create and quicken sympathy between the
various churches of our order-to hold
them all in closer bonds of unity, and in
high degree to increase the efficiency of
the whole. Two churches, now destitute,
contemplate building houses of worship
during the coming year. May God bless
their endeavors.
In spiritual things advance also has
been made. One new church has been
organized. One, whose organization had
fallen to pieces, has been brought together
again. One hundred and twelve members
have been received on profession of their
faith. If there be joy in Heaven over one
sinner that repenteth, surely our hearts
ought to be abundantly glad when we be-
hold so many turning from the error OF
their ways into the path of life and peace.
Our Sabbath Schools are growing both
in numbers and in efficiency. Each year
demonstrates with new clearness and force
that the Sabbath School is in fact the
nursery of the Church. A large proper
ton of our accessions and many of the
most hopeful cases have been from this
source. This fact is a most significant
and impressive admoHition to our superin-
tendants and teachers to be vigilant and
faithful in the high and holy vocation of
leading the young to Christ.
Our prayer meetings are likewise in
creasing in interest. There seems to be a
more earnest spirit of supplication pervad-
ing the hearts of both ministers and peo-
pie. Our Christian men and women are
gradually attaining a higher standard of
fidelity, and this is showing itself in an in
creased attendance on our weekly meet
ings-more regularity in coming, and in a
general spirit of aggressiveness, which
sends Christians out to labor with the i'm
penitent, and to win souls to Christ.
In nothing, however, has our progress
been more marked and gratifying than in
the matter Of Bensvolence. There is an
increasing disposition to meet all the re-
quirements Of the General Assembly, and
to bring every church, and every member
of every church, into the line Of loyalty.
More than double the amount ever before
given in single year, has been contributed
during the past year to the cause of For
eign Missions. The Bible agent also re-
ports that the amount collected for the
purpose Of scattering abroad those leaves
which are for the healing of the nations,
and thus putting the Word Of God, with.
out note or comment, into every mans
hands, has been greater during the past
year than in any previous year of his work.
For Education, Publication and Home
Missions, the increase of contributions has
been even greater than this; and, from
the spirit manifested in Synod, it is deemed
safe to conclude that the advance will be
still more gratifying in the year to come.
So may it be. Some events have oc-
Cured during the year which seem to
call for special mention. The Synod has
been able to secure one agent to look after
its waste places-to lend encouragement
and counsel to the weak and to cooperate
with all in the great work of upbrilding
and strengthening the walls of our Zion.
His labor has already encouraged Us for
the future, and our prayer is that Gods
blessing may abide upon him, giving daily
increase to that which his hands plant and
water.
We desire to put into record also that
the Rev. E. r. Hammond has been with
US and has labored in some of our churches.
He was with us but short time and was
not permitted by circumstances TO visit all
of our churches, but his labor resulted in
great good both to the impenitent and to
Christians. Our hope is that the intiu-
ences of his visit will not soon pass away.
Some of our churches have suffered Sc
vorely in consequence of the withdrawal
of men to meet the demands Of the war,
but that has only served to intensity their
interest in this gigantic struggle and to
make them DESTROYS for 8 right and
glorious issue. Let US pray that before
another year is gone this foul and uniusti-
fable rebellion may be subdued and peace
and righteousness and the spirit of unity
restored throughout all our borders, so
that the church may enter, with undivided
energy and redoubled zeal into the great
and glad work of securing the realization
of that prayer which our Lord has given.
"Ihy kingdom come and thy .cW be
done IN earth as ii is in hearen.' -
NEWS FROM THE SOUTH.