The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1869-10-01

VII 'h's occaslon, not only found
the house filed with children and
ADULTS, to its utmost capacity; but
myself i'll tho midst Of a gracious 70.
vlval Of religion. Many had made a
profession alrcady-about seven or
eight young persons of both sexes
had joined tho Church, and the deem
est interest seem to pcrvadc the whole
audience. Under these circumstances
you can imagine, what q happiness it
was, TO address tho children on this
subject of religion. After this spccial
service was over, tho usual routine
was pursued, and left late in the af.
tcrnoon, high pleased with the result
of the days labor. I spent the night
with our old friend, Bro. Marion Lati-
mcr, and found in his family tho Chris
! tian welcome and hospitality Of the
oldcn time.
Sabbath morning was cloudy and
unpromising, but the rain hold up uin-
til the congregation assembled again.
We had an experience meeting in the
morning, and, ut tho usual hour, the
Agent had the privilege OF presenting
bis cause to the congregation. lie
had his reward, in the blessing Of God
on his own soul-thc earnest attention
OF the people, and the largest Sunday
school collection has lvud at any point.
|
feel inclined to ask, that three cheers
may be given her, by the whole
Church. And then the money was
given SO cheeyuuy-no sour looks, or
long drawn sighs over the departing
grcenbaclls: it partook moro of the
character of thank Offering than of
a thank offering than Of a tooth-draw-
ing sacrifice. This was all done in
the face of short crops, and just ono
week after the Presiding Elder had
lifted q handsome Missionary collcc.
ton.
Tho great point gained, however,
was this, that God showed tho people
that Sundayschool meeting is not q
Aindrance but an auxiliary to the inter-
est Of even revival meeting. We
arc laboring for the conversion of the
children rs we'll rs for their instruc-
ton, and moro permanent identifca-
ton with the Church. Again, all who
know anything of human nature, un-
derstand well that the most direct
road to the hearts Of tho parents, is
through their children.
We are just waking up, Mr. Editor,
to tho valuo of this interest, to the
Church, and perhaps tho wisest, and
most experienced, have as yet failed
to- perceive its magnitude. lyoro but
God knows the value of little child,
Or how much of its usefulness, and sta
bility in the future, depends on it's car
ly conversation and proper training in tho
Church Of Christ.
The meeting closed on Sunday Of
ternoon, with Gas nearly as could bo
ascertaincd) tho following results:
1st. General quickening and rcviv-
ing of the Church. 2d. About twcn-
ty additions. Sd. Many conversions,
(numbcr not known.) 4th. About
thirty seekers of religion at tho altar
of prayer. 9Th. Increased interest in
the children, and 9Th. A dctcrmina-
tion to ask tho Bishop to erect Smyr-
ma into separate charge, and send
them pastor with q family, whom
they will support.
This is movein in tho right direction,
and shows how some of our people
have been improved by the calamities
of the war. Ten years ago, with ten
times the amount of available proper
ty, this new movement would havo
been considered q hazardous one.
Now no one seems. to think that it is
unsafe OR impracticable. Success to
this noble-hearted and generous pco-
pie. He ought to be happy man who
shall be called to sorve them another
year.
! Finally, allow me to say that Broth
ers Manning Brown and Sumter Dan
iol, the preachers of the circuit, have
labored zcalously, and successfully,
from the beginning of tho year. They
enjoy Gas they deserve) tic confidence
and affection of their people. With a
solitary exception, they report a revi-
val at every appointment on tho cir
cult. OF course under this state of
things, the finances, and every other
interest of the Church has improved.
God be praised. Truly, etc,
SAMUE1LEARD,
! '' .a S. s. Agent.
.' = :;
; The "bulk movement" seems des.
tined to swallow everything that is
tpansDorted, IT, has heen annl;ed tn