The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-11-23

to Africa, If little younger, and preach
Christ.
MIR. Motley was followed by Rev. Benja-
min Devary. This was the first attempt he
had ever made at platform speech. but he
could not be silent now, though suffering
with severe headache, but would make n
few remarks on Methodism as it was sixty.
six years ago. At the age Of eighteen, in
1906, he entered the Conference on trial.
Then no studies were demanded for the min
listers such as are now required of the young
men. If their morals and piety were good
they could read or not, at pleasure. Cas-
we'll circuit was his first appointment,
and he eutered Upon Its duties with
only moderate English education. He
briefly reviewed his different appoint
ments. He commenced in 1907 a course
of reading, and read Goldsmith's Animated
Nature and Newton on Prophecy, and had
to read on the seashore with hoisted um-
brella to keep clear Of mosquitoes, and slept at
night in a dense smoke to avoid their sting.
The circuits in his youth were much larger
than now. He preached on Camden circuit
with Bishop Early as his junior preacher,
who entered the intineracy one year after
himself. In 1910 Conference was held In
Petersburg in all upper room, and that year
he was stationed In Petersburg, where the
Methodists were then very feeble folk.
What Improvements have been made since
Thefi on Sycamore street there was not Il
business house, but all common, with here
and there dwelling. Then the only church
was poor wooden building; now Method
ism is strong with her handsome temples. If
an organ then bad been heard in church
few Methodists would have attended.
The preachers then were deficient in
learning, but holy and self-denying, with
religion in their souls, and wherever they
went God blessed their labors. Then he
knew Jesse Lee, who was his presiding elder
and treated him with utmost kindness; also
travelled with Bayton and Bruce, but they
were not so kind to him as Lee, and yet
young men were afraid of that man. There
were diamonds that glittered then among
young ministers, though they had no educa-
tional Advantages men noted for eloqlence.
He thanked God that he was once more priv.
| legged to meet the Conference, and his kind
| reception had almost overcome him. He had
no doubt this was his last visit to the Virgil
MIA Conference. He was almost eighty-6ve
| years old, and his constant employment was
| to live in readiness every day for life or
death and he felt that when called by the
Master he would enter into rest and meet the
old brethren that had gone before. He
would say to one and all, Let us prepare to
meet in heaven. 1t was joyous to meet at
conference. but how much more so would ii
be to meet and part no more in heaven.
| Much emotion.l
| DR.. Claiborne, one Of the oldest ministers
in the State. was called upon by Mr.. JudkinS
| for an address. The Doctor responded
briefly. He became acquainted with Meth
odism and its ministry in 1923. Was now
nearly seyentv-iive years old. For several
years he prosecuted the profession Of his
choice. Was nurtured in the Episco-
pal Church, but was first impressed rei-
gious1y in 1926 or 1897. Learned the
characteristics of Methodism from John
Wesley ehilds, and was admitted into the
ministry in 1928. Since then lie had been
treated with consideration and called to po-
sitions he felt unworthy to fill. The privi-
leges of the Methodist Church had been to
him pillar of cloud by day and Of fire by
night. He owed all of his religious hope
and comfort to it. The fathers he knew in
youth were self-sacriicing men, and Mctho-
dists were then q plain, praying people.
Others had more learning and social position.
His personal preferences were TOR other
churches but joined the Methodist because
he felt it better for his spiritual interests.
The singing then attuned his soul to wor-
ship. He questioned if the music now, if
more refined, were as profitable or spiritual.
The Church could not now say "Silver and
gold have none," nor could it say to the
lame man, "Rise up and walk" There *
more wealth and position in society, but
Methodism has taken departures from the
Church of the Fathers. He had no
boast 10 make Of bis personal achieve
ments. He had only done what he
could to advance the interests of his
Church. God had done great things for
us. He would enter caveat against any
compromise with forms and fashions of the
world, and against departing from early
Methodsm to more imposing ecclesiastical
forms and worship. He knew most of the
Bishops, and selections for that Office had
! been happy; was proud Of the young minis
ters AS worthy sons OF the prophet; was
anxious about modern innovations; he
wished to adhere to the old landmarks. He
| did not design in anything to diSparage pre-
sent Methodism or institute any invidious
comparison with the past. He prayed for
continued success.
DR., Duncan was called upon by the Chair,
but declined to speak in the presence OF
such venerable men. He would call upon
| Thomas Branch.
Mr.. Branch was disappointed at the dodge
of DR.. Duncan to get out Of speech. The
rostrun was not his place; had been IN the
church for three generations; had seen many
changes; some of the old landmarks of Mr..
Wesley ought to be changed. lie aston
ished the people when he went to Q
Methodist altar, but had been stumbling and
hobblipg along like all Christians. The
devil annoyed him, but he still prayed by
Methodist prayers, and, especially in the
days of Wesley, other churches had been
made rs godly rs it.
Mr.. B. continued at some length, urging
the education of the ministry and support ol
colleges as the means of strengthening the
Church and enabling 1t to contend with
other denominations. His remarks excited
great laughter.
Rev. DR.. Edwards was then called upon
and said if he were allowed to take upa col
lection for special object he would make 4
little speech! DR.. Edwards declined tc
speak, as the character OF the collection had
already been determined OH.
Hon. John r. kilby then addressed the
audience very briefly, but earnestly aud elo
quently, in behalf of the Preachers Relief
Society; after which collection was lifted
by Rev. John B. Laurens, and the meeting