The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-08-29
For the Anderson htelligencer.

Mr.. EDITOR: This year is rendered exceed
ingly interesting, by its development, to many
who watch for the salvation of our beloved
land. One who reflects will soon be satisfied
that never before, in the history of our people,
has such an effort been put forth to restore for
mer prosperity. Dependency has been the
reward for all these exertions, as failure has in
most instances succeeded every struggle for
several years past. But to-day, the patriot,
casting aside his prejudices, and the moralist
relinquishing his impracticable theories, and
the Christian overlooking his peculiarities of
Sect have all united with steadfast purpose
to make successful onslaught upon crime and
vice, in whatever form they may appear.
Corruption in high places, intemperance,
with its inroads into every circle of society,
and indifference, and even apostacy, manifest
ed by professors of religion, caused many to
exclaim: eff the foundations be destroyed,
what can the righteous do?" No longer does
dependency hold sway, but buoyancy charac-
terizes all. Providence has favored the coun-
try with an unprecedented prospect for an
abundant harvest. Reform in government
promises that honesty shall control principal
tiles and powers" God has acknowledged the
faith and labors of His people, and is gracious
ly reviving "scriptural holiness in all the land,"
reminding men of the truth often exemplifed,
that the material advancement and happiness
of any peopleis is in proportion to personal in
terest in the success of Christianity, and that
the only safeguard to any nation is found in
the daily practice of christian morals. The
encouraging feature in all these departments of
reform is, that they are, to a great extent, free
from spasmodic attempts and undue excite
ment. A single instance among many that
could be cited will illustrate Gods saving
power among men.
At Smiths Chapel church, Seneca Circuit,
South Carolina Conference, al present under
the pastoral care of Rev. o. L. Durant, series
of services of more than ordinary interest have
been in progress since the 10th inst. During
this fortnight more than two scores have united
their influence with the church. A number
have found peace in believing, and the mem
bership has been visited with reyiving grace
Scarcely has it been the privilege of the writer
to witness meeting so potent and extensive in
its influence. Fifty persons have been observed
at one time thronging the anxious seats. Many
persons of advanced age have consecrated
themselves to the service of God. Still the
interest remains unabsted, and the best of re-
suits may yet be expected. Associated with
the preacher in charge is the Rev. II. Tyler, a
local preacher from Georgia, also the Rev. J.
w. Baker, of the Georgia Conference.
This church may claim one of the largest
congregations in the country; also, one of
due proportion of intelligence. 1t is located
among fine lands, and many advantages. all
these facilities conspire to render it one of the
most desirable communities Of the up-country.
TO God be all the glory for these manifestations
of His goodness.
THEOPHILUS.
81 I'm, E,r5 g O.. Aucust %, 1872.