Birmingham state herald., 1895-10-13

ity, and a question to be settled by none but an ecclesiastical authority. The clergy fell into line to man.
 Fearing that there were troubles brew. ing in Mobile-I had refugeed in Greens4 borough-I went there at once. I had been in the city but few hours, when d servant came to my room and told me that an officer had called to see me. Upon going to the parlor. general of the Federal army introduced himself to me as an officer on the staff of the gen eral commanding, and said that he had called by direction of said officer to know when I meant to use the prayer for the President of the United States. I told him that that was a question the gen eral had no right to ask, and that 1 an- swered no such questions if put in tone of authority; that the church had her sphere of action, and could not permit any intrusion.
 The officer was thrown a-back, talked a good deal about the absoluteness of military power, and intimated, not ob- scurely, that I would have to succumb I told him that he would see for himself the issue. After a considerable talk on his part-I preserving entire sllence-he
 
 over as "between man and man." I told him that had no sentiment that was not open to the world but none that could be extorted.
 He then in very familiar way put the question anew under the programme of as "between man and man."
 When do you think you will use the -prayer-book prayer for the President?"
 oil from here" This particular prayer was for a government of the peoples choice and affection-the loyal prayer of the Church of England. rather seryilely con- tinued in our liturgy. "The fact Is, sir, that the government, as 1t is over us now and impersonated in the President, Is a government for which I desire the least length of life and the least pros perity' that is consistent with the per missive will of God;' that we did ardently pray that He who held these reins of absolute power might have grace to execute judgment and to maintain truth, etc., and hoped that our prayers would be answered.
 I then said to the officer. Suppose our positions reversed; suppose we had con- quered you, and, amid all your desola- tion and sadness and humiliation, com manded you to fall down on your knees and ask God to grant long life. health and prosperity to our commanding oi11- cer-would you do it?" l cannot quote his reply, for his excitement threw hlm off his balance, and he intimated in strong but profane terms that he would be something very dreadful-f he would.
 Well" I said q am not disposed to use your phraseology; but if l do that thing that you come to order me to do addressing the Almighty with my lips when my heart is not In my prayer-I run great danger of meeting the doom that you have hypothetically invoked upon your own head" He then left.
 In the course of few days there came out general orders," shutting up all our churches and 'suspending' me from all my functions. There orders were, on the part of the general commanding the military district, accompanied with shower of bad language that could only fall with it's foul savor on the head of him who gave vent to 1t.
 Meanwhile the churches were nearly all closed and soldiers stationed at the doors to prevent entrance. Yet 1t is a great mercy that even military rule can not entirely close our communications with Heaven.
 We worshipped in private houses. and I confirmed in churches which were not guarded by soldiers, issued pastorals, etc. much to the indignation of the gen. eral who had suspended me from my functions.
 After awhile the council of the church in the Confederate States held it's regu- lar trennial session at Augusta, Ga. There the whole question of "the prayer for those in authority" vas settled by the adoption of the old form in the Prayer Book. Coupled with this action. however, was resolution" that each bishop should exercise his own discre- tion as to the time for its introduction. Upon this modification I had absolutely insisted. By this action of the council it was competent for me at once to or der the use of the prayer, but as the mil itary intrusion still existed delayed the matter until the order should be with drawn. It went hard with the general to do it, but he was compelled by higher power and poured out his wrath in Ian guage that could only defile the lips from which it issued.
 If I cannot say with the apostle. T have, after the manner of men, fought with the beasts at Ephesus," I can truly say that there was poured upon my head a very flood of abuse and obloquy. I re- ceived it in all complacency. I do not know whether I most enjoyed the plaud- its of my friends or the abuse of my un- friends. It is grateful ''laudari laudato viro." The abuse of some men is crown of glory.
 Now I have made long story very short The whole narrative might prove wearisome.
 When Governor Browns first term as Senator from Georgia was about to ex- pire many gentlemen who desired to sue ceed him were anxious to know whether