Year: 1876

SPRNoERTowN, Sept. 4th, 1876.

 FRIEND PRAISE Fl would add to the in teresting account already given in your pa per of the Pine Grove camp meeting, the following account of the presentation of a silver tea set to the Rev. W. Goss, the pre- sidlng elder, and his estimable wife. It be- ing known to some of his friends that the twenty.fifth anniversary of their welded life would occur during the camp meeting week, they took advantage of that fact and raised subscription among the preachers and laymen in the district of about $70, and presented them with beautiful silver tea set. Rev. w. H. Ferris of Poughkeep sic made the presentation speech, in which he drew Q beautiful comparison between the autumn time and the autumn of life. expressing the congratulations of all the brethren in the providence of God, which through the years past had marked the happy and useful life of their presiding el- der and bis wife.

 In response Mir. Goss said: This IS truly surprise to me. had not thought of silver wedding, and am reminded to- day of the fact that twenty-fv years ago married this woman standing now at my side. was her pastor before our engage ment, and quite the opposite of the pre- Yailing custom in these days, we were en- gagged and no one knew a word about ii. l had not the courage of some young preachers in these later days to take the arm of my betrothed in the presence of my congregation and walk home with her before our marriage. can also say since our marriage have been so we'll satisfied with this lady have never kissed another mans wife. In one or two instances l have taken up my cross and submitted to be kissed by old friends. At the time of our marriage 1 thought had the best of the bargain, and since then have had no reason to change my mind. think prop erly thls beautiful tea set belongs to her.

 We have travelled in this way together twenty-five years without any quarreling, and will tell you the secret of all this: l have always let her have her own way, and she has done the same by me. know that Methodist preachers wife has much re- quired at her hand, and if we mistake not, often the people require more of her than can possibly be done. She is expected to be at home attending to the duties of her family, and at the same time abroad visit, lng the congregation. She is expected to be in the kitchen and in the parlor at the same time. Now these are lmpossibllities, and the considerate members of the church in these days do not expect this. But every Methodist minister needs good wife. would rather take young man well mar ried into the conference than one unmar ried and take the risk of his marrying well and l would give this advice to all the young preachers in choosing wife. Ge one who has, first, good common sense second, religion; third, sufficiently edu cated to appear we'll in society, and after wards let her attend first, to ihe duties o her own house; second, to aid her husband in the work of leading sinners to our Sa viour. have travelled twenty seven year: in the conference, and have always stayed at each place Just so long as the law of the church would let me. This l say to the credit of my wife.

 And now Ireturn you our thanks for tbi' expression of your friendship, hoping wt may live to share with you all in the bless ings of our Heavenly Father.

 Rev. W. 0. Hoyt also responded in some very timely words.

 1 would also notice that this year ovel seventy ministers were on the grounds dur. ing the meeting, representing three annual conferences in the NJ. E. church. There was also larger number of tents and cot tages occupied this year than any previous year. counted over ninety different cot tages and tents on the grounds. These grounds are quite central for Eastern N. Y and Western Massachusetts and Connect cut. The only really objectionable feature of the meetings thus far is the open Sab bath service, which gives opportunity to public dissertation of the Sabbath. Thi! year, however, excellent order has prevail ed throughout the entire meeting, and tn, services were marked by fervencY O spirit and true devotion to the cause O Christ as never before. The closing hou on Thursday, followed by the striking O the tents, closing of the cottages and clear ing up of the grounds, IS all that is left nov for us to notice. But we forbare as ", have already trespassed too much on you time and space. Yours,

 RRpOpTEp