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Fine morning and warm day.
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A Christian boy reads the secular dailies to the last minute before going to church. That's wrong. The influence is bad on unbelievers.
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Took a nap after dinner till 5 p.m.
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Dr. Candler preached in the night a most arousing sermon on Acts IV 19. The substance was:―
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1. Right and wrong are so opposite that they can not be compromised. To settle a question on the naked ground of right or wrong is the shortest and easiest way of settlement.
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2. Success! This is the mother of all the materialism and spiritual infidelity of this century―this measuring virtue by dollars and cents.
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3. "Will Christ do this" should be the supreme test of all doubtful questions.
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6th. Friday. A beautiful day.
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The Campus was alive with men and mules, women and children come from every part of the county to celebrate the Newton County S.S. convention. The most valuable fact of the program was Dr. Candler's address. He set the blessings of S.S. against the curse of the Saloon. Then he, with his usual vigor, sense, and earnestness, went into the selfishness of barkeepers, who get fat on the blood of others; the wickedness of high licence, which makes merchandize of the temptability of men; the inconsistency of the people who rage with indignation at Chile, for murdering a few worthless American sailors, while submitting weekly to the tyranny of whisky-men that destroys the best of American life. "Some say prohibition infringes personal liberty", continued the Doctor, "but not so. You prohibit liquor traffic on certain days, as Sundays or an Election day; then why not on all days? You prohibit selling liquors to minors; then why not to all men? You prohibit bar-rooms in certain places as near schools; then why not in all places? Unless your prohibition operates on all days you can not prohibit on Sundays; so your Sabbath is polluted. Unless your prohibition benefits all persons, you can not benefit minors; so your young men are ruined. Unless your prohibition works everywhere, you can not keep school districts dry; so your schools are invaded. Now when your Sabbath is violated, your minors led astray and your schools demoralized, then we have nothing left to stand by and fight for." (This is by no means a correct verbal report)
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1. Of the many country ladies present the lack of beauty was conspicuous. Their features are angular, indicative of awkwardness and honesty; while the faces of city ladies are generally oval, indicative of polished manners and convenient morality. This may be fanciful and full of exceptions, but has some thing in it.
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2. Newton County is said to be the poorest in North Ga. Indeed, the farmers live in such indigent conditions here as I have never seen in Tenn. or Va.―admitting, of course, my narrow scope of observation.
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3. No Covington S.S. was represented. Pride? Indifference? Both?―very likely.
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At 8 p.m. went to Few Society to attend the exercises connected with dismissal of Seniors. Jack Jolly was the valedictorian, T. Ellis, the junior respondent, Professor Bradley represented the Faculty. All the speeches were good, though Professor Bradley's was rather too long-winded. Dr. Candler has a healthy contempt for church entertainments such as ice-cream supper, grab box―which he thinks to be a miniature of La. lottery―all such means of getting up collections. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. If His cause demands money tell the people make offerings to meet the needs.
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The perfect simplicity of his living contrasts well with the luxuries indulged in by many of his bretheren in the ministry.
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At 11 a.m. Jim McLure, Bell, Perry Griffin any myself went to the "Yellow River" about 4 miles to fish. Didn't catch any fish; but had fine time. The walk and bathing did me good. Came back at 6 p.m.
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Found on the hill a tree of flowers of great beauty and symmetry. Brought back several branches for Miss Fonzie. Her Jelight over the beautiful white blossoms amply rewarded my toil of carrying them over fences and fields. Brother Hearn S.P. led our prayer meeting in the night. He is one of the most conscientious Christians in the college. The world is not made a whit richer by the existence of Clecley, J. Niese and Connally and Co.; but it would be poor indeed without Nath and Rankin.
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All this week, the mornings have been cool enough for over-coat. The Spring Term Debate between the two Societies came off tonight. Judge Dixson presided. The affirmative side―our side―won the question. Had the largest crowd ever seen in the whole year. The people were very kind to me in their appreciation of my effort.
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It is amusing Dr. Martin clean shaved while his wife keeps mustache and beard in full bloom.
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A day or two ago received a letter from Hal Peoples―all the more welcome because unexpected.
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At 3:30 p.m. Dr. Moore and I left Oxford for Starsville, a country place about 8 miles away. Reached there about 6. Stayed in Bro. Wright's. His wife was much afflicted by the loss of her eldest son and daughter in the last two years. The old lady refused to be comforted. While I don't blame anyone for being grieved at the loss of a dear friend, I think it is rather too selfish and silly to break the happiness of our living friends by over indulging in our sorrow for the dead relatives.
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Mr. Wright told me the following incidence: Dr. Allen went to the high-school in Starsville. While there he fell in love with a Miss Fronie Herd. They wanted to marry. But he father being a hardshell baptist wouldn't give his daughter to a young man who intended to be a China missionary.
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To prevent any run-away, he locked the lady up in a upstairs room and kept her there for six months. Ever since Miss Herd has remained single.
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The following incidence illustrates the utter ignorance of missionary facts on the part of some. While talking on the subject, Bro. Wright said: "Don't they have Sundays in China?" "No Sir," was my answer. "Why," he said in surprise. "Young J. Allen has been there long enough to change all that"!
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Emory lacks4-5,000 to pay the professors.
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15th. Sunday. Very hot.
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Went to the church at 9 a.m. Talked to a good audience―only too serious. Holmes says that laughter and tears are two different powers to turn the same mill―one being wind power and the other, water power. At any rate, the mill of my speech never runs without a deal of the wind power supplied by the audience.
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Took dinner at Mrs. Beltcher's. Left Starsville at 4:30. Reached Oxford about 6 p.m. Bro. Christian from California preached; I was so sleepy that I couldn't hear much of the sermon.
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Dr. Moore is one of the purest and godliest men I have ever met with.
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At 4 p.m. left Oxford for Atlanta on my why to Marietta as a visitor to the Ga. State S.S. Convention. Had to wait two hours in the Depot for the train. Reached Marietta about 8:30. Was "homed" at Mrs. Tucker's.
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The 19th Annual Convention of Ga. S.S.
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Association opened its sessions at 10 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church.
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Most of the morning and part of the afternoon session were given to business―as appointing committees, reading reports and calling districts etc. At 4:30 p.m. I gave a talk on Corea to a very appreciative crowd.
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The reception given at Mrs. Dunwody's residence was not so pleasant as that I have enjoyed in Griffin.
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Of many excellent addresses the valuable hints given by Mr. Reynold of Ill. were instructive. He said that Bob Ingersol had once told him that he (Bob) could throttle Christianity but for women and Sunday Schools.
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At 2 p.m. Mr. Wilder Glover, a very nice young man, invited me to drive to the Keneso Mt. From the top of the mountain a fine view of the town could be had.
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In the evening session Bell, among others, talked on Christian work in China.
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The last day of the Convention. Enjoyed the address of Rev. Walker, a young Presbyterian divine.
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Dined at Mr. Faw's. His eldest daughter, Miss Ollie, is very intelligent. She gave me a photographic copy of a celebrated picture representing our Savior in the act of blessing little children.
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The Mass Meeting at 3:30 p.m. was a success. The church was full up to the gallery. The scene was made all the more attractive by the abundance of bouquetts brought by the S.S. children. The Convention adjourned at 5 p.m.
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Mrs. Tucker and her sweet daughters had been so kind to me that I felt like crying to leave them. God bless them!
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Left Marietta at 5:45 p.m. Reached Atlanta about 6:45. Bro. F.B. Davies met me and conducted me to his home. After supper we went to St. John's Church. Talked to the Epworth League. Came back very tired.
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Having missed the morning train, had to wait until 2 p.m. Bro. Davies took me round to different places of interest, as the Capitol and Grant Park. In the latter place, meet a party of ladies whom I had seen last night and had a boat riding on the Lake Abana. Enjoyed a hearty dinner at Davies'. Left Atlanta by 2:45 train for Oxford. This and that of the trip―
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1. Mrs. Tucker used to live in Midway. Was once in opulent circumstances. Her husband broke some years ago and is now drinking away his life. His wife and children have to work for their bread. What a coward he is! I am so sorry for Mrs. Tucker and her five daughters.
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2. The Harwood Seminary for girls in Marietta was once the residence of Mr. Howel, a wealthy citizen of the town. His son turned out to be a hog. The young fellow committed a cold-blood murder for1.25. Mr. Howel, in his fond attempt of saving the recreant child from the law, spent all his fortune. Suggestions.
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a) . Many parents sacrifice comforts and often principles to amass money for their children. Then the children sacrifice the happiness of their parents, of themselves and of others to soft and wicked indulgences.
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b) . Young Howel's crime was proved to be of the first degree. A poor man would long ago have paid the penalty. A negro would long ago have been lynched. But because Howel has money. therefore he has been able to evade justice. Oh, the power of money!
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3. Marietta is a beautiful little town: fine drives, pretty residences, lovely gardens. It is a favorite Summer resort, many families living on boarding health seekers.
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4. The National Cemetery is a pride of the town. Was somewhat surprized at seeing no confederate soldier's grave in the cemetery. Rather strange that a Southern town should keep a Union cemetery so nice to the neglect of the confederate dead. But the whole matter is explained by the fact that the National Cemetery is kept up the Federal Government while the town is too poor to take care of the remains of the Southern warriors.
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5. Some S.S. Suggestions―
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On Time, Cordial Greetings, Comfortable Surroundings.
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God so loved the world that He gave His Only begotten
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Son that whosoever believeth in Him
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6. There are 1,200,000 or so S.S. teachers who work unpaid every Sunday.
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7. Read several chapters in Uncle Tom's Cabin. Found it a most fascinating book. It is to be observed that the author, instead of talking a genuine negro for the principal actor, puts forward a handsome quadroon and his beautiful wife. Other things being equal our sympathy is easier touched by the sufferings of the beautiful than by those of the ugly.
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With Bros. Hearn and Speer walked out to Liberty Church, about 6 miles from Oxford.
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Dined at Bro. Moseley's. After dinner, went to the church and talked to a good crowd.
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1. Portdale is the name of the place. Most of the inhabitants work in the rope factory. Many girls are employed.
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2. According to the statement of Mrs. Moseley, a sensible woman, most of the girls working in the factory can neither read nor write. "They―some of them look very pretty and know how to keep themselves and their homes tidy enough. But let them talk―and their beauty is gone."
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3. The Portdale ladies and gentlemen(?) are reported to have the greatest contempt of Oxford preachers.
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Walked back. Tired. Wrote to Mrs. Tucker.
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The first part of this week was cold enough in the morning and evening for fire. At 2:30 p.m. with Capt. Dodge, who had come to take me, left Oxford for Bethany Church, 13 miles from here. The Capt., an excellent old man, 79 years, was feeble; and his horse would have done credit to Don Quixotes. Our progress was slow. After a tedious and dusty drive we safely reached our destination, the Cap.'s home. Found Mrs. Dodge, a very handsome old lady full of life. Was delighted to see every thing in her home in the neatest possible order. The good old Capt, and his wife are Yankees. Their stay in the South for 20 years has not eradicated their Yankee instincts or Yankee habits.
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29th. Sunday. A cloudy morning.
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At 10 a.m. went to Bethany Church, a Presbyterian "meeting house". This being Children's Day, the church was prettily decorated with ever-greens and flowers. The subject of the day was Corea. After preliminary exercises, I was called to give a talk.
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1. The church was packed, many being obliged to stand outside. The singing was good.
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2. Was agreeably surprised to see the audience composed of some positively pretty, and all good looking ladies, serious and solid old men, all quiet, respectful and interested.
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3. Grandfather Livingston, 90 years old, attends the S.S. with more regularity than many yougsters.
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4. They gave me10.00, an unexpected boon, especially so because of the hardtime now prevailing among farmers.
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5. Mr. P. Clarkes a Philadelphian is with Capt. Dodge. His quick steps, rapid speech, dashy manner distinguish him at once as an Yankee. He talked of the South something like a Seoulian would talk about "Sicool"
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Mrs. Dodge gave me a loaf of bread to carry home to Oxford. She must have been a very pretty woman in younger days. Left Bethany or (Kings) at 4 p.m. with Mr. Berry and his wife. Got to Oxford in time to attend the evening service. Slept most of the time in the church.
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