The second paper, “The Relation of Theological Education to the Church of Christ,” was by Mr. J. D. Smith, of Shelby, showing that a pure religion is conserved by an educated ministry; and without it, the tendency is to superstition and heathenism. Following this, a study of the 110th Psalm, conducted by Mr. Y. B. Sims, of the theological class, brought us all under his tutelage and sharp questioning for half an hour. I noticed some of the Doctors of Divinity scratching their heads previous to answering, while “the smile went round.” At night we listened to a sermon on the “First Commandment,” by Rev. D. L. Hickok. Power, pathos and eloquence were combined in it. Plans of sermons by Revs. P. J. McEntosh, Horace Taylor, Alfred Jones, and Revs. Andrews and Bascom, closed the Institute.
THE SABBATH-SCHOOL CONVENTION,
the third section of the Conference, opened on Tuesday with an address by Rev. D. L. Hickok, of Mobile, on “The Field and the Workers.” Other topics of this interesting day were: “The Best Methods of Conducting Teachers’ Meetings,” Rev. G. W. Andrews; “Necessity of Pointed Teaching,” Rev. P. J. McEntosh; “How to Cultivate the Spirit of Giving in Sunday-schools, and How to Dispose of Moneys Collected,” Mr. J. D. Smith; “S. S. Music—How to keep up with the mass of New Music,” Rev. C. B. Curtis. Reports of Sabbath-schools. At night the S. S. Convention closed with a multitude of speeches on as many topics.
THE WOMAN’S MISSIONARY MEETING
was held in the afternoon. We could not have foregone the good we gained by that excellent meeting. I have regretted that I did not reserve my time for an exclusive report of it, as it was one of so much interest; I will only note its general features, however, as full minutes will be published in connection with the minutes of the Conference. After the usual devotional exercises and reports, we listened to an address by Rev. Dr. Roy, which was so thoroughly appreciated, that a unanimous vote of thanks was given at its close. Then came the following papers: “The Opportunities afforded to the Women of the Colored Race for Education and Moral Improvement,” Miss M. J. Adams, Montgomery; “Present Encouragements to further prosecute Special Missionary Work for our Colored Women and Girls,” Mrs. H. W. Andrews, Talladega; “The Industrial School, a Means of Success in Training our Young Women for Future Usefulness,” S. Ida Allen, Talladega.
The Conference with its triple object closed, we were ready to enjoy the best wine, which, after the example in Cana, had been reserved till the last. The interesting
EXAMINATION AND ORDINATION SERVICES
of Mr. J. D. Smith, Shelby, took place on Wednesday; examination conducted by Rev. O. W. Fay, the new pastor at Montgomery. Searching questions were put, and grew more and more so as the candidate showed abundant ability to answer. An examination of two hours was well sustained. The leading examiner said he had never listened to a better examination, and had attended all the important ones about Chicago. One reply I must give you, showing the firm convictions of Mr. Smith on the subject of emotional religion: Ques.—Do you think it necessary, when under conviction, that a man should be thrown on to the floor and go through various contortions of body before he can become a Christian? Ans.—No, sir; I do not think when God knocks at the door of a man’s heart, that he “knocks down the man.” This reply evidently met with hearty approval. The ordination exercises were conducted in the evening; sermon by Rev. Wm. H. Ash, Florence, an earnest setting forth of ministerial duties. The impressive ordaining prayer by Rev. Dr. Bascom, and charge to pastor and right hand of fellowship by Revs. Taylor and Andrews. The doxology, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,” closed what to us had seemed like a “feast of weeks.”