Southern Christian Advocate

For the Southern Christian Advocate.

THAT BOOK! WHERE IS IT ?

Let not this caption be unheeded or the subject of it. The book we mean to describe is no unimportant affair, even in this age of octavos and quartos. We are certain the above inquiry is authorized, both by reason of its merits and the extent of the demand. With this conviction we think a great service would be rendered our people and preachers, by informing them where it may be had, and at Methodist prices,--moderate of course. We allude to the Book recommended by the Georgia Conference, with great unanimity-a Church Book. Some of the brethren of order alleged serious objections to the old method of making a Methodist preacher's head a recording desk ; and it was very generally conceded that paper was not so high or scarce as to be pressed out of service, and Church service at that. The anomalous fact was apparent that many, nay most, of the societies in the Ga. Conference, were without any record of their proceedings, save as exhibited in P's. and A's. on the class paper.

It is strange, because no other association of men for deliberative and executive purposes can be found without a journal of its proceedings. From the august congress to the school-boys debating societies, a written statement of facts and particular items is made and preserved.

If it be said that the class paper is sufficient this being the only vindication of neglect, let facts decide. The Class Book is unsuitable in the first place, even were it used for the many purposes of a society. The names of the members and their attendance, with their religious state, may very properly be signified on such a paper as we have, but this is scarcely done. But is this all? What is to be done when children are baptized; when others join; when important difficulties occur, and are amicably or otherwise adjusted? Will the class book do, or is it suitable for all this : yet this is scarcely half. Shall the society expel a member, and yet no charge be found upon record ? and worse than this-no proof tangible of the specification ? and worse still, no facts to show that the preacher legally administered the discipline? Suppose such a one were to appeal; the case is taken to the Quarterly Conference by the preacher without any other aid than his memory, as to charge, specification, facts, witnesses, conduct, etc., which will give the advantage, or disadvantage, as the case may be, to the accused. Certainly all must see such a course will greatly embarrass proceedings, and multiply difficulties which could be avoided with all ease. It is astonishing that people who glory in method. should have less of it, in many particulars, than is to be found in clubs where disorder is expected.

A variety of arguments could be offered to show what evils must accrue if such a record is kept only in marks and memory, instead of being bound in a legible and tangible form. The preachers have seen, have felt, the great want of system in our numerous societies ; they can remedy these defects by action ; but inactivity will produce a more abundant harvest. Who does not wish to see every jot and tittle of harmonious beauty, and exactness, in the many evolutions of light and action of our great communion ? What preacher will not lend his aid to methodize practically as well as theoretically, and leave to his successor such traces of his skill and work, as will bear honorable testimony to his fidelity, zeal, and judgment ? Which shall exempt the one and preserve the other from blunders ? Let a secretary be appointed or elected in every society, whose duty it shall be to keep a journal of church proceedings. So recommended the Conference. But to the question. Where is it ? You can find such a blank book at almost any store in the whole country ; which we would not think necessary to say, if most of the preachers were not acting heedless of the fact, and in open violation of their own proceedings.

J. W. H.