Southern Christian Advocate

PERRY CIRCUIT, GA.

As the columns of your paper devoted to the state of the churches is read with much interest, and the tidings of success in the Maker's service is encouraging to his people, permit me to tell some of the great things done for us in this circuit. For the last four or five weeks, there has been no one day when there was not a protracted meeting, in progress, in some part of the circuit; and for most of that time, there have been two or more such meetings being held. The first commenced at Emory chapel, and lasted a week. This was a good and great time, though we could not reckon up scores who professed to be converted: some were born again, the people of God comforted, and ten persons admitted on trial. The next was at Liberty chapel, commencing when the one at Emory chapel closed. Here the power of God was remarkably manifested during ten days that the meeting was continued.

The work embraced among its subjects all ages and circumstances of life, old and young, rich and poor, bowing together in supplication for pardon, and rejoicing together for the mercy they had found. Many heads of families, of great respectability, and their families with them, were brought into the ark of safety. Conversions were clear as the light; sanctifying power rested on believers: and many could say, "we never saw it on this fashion before." After ten days, we concluded the meeting, the excitement still continuing among the people. We admitted forty eight on trial. I had just got home exhausted with fatigue, when I was sent for to go to the assistance of brother Hayes and some zealous local preachers who were holding a meeting at Flint River chapel, on the opposite side of the circuit. I went, and found a deep and blessed work going on. Several had already been converted, and a number groaning for redemption, I would gladly have remained, but a three days meeting having been appointed at Haynesville, we had to divide to attend to them both. Brothers Young and Boddy, remained to the close of the week, labouring with success: and admitted twenty eight on trial at the end of the meeting.

We went to Haynesville with but little strength of body; but it did not matter. I think we had here the greatest meeting, all things considered, that I ever saw. The weather was exceeding wet, but great grace rested on the people. The work commenced on Saturday, and went on deepening and widening on its way for fourteen days. The young men of the place were its first subjects, and few of them were left without experiencing its power. It pervaded, however, all ages and classes of the community. Indeed so great and so general was the gracious influence, that it seemed to affect all, more or less, who came into the house. Towards the conclusion of the meeting, we held a Love Feast, and it was cheering to hear how many professed, in the most feeling manner, the change they had experienced during the meeting. Many who had been prejudiced against our church and doctrine, now joyfully embraced them both. We admitted eighty-eight at this meeting. The work is still spreading. We have a net increase of about three hundred since conference. May God in mercy pour out of his spirit till all the world is full of his glory.

JAMES PAYNE.
C. L. HAYES.