REMARKS.

        Anything that may be said by us of Mr. Crooks, must be of a commendatory character. His course, while with us, has been that of a gentleman and of a Christian. His talents are good, and his promises of usefulness are flattering.

JAS. MATHEWS,
A. SWANEY,
Instructors."

        But having been a student through life, he has mastered a thousand lessons to which many a collegian has failed to give his attention. The "divine desire to know" will convert field, or forest, or lake, or landscape, or island, or ocean, or continent into a university.

        He united with the Methodist Protestant Church, of which his parents were members, while his brother William joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was much the youngest of any in the Church, yet willing thus early to walk alone, so long as it appeared to be the path of duty. Always generous toward other denominations, and willing to point sinners to the Cross at any altar where Christ appeared, he attended religious meetings, far and near, irrespective of denominations. He deeply deplored the want of spirituality among his own people.

        When about sixteen years of age, he deeply felt the need of a more thorough Christian experience. He was greatly profited by reading the "Life of William Carvosso," and sought, with ceaseless anxiety, the blessing of entire sanctification. He sought it as distinctly as justification. He trusted fully in Jesus as a Savior from all taint of, and tendency to sin, and realized the speechless joy of complete salvation. This, like conversion, was effected when alone, and free from the pressure of external excitement.

        Convinced of the complicity of the Methodist Protestant Church with chattel slavery, it ceased to

be a congenial home to one who had nothing in view but God and his glory, and man's well-being. The heart longed for an opportunity to free itself by change of church-relationship. This opportunity was presented when the venerated Edward Smith organized a Wesleyan Methodist Church in his native village, July 25th, 1843. That day Brother Crooks was elected class-leader. This change of church-home, and open antagonism to slavery, no perils nor privations ever caused him to regret.

EARLY MINISTRY.

        His call to the Gospel ministry was an ever-living and ineffaceable conviction. Yet it greatly distressed his mind: First, by fears that it was a fire of his own kindling. Second, by an oppressive sense of his own incapacity; hence, for years, it was the subject of earnest solicitude and prayer. These embarrassments were held in abeyance by the firm purpose to do every duty at whatever cost, and the assurance that God would call to no duty in which he would not, in some way, supply all deficiencies. But his soul found complete rest only in the settled purpose to await and cheerfully conform to the opening of God's providence. And this became the key to his entire subsequent life: to, in all things follow the united leadings of God's providence, Spirit and Word.

        The 4th of May, 1844, being just twenty years of

age, he accepted license to exhort. Under this, however, he always took a text and preached, as systematized thought was more natural and easy to his type of mind.

        August, 1845, he joined the Allegheny Conference, and went as junior preacher to the Erie circuit. Here came a trial to his Christian fidelity. The headquarters of the Erie circuit was Erie city. There was not a white member in the Church, and this feeble colored Church was the only one on this circuit of two preachers. The prospect was forbidding, indeed. The first Sabbath morning in Erie made a deep impression. Thoughts of "Sweet home," and pleasant social position there, and of the intense prejudice against any white man, whose motives, however Christ-like, showed practical sympathy for the then hated colored race. A painful sense of isolation caused tears unbidden to flow. But thoughts of Jesus--the mockings, scourging and cast-off purple, and forsaken in that dreadful hour of the powers of darkness," dried them all away.

        He found them very poor--many of them fugitives from slavery, and very ignorant. He consented to become one of them, to lift them up. He established a night-school, for their instruction--was earnest in arousing their ambition to become intelligent as well as good. They were very grateful, and thought they never before had found such a friend. His stay among them was brief, as at the expiration of six weeks he was called to Allegheny

City, to labor in concert with his brother William, then in the second year of his ministry, boarding with Rev. B. Loughead, who long has been a member of the Allegheny Conference. This became a pleasant and profitable year.

        On the following year he went as junior preacher to the Zanesville circuit, in company with Rev. G. Richey, preacher in charge, and now President of the Central Ohio Conference.

        Brother Richey, in a funeral discourse preached at Leesville, the home of his boyhood and youth, says: "He was my co-laborer on the Zanesville circuit. My house, during that year, was his principal home. I knew him well and loved him much.Indeed, it was only necessary to know him well in order to love him. He was not only an amiable Christian, but an affable gentleman. He seemed to possess the 'wisdom of the serpent, and harmlessness of the dove.' In morals he had the innocence of the lamb, and the courage of the lion. This year his brother in the flesh, in the Lord, and in the ministry--William--loved more than life itself, was called from earth to heaven.

CALL TO THE SOUTH.

        "The Allegheny Conference, held at Mesopotamia, Ohio, September, 1847, received an urgent letter from North Carolina, asking for a minister. Every eye seemed to turn to Brother Crooks as the

man for that place. After a season of devout, earnest, silent prayer, in which the entire Conference engaged, Brother Crooks arose--his cheeks pale as marble--and said, 'I will go, sustained by your prayers. In the name of my Savior I will go to North Carolina.'"

        He has often said, "The question presented itself to me, can you give your life for the cause? I felt that I could, and went." He gave his life when he consented to go.

        He was ordained Elder at that Conference, September 21st, one year in advance of the rules, in order to fit him for the work on his mission. His parchment is signed, "T. Guy, President of Conference."

        Four years of toil, self-sacrifice, peril and success ensued. By the close of the first year, an opening in Grayson County, Virginia, called for another man. Jarvis C. Bacon responded. The work extended both in Virginia and North Carolina. New doors opened, calls to "Come over and help us," multiplied, and at the expiration of the second year, Jesse McBride took the field already opened, leaving Brother Crooks to go more deeply "into the regions beyond." The history of these years will be given in extracts from letters to the Wesleyan, written on that moral battle-field.

        More fitting than anything we can present are the following pen pictures drawn by himself, of his journey south, and his labors amid the scenes of slavery with its Bibles and whips and slave-pens.

Circumstances not unfrequentlycontribute largely in rendering recorded events interesting. The circumstance of my appointed field of labor being in a slave-holding State, may give importance to a few notes by the way. It would be in vain to essay to give a description of the deep emotions that thrill the soul when taking the parting hand of an affectionate father, a kind mother, dear brothers and sisters, and friends beloved; when bidding adieu to the hills, valleys, and streamlets, that were the associate of one's juvenile sports, and childish perambulations; the most vivid imagination and nervous language, are utterly inadequate to the task.--Such reflections as these are very natural. Am I looking upon these people the last time?--Shall I ever again meet a father's smile, or have the seal of maternal affection stamped on my cheek? May I ever again drink the sweet waters which flow in the channel of the society of those endeared by the tender ties of consanguinity? With these peculiar feelings and cogitations, on the morning of the 1st of October, I turned my face to go to the far South, to pronounce that Gospel which proclaims liberty to the captive, and the opening of the prisons to them that are bound.

        I must needs go through Zanesville for my books and clothes, (it being my former field of labor.)

        On Saturday evening I arrived at Zanesville, was kindly received by brother J. and family. On Sabbath evening spoke a short time from viiith chapter, 9th verse, second Corinthians. In improving

the subject, I tried to show that Christ is our example--we must have His spirit if we would be His--it is a spirit to labor, suffer, for the good of man,--we must be willing to sacrifice property; He became poor. Reputation, He made Himself of no reputation; and person, He was wounded, bruised chastised, and all for man, yea, for His enemies. He suffered patiently, suffered not unnecessarily, but in harmony with the will of His Father. Those who do not imitate Him are not Christians, whether individuals or organizations. Dear reader, how much are you willing to sacrifice? How much have you suffered in property, reputation or person, for the good of your race? Wherein have you denied yourself daily?--of what to-day?

        I was detained till Thursday, waiting for a boat. As none came, I mounted the stage on Friday morning for M., a town at the juncture of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, sixty miles below Zanesville. The day was wet, cold and gloomy, and the road rough. But as it followed the river, a person having large individuality, would delight himself in observing the flowing river; its little islands, adorned with the waving willow; the fading foliage bedecking its bank; together with the craggy hills, the rolling forest, the rich fields and green meadows, which variegate every succeeding prospect. Who can witness such a scenery and not mark the foot-steps of the power, wisdom and goodness, of Him who bridles the waters, plows their channels, and determines their courses?

        I arrived at M. about 9 o'clock, P. M., and not wishing to travel on Sabbath morning, I sought out the residence of Brother P., where I was made very welcome, and was able to feel at home. Brother P. is an efficient agent in the underground railroad. M. is the oldest town in Ohio; it is beautifully situated, built (in some respects) after the eastern style. There are a great many anti-slavery Methodists in this place, but they do not seem to see the incongruity of coming out of a pro-slavery political party, and remaining in fellowship with a proslavery Church. The Methodist Episcopal friends had their Quarterly Meeting on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock. M. T. Young, Presiding Elder, preached from Matthew xiv: 23. Subject, Private Prayer. In descanting on what we should pray for, he named the prosperity of the Church. On this point he manifested great earnestness, referred them to the past prosperous condition of the M. E. Church, compared it to the stone of prophesy cut out of the mountain, it had rolled on gloriously. That evening I had the happiness to see Ephraim Cutler, the only man living who helped to frame the Constitution of Ohio. He claims the honor of making it a free State; he sat up a whole night to frame arguments to accomplish that object. Honor to his life! When dead, peace to his ashes!

        Sabbath, 11 o'clock, A. M., preached in town hall of Harmer, (H. is on the other side of the Muskingum from M.,) from Matthew vi: 9. After meeting, a Mr. S., Presbyterian, accosting me, said I

must have the Methodist house that evening. It was obtained for 4 P. M. I spoke from Matthew vi: 10. Here I tried to make it appear that the means ordained by Heaven for the establishment of Christ's kingdom were, the preaching of the Gospel, the whole Gospel, the practice of every duty, the right and faithful exercise of discipline, by which every sinner, of whatever kind, would be kept out of the pale of the Church; and those organizations which do not use those means cannot effect the object for which they organize. This was my last Sabbath in Ohio. I then waited (though very impatiently) for a boat, which did not come until Tuesday morning, 11 o'clock. In a very few minutes I was sailing down the beautiful Ohio. The day was wet and cold, a great many passengers, and an amount of vanity displayed, though I was pleased by the order observed.

        On Tuesday night we were landed on the Virginia shores, at the mouth of the Great Kanahwa; here again we were detained until Thursday morning for a boat to go to C., sixty miles up this rapid river.

        Thursday night got to C. in time to give our-selves to the faithful keeping of Morpheus, at about 1 o'clock, A. M.

        Friday took stage for Lewisburgh, one hundred miles from C. After riding about thirty miles over a good road we found ourselves at the base of the Green Briar Mountain. The prospect now becomes indescribably romantic. The traveler seems

to be environed at every point of the compass, by great piles of earth, covered with pines, which lift their hundred arms on high, as though they would grasp the clouds, or sweep the sky. The complete symmetry with which these piles are formed, coming to a peak with the order of a pyramid, will strike the admiration of every beholder. I would advise every one who travels this road to visit the Hawk's Nest, a precipice of rock piled on rock, to the height of nine hundred feet. Here you will fancy yourself at the jumping off place. To look down you seem to be lifted far above the earth, the head reels. The country is under very poor cultivation, and the minds of the inhabitants are no better. An old revolutionary soldier, bending beneath the weight of time, and trembling with age, got in to ride a few miles; he stated that they are beginning to raise wheat. (They formerly lived on bear's meat, and pone.) I remarked to the old gentleman, it was a long road from C. to L., one hundred miles, without any towns or villages; he replied, there was no place to put them. We lodged a few hours fifty miles from C., and by 1 o'clock, A. M., was in the stage again.

        To-day, Saturday, feelings of deep sorrow, mingled with emotions of profound indignation, swell my bosom, while surveying the fallen and corrupt state of the Churches of our land, while I see them chattelizing humanity, and driving the iron chariot of oppression over her breast, while its massive

wheels squeeze hissing streams of blood from the tender cords of her great heart.

        Saturday evening arrived at L., where we spent the Sabbath. In the morning I attended meeting at the Methodist Episcopal Church; listened to a sermon from John 1st chapter, 38th verse.--The body of the discourse was very well proportioned, but if I am a judge, the body was all there was of it; I do not think it had any soul.

        Monday morning, 1 o'clock, took stage for Fincastle. Our road was over the Allegheny ridge of mountains. The scenery was magnificently sublime. The air is highly salubrious, and the mountaineers are the Goliah's of the land. We had a few hours rest, about 12 o'clock mounted the stage for Lynchburgh. We crossed the range called the Blue Ridge, before day; here the sun rose on us in Old Virginia. The peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge, are the highest of the Allegheny; being four thousand, two hundred and sixty feet high. A circumstance transpired here worthy of note. A colored woman was put in the stage at F., who said she was on her way to L., a town about thirty miles from F. On being interrogated, she informed us that she had been sold to a negro trader in L., her former master lived in F. She was leaving a husband, a mother, brothers and sisters, and the grave of a child. Are not such acts of cruelty enough to make us "sick of humanity, and blush to know ourselves men." She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he, the

man who sold her, of the Episcopalian Christians (by profession) selling God's own image, the purchase of the Savior's death, and the temple of the Holy Ghost, as beasts in market. Oh Shame, where is thy blush! I asked her if she did not mourn the loss of her babe! and the emphasis with which she responded No! made my blood run cold. She continued, I am glad it is gone, for it is a stranger to my sorrows.

        What a horrible comment, this, upon the cruelties of slavery. The slave-mother's joy begins not like that of other mothers; "when a man is born into the world;" but when her infant is hurried out of existence, and its first faint cry is hushed in the silence of death! Why this perversion of nature? Ah! that mother knows the agonies, the torments, the wasting woes of a life of slavery, and by the bowels of a mother's love, and the yearnings of a mother's pity; she rejoices to know her babe shall never experience the same.

        But will God be avenged on such a nation as this? The withering displeasure of heaven can be seen standing out in bold relief upon the whole face of the country. Their soil is rendered sterile by the burning foot of slavery.--Their fields are converted into forests; their fences, their houses and their barns, are dilapidated, and the very air poisoned with the effluvia from the mangled body of humanity which lies bleeding on every plantation. In a word, slavery, like the mighty incubus, standing with one foot on the neck of the master,

and the other on that of the slave, crushes them physically, intellectually and morally into the very earth, and leaves them--leaves them, did I say? No! keeps them there struggling for life.

        The evening of October 23d, I found myself at Indiana, having terminated a fatiguing journey of six hundred and fifty miles. I rested till Sabbath; in the evening, preached in the Methodist Episcopal house; I tried to enforce the doctrine of universal love and the duty of doing unto others as we would have them do to us, without reference to class, color or condition, etc. Some of them said "That was just what they always believed." There is much more anti-slavery sentiment in this part of North Carolina than I had supposed. This is owing, in a great measure, to the influence of the society of Friends. It is said the treatment of the slaves is much modified by their presence; and as they are numerous in this community, slavery is seen in its mildest form. It is somewhat amusing too, that I am taken for a Quaker, go wherever I will. I attended their meeting Sabbath morning, after my arrival, and even the Friends themselves, thought I was one. After hearing me preach in the Methodist Episcopal house, some of them asked if I was not a Friend. I went to Toledo last week, lectured on temperance, and there, again, I was thought to be a Quaker. This, I suppose, is owing some to the doctrine I inculcate, and partly to my plain coat. Upon the whole, the prospect is pretty encouraging;

the hearts of many are open to receive the truth, and by the help of God's grace, I mean to sow the seed of the word, praying that the great head of the Church may give a large increase. And now, at the commencement of my labors, let me call upon the whole Church, and every lover of God, and friend of man, to send up their earnest, faithful, importunate and prevailing prayers, that Heaven would smile propitiously upon the cause in North Carolina; the good of our common Christianity and common country; the sacred demands of the trembling, weeping, bleeding, perishing slave, and the high and holy claims of the Holy One require it; yea, and future posterity will say, Amen.

        It is not a little interesting, and amusing, to trace the rise and progress of the Church, in our state. Dr. Stanton, a Quaker, brought into this country some pamphlets, containing the address delivered by brother E. Smith, in the Sixth Presbyterian Church, in Cincinnati, March 19, 1843, from Rom. xiii, 10,--two thousand of which, were printed at the expense of the Society of Friends. The printer neglecting to state the office in which it was printed, Mr. C., the Methodist Episcopal preacher then traveling the Guilford Circuit, (who was silenced by a Conference, held at G. a few weeks ago,) faithfully charged his hearers not to read them, or even suffer them to come into their houses. He stated they contained no truth--were a mass of pernicious errors--were

anonymous, and that it was not known where they were printed, etc. But alas! for him that he was not a Pope, for then would his Bull, have been Law. Nor would he have resuscitated these pernicious errors, and buried himself in the tomb he intended for them. What he said served to excite the curiosity of his hearers, which led many of them to procure the interdicted pamphlet, before they went home. They were read with avidity, and circulated with industry. The result was, they aroused the public mind with all the potency of truth, and many who had defended Slavery from the Bible, changed their language, and said, "No Slaveholder can be a Christian!" Brother Smith said, at Conference, he wished himself young, that he might go to N. C., but he was here several years before me, through the agency of his address.

        The next circumstance leading the way to secession here, was the division of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The delegate from N. C., to the Southern Convention, was instructed to oppose a split, but he was influenced by the members of said Convention, to vote with the South,--so that the N. C. Conference was voted into the southern division, contrary to her wish, and instructions. I have been told the feelings of this Conference were so exasperated, that it refused to submit, and could not hold its succeeding session. Be that as it may, one thing is certain, it tamely consented for Bishop Andrew to preside at its last session. But when the division took place, the cherished hopes of

many, that the Methodist Episcopal Church would eventually free herself of the sin of making merchandise "of slaves, and souls of men," were completely blasted. Their first expedient was, to join the Northern Division, but soon found it impracticable. They then resolved, (some of those many,) to form a third Church, which they did, and called it the Free Methodist Church.

        "Up to this time, they had no knowledge of the existence of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection. By some unknown agency, (perhaps an angel of mercy,) they became apprised of it,--sent for our Discipline,--met in Convention,--read, approved, and adopted it, and at their request, came under the supervision of the Allegheny Conference. Since then, they, like an ocean rock, have stood unmoved, while the mighty waves of opposition have spent their furious power, in vainly essaying to overwhelm them; and blessed be God, they still stand, or rather move forward, despite of all that would oppose. On my arrival, the cry of 'amalgamation, nigger-thief, abolition,' which are synonomous terms here, went careering in frantic alarm through the entire community; but that has measurably subsided. On the whole I cannot complain, other churches have been pretty courteous, in opening their pulpits, especially the Protestant Methodist. Calls for me to preach are numerous--Congregations generally large. I seldom preach without denouncing the peculiar institution; mostly I have slave-holders to hear. We held our first

quarterly meeting on the third Saturday and Sabbath in December; congregations full. and very attentive. Sabbath morning at 11 o'clock we had a meeting, weeping and rejoicing time. It was the first communion held by the Wesleyans in North Carolina. The Lord strengthened and comforted our hearts.

        "Last Sabbath I read our general rules, to a large and deeply attentive concourse; indeed it was affecting to witness the profound interest with which young and old stood and listened for near two hours; I say stood, for there was room for only about half of the congregation in the house; so that I was under the necessity of standing in the door to be heard by those out as well as inside the house. When I read our rules on slavery, I pledged to prove before I took my seat that the Wesleyans occupy the platform erected by primitive Methodists, on the subject of slavery, viz.: that they made slaveholding a test of membership. To prove which I read from Robert Emeroy's History of Discipline, stating the authority I gave was written by a Methodist Episcopal hand, printed on a Methodist Episcopal press, published under Methodist Episcopal authority, and issued from a Methodist Episcopal Book-room. After having shown from that, the action of the Church, before, at, and after, its origination, I claimed to have redeemed my pledge, with the clearness of demonstration, and if the countenance is to be taken as an index to the mind, I think the congregation was

ready to give a verdict in our favor. We have subscriptions for the erection of three houses of worship; the parcels of ground on which they are to stand, are donated, and I think the prospects for success encouraging. It is the opinion of some of the most intelligent men of North Carolina that she will be a free State before many years; and that in the event of a dissolution of the Union, North Carolina will go with the North. The great spirit of Liberty is beginning to breathe upon the people. If her hosts but rally under her standard, inspired by a generous patriotism and noble philanthropy, resolved with the Spartan soldier, to return 'with our shields, or upon them,' the day is not far distant, when, under the smiles of the God of Liberty, her fair tree will shoot its top to the sun, and cast its cooling shades over the oppressed of every land. We believe the death warrant of American slavery is sealed in heaven, and the angel of mercy commissioned to execute it speedily.

        "I think I never enjoyed more deep and constant communion with my Savior than since I came to North Carolina. 'Jesus all the day long is my joy and my song.' My daily prayer is,--'O, Lord, revive thy work.' I long to see the pillar of divine glory rise, and the ark, and people of the covenant move forward. May the Lord speed the day.

DEDICATION OF THE FIRST WESLEYAN METHODIST
CHURCH IN NORTH CAROLINA.

        "With grateful emotions, I take my pen to give the readers of your excellent sheet, a statement of the dedication of the first Wesleyan Methodist Church in North Carolina, with a brief history of our success. Our Second Quarterly Meeting, which commenced the third Saturday in March, was held in a new house erected for the worship of Almighty God, through whose sovereign clemency, and the liberality of the friends of God and Man, in the community, it was completed. The dedicatory discourse was pronounced from 1st Tim. iii: 15. The use made of the text was, to show The office of the Church,--viz. first, to support as a pillar,--secondly, to elevate,--and thirdly, in times of trial, to stay, THE TRUTH. This is to be done, first, by not shunning to declare the whole counsel of God,--secondly, by the practice of all Christian duty,--thirdly, by the faithful execution of Discipline,--and lastly, if need be, meekly and patiently suffering, for so doing.

        "The position was taken, that an ecclesiastical organization, not maintaining the whole truth, must support some error, there being no neutral ground on any moral question. 'He that is not for, is against me. He that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad,' said Jesus. From all this, the

following conclusion is unavoidable: That it is the imperative duty of Christians, to disconnect themselves from corrupt Churches! To be in connection with such a Church, is to support it,--to support it is to support error; for IT is the pillar and stay of error:--hence, the solemn command from Heaven contained in Rev. xviii: 4.

        "The Quarterly Conference gave me leave to visit Virginia, some time this Summer, as I received a call from the mother of Presidents to that effect. Sabbath, I spoke to a large, attentive, and deeply affected concourse, from Isaiah xxv, 1:--I am told it had the happy effect of killing much prejudice. We were favored with the acceptable labors of our worthy brother, D. Wilson. He is one of the Spartan-like band, who dared to brave the popular current, and boldly fling the Wesleyan flag to the breeze, and manfully maintain its claims. Brother W. preached on Sabbath night, when the Lord graciously poured out His Spirit and dedicated the house, by filling it with His glory, and one professed to find peace. The meeting was protracted ten days. I have no recollection of having witnessed such displays of the virtue of love divine, to subdue the carnal mind. An incident occurred on Wednesday, worthy of note. A woman, who had belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, a number of years, became so deeply convicted at home, she had to quit work--sent for her neighbors to pray for her--said she had been trying, for a long time, to get to Heaven in her own way,

but saw she could not succeed. She came to meeting that night, and as I arose to preach, her feelings so completely overcame her, that without regard to the order of the meeting, she arose and made her way to the altar. I invited the mourners forward, stating the Lord would not let me preach that night. The house and surrounding country was soon rendered vocal with the cries of seekers, and the shouts of saints. During the meeting, twelve touched by faith, the sceptre of mercy and were at peace. The same number joined,--nine from the world, two from the Primitive Methodists, and one from the Episcopal Methodists. All glory to Him whose wing of love overshadowed us.

        "On last Sabbath I formed a class of twelve members in R. county, which promises an abundant increase. Father Briles, who has been a standard-bearer in the Methodist Episcopal Church for about forty years, said, 'we must build a large church,--oh! I feel such an interest I could almost build it myself.' An old gentleman, who had seen me but once, rode ten miles to hear me preach, gave us his name. I asked him if he enjoyed the comforts of religion,--he answered satisfactorily. Are you coming from another church?--I inquired. 'No,' said he, 'I never could join in consequence of war and slavery!' There has been thirty-two accessions this year. We have raised the walls of a second church. It is not yet covered. Blessed be Israel's Keeper, while watering others, I have felt the refreshing showers of grace in my own

soul. I want to be more and more given up to God,--more and more conformed to his likeness every day. The opposition is great, but He that is for us, is greater than all that can be against us. He that binds the mighty deep with sand, saying thus far shalt thou come, and here shall thy proud waves be stayed, has decreed that the wrath of man shall praise him, and the remainder of that wrath he will restrain. I would earnestly call on the readers of this, to join with me in praying for our enemies, and blessing those who curse us,--remembering the prayer that went up from the cross, Father forgive, they know not what they do. I subscribe myself, the servant of God, and friend of Man.

OPPOSITION.

        "I need not say that the opposition to my course is great. My image was tarred and feathered in this town. [Jamestown.] I saw it the next day as I rode by the place. It was leaning up against the fence. Some of my friends are beginning to tremble for my personal safety; but my trust is in the Friend of the poor, the Deliverer of the oppressed.

        "The law is very strict with regard to the circulation of papers, etc. Efforts have been made to put those laws into execution on me, but failed. Meeting-houses are generally closed against me unless it is the Friend's. I have received upwards

of fifty members. We now number between ninety and one hundred. I expect to visit Grayson county, Va., in a few weeks.

        "I will tell you a little about the pious slave-holders. One man, a member of the Presbyterian Church, said he would shoot his slaves before they should be free. (See how these Christians (?) -- love SLAVERY.) A Methodist preacher tied up his slave, whipped him a while, and then prayed for him; then whipped and prayed for him, whipping and praying alternately. (His name is Lumsden.) Another by the name of St. Clair took his wife and child with him around his circuit, and his slave girl must frequently run through the mud and cold barefoot, in the Winter. Another instance of cruelty: A slave-trader was passing through this county last Winter with a drove of negroes. One of them, (a man,) got an axe and cut his hand; several licks drove the axe through it, thus rendering it useless, doubtless, for ever. For this he was beaten and kicked without mercy. These things transpire where slavery exists in its mildest form, and if this is its little finger, what are its untold horrors? It seems to me I hate slavery more every day.

        "Let the note of 'The Clarion' wax louder and louder; and as the walls of Jericho fell by the sounding of rams' horns, so by the proclamation of the truth lay the walls of slavery to their foundations.

        "As I write on business, I would say for the satisfaction of our Zion, and in Reform generally,

that the state of our work, in these parts, is encouraging. Our Third Quarterly Meeting was held last Saturday and Sabbath. We had a 'feast of fat things.' Two joined. One was Wm. Anderson, a licensed preacher from the Primitive Methodists, the other from the Methodist Episcopal Church. The meeting was held at Flint Hill School-house, where a Church of twenty-three members has been recently formed, and trustees elected prospectively. I think the circuit is in the most prosperous condition it has experienced since its formation. We number about one hundred members, fifty-eight of whom have united this year. The harvest is great, but the laborers are few. My exertions have been more than my physical abilities justify, and yet calls for service are multiplying. Some think there is a field for two or three active men.

        "I propose visiting Virginia next week, and may, perhaps, stay a month. If I succeed in forming a circuit, or mission, in that part, (Grayson county,) of the Old Dominion, it will greatly advance the cause here, by having two fields sufficiently adjacent, to enable the preachers to visit and assist each other in holding meetings, &c.

VISIT TO VIRGINIA.

        On the morning of the 17th of June, I set out to plant the standard of reform, on the tops of the mountains of Grayson County, Virginia. It is one hundred

miles from this. The journey was somewhat lonely, having no company, but it is good at times to be alone. I passed at the base of Mount Ararat, or the pilot mountain. This is North Carolina's greatest natural curiosity. It is not attached to any chain of mountains--is near a mile in height, and on its brow, is a stupendous rock, rising nearly perpendicular to the height of three hundred feet. It is a matter of surprise to look to the tops of the loftiest peaks which seem to touch the sky, and find them under cultivation. The daring mountaineer builds his house where the thunder's fiery bolt leaps in sportive vengeance from brow to brow. The evening of the next day found me comfortably seated in the very hospitable residence of Isaac Moore. I need scarcely say the sparkling eye, beaming countenance, and warm embrace of the old veteran for truth, almost made me forget the fatigue of my journey. I here obtained the following information, viz: When the question of the division of the Methodist Episcopal Church was pending, the preacher in charge of Grayson Circuit gave the members liberty to vote to which part, North or South, they wished to belong. The Presiding Elder on hearing this, and that many were opposed to the separation, issued his 'bull' interdicting such procedure, thereby disfranchising those who had not voted. I am not sure that such a course is in strict accordance with 'Neither be ye lords over God's heritage.' It produced a shock from which many never recovered.

        "A goodly number believing that slavery was the great wedge that split the Church, resolved to be disconnected from all Church organization until they found one free from the wedge of gold and Babylonish garment. The majority of the Hope-well Church took this stand. Here I organized a Wesleyan Church, first numbering eight members. During the next week, there were six accessions; so that when I left it numbered fourteen members, one of whom, (Isaac Moore) is an Elder. During my stay which was sixteen days, the spirit of the Lord was poured upon us, the Church was revived, and six professed to have found peace in believing. To God be all the praise.

        "I am much pleased with this people. Their hearts, houses, and purses are open. Indeed, their kindness borders on enthusiasm. But the best of all is, they are full of faith and the Holy Ghost. A preacher is asked for the coming year. This will be a pleasant field in which to operate. My faith is strong that a glorious harvest may be reaped from these mountains.

        "We held our fourth Quarterly Meeting, commencing on the fourth Saturday of July. I was under the necessity of leaving on the Tuesday morning following. At that time five were hopefully converted, and twenty-one had joined: ten from the world, and eleven from other Churches. Bless God, the bright rainbow of promise still spans our horizon. At the commencement of the year, there were four Churches, and forty members in North Carolina.

At present there are eight Churches; and including Virginia, one hundred and forty members. We have an increase of one hundred. I calculated when I came, if we held our own the first year, we would do well; but instead of the waves of opposition beating us back, the Lord has more than trebled our number. May we not join with the Psalmist?--and say, 'By this I know that thou favorest us, because our enemies do not triumph over us.' "

        "As you are reappointed to the editorship of our Church organ, and I to my previous field in Carolina, I am happy in the anticipation of extending my acquaintance with you as an editor; and while I return you my hearty thanks, for former indulgence extended to a young correspondent, I would beg the continuance in future of the same indulgence promising to aim at improvement.

        "Brother Bacon and myself left our friends on the morning of the 2nd of October, to go to our respective fields; his in Grayson County, Virginia, mine in Guilford, North Carolina. We came by private conveyance, and found it much more pleasant and less expensive than by public; although not so expeditious. After having contended against hills, mountains and distances for fifteen days, on the evening of the 17th of the above written month, we had the gratification of being seated around the familiar hearth of the hospitable residence of my good friend Richard Mendenhall, in Jamestown. The same evening we visited our worthy brother John Sherwood, (also of

Jamestown,) and found him over his press, laudably employed in printing Free-soil Tickets. The following Saturday, we commenced our first Quarterly Meeting (in the first Wesleyan Methodist church built in the State,) and protracted it six days. The congregations were large and deeply attentive. Brother Bacon preached with great power and acceptability. While breaking the bread of life to others, his own soul feasted on the rich blessings of the Gospel. During the progress of the meeting, the spirit of the Lord was graciously poured upon the people; ten professed to obtain peace in believing, and seven joined. On the next Saturday, we proceeded to Sandy Ridge. Here we held a few days' meeting, at which we were favored with the presence and labors of our good brother Amos Moore, from Virginia. The meeting resulted in the hopeful conversion of five, and addition of seven to the Church. To God be all the glory. In a sermon preached on Monday from John xy: 5,--"For without me ye can do nothing," Brother Bacon, in a very lucid light, showed up the grand inconsistency in which those involve themselves who say of a practice it is sinful, and yet claim that it is proper to acknowledge the Christian character of persons living in the habitual indulgence of that sinful practice. It was a most happy effort; which with his other labors of love here, will not be soon forgotten by us. While he was here, which was thirteen days, he delivered fourteen sermons which were crowned with fifteen conversions and fourteen

accessions. I think the prospects for our future success good; and that we may bless God and take courage."

THE CAMP-MEETING.

        "With grateful emotions, I lift my pen to inform the friends of Zion of what great things the Lord has done for us, that we may be thankfully glad. In harmony with the expressed wishes of our third Quarterly Conference, we appointed a Camp-meeting to be held at Union Meeting House, Guilford County, in conjunction with our fourth Quarterly Meeting.

        "In a little time there appeared many prophets in the land, who were wroth, and mocked the Wesleyans, saying, 'What do these feeble Wesleyans? Will they fortify themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they make an end in a day? Even that which they build if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.'

        "But we prayed to our God, (for we were despised) and built our tents, and all the tents were formed together unto the half thereof, for the people had a mind to work. Our meeting was to commence on Friday evening, 10th of August, at candle-lighting. By sundown, Brothers J. C. Bacon, Amos Moore, from Virginia, and myself arrived at the place of our feast of Tabernacles; found a goodly number assembled for Divine worship. Brother Bacon preached to an attentive and deeply affected

congregation. Saturday 11, A. M., I tried to preach on the subject of prayer. At the conclusion the congregation, by rising to their feet, pledged to pray for a glorious revival during the meeting.

        "Five, P. M., the rules for the government of the Meeting were read, and the entire congregation, and all succeeding ones, appointed a committee to see that they were strictly observed; (and I must give honor to whom honor is due.) So faithful were they in the discharge of their official duties that I had no cause to reprove an individual during the whole meeting. This was most agreeable. At candle light, Brother Bacon delivered a solemn discourse from 2nd Peter, iii and 9, 'The Lord is not slack,' &c., to a serious congregation, after which the good work begun. A number came forward for prayers, and some professed to obtain mercy in believing. The meeting increased in interest as it progressed. More or less present for prayers every opportunity. The Angel of Conviction and voice of pardon went from the stand to the tents, from the tents to the houses, and from the houses to the fields and gold mines. What was it but heaven in miniature?--for the voices of old and young, male and female, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, parents and children, neighbors and friends, to go up in bursts of hallelujah to God and the Lamb. Sweet was our camp-meeting, which lasted from the evening of the 10th till the morning of the 20th inst., during which about one hundred and fifty professed to be converted and seventy-six joined.

This was the best meeting I have ever attended. It was characterized throughout by large and attentive congregations, by far the best order I have ever seen at camp-meetings, deep and general convictions and clear and numerous conversions.--The conclusion was awfully impressive. A people about to part who will not all meet again in time!--The congregation assembled at the stand. Brother Bacon delivered a benedictary from Thessalonians. Brother Moore followed in some feeling appeals. The congregation in tears. The writer occupied a few minutes in returning his compliments to the audience for their good conduct through the meeting, to brothers Bacon and Moore for their attendance and labors at the meeting, and thanks to God for the out-pouring of his Spirit on the meeting, made allusion to Brother Bacon's trial which was to come in a few days, requested the audience to acknowledge their obligations to the brethren from Virginia, by promising to pray for them, which they almost unanimously did, with great feeling; then forming a procession, the preachers in advance, marched around in front of the tents, singing an appropriate hymn. The preachers halted at a specified spot, and received the hand of, and pronounced their blessing on all, and parted, to meet not again, till we pass the portals of death, when we hope to strike glad hands and tune our harps to immortal songs, in the sweet grove of heaven, no more to sigh nor shed a tear, no more to suffer pain or fear, but sing anthems of

praise, and doxologies, glory to God and the Lamb. Amen. It is reserved for the light of eternity and disclosures of judgment alone, to reveal the good done at the first Wesleyan Methodist Campmeeting, held in North Carolina, but I think we may safely conclude that the gospel has been preached, sinners have been convicted, mourners have been comforted, believers strengthened, the cause of reform advanced prejudice crucified, (died a most ignominious death,) Christ to some extent has seen of the travail of his soul and is satisfied, pious intelligence gratified, and God's name glorified. The cause has been prosperous from its commencement. The increase of its membership the first year from forty to one hundred and forty, including fourteen who joined in Virginia last Fall, when brother Bacon took charge of Grayson Circuit. It reduced the Guilford Charge fourteen, leaving one hundred and twenty-six. There has been an increase this year of one hundred and forty-nine; so that, at this time, there are two hundred and seventy-five members on Guilford Circuit. Brother Bacon's Charge, last Fall numbered eighteen. It has increased to one hundred and eleven; so that the Wesleyans in the South, two years ago, counted forty, all told, enjoying the labors of one man the first, and but two the second year, now number three hundred and eighty-six, giving an increase of three hundred and forty-six. What now becomes of the objection that we can do no good in the South? Echo answers, what! And this is our infancy, while the Herods

of the South have been trying to murder us. Blessed be the Most High, the Wesleyan Ship still bears up against wind and tide.

        "I know I do not write with the feelings of a proud boaster, or unkindness for such as oppose our progress, but with sentiments of the greatest respect for all men, and of the most profound gratitude to God, the God in whom David trusted, when he encountered Goliath of Gath. And I write for the purpose of convincing our foes, that they have judged us wrongly, and treated us accordingly; and of inspiring in our friends a confidence, which the correctness of our principles, the rectitude of our procedure, the holiness of our cause, and the certainty of its triumph, through the omnipotence of truth, would warrant, and courage in proportion to that confidence; that they may lift their standard anew, unfurl its bright banner along the sky, with this glorious motto written in blazing characters of Love, glowing on its ample folds, 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, and good will to man.' That, under Jesus, the Captain of our Salvation, we may travel to certain victory, with the panoply of heaven to cover, and glory imperishable to crown us."