The great iron wheel examined; or, its false spokes extracted, and an exhibition of Elder Graves, its builder

Front matter

l;u LL 'y u W. .., . ^: L^U IQ' '^i W L'ii' '^Vi'

^^^ Jliydni^^^Ja^

^H)iv

Chapter I

Graves seeking notoriety — Desires a controversy with Dr. IVI'Ferrin — Has the impudence to address Forty Epistles to Bishop Soule — Edits the Tennessee Baptist — The nature and character of the man to be fully disclosed in the sequel 19

Chapter II

Elder Graves misrepresents Mr. Wesley's views — These slanders endorsed by the North Carolina Publishing Society — Mr. Wesley's difficulties in Savannah — Indicted by a jury for repelling a lady from the holy communion — Twelve of the jurors defend him — His return to England — Some beautiful incidents in the life of Elder Graves! 27

Chapter III

Mr. Wesley's early training — Character of his mother — His ordinations— His intercourse with the Moravians — Preaches in the open fields with great power and effect — The organization of the first Conference — Introduction of Methodism into America — Preachers sent over to America — First Conference held in Philadelphia — Ap-

VI CONTENTS.

peal to the "North Carolina Publishing Society of the Baptist Church" — Fruits of Methodism — Statistics — Comparative strength of Methodists and Baptists in Georgia — Closing scenes of Mr. Wesley's life — His triumphant death — Inscription on his tomb — Doscription of his person 48

CHAPTER ly.

Opposition to Methodism — Methodism "an accident, and of human invention" — Methodism not the work of design, but of Providence — Mr. Wesley the author of Episcopacy — Ordination of Dr. Coke — Deacons, elders, and bishops, considered as orders in the ministry — Testimony of Clarke, Watson, Emory, Stillingfleet, and Dr. Miller, in reference to Episcopacy — The Baptist the only Church of Christ on earth ! 71

CHAPTER Y.

Coke and Asbury not qualified to found a Church of Christ — Holliman and Williams were ! — Baptists in a regular line of succession from John the Baptist — The Church in Mesopotamia — Benedict's History of the Baptists — Holliman baptizing Williams — Peculiarities of Roger Williams — Baptist members all Christians — Rare specimens of Baptist conversions ! 90

CHAPTER VI.

Elder Graves copies largely from F. A. Ross, of the Presbyterian Church — An address delivered in Virginia, a reply to Ross — Correspondence between Ross and the author of this work — Ross opposes the Methodist doctrine of the Direct Witness — Distinguished Presbyterians advocate it — Ross charges Methodists with being Tories — Himself proven to be a free negro, and the son of an old Scotch Tory of the Revolution — The Methodist common masses destitute of moral honesty and integrity of character — Methodists fanatical — Presbyterians more so, as shown by the conduct of three of the editors of the Calvinistic Magazine — Witchcraft and conjurors — The congregation complimenting the address — Reply by the author 101

CONTENTS. lU

CHAPTER VII.

State of human society calls for controversy — The Methodist creed not Calvinistic, as falsely alleged by Graves — Methodist Articles of Religion — What Calvinism is, and with -whom it originated — American Baptists are generally Calvinistic — Testimony of Elder Howell — The Philadelphia Baptist Confession of Faith — Thomas Jefferson and the Five Points of Calvinism — Testimony of Buck and Watson to the effect that Baptists are Calvinists — Further proof from the "Baptist Watchman" — Ranting about Baptism — Abusive spirit of Calvinism — A sound system of theology offered to the Baptists ! 163

CHAPTER VIII.

Close Communion considered — Baptists more unscripturally close than others — Derivation of the term Sacrament — Proselyting practice of Baptists — Robert Hall, a distinguished Baptist preacher, opposed to Close Communion — A case of outrageous bigotry and Close Communion— Elders Graves, Buck, and Howell," for Close Communion — Baptism essential to salvation, both with Baptists and Roman Catholics— Close Communion leads to treason against God — Christ's kingdom eternal — John's kingdom temporary — Terms of Methodist communion reasonable and scriptural — They exclude no orthodox Christians in good standing in their own Churches 176

CHAPTER IX.

False assertions by Elder Graves — Nature and use of Baptism — The Abrahamic covenant considered — Baptism in lieu of circumcision — The rights of infants secured in both cases — Scriptural evidence of the soTindness of these positions — Baptism the door into the Church — Baptists enter the Church backwards ! — Bunkers practice trine immersion, but go it face foremost! — Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and others, enter the Church of God faces foremost, conscious of rectitude of intention, and of being engaged in acts they are not ashamed of! 188

Viii CONTENTS.

CHAPTER X.

Elder Graves against the Methodist views of Baptism — John's baptism considered, both as to its nature and design, its origin and mode — John's was not the Christian baptism — He did not practice immersion— Christ's baptism considered — The design that of complying with the requirements of the law of Moses — The mode not that of immersion — Indecent exhibition of females when immersed!... 201

CHAPTER XI.

The Sacraments of Baptism and the Supper not duly administered by Methodists — The Methodist not a Christian or Gospel Church — Ought not so to be recognized by Baptists — Methodists baptize infants and unbelievers — Two dreams by two preachers — Seekers and infants entitled to baptism, as shown from Scripture and reason 216

CHAPTER XII.

Elder Graves's position, no baptism without going into the water — Criticism on the word baptizo — Greek particles considered — Figurative language considered — The scriptural argument for immersion — The river Jordan a bold and dashing stream — Testimony of Stevens and Brown — Immersion utterly impracticable in such a stream ! 224

CHAPTER XIII.

No serving of God without immersion, according to Elder Graves — None but immersed believers can constitute a Church — Eight scriptural examples of Christian baptism — Inhabitants of the Polar regions of the earth excluded from the service of God, if immersion be the true and only mode of baptism — Indecent personal exhibition, growing out of immersion — Summary of the whole 233

CHAPTER XIY.

Elder Graves perpetrates twenty-five falsehoods in one chapter of twelve pages, being over two lies to a page — Espouses the cause

CONTENTS. IX

of local preachers, at the expense of the travelling ministry — Plays off the demagogue, and misrepresents the laws of the Methodist Church — Proves himself unworthy of the confidence of honest men of all denominations! 24S

CHAPTER XY.

Three specimens of deliberate lying — A vulgar, false, and slanderous caricature of a Methodist revival — The challenge by the North Carolina Publishing Society of the Baptist Church — Replies of Doctors Lee and Deems — Graves publicly caned for slander — The Baptist ''"Western Recorder" against Graves, alluding to his Church troubles in Nashville — His abuse at Bowling-Green — Damages obtained against Graves in Tennessee, for libel, to the extent of $7^500 — Mortgages all his property away, under peculiar circumstances I 254

CHAPTEK XYI.

Graves's reckless slander of Rev. F. A. Owen — Falsehood in reference to a debate with Chapman — Cornered in both cases and made to square out — " Christian Magazine" vs. Graves — The Baptist "Western Recorder" vs. Graves — A Correspondent of the "South-western Baptist" vs. Graves — "New Orleans Weekly Baptist Chronicle" vs. Graves — Professor Duncan, pastor of the New Orleans Baptist Church, vs. Graves — " Knoxville Baptist Watchman" vs. Graves — Scriptural advice to Graves and his understrikers ! 269

CHAPTER XVII.

Methodism "Republicanism Backwards" — Graves's pictorial representations of the oppressions of Methodism — Methodism "death to all the institutions for which AVashington fought and freemen died" — Washington taught the contrary in his letter to Bishops Asbury and Coke — The Baptist Churches pure democracies — Robert Hall thought otherwise — Hall's opinion of Wesley — Wesley's Address to the American Methodists — Strength of religious parties in this country — Churches dividing upon the slavery question — Elder Graves a Northern man, and strongly suspected of Abolitionism! 278 1*

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Graves for and against Know-Notliingism — A two-faced and insincere man — Tlie "State Line Baptist Association" endorsing Graves's paper and book — Criticisms upon that endorsement, and the characters of the members of the Association — Their endorsement of Orchard's History of Foreign Baptists— New Version Baptists — Their fraudulent demagogueism, and ulterior objects! 287

CHAPTER XIX.

The consideration of certain miscellaneous items bearing upon the merits of this controversy — The "Biblical Recorder" charges that Methodism is a human invention — Defends Graves against Method ist slanders — Methodists shrink from investigation — Speech of Rev. Dr. Slambangus in Raleigh — PoAvell's Valley Association — The renegade Jewett, of Ohio — North Carolina Baptists vs. Missionary, Bible, Tract, Sunday-school, and Temperance Societies — Methodists falsely accused of rebaptizing — Absurd position of Close Communion Baptists — Guilty of treason against God! 297

CHAPTER XX.

Elder Graves and slavery — Separation of the Methodist Church on account of slavery — Slaveholders admitted into the apostolic Churches — Primitive Christians held slaves — Proof from the Scriptures that slavery existed in the earliest days of the Christian Church — Views of Drs. Neander and Clarke — According to the Scriptures, slavery will exist to the end of time — Concluding remarks 312

To THE Methodists 322

XttKtt,

The author of this work does not feel it incumbent upon him tc offer an apology for writing this defence of the personal integrity and respectability of Methodist preachers, and of the polity and doctrines of Methodism. He has prepared this work for publication because he believed it called for, as a set-off to the "star papers" of unmitigated abuse and calumny, ostentatiously paraded in a book of five hundred and seventy pages, by the notorious /. R. Graves, editor of the ''Tennessee Baptist," at Nashville, and which are now receiving the praises of the irreligious, vindictive, and more indiscreet partisans of that respectable and numerous denomination of Christians. There are few men in this country who, in a small way, have gained so much notoriety, or prostituted a larger stock of ordinary talents to baser purposes, than this man Graves ! While eagerly seeking for notoriety, and not knowing how to obtain it, on account of the unwillingness of various dignified Christian ministers to come in contact with him — not dreading his talents, but his irreligious spirit, his proneness to prevaricate, his low and scurrilous abuse, and the fact of his general course of conduct not meeting with the approval of the more intelligent and highminded members of his own denomination— his last effort, perhaps the culminating point of Tiis glory, has been to throw all

(xi)

XU PREFACE.

the slang of his ill-spent life together in one volume, and adorn its vulgar pages with pictures, and by its novelty make some money I

At the close of the Jifth volume of bound books, as original, upon subjects of controversy, which the author of this work has put forth from time to time, immersed in the cares, anxieties, and arduous duties of the editorial profession, as he is, he had hoped that no event in the exciting religious controversies of the day would impose on him the task of furnishing the world with a sixth volume. Besides, wanting the time for much careful reading and patient investigation, he has felt the more reluctant to reply to this series of blackguard assaults on Methodism. Meantime, his attention has been called to the unscrupulous character of Graves's " Iron Wheel," and of the wide circulation given it in the South and South-west, and of the dangerous tendency of its slanders among the really uninformed; and solicitations have come from almost every quarter requesting him to reply. Prompted by these considerations, the work commenced. The design was to meet and refute the most glaring and absurd of these slanders — to exhibit to the world who this man Graves was — to present, without entering largely into the argument, the number of palpable falsehoods this " accuser of the brethren" had perpetrated in one single chapter. It was thought that a few brief chapters, setting forth the most palpable slanders, would accomplish this purpose ; but as the writer proceeded, the magnitude of the work increased. He found, from a number of respectable periodicals which came into his hands as the work progressed — both Methodist and Baptist journals — that Graves had laid himself liable to exposures on all hands, and had actually been held up in different States as a general disturber of the religious peace, guilty of numerous misrepresentations. Hence, he has been led, not only to quote a number of authors, but also

PREFACE. XIU

to multiply quotations from the same authors and editors. Thia imposed a necessity of going more extensively into an expose of this arrogant and mischievous man than was at first designed. Thus the chapters will be found to be numerous, and some of them are quite long.

The " Iron Wheel" by Graves does not possess even the merit of originality, being a re-hash of, and an enlargement upon, a similar work, by Frederick Augustus Ross, D.D., a more talented man than Graves, but a man of color, and a broken-down minister of the New School Presbyterian Church, who, having retreated from the field of his operations in East Tennessee, has taken up quarters in Huntsville, Alabama. This circumstance, in addition to the fact that Graves has quoted largely from Ross, and ^filched from him in other instances without the proper credit — not observing the old adage, that there should be "honor among thieves" — has led the author of this work to occupy several pages in detailing the particulars and also the points in the Ross controversy— a controversy in which he acted rather a conspicuous part.

While the writer cannot but hope that the work will be of service to the cause of Truth, or Methodism, or Christianity, he entertains no doubt that, in the press of business, some points have not been fully elaborated, and that it contains imperfections ; but he hopes that the importance of the issues will divert attention from whatever defects may appear. The writer does not think an apology is necessary for his entering the arena of religious controversy — not at all ! He is not one of those whose superabundant charity would induce him to stand quietly by while a clerical gladiator, wholly unscrupulous, reviles the living and the dead, rather than buckle on the harness in their defence ; nor is he one of those who profess an exemption from sectarianism, which they fail to exemplify. He believes that had it noi

XIV PREFACE.

been for controversy, Eomish priests would now be feeding us all with Latin masses and with their wafer gods !

Not the least weighty, however, among the several reasons which induced the writer to undertake this work, were the numerous and urgent solicitations from ministers and laymen of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, known to the writer as men of mature judgments, and of influence and character. He, therefore, concludes this preface with a few only of the many calls made upon him in 1855 to furnish such a production. A gentleman writing from Danville, Kentucky, thus concludes his letter : —

The friends of Methodism in this part of Kentucky, or at least a portion of them, are anxious that you should review the " Iron Wheel" by J. R. Graves, a man who has figured in this State in years gone by, but under circumstances by no means creditable to him. His vile and slanderous work is being extensively circulated, and needs just such a reply as we believe you are capable of producing. Either take him up in your widely - circulated paper, or in book form — the latter, I should say. In the first place, demonstrate, and this will not be hard to do, that whatever of talents Mr. Graves may possess, God never intended he should specially and solemnly devote them to the interests of the Church of Christ, else he would have accompanied them with a moderate revelation of grace ! You should next demonstrate that he has forgotten the age and country in which he lives by three hundred years, or he would feel comfortable while others think for themselves. Men in this age do not expect to share the fate of Servetus, though they should differ from Mr. Graves. I will not say what men ought to expect when they are so fortunate as not to diflfer with him !

A gentleman writing on other business from Somerville, Tenn., thus concludes : —

Brownlow, can't you find time to overhaul the "Iron "Wheel" of the notorious Graves? I have heard the wish expressed here and at Memphis that you would take him in hand and discuss his merits,

PREFACE. XV

either in pamphlet form or through the columns of your excellent paper. I have long believed him to be a very bad man, and his book displays the very worst features of his character. The intelligent and pious portion of the Baptist Church are truly sick of the man, and put up no defence of him or his -writings. To be brief, and at the same time candid, you must take him in hand, though I am aware that you have but little leisure.

A gentleman of intelligence and great weight of character thus introduces a letter from Wilmington, N. C. : —

Mr. Browxlow : — Though I have no personal acquaintance with you, I know you well, and have known you for years, agreeing with you both in religious and political belief. I write you now, hurriedly, in reference to a book being circulated here, known as the "Iron Wheel," and as the production of a certain Mr. Graves of your State. It contains an immense amount of false and slanderous matter concerning the ministry, the polity and doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church. With the understanding we have as to the unreliable character of the author, we should feel inclined to let it pass ; but the "Publishing Society of the Baptist Church" in North Carolina have adopted the work, and are extensively circulating it, thereby making its lies and calumnies their own. For their sakes, we desire it answered ; and t/ou are the man for the work. Enough of such a work as you could produce can be sold in this State alone to defray the expenses of publishing a large edition. What say jon ? Graves's work is nothing more nor less than an enlargement upon the slanders and abuse of F. A. Ross, whom you put to silence, and, as we understand here, have actually driven out of your State.

One in whose judgment the author of this work places great reliance thus addresses him from Buckingham Co., Virginia :—

My dear Sir : — You doubtless receive in exchange the " Richmond Christian Advocate," and if so, you have perused the articles written by our old and distinguished friend. Rev. Peter Doub, in reply to some of the thousand and one unblushing falsehoods contained in the "Iron Wheel" of J. R. Graves, of Nashville. But for the fact of its ofi&cial adoption by the "Publishing Society of the Baptist Church^

XVI PREFACE.

in North Carolina, its very gross slanders and vulgar abuse, both of the living and the dead, entitle it to no more notice at the hands of the leading men of our Church than a comic almanac, that may havo gone out of date, with the death of Davy Crockett ! As, however, this really filthy book is recognized as a standard work on Methodism, by the pious and peace-promoting "Publishing Society of the Baptist Church" in the old North State, it is due to them that they should see how many revolting falsehoods they have endorsed, and what sort of a man they have selected to edit religious works for them ! You must, then, undertake a defence of Methodism, and an exposure of Graves and his endorsers. It is agreed on all hands that you are the man for this "work of faith and labor of love" — a castigation these accusers of the brethren have so richly merited.

Among the several letters received from different States, none has had more injSuence in determining the author to prepare this work than one from Albany in Georgia, from which an extract only is given : —

Reverend Sir: — Your friends and the friends of Methodism in Georgia very generailly desire you to show up Graves and his " Iron Wheel," either through your journal or in a separate publication. J. L. Baker, the pastor of the Baptist church here, is publishing eulogies of this miserable volume of lies through the "Tennessee Baptist," and representing to Graves that his book "has given to Methodism a terrible shock in these parts." I quote from memory. Others are saying that the "WheeVMs imanswerable, and that the Methodist ministers are not able to answer it ; and, if they are, that they are afraid to undertake Graves ! I tell all such that you will yet undertake the work, and that when you do, they will see their man Graves in quite a different light. A book written in your best and severest style — for he deserves no child's play — will sell rapidly and extensively in Georgia. Indeed, an entire edition can be sold in Georgia ! Such a work by you, thrown into this market by next spring, would destroy the religious comforts of that class of Baptists who delight in retailing the slanders of such men as Graves. We look anxiously for the work !

The author could multiply similar extracts from letters re-

PREFACE. Xvii

ceived from gentlemen in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and even Texas, to an almost indefinite extent; but the foregoino- will be deemed amply sufficient. He repeats, that in presenting this work to his fellow-coun#ymen of the South and South-west, ho does it not with a cold indifi'erence, but with his most ardent wishes for their enlightenment and prosperity, and for the continued increase of the piety, learning, and the social, political, moral and religious elevation of the several Protestant denominations of Christians in our country.

Knoxville, March, 1856.

THE

(C

GREAT IRON WHEEL^^ EXAMINED.

Chapter I

Graves seeking notoriety — Desires a controversy with Dr. M'Ferrin — Has the impudence to address Forty Epistles to Bishop Soule — Edits the Tennessee Baptist — The nature and character of the man to be fully disclosed in the sequel.

"Who has not heard the name, and read more or less about the discussions, abuse, and bigoted intolerance of the notorious and self-conceited J. K. Graves, editor of the " Tennessee Baptist I" Entering upon the career of his public life some twelve or fifteen years ago, figuring now in Kentucky and then in Tennessee, at a time of religious excitement and of deep interest among partisans — taking an active part in and most generally conducting the abusive and more ungentlemanly parts of the controversies which from time to time have agitated the Churches — possessing talents of only an ordinary grade, and these overrated in consequence of his bold, daring, insolent, and really irreligious temperament and demeanor — having a heart, as I honestly believe, unrenewed by grace, and deeply imbued with the hatred, malice, and ambition of a man seeking to rally to his standard a host of sectarian bigots — a nature inclining him to battle and skirmish among sects for the sake of glory — this man Graves, I say, has occupied an unenviable position in society, and made a conspicuous figure among a class of men who, like himself, have fomented brawls wherever they have figured ; and likewise done much toward increasing the hatred and zeal of ignorant Baptists and bad men toward Methodism, and impeding the progress of the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.

J. E. Graves edits the " Tennessee Baptist'^ at Nashville, a paper published at Nashville, having quite a large circulation, and being now in the twelfth year of its existence. His paper is a low, dirty, scurrilous sheet, and is so regarded by many of the intelligent Baptists of the country, who refuse to patronize it. And why? Because, as they say, it is conducted by a man who cannot elevate himself above the level of a common blackguard — a man who habitually indulges in language toward other Christian denominations which would hardly be tolerated within the precincts of Billingsgate, or the lowest fish-market in London ! No epithet is too low, too degrading, or disgraceful, to be applied to the bishops, ministers, and usages of the ])Iethodist Church. The contemporaries of the '^ Baptist'' usually shun coming into contact with it as they would avoid a niglit-cart^ or other vehicle of filth ; and decent men of the Baptist persuasion have been known to throw the slanderous sheet from their doors with shovel or tongs, disdaining to touch it with their hands. As some fish are said to thrive only in muddy water, so the paper of which I am speaking would not exist one year out of the atmosphere of slang and vituperation. It administers to the very worst appetites of mankind; and whether speaking of the most eminent bishop or minister, the purest of the sainted dead, the venerable Founder of Methodism, or the excellent institutions of said Church, it pursues the same strain of vulgar and disgusting abuse.

It is enough for a man, woman, or child to have been baptized by a Methodist minister, or by one received into their Church, to insure the ill-will and contemptuous denunciations of the editor of that vehicle of falsehood and defamation ; whilst, on the other hand, he can see no demerit in one who has been immersed by a Baptist preacher, and he can take into his fellowship a prostitute, and hug to his bosom a burglar, if they have been baptized by immersion ! With him, the Baptist Church is the only kingdom of God on earth, and to find fault with any of its doctrines, ordinances, or abusive preachers, is to sin against the Holy Ghost ! With him, no virtue, no honor, no truth, exists anywhere but in the breasts of partisans of his own '' faith and order,'^ and no vice or immorality is found but with the members of other Churches. He would surrender his religion (if he ever had any !) and deny his God, if it would bring him in money, or build him up a faction of which he could remain the acknowledged head. Whilst such men continue in the control of a public newspaper, passing as a Church organ, ministers and members of other Churches can have no justice at their hands, and the courtesies of life and the principles of honor will continue to be violated. Believing this, the more intelligent and pious portion of the Baptist membership in Nashville seriously contemplate setting on foot a decent religious paper. From this or some other cause, the intelligent and high-toned portion of the Baptists of East Tennessee have started, at Knoxville, the " Baptist Watchman,'' which is being edited by the Rev. Mr. Hillsman; while other leading Baptist journals, in different States, as I shall hereafter show, openly denounce this man Graves as the false accuser of his brethren, and hold up his paper as a malignant vehicle through which its editor sends out his illogical conclusions, loosely prepared misstatements, elaborated perversions, and atrocious falsehoods. Several leading Baptist journals have come out and avowed that for Graves they have no sympathy, and no feelings but those of scorn and contempt !

With a view to gain as much notoriety as possible, the noted Graves has challenged first one minister and then sanother, of difi'erent denominations, to meet him in public discussions touching the mode and subjects of Christian Baptism, and the several forms of Church government under which they are associated; and in these squabbles, generally, he has violated the courtesies of debate, zigzagged through a mass of contradictions and inconsistencies : in his waywardness and vanity, he has grown from bad to worse, fomenting neighborhood brawls wherever he has met a competitor, until he has become a sort of Hindoo leader of the warlike wing of his Church. In almost every public discussion he ever had, he came off second best, though, in his account of his several engagements, he was victorious, storming the " SebastopoF' of the enemy, and placing Jiors du comhat all the staff ofiicers and superior ofiicers who dared to lead their troops to the attack ! He has, in the course of his career, avoided being driven back at the point of the bayonet, on more occasions than one, by deserting his '^advanced trenches," and by " scaling the parapet and penetrating into the interior of the redoubt." Indeed, his bump of caution has led him to dodge sundry '^ engagements," on the ground that

"He that fights and runs away Will live to fight another day."

From the time he first came to Nashville, and undertook the editorial management of his '' Tennessee Baptist," until now, he has sought, by coaxing, by attacks, and by unblushing falsehoods, to draw Dr. John B. M'Ferrin, the able, gentlemanly, truly Christian editor of the ^'Advocate," one of the official organs of the Methodist Church, South, into a controversy with him. Dr. M'Ferrin has never gone through the formalities of an introduction to the man — never, I believe, even spoken to him. It is, however, very evident that the courteous editor of the ^'Advocate'' has experienced no inconsiderable solicitude in his endeavors to avoid a personal controversy with such a man. Time after time he passed by the malignant attacks of Graves with the most extraordinary forbearance, considering the skill and acknowledged ability of the Doctor to overturn the illogical conclusions of Graves, his bungling falsehoods, elaborated perversions of truth, and the smallness of his calibre. Not observing the tone of moderation and truth in the conduct of his paper, the editor of the ^^Advocate" does not, I presume, exchange with him, or read his paper. The policy which has been followed by the conductor of the organ of the General Conference, at Nashville, of treating such assaults with the contempt they deserve, and leaving the shafts of malice to rebound upon the assailant, I feel confident has been the proper course, and, I am now convinced, has met with the approval of the Church, but especially with the Methodist community in and around Nashville, iclio know Graves!