Beloved Brethren and Courteous Friends: --I want to thank and praise the Lord that His goodness and mercy to Cedar Grove Church con­tinues.. On our last conference meeting, and without previous plan or private conferring, we chose Brethren J. A. Gotcher and G. P. Herbert to be ordained as deacons. Without one brother having known the mind of others, the brethren in this spiritual conference and choice were of the "same mind and of the same judgment." By request Elders W. Y. Norman, J. C. Cham­bers, and deacon D. W. Holmes, proceeded as presbytery to ordain these brethren. Eld. J. C. Chambers was chosen moderator and M. D. Denman to answer for the church. The presbytery then requested the candidates for ordination to come forward. After examination made by brethren Chambers and Norman, reading from I Timothy and asking questions, they prayed laying their hands on Brethren Gotcher and Herbert, setting them apart as deacons, and to sister Gotcher as deacon's wife. After the or­dination, Elders Chambers and Norman preach­ed to us in humility and heavenly meekness, the glorious message of salvation, through the aton­ing work and suffering of Jesus Christ our Lord. The brethren and sisters were greatly blessed by a spiritual "refreshing from the presence of the Lord." Finally, in faith and rapturous joy, we manifested our spiritual love and fellowship for one another by giving the hand of encour­agement. Praise the Lord for His blessed fore­taste of heavenly glory. Thus after long neg­lect of our duty in having these brethren ordain­ed, this church has obeyed, and is "blessed in the deed." Oh, for an increase of faith, that the church and ministers of Christ may go for­ward at the command of God, trusting His prom­ises, and esteeming others better than ourselves.

Dearly beloved, pray for me that I may be enabled to look ever to Jesus, as suffering for sin; that like Christ, I may be more self-sacri­ficing and forgiving toward those who are un­kind, and thus "be courteous, not returning evil for evil;" that by more perfectly subduing all pride and self-love, I may more abundantly prove my love for God and for you, and feel in my heart that sweet peace and "love of Christ that passeth all understanding." God bless you all, for Jesus' sake.

M.D. DENNAN                   Sparta, Tex.