gJtesfojiteran THURSDAY, JAM, 80, 1860. -D. C, HOUGHTON, EDITOE. ASSOCIATED WITH I ALBERT BARNES, GEORGE DUFFIELD, Je. THOMAS BRAINERD, JOHN JENKINS, rIIENRY DARLING, THOMAS SHEPHERD. EARNESTNESS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD. No subject esteemed of deep personal interest is so little considered or appreciated, as tlio elaims of God. Whatever will secure wealth, fame or pleasure, is regarded by men, generally, as the grand business of life. This object attained, and the highest aspirations of the selfish heart are rea lised. All their plans and purposes and endea vors; —all their hopes and fears lie within the narrow limits of earth, and arc restricted to the short and ever fleeting period of life. How igno ble an objoet, and how contracted a Sphere for the unfolding of man’s immortal nature! His Creator set him apart for a liiglier. destiny, and the long ings of his soul can never bo satisfied while he is supremely devoted to things seen and temporal. His disquietudo and discontent in the pursuit of sublunary good, prove that there is a want unsup pliod—a void in the soul, that all the gold and pleasure and renown of this world can never fill. The things of time are not suited to meet the cravings of man’s higher nature. In this regard “vanity of vanities” is inscribed on them all. Yet, notwithstanding this conviction, which often weighs down tho spirits of the unregenerate, they press on under the delusive hope of being at length satisfied in the possession of perishable good. But life wears away, and the anticipated good has not been realized; the rnec of life is run, and the coal has not been reached; tho day of probation closes, and the work of salvation has not been done; and at length the darkness of that dreary night, in which no man can work, settles on the soul. The mission of life is unfulfilled, and the immortal spirit involved in remediless rain. The renewed man, however, transfers his su preme regard from things seen and temporal, to those which are unseen and eternal. He is re quired to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” the assurance being given that all needful things will he supplied. Every other inte rest must yield to these high claims of Heaven. Father and mother, and wife and children, and property and life itself must be sacrificed, when they interfere with duty to God. This seems to place true religion in rather a severe aspect, and yet it is the clear announcement of the affectionate Redeemer. In fact, obedience to tho requirement is nothing other than yielding to tho highest obli gation. This is tho Supreme law, but how often is it transgressed by oven the best of Christians ! Unvarying obedience here would constitute a per fect man. The frequent failures in responding to this claim, on the part of the most devout disciples, furnish occasion for daily penitential confession, and supplication for pardoning mercy. A child of God may not be conscious of any wilful and premeditated transgression, and yet be burdened with a sense of his numerous shortcomings, when tested by this lofty and reasonable standard. The innate depravity of the heart—the allurements of the world, and the machinations of the evil one, demand constant watchfulness and prayer, lest we fall Into temptation. Even the lawful pursuits of business, and the affection we ought to cherish toward our families, may insnare the soul, and lead us frequently to over-estimate subordinate objects. This will certainly he the case unless grace inter pose. « Oar dearest joys, and nearest friends, The partners of our Wood, How they divide our wavering minds, And leave but half for God!” But while the most watchful and conscientious are aware of their imperfections, and mourn over them, and strive against them that they may enjoy a closer walk with God, many professors have only the form of godliness. It never enters into their plans to make the glory of God tho chief end of their being. Even this formal religion is observed only from habit, or when quite convenient. Their religion, costing them nothing, is readily dispensed with whenever it suits. A very moderate know ledge of the teachings of Christ will convince any one that such nominal disciples will bo disowned by the Master at the last day. The hope of final salvation they cherish, is fallacious —it will make ashamed. Another class of professing Christians take a stand far in advance of the former. They admit they ought to regard the kingdom of God of first importance, and seek it as tho main pursuit of life* and in uniting themselves with the friends of Jesus in church fellowship, they pledge, by divine grace, to walk according to this rule. Per haps they run well for a season, and givo promise of becoming “burning and shining lights,” but something hinders them, and they loiter in the race, and leave their first love. Now it might be too much to say that such are not the true friends of God. Notwithstanding their fickleness of pur pose, and inconsistency of Imm, they may be true hearted disciples. But, if tins be the case—if in despite of thoir worldlincss and covetousness, they are still real though very imperfect Christians, the matter is so doubtful, that no one should willingly venture his immortal interests on so insecure a foundation. Mon do not act so in relation to the affairs of this life. Have they investments to make, and do thoy not carefully scrutinize the se curities ? Is their property exposed to risk by sea or fire, and do they not insure it? Do they pur chase a house or farm, without first ascertaining, beyond doubt, the claims that may bo registered against it, and whether thoy can obtain a valid title? We all commend this prudence; yet tho same wisdom should he exercised in relation to their everlasting interests. And were such circum spection practical in regard to our hopes of joys above, many of tho solf-eonfident would discover that they arc cherishing delusions, and many of the timid and desponding would ho led to rejoice in hope of tho glory of God. It is a painful truth that few, comparatively, of the disciples of Christ have an assurance of their adoption. They pass through life with a certain dread of the revelations of the last day, and aro very seldom able to rejoice in being begotten again unto a lively hope. In this, they arc great losers themselves, and the church and the world share in this loss. Were they able to say “Jesus is mine and I am bis,” this would shed the joys of God's salvation on their desponding spirits, and under the heavenly impulse, they would go forth to teach transgressors tho ways of God, and sin ners would be converted unto him. Then the joy of the Lord would strengthen them for every duty and prompt them in every performance. Various reasons might be assigned why Christians gene rally do not have this assurance and this blessed ness. Some arc of a gloomy temperament, and do not or cannot appreciate the evidences of adoption that their hearts and lives furnish. Others re cognise them to be children of God, though they themselves cannot form so cheering a verdict. Some tnnr their Christian enjoyment by an inade quate view of the scheme of redemption. They think too much of their sins, and too little of the efficacy of atoning blood to cancel all their guilt. They are looking to the law for comfort, rather than to the gospel. The law can condemn only; it is the gospel that sanctifies and pardons, and inspires the contrite believer with hope. But the main hinderanee to the possession of an assurance of one’s adoption, is a low standard of piety. His feelings aDd actions arc not uniformly in unison with the command of Christ, “Seek first the kingdom of God,” The cares of life, the per plexities of business, and the deceitful ness of riches, too often absorb the mind, and bind the affections to earth. His ardor in the Christian race is thus cooled, and lus progress in the divine life hin dered, and at length lie reaches that state of mind which the poet describes: “ How cold ami feeble is my love! How negligent my fear! How low my hopes of joys above! How few affections there!" How when this is the experience of tho Chris tian, can it be otherwise than that he doubt of his interest in the Saviour ? Could lie assure himself of being a child of God, while manifesting so little of the spirit of adoption, this would confirm him in his backslidings." His doubts and fears are a call to return from his wanderings. As pain of body gives an indication of disease that ought to be removed,, the rebukes of conscience, and the mental darkness of which he is the subject, are the remonstrances of the Saviour against his course. And when under this appeal he retraces his steps with a contrite spirit, and “does the first works,” light breaks in on his mind, and his faded hope begins to brighten, and his sorrow is turned into joy, and, in his appeal to God, he exclaims in transport, “ Truly lam thy servant.” The spell tliatbound him to earth is now broken, and he runs in the way of God’s commandments. His affec tions arc placed on things above, and his conver sation is in heaven. Hence, supreme devotion to the kingdom of heaven, on the part of Christians, would promote their highest enjoyments, and pre sent the church to the world in a roost attractive attitude. She would Then shine forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. All her mem bers being wholly absorbed in the work of bringing sinners to Christ, they would have neither the time nor the disposition to fall out with each other by the way. Walking in the light, as God is in the light, they would have fellowship one with another, and walk worthy of the vocation where with they are called; and with all lowliness and meekness, and long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, would endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in tho bonds of peace. Then that would come to pass which is spoken of by the Prophet—‘‘The heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall bo sancti fied in you before their eyes.” CHURCH EXTENSION-ITS PRESENT CONDITION. We have never been so encouraged in relation to the Church Extension enterprise as we noware. It is taking root everywhere in the Church. Its objects are becoming understood; its beneficent effects are being realized. It only needs a little time now for the Church to see eye to eye, and results the most delightful will follow. The most sanguine friend of the cause never imagined, four years ago, that it would so soon stand as it does now. We propose to make some extracts from letters recently received, that our readers may have the grounds of our opinion. Mr. Norton, the District Secretary for the West, writes: “I have corresponded, and am cor responding with the pastors of the principal churches in my field. I cannot tell you how many letters I have written; they count by hundreds. I give myself no time for my family, and out short my hours of sleep. I am greatly encouraged. There are more than places enough open (for col lections,) to occupy my entire time.” Mr. Stowe, the District Secretary for New York, who has just entered upon his work, after stating that all the Presbyteries be has met have passed favorable resolutions, and that the pastors receive him very kindly, writes: “I do not think our Church will relinquish this great work, unless brethren all over this field who are noted for pru dent forecast, have made.great mistakes. But do not expect too much the first six months of my agency. I am out in my field every Sabbath, and every week, preaching and making calls. Brethren in this field will soou aid us, and enable us to meet the promises of the Committee.” We publish in this number the receipts of the Committee. Since account has closed, that is, during the last few days, the Committee have received nearly $4OO from the Madison Square Church, New York City, their first contribution. Another donation has also since come in, accom panied with a letter, which has about it so much that is beautiful and interesting, that we publish it almost entire. It is from our venerable friend, Elisha Taylor, Esq., of Cleveland, Ohio. We envy not the Christian who can read it unmoved. “ MINISTER’S WOOING” The New York Observer and Evangelist have for several weeks been discussing the orthodoxy and purity of this new novel of Mrs. Stowe’s, in a spi rit hot the most affectionate and wooing, and in . Cleveiaml ’ Ja ° uary . l7 ’ 18 j o ' _ tones not altogether courteous and ministerial. Dear Sir: —“Accompanying this, is a draft • _ , ~ . „ .. , . . 7 7 , i - , in i , Like Helper’s Crisis in Congress, it has become for three hundred and ninety dollars, which please , , . ~ . ' , . ’ / a text, or pretest for exhibiting their natural rela dispose of as billows: two hundred dollars for the . ... „ r „ , , T , , . ~ „ tions and defining their position on all questions use of the Church Extension Committee ot our „ , , . „ , . ~ , . , 7 „ „ of morals and politics, not excepting the vexed General Assembly: one hundred dollars for the . „ , ’ „ , ... I- /, ... , , , question of slavery. It seems a little unkind in use of tbo Publication Committee, and the balance, ■ .. . . ~ , „ , .. .v „ . • o the Observer after disparaging the theology ot the niiu-ti/ dollars, lor the use of the American Sun- _ . , . . lT . Evangelist to add, “that hereafter we shall have day School Union. J ’ T . , ... . equal respect for its veracity and its theology. The past year I have met with some serious n , , ■ „ , ~ . , . x ... This, with other remarks ot the same sort, would pecuniary losses. But I cannot, therefore, shut ’ , , . ’ r , , , , . . f . .. ~ not appear to advantage m the appendix to the my hand and heart and refuse to assist those means • " ° , r which have been, and apparently are calculated to Power op iiayer.^ advance the kingdom of Christ in our fallen Still the affair promises at present more import world. The blessing of Heaven now rests, largely, ant and P raotical results than the random discus on feeble and unusual, as well as ordinary means sion in Congress over Helper s book. It will help of grace, and it is a privilege and luxury to do to sell tbe “Minister’s Wooing;” and besides it something in this«dawn of the millenium/ to bring P romlses even bette " tban thls ‘ The Evangelist in ‘the full day of blessings/ when ‘wars shall bas cbal!eu g cd tbe Observer, and most soothingly cease/ and ‘the knowledge of the Lord shall cover suggested a reward fora clear and unequivocal the earth ’ opinion on the great question which agitates and Our Church Extension Committee must be sup- divides the nation. It says: ported, so that all legitimate cases for assistance “Whoever can extract from the New York 01- shall be met. If the A. 11. M. S- will aot fairly, a clear and positive opinion about slavery, . . * * * , , can obtain ior it a larger reward thau was ever oi- I desire to co-operate with them. 1 hey have done j fered for a premium l’ ra ct great good, and are capable of doing still more: „„ . ~ b . , , , . ~ , . . ■ The Observer responds to this challenge in the than has been done for the growth and perpetuity of the Church in our beloved laud. The feeble following bold and manly tone: churches and the places where churches should “ H Evangelist does not know and wishes its readers to know our opinions, we will furnish be established, must not be neglected because the not p re p are d to meet any present state of A. H. M. S. cannot, by her rules, or will not, p ab i;’ c sentiment, but as we have already clearly from any motive, afford the needed assistance. j get them forth: provided, the Evangelist will, give i A great work is laid, by Providence, at the}’ our opinions to its readers, without alteration or Itmmran §«* jslrfrtnbtt anti (SUnm* door of our branch of the Cliureb, and a heavy wo will be pronounced against us, if we ignore it, or are even slack in its performance. From her suc cessful efforts to advance the kingdom of truth and righteousness, since cut off and thrown upon her own resources, and the blessings of Heaven which have attended these efforts, we have reason to hope for greater things and greater blessings. May all her sons and daughters I be faithful unto death,’ and thus possess ‘crowns’ of everlasting rejoicing! I have been shut in much of the winter by in flammatory rheumatism and cough, but, thanks to a kind Providence, am somewhat better. My ‘borrowed time’has run nearly four years. It cannot extend much longer. But ‘our times and seasons are in Hxs hands/ blessed he His name! I would wish them in none other.” Respectfully yours, in Christian bonds, Elisha Taylor. The fields of labor opening before the Committee are most wide and interesting. Mr. Beach, our exploring missionary in Kansas, has organized some ten or twelve churches, and now his appeal is for men. “Cannot you send us men?” he writes—-“Do not frighten any one with the idea that they would be going into the wilderness. A more beautiful, well-cultivated country, a more moral, intelligent, enterprising people are not to be found anywhere. To say that this is the garden of Kansas, is only saying that it is the garden of the world. What would you think of the policy, if you will allow the figure, of sending a general into the enemy’s country, and then leaving him to fight alone? The fact is that the brethren who want new fields do not know the claims of this territory; how inviting it is, and how needy it is, or they would come here.” A Presbytery is already formed in Kansas, and the committee are preparing to begin another in Nebraska. A brother, of whom we have the warmest commendations, will visit Omaha City with the earliest spring, at the earnest request of brethren there, who wish to be organized into a church. This is intended as the beginning of an effort in that vast and'inviting region. We just have, also, a roost interesting letter from Pike’s Peak, the proposed jew territory of Jefferson. A brother, who spent several months there last year, proposes to go as our missionary and locate at Mountain City, in the midst of the gold mines. He says that there is no doubt, what ever, that there is gold there in great abundance, and in addition, silver, copper, lead, and coal. 20,000 persons were there last season, and he ex pects that there will be a population, within ano ther year, of 100,000. It is directly in the path of the Central Pacific Railroad, and he is willing and anxious to pioneer the way for our Church. We are just in receipt, too, of an appeal for California and Orf.gon. The brother, who has been for three years Chairman of the Church Extension Committee of the SyDod of Alta Cali fornia, writes by the last steamer. Nothing had been written to him by the Committee. Here, as elsewhere, there appears to be a spontaneous gathering to the Committee, by those who love our Church. He gives the reasons as they strike him, for our Church not growing more rapidly on that eoast, and urges the appointment of an exploring missionary, by our Committee, to plant churches in California and Oregon 1 . We have already called attention to the wants of Missouri, and to .the recent visit of Mr. Hill to £Ke East to enforce them, and to the appropriation of $2,500 for that field. Our friend, Mr. Neill, has just arrived in town,and our readers maybe sure that we have heard something from him about the wants of Minnesota. We have pledged help to the Presbytery of Monroe in Michigan. And there are faithful men who do not fail to tell us that Illinois is in the forefront of the battle. A letter lies before us pleading for Wisconsin, and there are cities of 15,000 inhabitants in lowa which ask us whether there cannot be found libe rality enough in the whole Presbyterian Church to plant there the germs of organizations which will speedily spring up into living and powerful churches. Surely never was a great body called to a more inspiriting work than this of Church Extension at this moment. Let no one wait to be called upon. If it be in bis heart to help on this cause, let him be sure that he never had a more healthful im pulse, and that here and now above all other places and times is it true that a little help will go very far. It may be proper to add, while on this subject, especially in view of the strictures of the Cincin nati Central Herald, that neither we nor the Church Extension Committee are responsible for the opinions and arguments of the recent circular of Mr. Norton. He has his own views for which lie is alone responsible, while the Committee en dorse nothing but that which they publish officially. The insinuation that the Committee have concealed designs which Mr. Norton has revealed, is un worthy of the Herald. The truth is simply this: that Mr. N., though signing the circular, “ Secre tary for the West,” issued it without any di rection from the Committee or its Secretary, and has accordingly published his own views, for which no one but himself is responsible. mutilation. It mayintroduee and follow them with such remarks as it is pleased to make : all we ask is, that it will give us a fair hearing, in one num ber of its paper. We will not ask “any reward.” We will present to our anxious neighbors, for their readers, within - twenty-four hours after we learn that they accept our offer, “a clear and posi tive opinion about slavery,” in the abstract and the concrete, as it was and as it the best way of treating it, and the best way not to treat it; an opinion with which our readers are familiar, and which the Evangelist ,says, will bring ‘ a larger re ward than was ever offered for a premium Tract. Let there he no evasion. .You have called upon us for our opinions. ,‘We offer them to you, if you will lay them before your readers, in our own words. Will rau have them?” Now the Euctngelist has a rare opportunity to treat its readers and the Christian public to some thing “clear and positive on a very indefinite subject. We are on the gtui vive of expectation. Let us have the “Premium Tract t” Conticuere omnes, intentique ora tenebant. THE PRESBYTERIAN QUARTERLY RE- VIEW. We have read the January number of this ex cellent Quarterly with pleasure and profit. The main topics discussed are at present exciting un usual interest in the church, and are treated by able hands and in that satisfactory manner that will tend to strengthen the convictions of the readers, on these important doctrinal truths as held by our church. Clear, consistent and definite opinions in regard to the fundamental doctrines of religion are essential to an intelligent,, relijpfe *and progressive piety. To think and to theorize is the appointed method of acquiring substantial knowledge, of strengthen ing faith, as well as of developing the receptive faculties and the capacities of the mind : and he who excites and promotes inquiry and investiga tion, does valuable service to the cause of Chris tianity; and he who, in any good degree, satisfies the thoughtful mind with rational truth and a com prehensive and philosophical view of the chief end of man and of the higher duties which religion imposes upon him, ! does more; he touches the springs of action which move and control the mo ral world. Philosophy is practical; Speculative opinions are, not inert forces, but aetive and power ful agents for good or for evil. A man’s princi ples and dogmas in religion are no matter of in differency. They 'are the impelling power that directs and controls all his activities, the sub-soil from which his and life derive their nourishment-and take their coloring. Correct and rational opinions/a, philosophy that harmonizes with the essential charagter of God, with the teach ings of his word, with jhe nature of man, are es sential to the progresstrue religion,, to tjbe de velopment and exercise of an intelligent and con sistent piety. Therefore it is an encouraging feature of the times, that men are disposed to examine the very foundations of truth. The mere fact that an opinion is antique and labelled ortho dox, does not satisfy. Thu nineteenth century assumes, the right and privilege to review the opi nions and speculations of previous centuries, and interpret' for itself the formula of words in the Confession, by the increased light that has been thrown upon the never varying standard of truth, the authoritative wofcLof God, as it commends it self to the higher reason of man. In this respect our Quarterly is meeting an im perative want of the church in prominently bring ing forward and defending the distinctive features of our theology: those peculiar shades of doctrines whieTi give distinctive character and efficiency to our own branch of the Presbyterian Church. The present number opens with an extended discussion of the agreements and differences of the Old and New School Theology as Tield by the two prominent branches of the Presbyterian Church in this coun try, which led to their separation, and justify their continued separate existence. The substance of this article appeared originally in the American Presbyterian. It lias been revised, and in some respects modified and extended. These views as here presented are the fruit of long and thought ful experience and observation. They have not been successfully met or contradicted: They are clearly and calmly expressed, and are entitled to no little weight of authority. We believe the ar ticle expresses more |learly than any other docu ment that has been published the accredited views of our church as-distinctive from the Old School, and we are glad article in this permanent form, and eommenosit to the careful consideration of all who would learn the distinctive difference of the Old and New School branches of the Presby terian Church. We agree with our neighbor the Presbyterian that there is a sufficient difference to warrant the separate organization and continued existence of our branch of the church. The second artieleds an interesting and instruc tive sketch of the character and life of the dis tinguished German Theologian,' Schleiermaeher. It contains the substance of articles that have re cently appeared in a German Review. The third article dismisses the Atonement in its relation to justice. It is by the ripe scholar and distinguished theologian, Dr. Skinner, of Union Theological Seminary, New York. This subject is exciting unusual interest, at present, and such men as Mr. Barnes, Prof. Park and Prof. Shedd, have given to it their maturest thoughts, and have examined .this great central, doctrine of Christianity, in its relations to law, and in the light of philosophy and reason, as well as the holy Scrip tures. Dr. Skinnerbriefly reviews the subject in relation to justice, and clearly and tersely presents the distinctive difference in this regard of the Old and New School Presbyterians j and explodes the absurd theory that makes the atonement “ a pay ment of a debt, a squaring of believers with law, by which they acquire a right to salvation as a debt due to them from God/' The fourth article is a discreet and discrimina ting sketch of the character and times of Arch bishop Tillotson. It is a valuable contribution. The fifth article, entitled Presbyteries in Fo reign Lands, is evidently by the chief editor. It embodies the action of the late General Assembly on this subject, and the responsive action of the American Board, as unanimously taken at the October meeting in this city. The subject'is re viewed and discussed in a calm and moderate tone, in its practical bearings upon the development and progress of the missionary spirit in our own deno mination. It contains suggestions and considera tions which must li'ave weight, and the interest in the cause of Foreign' Missions will demand for them practical-attention. The condition and cir cumstances of our church have greatly changed within the last ten years, and there must be a cor responding modification in the relation and method of our co-operation with the established voluntary and benevolent societies, or they cannot fully meet the ends for which co-operative Christianity can he made continuously successful and desirable. By some means the interest of our own people- must be more thoroughly awakened and their hearts more intimately identified with this great work, or we fail to accomplish our true mission as a great and growing church of Christ. We com mend this article to the thoughtful consideration of all friends of the American Board and of the cause of Foreign Missions. An excellent feature of the present number of the Quarterly is the extended space given to the notices and criticisms of new publications. These are in the main very judicious, and will afford a clue to the character of each book herein noticed. THE JAPAN MISSION. The following interesting letter from the Rev. Samuel R. Brown, who sailed from New York in May last, was published in the Christian Intelli gencer, and will be new to most of your readers. This is Mr. Brown’s second adventure as a mis sionary in China and Japan. He was obliged to return to his native country on account of the fail ing health of his wife, and he now goes back to his work with renewed hope and courage. Mr. Brown was early consecrated to the ministry by a devoted Christian mother; and his life adds an other witness to the success of maternal fidelity. We may he allowed here to state, that his mother is the author of the tract, “Poor, Sarah," and quite a number of our sweetest, popular hymns; among which we would mention the one com mencing with the verse: “ I love to steal awhile away From every cumbering care, And spend the hours of setting day, In humble, grateful prayer.” We are happy to announce the arrival of our brethren at Hong Kong, on the 23d August—loB days from New York. Mr.-Brown writes that the latter part of their voyage had become tedious, in consequence of the calms which prevailed, and the heat of the weather. The ship was aground for six days, in the straits of Banca. Still they were thankful, since, if they had gone on unin terruptedly, they would probably have encountered a-fearful typhoon, in which several ships had suf fered severely. He speaks of the unfavorable news concerning Japan, which we have before heard, in reference to difficulties with the English authorities about the currency, and which we now hear are amica bly adjusted: “ For my own part, I can say that none of these things move me. I go, at Christ’s command, to preaeh the gospel to the Japanese, and if the Lord whom we serve prevents us from fulfilling our mission, it is well. We doubtless shall be exposed to serious trials, perhaps to real danger. But ‘in the mount of the Lord it shall he seen.’ It would be cowardice to stop short of the summit, aDd take counsel of our fears. I hope that God is only pre paring us and His Church to receive a great bless ing from the exercise .of faith in Him, and by the discipline to which His providence may subject us. It may be necessary for one or two of the gentlemen in our party to go from Shanghai to Japan in advance, to feel our way. I presume the Japanese have been alarmed by the sudden rush of traders into their ports—-this commerce with other nations is so now and strange to them, after the long and almost entire exclusion of them from their shores. “I hoped to find letters here from home, but have not yet found any. We were on shore to night too late for the post-office. Mr. Yerbeck has been quite ill of fever for some days past, but is now recovering. Our little daughter Hattie was first taken with the same disease, and is now quite well. “ I was happy to receive letters of welcome from Mr. Bcuney, at Canton, and from Messrs. Doty & Rapeljie, at Amoy, to-night. These were dated August 8. “ It was very gratifying to me to-night, to meet the Chinese of whom I have made mention in a former part of my letter. He was once my pupil for six years, and went with me to the United States in 1847, and is now thirty-three years old. I called on the Rev. Mr, Chalmers, of the London mission, and he soon spoke of this young man, as having chaTge of their press at Hong Kong. I asked him what Asliing’s reputation was here, and he replied: ‘He w the best Chinese in Hon;/ Kong! He does all the work of the printing-office that Mr. Cowles formerly did, and quite as well.’ He sent a servant to Ashing’s house to call him in, and, while I was taking tea with Mr. Chalmers, Ashing came in, and gave me a most cordial greet ing. He is a consistent, intelligent, and hard working Christian. It is no wonder that I felt gratitude to God, for allowing me to meet here, on my arrival, one who is a fruit of my labors in the Lord, long years ago. Dr. Wory, another of my pupils, is in charge of the London Society’s hospital at Canton, and is very desirous to see us. I think, as the ship is to remain here for ten days, I must take the opportunity to go up to Canton, to see him and the charges there. It is tantali zing to be so near, and yet not- to visit these old familiar places—like Canton and Macao. Mr. Verbeek will hardly be able to leave the ship for some days with safety. The August sun, in this latitude, is very hot. Mr. Chalmers offers us rooms, though without bedsteads, they having been taken out to be repainted, in preparation for his col league, Rev. Dr. Legge’s ! return from England. Perhaps we shall take our lodgings, for a few days, ashore, at his house. We have learned to sleep on deck, or almost any where, where we can have fresh air. The ship’s cabin is very warm under a tropical sun. Mr. Bomiey invites my family to his house in Canton, but we cannot all go there. I have written this free letter to you, sitting up till after midnight to do it. S. R. Brown. “ANNALS OF THE POOE.” “ THE BEGINNING OE THE END.” During last Wednesday evening prayer meeting news was brought that one whom I had visited was most probably drawing near to death, with a request that I should visit her at once. After meeting I did so—l found her (a woman of about seventy) in a very feeble state, having been spit ting blood, though she was sitting up—she was alone, and without medicine or nourishment, and seemed afraid of making trouble. It was with some difficulty she could speak intelligibly. After making arrangements for her comfort, I asked her if she was a Christian? She said, “ I think lam —God is all my hope and trust, and He has been so for ten years. He has supplied my wants, and raised up friends for me, and I can and do trust Him.” “ And do you trust in Christ for salva tion?” “Indeed I do!” So far as I could judge the peace of God reigned in her heart, and this under circumstances of such hopeless, helpless po verty and certain approaching dissolution as does not often fall under the notice of Christians. If any one sets a light value on the gospel, let him go to this believer’s couch, and there see what it can do for the destitute in the “ beginning of the end” of her pilgrimage. Her end is near. THE WIDOW AND HER SON. Four years ago she became a widow. It was a dark,day to her, and it still casts its dark shadow over the present and all the future of her life. How many such there are in this district 1 But she has a son, now about sixteen, and he is idiotic,: Or so nearly so as to he able to do only such things as require the faculty of imitation in its simplest form. For instance, last summer in a neighboring brick-yard he was found capable of passing the new-made brick from the maker to the fioor, and of repeating this process throughout the day, and now, during the winter, she has succeeded in teach ing him to baste pants, .(she makes pants at twenty two cents a pair on an average,) and thus their days and evenings are spent. It is a Strange com panionship, but 'tis her son. Unable to inculcate '■ the simplest moral lesson or to hold any intelhgi ble conversation, jet be is ber son—the ebild. o her affections, with whom she is passing hand in hand through life, and less discontented than they who live in kings’ houses. But she is very poor, though working “late and early,” for both make, clear of rent, but about one dollar a week. I must continue to direct attention to the matter of clothing. At every turn I meet with men, women and children, struggling as if for life at their work, so wretchedly clad as to he constantly inducing sickness an§ death. In last week’s article when speaking on this subject, I desire to say that what was there said was not spflken at random, but fell quite short of the whole truth. B. P.'S. The following epistle-will explain itself. The contribution is most acceptable—but the let ter is still more highly prized. B. Dear Annals : — I read an account in the last American Presbyterian of a poor consumptive wo man winding bobbins all day and nearly all night to gain enough to live on, and as I am a little boy with a few cents to do as I please with, I thought I would send it to her. I would like to know very much in some way if it is received. If you would just state in your annals that this small amount (one dollar) from Coal Bluffs was received, I would be satisfied.. Yours with respect, J. F. L. P. S- lly sister .sends five cents for the same purpose. J. F. L.” THE CHRISTIAN PASSOVER. Every careful reader of the Scriptures must have observed that the new dispensation is an out growth of the old, as the plan of redemption spans the ages from the beginning of the world to the end thereof. The church of God is one —the Gen tiles being grafted into the good olive tree partake of the root and fatness of the olive, and God’s hus bandry is substantially the same in all ages. If it be admitted that the Lord’s Sapper is truly the Christian Passover we have a fixed point from which to run various lines of argument. To prove that it is, I cite the following passages, 1 Cor. v. 7,8, compared with chap, xi., “ Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: therefore, let ns keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” The Paschal Lamb was called the Passover, because it was the principal thing in the feast. In Luke xxii. 7we read, “ Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover must be hilled,” that is, the Paschal Lamb. Now as Christ was sacrificed at the Jewish Passover, and as he instituted the Holy Supper in commemoration of that sacrifice, and on the very table spread with the symbols of the ancient feast, it is evident that the Lord’s Sup per is the Christian Passover. Considering Christ as the Paschal Lamb, we see the force of the words of John the Baptist, “ Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.” But I wish to call attention to Luke xxii. 15, “ With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” Is it mere fancy which sees a relation between the original words pascha and pathein, translated Passover, and suffer? Pa thein is from pascho, and certainly there is a great similarifcybetween paschosTtHpascha. If I mistake not, the meaning is, I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I myself become the Passover. At all events the Lord’s Supper ob served contemporaneously with the ancient Pass over represented the sacrifice of Christ as of a lamb slain without spot and blemish, the symbol of a higher redemption. The manner in whieh Christian institutions are grafted into the more ancient is truly wonderful, the former embracing the latter, and thus in creasing the vital energies of both, and producing more abundant fruit to the glory of God. D. Wyoming, lowa. THE LAWRENCE CALAMITY. Lawrence, Mass., January 16th, JS6O. Messrs. Editors: —Will you be so kind as to insert, in substance, the following in whatever form may appear to you best, and so confer a favor? AN APPEAL. I desire not to pain the minds of your readers, by rehearsing the fitots relative to the sad cala mity, whieh has buried our city in such sorrow and suffering. They have been, no doubt, made too familiar already with them, from other aud better hands. But, after the best powers of description shall have been exhausted, the scene in its true colors shall not be represented. It surpasses the powers of the mind to comprehend, or words to describe. My object, chiefly, is to call the atten tion of the United Chureh to our present circum stances as a congregation, arising out of this sudden and unparalleled catastrophe. Up to this time, . since I came over here to labor, we had enjoyed signal tokens of G-od’s presence and blessing, the members were gathering again around the standard of the cross, whieh the panic of '57, in this place, obliged them to abandon; the spirit of harmony . and love universally prevailed; we had succeeded in paying up the interest that accumulated during the hard times,, while other necessary improve ments were made upon the property itself; in ad dition, we were about introducing gas light in the building; so that if we had been spared for ano ther year, we were in great hopes thatour demand upon the sustentation fund could have been greatly reduced. . Now our prospects aTe obscured, and. our hopes, in an instant, blasted; one third of our people are thrown out of employment, aud will have to go elsewhere to obtain it, while numbers of others are prostrate on beds of suffering, dan gerously, if not mortally wounded; the remainder, true to our principles, desire to have the means of grace continued with them, but under existing circumstances, there is no earthly hope of any such an object being obtained by any efforts we could put forth, for some time to come. At no time in the existence of the chureh, did it so much need the prayers and aid of the United . Church as at the present. Those who have to leave, are going with tears in their eyes while they state that “their hearts were in the little church.” “Her verv dust to them was dear,” while the re mainder, few and feeble, shall have to eke out a ■ miserable existence, unless relief comes to us as a congregation, from some quarter as yet unknown. We°are consequently reduced to the necessity of coming out and letting our case be known to the whole body of the whole church, praying that they will unite their efforts and answer to their name, by rendering such relief as they, in tbeir wisdom, may think fit to impart. Yours truly, James Dinsmore. cotrasE of the south. The Presbyterian Herald, of Louisville, closes an article on the effects of the John Brown affair at the North, with the following counsel to the South: The particular danger to which the South is now exposed, is that they will run into lawlessness, which will create another reaction in the North in favor of the cause of Brown and his confederates. Their only safety is in a strict adherence to con stitutional law and a firm and unyielding’ abiding by all their constitutional obligations. If aggres sions are made let them he punished, hot by irre sponsible mobs and lawless bands of infuriated « Coal Staffs, Jan. 10, 1860, and irresponsible men, but by the legal authorities and according to the forms of law. Firmness tern, pered with moderation will now secure to them the sympathy of the great mass oF their fellow ci tizens of the free States. If they pursue this course we doubt not that great good will grow out of the Harper’s Ferry affair, that it will eventually be overruled to the bringing about of a better state of feeling between the citizens of the North and the South than has existed for years. If so, John Brown will not have lived and died in vain. EDITOR’S TABLE. THE GREAT TRIBULATION; or Things Coming on the Earth. By the Rev. John Camming, D. 8., f. R. S. E., Minister of the. Scotch National Church, Crown Court, Covent Garden. Second Series. New York: Rudd & Carleton. 1860. J2mo. pp. 305. For sale by Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia. This is the second volume or series of Dr. Cum ming’s lectures on the signs of the times, and the near approach of the millenium. This volume opens with the argument by which he predicates the opinion that 1867 is the year indicated by pro phecy when some great and notable event or change will take place upon the earth; the destruction of anti-Christ and the universal prevalence of Chris tianity and the reign of Christ. The lectures also describe the hopes and blessedness of the righteous in this approaching period of consummation of grace and providence. MAN IN BLACK. A Historical novel of the days of Queen Anne. By G. P. R. James, Esq. Complete in one volume. Philadelphia;. .T. B. Peterson & Bro thers. - James is a popular novelist of the better class. This is issued by Peterson in cheap form, paper covers, at 50 cts. THE NONSUCH PROFESSOR in Ms Meridian splen dor; or, The Singular Actions of Sanctified Christians laid open in seven sermons. By William Seeker. To which is added the Wedding-Ring, a sermon by the same author. With an introduction by C. P. Krauth, I). D. New York: Sheldon & Co. Phila delphia: Smith, English & Co. This is the republication of an old English work, which is quaint, terse and full of marrow. It contains a rich vein of religious-thought, striking and suggestive. It deserves the commendation in the following extract from Dr. Krauth’s intro duction: “Nothing could more happily character ize this work than an expression of its author: it is ‘a Breviary of Religion:’ it is veiy com prehensive, and yet very brief. It. is pure nutri ment; a single sentence of it often contains food for a whole day. It is a book which may be read to advantage in two ways. It may be read con secutively, and may afterwards be taken up from time to time and opened anywhere, and the first words which meet the eye are sure to excite atten tion and to reward it. It is a book to keep by you, to avail you in giving even to the single mo ment of opportunity its fall value. It is rich in Bible Illustrations; but it also draws largely on Nature and History, and is not without frequent traces of a pure vein of poetry.” M'ELROY’S PHILADELPHIA CITY DIRECTORY for 1860. Containing the Names of the Inhabitants of the Consolidated City, Their Occupations, Places of Business and Dwelling Houses, Lanes and Alleys, the City Officers, Public Institutions, Banks, &c. Also the Names of Housekeepers, &c., in Camden, N. J. Twenty-third Edition. Phila.: E. C. & J. Biddle fc Co. This new Directoiy is said to contain 100,000 names; 32,000 more than the previous year. It exhibits immense labor and diligence, and is thought to be remarkably correct. It-contains a valuable colored map of the city, which is an ex cellent appendage. It is a volume of over fourteen hundred pages. THE CHRISTIAN’S MIRROR; or, Words Id Season. By A. L. O. E., Authoress of the “Claremont Tales,” “ The Young Pilgrim, 55 &C-, &e- New York s Robert Carter & Brothers. 1860. iBmo., pp. 287. For sale by W. S. & Alfred Martien, 606 Chestnut Street. IDOLS IN THE HEART. A Tale. By A. L. O. E., Authoress of “Claremont Tales. 55 N. York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 18mo., pp. 339. For sale as above. We noticed these volumes as theyappeared from the press of T. Nelson & Sons, London. They have been re-issued by the Carters, and prove valu able additions to the “Fireside Library.” They are by a popular authoress, whose works exert a healthful religious influence with the young. A MEMORIAL OF MARY ENGEL. ISmo., pp. 48. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. For sale at Martiens. This is a brief sketch of the life of an accom plished daughter of Bev. Dr. Potts, of New York, whose short life was adorned with remarkable piety and devotion to God; The funeral sermon, by Bev. J. W. Alexander, is also added. COSMO’S VISIT TO HIS GRANDFATHER. By M. A. H., Author of « Goodly Cedars, 55 “ The Gleaners, 55 &c. New York: 1860; Robert Carter & Bco. Phila delphia: W. S. &A. Martien. ISmo., pp. 206. This is another addition to Fireside Library. Cosmo was a city boy wbo went into the country to visit his grandfather and spend the summer. It will please the boys to learn how he occupied his time there. AN APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE In Behalf of Their Rights, as Authorized Interpreters of the Bible. By Catharine E. Beecher. New York: Harper & Bro thers. For sale by Lindsay & Blabiston, Philadelphia. It has been jocosely said that the Beecher family constitute a distinct class and division of the hu man race, but it is equally obvious that they are as unlike to each other as they are to the “ rest of mankind.” Dr. Ed. Beecher in his “ Concord of Ages,” just published, starts with the assertion that all the evils and conflicts in the religious world come of wrong ideas of God, and sets out to reform all theologies in this regard, and bring the disjointed world into concord by putting all on tbe right track. His sister Catharine, in the book before us, thinks that the Augustinian theory of the “origin of evil,” is not only the apple of dis cord, but really the mischievous heresy so fruitful of evil, that all the misery and sin of the world may be traced to it; and to make men believe that they are not naturally sinners at all, is the only way to cure them of this commonly prevail ing malady. The plan of salvation that she pro poses has but slight resemblance to the one insti tuted by the Bedeemer of men. If theological dogmas are propagated like “original sin,” the venerable father of this notable family has a pro geny of strangely diverse and anomalous heresies and isms to father. We do hot wonder that this hook is dedicated to the secular press, for it could expect to find but little sympathy in the religious world. N THE HAUNTED HOUSE. By Charles Dickens. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson & Brothers. Price 25 cts. This is an additional number to Peterson’s cheap edition of Boz’s novels. BST 1 We call, attention to the notice of Dr. Seudder’s course of lectures before the Young Men’s Christian Association, commencing this evening, Thursday (26th.) These leetures have been very highly commend ed, and will furnish a rich treat. Jan. 26,
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers