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THURSDAY, FEB. 0, 1860.
D. 0. HOUGHTON, EDITOR.
ASSOCIATED WITH
ALBERT BARNES I GEORGE DUFFIELD, Jb.
THOMAS BRAINERD, JOHN JENKINS,
HENRY BARLING, 1 THOMAS J. S HEPHEED.
TRACE, THE GOSPEL-WORD.
The one grand word which the gospel pro
claims in our world, is Peace. This is a very
surprising word, and an infinitely gracious
one.
Think, first, how surprising it is. When we
call to mind the relations between God and men,
we cannot bot be amazed that such a word as
peace should ever have an utterance. The re
lations of God to men are those of righteous
anger / for we read, “God is angry with the
wicked every day.” The relations of men to
God are those of determined enmity; for we
read, “The carnal mind is enmity against God;
it is not subject to the law of God, neither, in
deed, can be.” Now with such relations sub
sisting between the high and lofty One, whose
name is Holy, and Sinning dwellers upon earth' 1
is it not surprising Jbat we should hear, on every
wind of heaven, this singie, sublime word, Peace,
Peace?
But, surprising as is the utterance of the
word peace in such a. world as ours, surprise is
deepened when considering whence this word
outsprlngs, whither it goes, and what is its or
dinary reception. Were it the word of prayer,
outbursting from human hearts, as prostrate be
fore the throne, rebellion with hearty penitence
was renounced, and reconciliation, with many
tears, was sought, we could scarcely think it
strange. It would certainly be right in men to
supplicate from God whatever might establish
and maintain a solid peace. But not from the
heart of repenting subjects is this word peace.
Oh, no l It springs from the heart of the holy
Sovereip, from the heart of the righteously
angered Jehovah. Coming from such source,
it is a word of infinite tenderness. It is as if
God said, “Without an effort to reclaim men, I
must not visit them with consuming indignation,
for they know not the power of my anger.”
And what a word of awful prophecy it is 1 God
seems to say through it, “ Should every effort
to reclaim men fail, there remaineth nothing
more than a certain, fearful looking for of
judgment and fiery indignation which shall de
vour the adversaries.’’ Now who that listens
to this word peace, so awful and yet so tender,
as, bursting, from God’s heart, it rolls aronnd
the globe, can possibly have other emotion than
surprise?
But we are further to consider whither the
word peace is commissioned to go. Not to men
in general, but to each man in particular, “to
him that is far off and to him that is near.” It
seeks out the individual conscience, charging
on every man the gnilt of rebellion, and calling
on every man to repent and turn to God. It
allows no man to plead that he was not warned,
entreated, directed. Whatever his position on
the earth’s surface, whether far off or near;
whatever his moral character in the estimation
of himself or his fellows, whether far off in pol
lution and prejudice, or near in amiability and
accessibieness, each man is faithfully dealt with.
What a testimony this to the worth of the soul J
And what an astonishing proof of God’s intense
desire to establish relations of peace between
himself and every child o/Adam 1
Now, in immediate connection with the
thought of this word peace, going forth from
God’s heart to every individual of the human
family, we are to consider, still farther, how men,
in ordinary, receive , it. Few stop to listen.
Fewer still regard. Man after man addressed
by it, treats it, now with scorn, and now with
scoff. Yet it sounds on. Age after age it
breaks over hill and bursts into valley. Year
after year it comes to ears which a thousand
times have been closed against It. Is any thing
surprising, if not this?
But the word peace, so very surprising, is also
a word infinitely gracious.
Think what grace underlies it! Peace with
God must have a proper basis. Peace with
God can never be had on terms which imply
that He is unmindful of sin’s wrong, or regard
less of his own throne. In order, then, to speak
the grand word, peace, a great atonement-work
must first be wrought, a stupendous method of
reconciliation be devised. The gospel shows
this atonement-work completed, this way of ac
cess to man’s holy Father, and heavenly home
opened np. The gospel proclaims: “ God is in
Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them.” The
gospel declares: “God sent not his Son into the
world to condemn the world, but that the world,
through him, should be saved.” The gospel
affirms: “ God made Him to be sin for us, who
knew no sin, that we might be made the right
eousness of God in him.” This surely is an in
finite grace!
But an infinite grace not only underlies the
word •peace, but breathes through it. We cannot
doubt the sincere desire of God to be at peace
With men, since in addition to the working out
of redemption, he makes unwearied effort to gain
men’s attention, to move men’s reflection, to se
cure men’s repentance, faith, salvatioq, life. How
many heralds of peace God sends out into the
world} providences, sabbaths, scriptures, sanctu
aries, pulpits, hearts of love and tongues of fire!
How many peaceful influences God sheds down
upon the world; prayer, praise, piety, purity!
The Gospel is all grace. Nowhere, as here, is
there such precious revealing of God’s heart.
But an infinite grace not only underlies and
breathes through the word peace, but works in it.
We may not account the Gospel simply a showing
of wisdom in cdnstructing a plan of redemption, or
an achievement of benevolence in calling men’s
attention to this plan, hut we must accredit the
Gospel as the instrument of God’s power in saving
the lost. God works ih the Gospel as really as
in nature. The human heart that takes in the
GospOl, receives also the living, working, almighty
energy of God, as the buds of penitence and the
flowers of sanctified affection and the fruits of ma
turing holiness attest. What an instructive ex
ample of this is John Banyan, whose life is so
wonderfully sketched by himself in the little book
“Grace abounding to the Chief of Sinners.”
This autobiography tells with evident truthfulness
his early hardening in sin, his sabbath-breaking,
his profanity, his awful opposition to God and
holiness. It tells also bow>e was awakened, and
how fearful and unhappy he was for months. It
tells also how at times he would catch a glimpse
of Jesus, and how the fears and doubts of his soul
would roll away like clouds from before the sun.
But it was a dreary experience he passed through
—a moment’s light, and then months of darkness,
until at length the God of all grace brought him
deliverance. He saw Christ “made unto us of
God, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and re
demption.” “ Now,” as he writes, “did my chains
fall off; I was loosed from my afflictions and my
errors; my temptations also fled away. Now went
I rejoicing for the grace and love of God. Christ,
Christ, there was nothing but Christ before my
eyes.” Yes, the grace that works in the gospel
is, indeed, infinite. John Bunyan’s soul mope
tossed than the sea of Galilee in storm, heard God
speak peace, peace; and like the sea, when Jesus
said “ Be still,” John Bunyan’s soul sank down into,
blessed calm, foretaste and prophecy of heaven.
DR. RICE ON SLAVERY.
It is one of the signs of the times that the pro
minent men and papers of the Old School party
are defining their position on slavery. Their opi
nions do not exhibit remarkable harmony or unity.
Indeed, they are marvellously geographical, and
take a decided coloring and hue from the meridian
where they are developed. We gave, last week;
the clearly and pointedly expressed views of the
North who claimed, with
no little to speak-for the, entire South.
Dr. Rice is a Kentuckian by birth, and has spent
most of his life in the Slave States. He was
called from Missouri to take charge of the North
west, and check the tendencies to fanaticism in
that region, and head off such radicals as Drs..
M'Masters and Monfort. He occupies the triple
relation of pastor, editor, and Professor of Theo
logy. He is sustained and supported in these
several responsible positions by M'Cormick’s reap
ing machines, and in the fertile fields of the North
west he is expected to outstrip all competitors, and
gather an abundant harvest to the Old School.
In view of these facts, his opinions are of general
and public interest. Their moderation contrasts
strongly with Southern utterances, and suggests
the ameliorating influence of climate, atmosphere,
or social and local institutions. Men have re
cently been driven from Kentucky, for holding
and modestly expressing sentiments not a whit
more obnoxious to the peculiar institution than
these recent utterances of Dr. Rice. These indi
cations are not without alarm to those quiet-loving
people, Who believe the safety of the nation and
the continual peace of the Old School Presbyterian
Church, depend upon prolonged and continued
silence on the subject of slavery. Still the Thorn
wells, Rices, Armstrongs, and Van Rensselaers
will speak, while the timid conservatives tremble
with fear, lest an impending agitation will disturb
their boasted harmony and quiet. There can be
no reliable basis for peace and quiet but truth, and
discussion is to be feared only by those who prefer
to rest on some other foundation.
In a public lecture on the subject of slavery,
Dr. Rice expresses his views in a bold and manly
tone, worthy of imitation in other quarters, where
freedom of thought and speech on moral questions,
ought not to be deemed contraband. Dr. Rice
defines his position in brief, as follows:
Let me state clearly my position:
1.1 hold to the unity of the human race —that
“God hath made, of one blood, all nations of men
for to dwell on the face of the earth.” • >
2. Consequently, I hold that the command,
“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” applies
in its full force to every human being. The golden
rule—“ Whatsoever ye would that men should do
to you, do ye even the same to them "-—applies
as fully to the Africans, as to any other people.
The eurae pronounced upon Ham does not justify
us in enslaving his descendants. I would not buy
or hold a man as a slave, unless the circumstances
were such that I would justify him in buying and
holding me, if our relative positions were changed.
I would no sooner maltreat a slave or wound his
feelings, than I would do the same thing to his
master.
8. I do not hold, therefore, that slavery is a
Divine institution, as is marriage, or the parental
relation, or as is civil government; nor do I hold
that the Bible sanctions slavery. To make the
broad statement that it sanctions slavery, would
be to say that it authorizes the strong to enslave
the weak, whenever they are so disposed; and it
might be construed to justify the abominable slave
trade.
4. I distinctly deny the right of any man to
traffic in human beings for gain, whether that
traffic be the foreign or the domestic slave trade.
Men who engage in this inhuman business are
monsters.
5. I deny the right of any man to separate hus
bands and wives, parents and children, for his
convenience or gain. The marriage of slaves,
whether recognized by the civil law or not, -is as
valid in'God’s law as that of their masters; and
“What God hath joined together, let no man put
asunder.” • - :
6. I deny the right of any man to withhold
from his slaves a fair compensation for their labor.
Every master, remembering that bis Master is in
heaven, with whom there is no “respect of per
sons,” is bound to give them that which is “just
and equal,” taking into account, of course, his
obligation to provide for them for life. What tbe
■services of any slave are worth, depends, as in the
case of other men, on circumstances.
7. I hold it to be a duty of masters not only to
give their slaves all needed food; clothing, and
shelter, and to treat them kindly, but to afford
them the opportunity to receive religious instruc
tion, and to read: the word of God: Christ said
“Search the Scriptures;” and no legislature has
the right to forbid any man to do this.
8. I hold it to be the duty of those concerned
with slavery to elevate their slaves and prepare
them for freedom, whenever Divine Providence
shall open the way for them to enjoy it.
In view of these truths, I hold that slavery—
especially in our country—originated in violence
and wickedness; that it is always an evil to both
parties; that thet tendency of the Gospel is gradu
ally to abolish it. I need scarcely say, therefore,
that I cannot defend the slave code of the South
ern States. Many of the laws ought to be repealed
or amended.
I must say, before proceeding with the argu
ment, that 1 make a distinction between the re
sponsibility of those who introduced slavery, and
of those who have inherited it. On this point I
have something to say hereafter. I only remark
now—that one generation may introduce evils into
a country, which it may require several genera
tions to remove.
TWO KINDS OK TESTIMONY.
We clip the following from the Presbyterian
Herald:
A Noble Testimony.-—A postmaster sends ns
the name of a subscriber, and adds, “ This name
has doubtless long since been written, in the
Lamb’s book of eternal life.” '
To this the Trite Witness adds concerning ano
ther class of subscribers:
Would that we had the same testimony from
those of our subscribers who leave for parts un
known, indebted to us from two dollars and fifty
cents and upwards. But alas, the postmaster
writes us, they are gone—where, he cannot tell.
Is it honest for a persftn to leave for any part of
this world, and not let the editor of his paper, or
the postmaster, Itnow where he has gone? We
ask the question and leave it for others to answer.
fMssfcgtmatt and ffitrustt tougflijst
THE DEATH OF JUDGE JONES
Hon. Joel Jones died in this city on Friday,
the 3d inst., at the age of 65 years. He was so
well known and so highly esteemed as a distin
guished civilian, and a noble Christian citizen, our
readers in this city and State will be gratified at
seeing in our paper the following extended notice
of him, which we extract from Saturday’s Press:
Joel Jones was bora at Coventry, in the State
of Connecticut, and, at an early age, entered the
Freshman class of Yale College, without pecuniary
means, and sustained only by a mother’s blessing
and a bold resolve. During the whole collegiate
oourse he taught school, attending some of the
recitations of his class, but excused from others
which interfered with the hours in which he him
self was giving instruction. Nevertheless, he not
only kept pace with his class, but distinguished
himself by his proficiency. He received the
Berkleian premium; found time to attend lectures
on Anatomy and Physiology, and when his class
graduated, occupied the second position in the
distribution of the honors.
He then pursued the study of the Law, first
with Judge Bristol of New Haven, and subse
quently at Litchfield, where Judges Reeve and
Gould were Professors. He was admitted to
practice at Luzerne county, in this State, and
afterwards settled at Easton. He rapidly became
known as a very learned man in his profession,
and when, in 1880, a Commission was appointed
to revise the Civil Code of this State, he was
designated as one of the Commissioners, in con
junction with the late Thomas I. Wharton and
the elder Rawle. How thoroughly his work
was done is known to the whole bar. Several
judicial positions were about that time/tendered
him. which be declined; but preferring, for some
considerations of personal convenience, to reside
in this city, he accepted a nomination from his
friend Governor Wolf, to an Associate Judgeship
on the Bench for the District Court for the city
and county of Philadelphia. On the removal of
Judge Petit to another position, Judge Jones
became the President Judge of the Court, and
continued so to be until elected to the Presidency
of the Girard College. He occupied the latter
post about two years, and, shortly after resigning
it, was elected to the Mayoralty of the city. Upon
the expiration of his term of office he returned to
the practice of the law, in which he continued to
the time of his death.
It would indeed be high praise to say of him as
a lawyer that he was learned and faitlhful, and as
a Judge, th t he was pure-minded and courteous;
but even this would not distinctively or exhaust
ively characterize bis professional acquirements.
For he was conversant not only with the English
-Common Law, but with the Civil Law of Rome,,
and the modern European systems. The compi
lations of Justinian were no less familiar to him
as objects of study, than the Commentaries of
Coke. Indeed, from his taste for antiquities and
for comparative Jurisprudence, he was not only
peculiarly qualified, but intellectually inclined, .to
explore the doctrines of the law to their historical
sources, and gather around them, in tracing their
development, all the accessories which history and
learning could supply. This was to him a loving
labor, for he regarded the law as a lofty science,
and its practice as the application of ethical prin
ciples by a trained logic. No client could ever
leave his office, and no colleague could ever part
from a consultation with him, without having his
idea of a true lawyer elevated and expanded.
But the acquirements of Judge J ones extended
beyond even the widest range of professional at
tainment. He was, from his youth upwgrd, a
scholar and a thinker, and there was scarcely a
department of severe knowledge which he had not
penetrated. In his acquisitions as a linguist, he
has, probably, never been equalled at our bar.
Mr. Duponoeau was, indeed, highly accom
plished in this respect; but with him the philo
logical element seemed to predominate, as is evi
dent from his fondness for constructing grammars
and lexicons., With Judge Jones, „the study of
a language was only subordinate to the 'conquest
of its literature. It was not the language, but its.
contents, that he sought. As a classical scholar,
he was full and accurate. Latin had, for him,
long ceased to be a dead language, and his thrice
bound Greek Testament, with its well-worn leaves
and copious pencillings. on the margin, was his
constant companion, even in. the briefest intervals
of professional business. As an accomplished
Hebraist, his reputation has extended abroad.
He had pushed his studies with success into the
Oriental tongues, and he spoke fluently most of
the modern languages of Europe.
It must not be supposed, however, that he re
garded these attainments as constituting, in them
selves, the ultimate end of study, and that know
ledge was to be converted into a pedestal, upon
which an aspiring intellect might mount to fame.
These studies were, with him the discipline and
appliances by which he qualified himself to grap
ple with difficult and lofty themes. One of his
prime subjects of meditation /was the laij, in that
elevated sense in which we have said he under
stood it; the other was Theology, which he es
teemed as the sum of all science. His knowledge
of Biblical Criticism, Antiquities, and Interpreta
tion, was profound. His'library; contained an
unusually rich collection, of the writings of the
Christian Fathers, and with these, as well as with,
all the other books in his valuable collection, he
had familiarized himself. Perhaps there was not
among the laymen of the country a more tho
roughly learned theological scholar than Judge
Jones, and veiy few divines were his superiors
in their own class of studies, or have written upon
them with more copious learning.
Yet, with all this vast erudition, he was wholly
free from intellectual pride, and avoided all noto
riety. . Although affable and communicative, he
never obtruded an opinion, or sought to control
the opinion of others. He moved among us with
a quiet, unostentatious mien, never making nor
allowing himself to be drawn into any useless ex
i hibition of his learning; and many, even of his
friends, maynoir,-begin to ascertain, for; the first
time, the extent of his acquirements. He had
passed through trials,/which he had improved ,as
providential lessons, and he arrived sit the conclu
sion that the sum of life' 1 was to' he wise add to do
good. • V '■'-’■s ./ :
For many years the Judge had been ruling
elder in the Second Presbyterian Church of .this
city, and assiduous in the discharge of the duties
which that position devolved upon him. His
Christian profession was so inwrought into the
structure of his whole life as to become incorpo
rated with him as a part of himself.- He was a
constant illustration of a just man; for His im
pulses to the true and the good had become ha
bitual, and bad made his thoughts; and words,
and acts, a perpetual lesson of piety. It is-a me
lancholy reflection upon human greatness, even
in its purest'forms, to see so much learning'and
virtue passirig away, and the gathered stores of a
lifetime thus perishing from among men: we
may only hope that the influence of an illustrious
example may stimulate others to achieve like
noble ends by like noble means, so that the
memory of the departed may become immortal in
the successors to their virtues.
V AT A LOSS WHAT TO DO.
n ■
A minister of our church at the North West,
whom the editor says is “alike distinguished for
talents and usefulness,” writes to the Christian
Observer, making the following inquiry and state
ment, which the editor publishes without specific
advice :.
“ I cannot close this note, without saying that
you. have my hearty approval in regard to the
course which you have taken on the slavery ques
tion, because in my: judgment, that course has been
exactly in accordance with the teachings of the
New Testament. .
But, my dear sir, what are such men as you
and I to do? The New School Presbyterian
Church to which we belong, has most clearly, (in
my.humble judgment,), violated both the spirit
and letter of our constitution, and on this subject
has taught and is now teaching for doctrine this
commandments of men, and not the word of God.
—Alas ! alas ! Three of their leading newspapers,
have gone so far in fanaticism as to sympathize
with a man confessedly a traitor and a murderer.
If we are not mistaken, this doubting minister
has clearly settled the question as far as “he him
self is concerned, and already gone South and united
with the Old Sehooi Qhureh, where he can teach
for doctrine the rightousness of slavery without
molestation. By tfcis course he maintains the ap
pearance of consistency, and most effectually serves
the church he leaves. If we were called upon to
give advice, wo would unhesitatingly say to all
similarly affected ttjwards our church: u Go and
do likewise .” !
*.*. • ;
“PREMIUM TRACT.”
Oar of “a clear and positive
opinion” from thej/VY Observer, on the doubt
ful question of slavery, have vanished into a
musty pamphlet ori/“ Abolitionism,’’issued many
years ago by one of the former proprietors of
that paper. We ale not disposed to intermeddle
with tbe personal controversies of onr contempo
raries, bot we looked upon the promised deve
lopment, of something clear and positive, as
of general interesp,. and were ready to contri
bute our mite to 'the enlightenment of an ex
pectant Christian j public. Bat, alas! alas!
We are in than ever.
The clearest aim most definition of
the Observer’s portion, on all questions, was
once given to ns bk a distingpishedrfffinister of
New York Jjfe, that it stooeffllfflUs sub-,
scription list. WSia is about as hear its true
position as we wilqbe likely to get at present.
On tbe “theology of the Bones ” it is very clear!.
On the mortal and constructive imparity
of Mrs. Stowe’s las s novel it has no doubts, and
of its views of the Beecher family its readers
have clear and pieitive opinions, but for an
swers to certain‘plain, definite, and practical
questions, put to it|by the Evangelist, the reli
gions world are downed to search an old pamph
let, on entirely another subject, issued by Sid
ney E. Morse, A. if. 1 This is what we call
dodging the question. The Observer gives its
readers no intimatipn of its evasion and entire
backdown, but leakes them to infer that the
Evangelist does nit accept its proposition to
publish its clear an® well defined opinions.
On the private this “yellow pamph
let,” the Evangelist says:
This, no doubt; jjs a very interesting docu
ment, though a little out of date, but unfortu
nately it is wholly irpslevant to the present ques
tion. For,
this pamphlet hat no longer any connection with
the Observer, or proprietor, and
therefore his years ago are by no
means decisive as to its present position. But,
secondly,—-what is £'still greater defect,—said
pamphlet, though entitled “The Bible and
Slavery,” happens hot to be about slavery at
all, but only about -Abolitionism. [Perhaps the
Observer does not jiereeive any difference in the
two subjects, but .wfe do.] Whoever runs his
eye along the different heads of the pamphlet
will see thatits whAfe bnrden is “Abolitionists. 1 '
It expresses no opinion whatever, as to whether
the system of slavery is right or wrong, just or
unjust ; whether slaves have any rights which
white men are boutfi to respect; whether they
are to be allowed tile marriage relation, and to
read the Bible; whether it is a wicked and cruel
thing to separate; husbands aud, wives, parents
and children. Not d, word of all this. Its whole
drift is merely to prove that Abolitionists are
fanatics and Pharis^esl
j Now we have nqtarish to interfere with this
interesting tram of argument or this charitable
conclusion. Only such a pamphlet does not en
lighten ns at all as to the position of the Ob
server on slavery. .It does not answer in any
respeet to iis promise; to give ns “a clear and
positive opinion,” for this is not an opinion
“about Slavery,” bnt a mere tirade against the
Abolitionists.- No# we knew already what the
Observer thought about Abolitionists. We had
ho curiosity on that pbini But what we asked,
and what the Observer Solemnly promised to
give us, was a “clear and positive opinion
about SLAVERY.”. We ask now for the ful
filment of that promise. This old anathema
against “Abolitiohi|ts ” is no clear and positive
opinion at all, brit a/ pitiful evasion of the whole
subject; and to put it forward as an answer to
onr questions, only/leaves us more than ever
convinced of the persistent determination of that
journal not to express any opinion whatever on
this great and momentous subject.
The Evangelist ,c£oses by renewing its prof
fered reward for tbeftPreminm Tract, in the fol
lowing clear and positive words:
Wherefore we now say again, and with ten,
times as much emplißsis, as . before,—•' Whoever
can extract from the New .York Observer a
clear and positive opjnipn about slavery, (not
about Abolitionism, Mt about SLAVERY,)
can obtain for it a larger reward than was ever
offered for a Premium Tract. It will be per
fectly safe t'q increase the reward to any amount,
for it will never be taken.
THE, SPEAKER.
We will be permitted to join in the expressions
of gratification, which are so general throughout
the country, that a, speaker has been elected in
Congress, .and that the. prolonged- and disgraceful
contests on this subject have been brought' to an
end. We rejoice, too, that the honor and respon
sibility have .fallen .upcn-jone so worthy and com
petent. We speak not as partisans, for this is in
no sense a party triumph. Every party and
clique have been 'defeated, and a man-entirely;
above all party aims and purposes has unex
pectedly to himself and to the country, been ele
vated to the third place in the kingdom. Gov.
Pennington, though he has been prominent in
publie life and held responsible political positions,
it has always been by constraint, and not of his
own choice.. He was designated as a candidate to
Congress contrary to his wishes, and is now
elevated to the Speaker’s chair at this time of
party and sectional strife and bitterness without
his expectation or desire, A more satisfactory
‘termination of the protracted and angry contest
could hardly be expected. Politicians have been
confounded, partisan schemes defeated, sectional
animosity disarmed, presidential aspirants dis
mayed, while the countiy may well rejoice that
order has been restored and the union is safe, for
the present, from the intrigues of selfish and par
tisan politicians. "
Gov. Pennington is an elder in the Presbyterian
church, a member of our last General Assembly,
and is an active Christian citizen. On this account
we claim the privilegb of rejoicing at his eleva
tion, and of believing that God has called him
“to the'kingdom for|ueh a time as this."
DR. SCUDDER.
The three first lectures of Dr. Scudder on India,
in spite of the unfavorable weather, have been at
tended by crowded houses. In addition to the
fund of valuable information, delineations of
scenery, habits, customs and sports of the natives
of India, the Doctor intersperses his lectures with
a spice of humor and genial wit, and often convul
ses the andience with the rehearsal of a pleasant
incident, or ludicrous'anecdote. They are a very
taking as well as Instructive course of lectures.
The two additional lectures will be given on the
evenings of tbe 10th and 16th inst.
THINGS IN LOWER DELAWARE.
On the border land of Kent and Sussex coun
ties, we occupy a missionary field of great inte
rest and of rising importance. It is the south
ernmost point in onr Synod, and perhaps in onr
church. At a distance of 100 miles from Phi
ladelphia, it could, at no very remote period,
be reached only by long stage rides and steam
boat routes. Four or five years ago, the Dela
ware Rail Road penetrated the region, and now
the branch of that main trank to Milford has
brought this latter place within five hours’ and
a half ride of Philadelphia, by two daily lines
each way, and at a very low rate of fare. Farms
are becoming ranch more valuable. Lime is
coming down in large quantities. Produce finds
ready access to market at all seasons; perish
able articles have acquired anew value; new
families are immigrating, and new villages
springing up with something of western fresh
ness and enterprise
MILFORD.
This is an old town, (considered the largest
in the State, Wilmington being a city,) with a
population of 2,500. Here we have an exeel
lenv brick church edifice, with a tasteful spire,,
with a clock and good bell. A very comfort
able parsonage stands contiguous, and commu
nicating with the church. The church is out of
debt except what is due to the Church Erection
Fund. There is a faithful and attached band of
members, among whom,are persons of standing
and influence in the community, and an en
couraging amount of material, from which in
crease is to be expected, may be found.
The principal departments of business are
merchandizing, trading in coasting vessels to
Philadelphia and New York, grindinggquerci
tron, (black oak bark,) and ship buildi!gr%here
are four ship-yards, all of which, we believe, are
now engaged upon vessels of various sizes. De
laware white oak is in high repute with ship
builders, just as Delaware or “Southern” grain
is with produce dealers. Added to this, and
independent of it, is the reputation of the Mil
ford ship-builders for a high degree of practical
skill in their business.
MISPILLTON.
This is entirely a country charge, the little
frame church being pleasantly located in a piece
of woods. From Sabbath to Sabbath the trees
are tethering posts for numbers of hours, and
often the place is too strait for the people. The
youth of both sexes form a large element in the
congregation. Tbe church was organized, and
the. house built between thirty-four and thirty
five years ago, by Rev. Alexander Campbell,
since deceased. It has never enjoyed a remark
able degree of prosperity, and of late years, until
about two years ago, it was only irregularly
supplied. Here, too, excellent, faithful mem
bers are not wanting, and, as a reward of long
patience, they at last see their way quite clear
to a decided step in advance, —we mean the
choice of a new location and the erection of an
additional church. This brings ns to speak of
FELTON.
A new town, owing its existence to tbe con
centration of population around a stopping
place on the Delaware Rail Road. Its name
is given out of compliment to the President of
the Baltimore and Philadelphia Rail Road, S.
M. Felton, Esq;, brother to C. C. Felton, lately
elected President of Harvard College. Here a
great amount of trade is done, and manufactures
of various kinds are clustering within and around
it. Every thing is new; and fresh, and hopeful.
Even at this season, .newbuildings are going up,
showing the urgent need of accommodations.
This place, though about ten miles from Mis
pillion Church, is yet very convenient to several
of tbe members, and being in itself an inviting
field, with ‘indications of Providence quite fa
vorable at this time, it has been chosen as the
site of a new enterprise. An eligible lot has
been purchased, a building committee organized,
and about one half of the necessary amount sub
scribed for erecting a new brick building.
These three points form an interesting mis
sionary fieldsomewhat extended in its character,
the localities named being from eight to ten
miles apart. Yet the roads are level and good,
with unimportant exceptions, the entire year
round, About twenty copies of the American
Presbyterian are taken on the field.
LITTLE DELAWARE.
Small States should not be despised. Their
very smallness may be an element of strength.
Compact, homogeneous, cheaply governed, easily
supplied with the means of education and the
institutions of religion, and easily thrown open
in every part to routes of travel, there is no rea
son why their property may not be truly great.
With the thrifty State of Rhode Island as an
example, Delawareans have every reason to che
rish the utmost confidence in.their own. We
need hot disguise it, that the great incubus rest
ing upon the State, and leading the tide of emi
gration and, enterprise to flow by its doors, is
the existence of slavery. Sensible men of every
shade of opinion agree in this view. Once
numbered among tbe free States of the North,
Delaware will wheel into tbe line of progress,
and rival the fame of her heroic exploits on the
battle-fields of the Revolution, by greater
achievements in all the departments of peaceful
enterprise. Little Delaware 1 Her smallness
need prove no hinderance whatever to her
worthily carrying the name of Gustavus Adol
phus at the head of her annals.
TO THE FRIENDS OF DAILY UNION
PRAYER MEETINGS.
SECOND NATIONAL CONVENTION.
“Ask ye of the Lord rain, in the time of the latter
rain.”—Zech. x. 1.
At the closing meeting of the National Conven
tion of Delegates from Union Prayer meetings,
held last September in the city of New York, it
was unanimously
“Resolved, That this Convention stand ad
journed to the 23d of November next, to meet in
Philadelphia, during or immediately after the
Anniversary Exercises of the Jayne’s Hall Prayer ;
meeting."
Owing to the fact that the last Thursday in
November was observed in most of the States as
“Thanksgiving Day," it was subsequently deemed
advisable to hold the adjourned meeting in Phila
delphia, beginning on Tuesday, March Gth, and
continuing at the pleasure of the Convention.
Will the friends of Union Prayer meetings
throughout the country,: see to it: that- Delegates
are {mediately appointed from me or more of
their daily, weekly or tri-weekly prayer meetings,
to attend the said Convention f .... „
Hoping that the first week in March wift.be *
convenient season to be away from
commending you, and the precious mee in 0
you represent, to God and to the word of his grace,
we remain affectionately and truly yours, in
fellowship of the gospel,
1 °“ , 7“ e *
arr“ ,Ja '’
Alfred Cookman, J
Philadelphia, Feb. 3d, 1860.
THE CHUBCH EXTENSION CAUSE IK THE
SABBATH SCHOOL.
The Sabbath School Missionary Society of the
Western Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, to
The Young People’s Missionary Association of
the Second Church, Newark, N. J.. Greeting:-
We are much pleased to see that in our beloved
church, one other Youth’s Missionary Society,
beside our own, has esteemed it a privilege to aid
the weak members of, pur own household, strug
gling for life in the far West, We have esteemed
it a duty as a Sabbath School Missionary Society,
to contribute to our Church Extension Comipittee,
from the conviction that if our own church is de
serving of our love and attachment, certainly our
New School Presbyterian brethren in the West
.have a direct claim upon us, both to bifremem
bered in our prayers, and to be substantially as
sisted from our missionary funds. We feel that
if our type of religion is more dear to us than any
other, it certainly has peculiar claims upon us
when it seeks to enlarge itself in hew fields. We
feel, too, that the work in the West is eminently
a missionary work, and that in aiding those feeble
churches we are, of necessity, assisting in keeping
open arid enlarging their Sabbath school.
As a Sabbath school, we have long felt that if
every school connected with our church were to
take the matter in hand, and do, what they ought
to do in this regard, the'Church Extension Com
mittee would be enabled to double its operations
at once.
In looking over the Treasurer’s statement as pub
lished in the American Presbyterian, two weeks
since, we feel convinced that the Sabbath schools
connected with the churches on ttiat list, could
have contributed quite as much as the churches
themselves have done; would it not be a delight
ful stimulus to the youth of the churches in the
West, if they felt that a large part of the money raised
in the East to assist their churches and Sabbath
schools during their early, feeble condition, was
raised by the children Of the Sabbath schools, and
sent as a fraternal offering to their Western bro
thers and sisters ? Would it not cement the young
people of the Eastern churches and those of the
Western, and thus aid in laying the broad founda
tion of our noble American Presbyterian Church,
that we feel is to have so.large an influence upon
our country in the future?
Let us exert ourselves then, to induce all our
Sabbath schools to contribute regularly towards
the support of Mission Sabbath schools in the
West, through our Church Extension Committee;
and pray to the Great Head of the church to fol
low this planting of precious seed with a blessed
watering both upon seed and sower.
We are but a “feeble folk,” ourselves at the
“Western,” but by constant, systematic perseve
rance, we accomplish something.. We should he
pleased to know more about your operations as a
Young PeSple’s Missionary Society. Perhaps, the
publication of your plans might instruct and assist
others in the good work. Truly yours,
"ANNALS OF THE POOR.”
DARKNESS AND LIGHT.
Some years ago there came from Germany a
man who. was a bigoted Roman Catholic. He
went to the interior of this State, (leaving his
family in Germany,) and there in a hoarding house
came across a German Bible. This, for a pastime,
he would now and then read, until at last, out of
all patience, he threw it aside as a. fabrication of
the wicked Luther. He left for a season, and. on
returning, once more took up the Bible and again,
read —next, it became a question between this
Bible and bis church—“ One or the other was,
certainly an imposition,”—but he rekd on until
brought by it as I trust into the light and liberty
of the Gospel. . Presently his family followed him
to this country, and his wife, with the aid of the
Bible and of her husband, soon became hopefully
converted. She is a woman of remarkable intelli
gence and is all alive to the 1 ? Free Salvation.”
The father and the two eldest daughters,, girls, of
seventeen to twenty, were in the prayer meeting
on Wednesday evening. The girls sing well, as
is usual with the Germans, and have promised to
attend the Sabbath School. The father brought
with him a German acquaintance, a man of thirty
or thirty-five—and when the proposition was made
in the course of the evening, that “ Every person
should, as soon as he hears that Jesus died for
sinners, go at once to Him,” they both bowed as
sent with evident sincerity.
A very large proportion of the Sabbath School
scholars cannot read, nor does it seem at all pro
bable that they will ever learn unless we teach
them. It is true, that this ib not the legitimate
province of a Sabbath School, but the instruction
can scarcely he very efficient without this essen
tial prerequisite, and accordingly we have deter
mined to undertake it. We mention it dow in
the hdp'e that some gentlemen will take pleasure
in furnishing the necessary cards, &e., for the
purpose. We do not ask the ladies to do this,
for they are already doing more than their share.
We will, however, ask them to direct the atten
tion of the gentlemen to it, trusting that their ad
vocacy will secure what we want.
A THURSDAY EVENING SEWING CIRCLE
Has commenced at the School room, to which
we invite ladies who feel an interest in our effort.
They will find the room comfortable and pleasant
and we need hardly say, the companyagreeable.
Gentlemen will be present who will see the ladies
home.
There is still another matter of much -import
ance—it is materials of a plain, substantial kind
to make up-and we wish to call the attention’
especially of gentlemen to it. We do not wish to
urge any one, but we do wish tb present to their
serious consideration, the necessity of supplvino
the,ladies who do all the work, appropriate ma
terials, such as Canton flannel, Calico, Kentucky
Jean and the like, for substantial and comfortable
clothing.
The Eclectic Magazine for February the
Rev. William H. Bidwell, of New York, editor
brings a collection of choice articles from the best
fore.gn periodicals. The present number .is em
, lshed withportraits of Queen Victoria and the
cellent likenesses.
ttt discourses by Adolphe Monod. Trans-
ST . PAUL: fi ;. e c d^ e ° nch) „y B ev. 3. H. Myers, D. D.
2.dover, W- Draper} Philadelphia, Smith, English &
Shis volume contains five discourses by the
eminent and eloquent French divine, on the cha
. FSt Paul, translated into- English by Dr,
thor is a sufficient commendation of the hook. It
will be greeted with pleasure everywhere.
„ . rmhen Boston: Ticknor &
SJmE** **• Mppinco “ & Co -
The names of Ticknor & Fields are no mean
endorsement of ahookof poems; and we feel satis
fied that an author that passes this ordeal has some
claims to appear before the public, especially when
he attains of aneat blue and
gold.” There is interest as wall as external
beauty in this volume, and we commend it to the
attention of the lovers of the muse.
adopted
Trials ” “Romance of a Harem,” “Louis XIV., and
S oTWnce in the Seveuteeuth^utury
«UAi of Marie de Medicis,” “Court and Reign of
Francis the First,’’ etc > ,I' *!'
Peterson & Brothers. For sale at 306 chestnut street.
This new work of Miss Pardoe is quite equal
to her former books, and of the same general
character. It abounds in pleasant-satire ana
touching pathos.’ It fc jput up in the elegant style
of the publishers. .■ . ■ •
THE ELOfflM REVEALED IN THE CREATION
AND REDEMPTION OF MAN. By Samuel J. Baird,
D D., Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Woodbury,
N. 3. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston, 1860. Bvo.,
pp. 688. For sale by the Publishers, 25 South Sixth
street. ■ ■ .--v - ' v;
This is an elaborate - work on Theology > exhibits
praiseworthy research and learning, and. deserves
the thoughtful attention and consideration of po
lemic divines. It takes hyper-Galvinistic grounds
on the doctrine of original sin and,imputation, and
defends the literal teachings of the Confession and
catechisms on this subject, and the old Westmin
ster divines. It exposes the defects and heresies
of Princeton bn'these topics, aid endeavors to
prove every man'to bis personally responsible and
guilty for Adam’s first transgression. .
The Princeton Review says of the work:
“Dr. S. J. Baird has been able to produce a
hook on’the two great themes, of the fall and re
demption of man, which is an honor not only to
himself, but to the country. There are not many
works iii the history of American Theology of
higher rank than this volume is destined, in our
judgment, to take. It ‘is immeasurably above
many of the productions Of the last century, which
have secured for their authors a lasting reputation.
It is to us a matter of deep regret, that a work
which has so much to recommend it, and which
we believe will vindicate for itself a permanent
place in the theological literature of this centniy,
takes ground on the subject of imputation, which
wo are frilly persuaded is unseriptural, and con
trary to the standards of onr church, and to the
theology of the great body of Proiest^nts.”
However,'much men may differ from the views
and conclusions of the author, the book will com
mand the respectful attention of speculative and
scholarly minds, and will-be appreciated as an un
commonly valuable contribution to' theological
literature. • ■ •••>' • - •> - -
the GOSPEL BT BHRMAH ; The story of its intro
duction, and marvellous progress amongthe Burmese
and Karens. By Mrs. McLeod Wylie! New Yorks
Sheldon & Co. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. Phila
delphia: Smith, English & G 0.;.: .
G. W. M.
Thia volume contains observations on the geo -
graphy, government, latte and religion of the
Burmese. The establishment of the first Ameri
can mission, fifty years ggo, was in Bnrmah, which
was the first fruits of the American Board which
was organized at that time. This is a collected
history; of the Success of.-these missions, and the
men and women who first went out to plant the
gospel in these heath'en lands.. It contains an en
couraging view of what God has wrought, and
ought to prompt to redoubled efforts to evangelize
and Christianize the heathen world. The facili
of publisbing thegospel have wonderfully in
creased, and many of the obstacles removed, while
it.4s4jo .be ,feared there .has been bo corresponding
increase of self-denialand liberality of the Chris
tian vrorld,, by which-this work is to be carried
forward;. This volume contains. a great amount
and variety of valuable information; much that
has, been published in other,fprms, and much that
is new. ■ •:
PHYSICAL'; or, The Influence of
®ealthvnd Disuse Bythe
of the Sixth
18G0 Church, Philadelphia. Philadelphia,
1860, William S. & Alfred Martien' 3W pp, 300.
Tbis is a treatise of great , practical value. A
Mnnd mind m a sound body is, a great desideratum.
The mtimate relation and mutual influence of
mind and body are too little understood. Many
o our bodily pains and ailments are caused by the
and/carelessness of the spiritual tene-
, earthly tabernacle; and equally true
marts** 1- tenement contributes
inhah ?? 7 „J be dis °l nie,; - and discomfort of its
discbi ih 3 . VOlame ably and judiciously
etS! 8 JeCtj a “d.shows that physical
SSTIh 18 °^' en^mea a more potent
Dastor Th PlottS and SpirftUal COU^S of the
cussed amS 6 a ® d r?n ?®dies are wisely dis
snffmnrl 4 h— E ” a V COUDS?I to gmdethc
m^dTilt P ST SplTltUaladviser - The b °° k com-
S a£td °-r B * ol8 ' *° sfcn dents and to invalids.
It abounds m valuable practical suggestions and
its positions are illustrated W 8 ’ an<i
and incidents ? anet y of facts
knowleiW 1 X * , mbodles J.o®t the kind of
important subject™ 7 * Bemm tbis
s
be^tifJa a J er t PleaBant aßd trne story about a
about fit mterestmg little girl, who died at
to il!2 Itiis yteitten in a style
to intent and instruct littlegirls.
lish P dTY 00D 8 MagA2ln * January, re-p»h-
ST W Soott & St.
JSS; £ f-°? an sinclair - 3. Mr. Bull’s
Draw* wJf* ® Man * 4. The Elements of
Drawing '5. Frencll g
Luck of Ladysmede. 7, The Public ft
Arctic S L W * the “ the
sn^l s^, "^ OICES * -This neat little sheet is is
y Dr - Smith’s school on Arch
the vnn i ° ) °. nta ’ ns *i* e original compositions of
and R °f tbe school, in English, French,
antbn« ma j ’ Wb * cb BX6 Very creditable to the
t • . , aßd vefleet feyorahly upon the system of
nrm i”® tbe y h® 76 received at this worthily
popular seminary.
Feb. 9,
EPITOB’S 'TABLE.