The American Presbyterian. (Philadelphia) 1856-1869, December 24, 1863, Image 2

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    206
GENESEE EVANGELIST
PHILADELPHIA, DEC. 24, 1868.
JOHN W. HEARS,
THE
AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN
GENESEE EVANGELIST
FOR 1861 '
We are happy to announce to our subscribers
and friends that it has been determined to enlarge
our paper at the commencement of the New Tear,
by the addition of om fourth more matter, and to
throw it into the form of a
DONBLE SHEET;
thus making it
THE LARGEST AND CHEAPEST RELIGIONS
PAPER IN PHILADELPHIA,
or in any port of the country outside of New York
city; and superior, size and price considered, to any
in the Presbyterian Church.
It is designed not merely to increase the size, but
in every way to improve the character of the paper.
Particular attention will be paid to the remark
able progress of
PRESBYTERIANISM IN GREAT BRITAIN
AND ON THE CONTINENT.
The great union movement now taking place
among the Presbyterians of England, Scotland, and
Woles, will be carefully noted in onr columns.
Paid correspondents are employed in every im
portent department. Their contributions will be
found unusually attractive and valuable.
We have one of the
BEST ARMY CORRESPONDENTS
in the field, whose original and striking letters come
fresh from the front every week.'
ONR ROCHESTER CORRESPONDENT
is an experienced writer, who acquaints our readers
fully with events of interest in that great section of
onr church—Central and Western New York, He
is making arrangements still further to increase the
value of his weekly letters.
ONR LONDON CORRESPONDENT
has excellent and peculiar advantages for gaining
information. His very full and valuable letters
will appear twice ft month.
REV.J. J. MARKS, D.D.,
author of the remarkable and popular volume “The
Peninsula Campaign,” in which he has proved
himself an independent a fearless, patriotic,
and devoted man, and able writer, is our regular
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT.
Without offering any long list of premiums, we
will pay cash to every one procuring us three or
more new subscribers, With the pay for one year in
advance,
ONE DOLLAR POE EACH STJBSCRIAER.
Send us at'the rate of $l, (dr $1,50 in the city,)
for each new subscriber, and return the balance.
We also offer to the Sabbath-School of the Church
in which the largest number of new subscribers over
twenty is obtained, before the Ist of February,
A LIBRARY OP ONE HUNDRED VOLUMES,
and to the Sabbath-School of the Church securing
the next best list, over twenty,
A LIBRARY OF FIFTY VOLUMES,
all of first class Sabbath School books, of latest
To the School of the Church sending ns. the
third largest list, over twenty,
A LARGE COLORED MAP OF JERUSALEM
worth $lO.
TERMS UNCHANGED.
To subscribers paying in advance,
By mail,
By carriers, -
If not paid until 3 months dne, 1 50 cts. additional.
Clubs of ten or more, 1,50 each in advance.
“ “ “ by carriers, 2,00 “ “
Oaf paper is supplied to Home Missionaries at $1
per annum; to Ministers and Theological students
at $1,50 per annum, strictly in advance. In the
city, 50 cents additional is charged.
A number of valuable communications are
on file. Correspondents will exercise patience.
THE PEEgBYTEEIAN BOOK-STOBE.
,This establishment, No, 1334 Chestnut St ,
Is now in its holiday guise, and was never so
well supplied with an excellent variety of sea
sonable books and articles connected with the
book trade, as at present. Not only the Com
mittee’s own publications, including many ex
cellent books for the young, may be found on
the Shelves, but the-leading issues of,the best
publishing firms, presenting a great variety to
the buyer. There are photographs, and photo
graph albums, and handsomely bound books to
suit every taste. Give the establishment a call.
AHOTHEB STTEPBISE.
The usual social reunion of the North Broad ]
Street congregation, held Monday evening last !
at the house of Mr. Patteson, was unexpectedly
interrupted to give room for a kind and liberal
demonstration to the Pastor, Rev. 1. E. Adams.
Benedict D. Stewart, Esq., after a brief, but af
fectionate and touching address, presented the
Pastor with five hundred dollars in green-backs,
the gift of the congregation. Mr. Adams]
though taken by surprise, acknowledged the
gift in a handsome speech,' and added that he
had besides been presented with an elegant
Grover & Baker sewing machine, by the agent,,
Mr, Eddy, and with an order for fifteen tons of
coal, by Mr. Audenreid, both members of the
congregation. The total value of the *in* was
—AND—
Editor.
- $2,00
- 2,50
FROM ONR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT.
[The following letter though somewhat late,
will bo received with interest by most of our
readers:]
The opening of Congress—The Election of
Speaker — Contrast with. Last Year—The
Message.
: Monday was a day of uncommon interest
in Washington, and indeed throughout the
entire country. It had been for some time
intimated, that tbo Clerk of the House might
reject some of the credentials of the newly
elected members, and thereby, at the organiza
tion of the House, secure a majority to the
enemies of the Government. This anticipation
induced the friends of the Government to be
more than usually active in reaching the
Capitol in season. •
Very early an immense throng of strangers
crowded every avenue leading to Capitol Hill;
and long before the opening of the House,
every seat in the galleries was taken ; and all
the aisles and halls and ante-rooms were
crowded by thousands who were eagerly seek-.
ing—but in vain—a spot where they could
look and iisten. »
Precisely at 12 o’clock, the mallet of the
Clerk fell on the desk, and he commenced
reading the roll of the members. There was
breathless attention, and as State after State
was called and none rejected, there was manifest
relief. But at the conclusion of the process,
it was found that no mention had been made of
Maryland, Kansas, Oregon, Missouri and
Western Virginia.
The Clerk was asked for an explanation,
and replied, that he had recorded all the names
of those whose credentials authorized him to
report them as legally elected representatives
of their districts. He was then requested to
read the names of the memhers-elcct from the
State of Maryland. Their credentials, together
with the certificate of the Governor were read,
and Mr. Dawes of Mass., moved that'their
names be inscribed on the roll.
This was the test question, and to the
spectators a moment of intensest interest. The
fate of the country, as it appeared to many,
hang; on the hour. The leaders .of the Union
Party were noticed to be calm and apparently
confident of the result; though some walked the
floor .in violent agitation, and many talked low
to each other, with all the gestures of passion.
The great champion was now Thaddeus
Stevens, and all instinct!vely obeyed him—many
gathered around him for counsel. The test
vote was taken, and was 84 to T 4. The result
was received with unmingled gratification by
the audience. The enemies of the government
were evidently without plan or unanimity, and
one after another, the fifteen suspended repre
sentatives ware taken down and restored to life
again. -
The election of Schuyler Colfax of Indiana,
as Speaker was especially gratifying. Mr. C.
is one of the most uncompromising friends of
the government in Congress; and is a’ man of
marked ability, impartiality and acumen: He
is also a man of the strictest propriety of life,
a member and we believe an Elder of the Pres
byterian Church., He has the reputation in
Washington of a man unstained with a vice,
and of the most untiring industry.
He was greeted on taking the chair with
prolonged eheers. His speech was short, but
emphatic, patriotic and Christian. When he
spoke of the certainty of divine judgment over
taking the nation that dishonored God and
trampled on Justice, there was a solemn hush,
and every man felt as if suddenly lifted into the
presence of the invisible One.
This was a great triumph of truth, loyalty
and right, and thousands rose from their seats,
congratulated each other, thanked God, and
took courage. In one year the change was
most marked and gratifying ; one year ago'all
faces wore gloom. The rebellion was in its
zenith,- the friends of the government' were
faint-hearted and irresolute; darkness covered
all the future. A powerful party were leagued
against the prosecution of the war and the
Suppression of the rebellion. The army was
dispirited, and the generals plotting each
other’s ruin.
But now the counsels of the enemies of the
government are broken, the: armies of the foe
defeated, the government had out-ridden the
storm, and there was only greater confidence in
it, becansc it had successfully recovered from.
disaster and defeat. Certainly, to every friend !
of his country, every thing in the present aspect
of Congress is full of hope. r , . ...
The message of the President is as straight
forward, honest and firm, as are the State Papers "
which emanate from the pen of that Eminently
.unselfish, sincere and conscientious man. The
message is not remarkable for classical elegance
dr rhetorical finish, but every line is the breath
of wisdom and truth. It gives to us and all
the friends of liberty throughout the world, the
assurance that no poor slave shall he disappoin-.
ted who has trusted in the honor and word of
the President of the United States, : <
All .the State Papers from the various
Departments are of marked fullness and ability,
and place before us the state of the Army,
Navy, and Country. Certainly, judged by
those documents, Mr. Lincoln has Surrounded
himself with men who have risen with the
grandeur of the times, and deserve the gratitude
of their country, and will receive the reverence
of posterity for their energy, rectitude and
unswerving fidelity to the high interests Of the
nation. - . J. J. M.
From the second letter of our correspondent
just received, we have room for the following
extracts:
SENATOR BATAKD.
The case of this Sen_ator has occupied during
the week the attention of the Senate and of the
country. Mr. Bayard, from the beginning of
his political career in Congress, has been wholly
with -- J and rebels, with them he has
uniformly noted, and no doubt was, as alleged
a member of their secret councils. He has
been with unwavering zeal the enemy of the
government, and threw every obstacle in the
way of the successful prosecution of the war.
He new refuses to take the oath of-allegiance
to the Government which all the other Senators
have taken, and wishes to escape on the ground
that the demand is unconstitutional. If. the
question had been pushed to a vote on Friday
in the Senate, Mr. Bayard would-have been
undoubedly forced to resign. But Mr. Sauls
.bury begged for delay, his colleague was ill
nothing could be sacrificed by being patient
and forbearing; and in'the magna
HiMmjnw §?usilr|»tniau anfl dtumplisit.
nimity, the debate on the question was de
ferred until Monday. '
Senator Bayard was in his seat; anxious,
pale and agitated, looking like the criminal on
trial.' I could not but contrast his appearance
now with that which his face wore on. the dark
Monday which followed Ihe first Bull Run
defeat. Then his face was wreathed with smiles,
and he but poorly disguised a joy that hurst
over every restraint. Then he often took sweet
counsel with Breckinridge, Powell, &c., neither
of whom could conceal their unbounded gratifi
cation at the result. Oue after another, they
went out into the lobbies and halls, and brought
in at each visit a fresh report of disaster, and
repeated the thousand wild stories of fleeing and
wounded soldiers, with exuberant satisfaction.:
But now a little faction, with the furtive,
fleeing glances of hunted wolves, they move
about in the Senate Chamber, and whispered
and looked around up to the galleries in vain
for sympathy. Thus may it ever be with the
enemies of their country.
THE ARMY,
Is still at Brandy Station near Culpepper,
and encamped between the Rappahannock and
the Rapidan. Tbete are rumors of the falling
t back of Gen. Meade, to,■ Centreville, and that
the army will go into winter quarters. The
condition of the troops is excellent. There
are intimations of change in Corps and Divi
sions, but nothing as yet certain.
The attack by Moseby on our troops guarding
the Railroad about twenty-six miles from
Alexandria was bold, hut bravely repulsed.
The darkness favored the advance and attack
of the enemy, Moseby had timed his move
ments to take the up-train loaded with provi
sions and stores, but fortunately this was behind
time, and the rebels had a long, dark, wet time,
and a perilous ride for nothing.
The army has experienced a great loss in the
death of Gen. Buford. He was a brave humane
generous man, and endeared himself to every
soldier in his command. He died after a few
days of sickness; he was brought to Washing
ton, and suddenly sunk out of his life. The
family live in Rock Island; 111. r J. J. M.
GOD’S WORK IN LAWRENCE, MASS.,
AS WITNESSED BY AN ANDOVER THEOLOGICAL
STUDENT.
The followers of Jesus will be rejoiced to
learn that, in the Manchester of America, their
Saviour is riding “ conquering and to conquer,”
and adding to the number of his “many crowns.”
A specification of the characteristics of his gra
cious victories here may be deemed worthy a:
portion of your valuable space. -
The pastors and lay members of the different
churches are actively engaged, with the Rev.
E. P. Hammond, preparing the way and cast
ing garments and palm branches before the ad
vancing Lord. The only desire seems to he
that Cod's work may he done’, and all legiti
mate agencies are welcomed. This system of
operations is in pleasing contrast with that of
those who would monopolize the blessing of la
boring for Christ, and rebuke the efforts of all
Who cast ont.devils r hnt-foUrnE. /Aam-pot—At.
the close of service, yesterday, one of the good
pastors was heard exulting in the presence of
the Holy Spirit, and saying, "We pow. forget
what we are, and all work just like Christians.”
At the inquiry-meeting, you may sec the good
of both sexes, of various ages, of different deno
minations, of dissimilar professions and worldly
positions—all scattered among the hundreds of
souls which the arrows of the Spirit have
wounded, hearing them the consolations of the
Gospel. Some of the workers were among
those who, a few years since, passed a long,
gloomy night’ in the City Hall, striving to re
lieve the poor, burned, and bruised victims of
the Pemberton tragedy.
1 There was, at first, a critical spirit on the
part of the members of the Seminary; hut I
have already. heard*many express themselves
as refreshed by contact with awakened sinners
at the meeting. They are becoming too much
interested for uncharitable comments. “ They
aie now diving for the pearls, and don’t mind
the ripples and bubbles on the surface.”. And
when they see these set in the Saviour’s diadem, -
will they not rejoice that they participated in
seeking them?
By aiding in this’revival, the members of the
church are preparing themselves to guide,
guard, and instruct the “new-born babes in
Christ.” This they are doing, through the re
newal of their own spiritualdife, and through
the increasing mutual love between themselves
and the converts. "We need not fear that-, upon
Mr.. Hammond’s ■ departure, the lambs will be
left to the wolves.
Would that'our churches - generally under
stood that victory is dependent, not upon the
skill attdirprowess; of the general alone, but
quite as much upon the courage and efficiency
lot--the- rank au&file! r. ■?.- ■ ! -
The work of grace in Lawrence is a. grand
reproof of the infidelity of the church respecting
the conversion of children,
, Dr. Kirk, who was upCfrom: Boston.-yester-
to attend, the meeting, and who addressed
the children* said, “ What amazes me about this
movement is,.that the children understand whut
they are about. , Though no inquiry-meeting
was "appointed when Mr. Hhmmond: first ad
dressed the children *of my
the, children would have one, and gathered
about the speaker; in groups. ; The thing that
satisfied me was that the little ones were con
vinced that they were sinners in not believing
in. Jesus. !
“I believe.that I myself might have been con
verted at eight years old if I had been taught
the way. And how much farther and faster I
should have got along ! In my thirty years’
experience in the, examination of applicants for
church-membership, I have found it one of the
most difficult things tq get them to apeak the
natneof- Jesus, and acknowledge their depend
ence upon Him. . But the children. who, are .in
structed in these meetings, seem, to know, all
about Jesus I’.’ -.- . , . ...
Dr. K. read a little letter which was written
by" a girl twelve years - old to Mr. Hammond,
relating her religious experience.. The child’s,
statements were as clear and definite as those
of a mature saint, and expressed with a, sweet
simplicity which an adult could not equal.
Dr. K. remarked the calmness and absence, of
excitement which characterizes these meetings.
Rey. Mr. Cordley, of the. Central Church,
also addressed the children yesterd.ay; assuring
thein that their respseptive pastors approved of
and believed'the words spoken- to them. by Mr.
Hammond, and that all rejoiced in the work
which - the Holy Spirit had wrought in the
hearts of many. He said—‘‘As faith comes
through hearing, we are all anxious to have
the children of our congregations hear these
words about Jesus.”
There were probably 600 children at the
meeting yesterday Pi?;M., of whom, perhaps,
600 remained at the inquiry-meeting. Scores
had already found hope in Christ, while others
were in the gall of bitterness, because without
hope. The emphasis given to the name Jesus
in these meetings symbolizes the whole work.
“Jesus Christ and him crucified” is constantly
held up before the young. ■ Hardened men cam
in many cases, be moved .only through motives
of fear. But these children are wonderfully
influenced by the motive of Christ’s love. We
think Mr.'Hammond right in appealing to the
highest motive which proves effective.
One grand cause of the usefulness of these
children’s l gatherings fs the child-like simplicity
of all the exercises. The hymns are simple,
the prayers are simple, and ..thus all are admi
rably adapted to fix and hold the attention’of
the young.
Allow me to close this article with the men
tion of one other noticeable character of this re- -
vival, viz: that is honored! Both
in the meetings for tjpre young and those for.the
adults, the Scriptures are very frequently read,
expounded, and applied.
The remarks always abound in Scriptural il
lustration and quotation;, and analogies from
nature - and experience are generally pointed,
and enforced by Bible texts. Mature Chris
tians have been newly impressed with the
weight and dignity of the forms of inspired
truth. ...
Andover Theo. Seminary, Dec. 10/A, 1863.
LETTER FROM, CHAPLAIN STEWART.
. Camp near Brandy Station, Dec. 16th, 1863.
Dear Editor: —A much longer period since
my last has transpired than was purposed.
For several weeks, we have been in such a
topsy turvy, unsettled, advance and retreat con
dition, that writing of, any kind seemed to be
contraband. Astealthy arrangement. was, how
ever, occasionally attempted, in i the meantime,
with: old father Time. . Stern winter has also
been upon us—chilling winds by day, with"
hard. freezing by night-r-and we all the while
houseless and without fire, save when built in
the open air. On whatever point of the com
pass from these windy fires you take position,
the uninvited smoke .is sure presently to assail
and fill the eyes with tears uninviked by. sor
row. Under, such- conditions, the pen has ap
peared altogether too small an instrument for
the clumsy fingers, often benumbed with cold,
effectively to handle. ■ ,
MEADE’S AND XEE’g MACHINES AGAIN IN MOTION.
It cannot now be'hews to you that Uncles
Meade and Leehave.again had their big ma
chines, called the Army of 'the Potomac and
Army of Northern Virginia, in motion. Ba
ther a lively time had we in said exercise. The
machine of which your correspondent forms—
-he.. hardly _ tmnwgvjvhat _part— screws
wedge; of pin ?—crossed that almost fabulous
stream called the Bapid Ann in good style. It
there and then ran counter to, collided against
that otherrivalmachine, and, after some pound--
mg, pushing, and jarring, pressed it back into
a region whicb/on Lloyd’s map'of Virginia, is
most fitly denominated'‘The Wilderness”—a
region almost a place of bushes
and briers, bogs and fens.
A COLD BATH.
,The most nqle-warthy incident of a personal
character connected, with onr raid into said
was an informal.unexpected, and
most certainly, at: the time, an uncoveted cold
bath., During all, the afternoon of, Sabbath,
November 29% we were, skirmishing with the
enemy along and in the region of the plank
road leading fromFredericksburgh to Orange
Court Douse. .At one time cannonading, at
another while fallr
ing .back and we advancing. At dusk, and
dose upon the; -enemy, as wc were pushing
through a thick, swampy wood the men
scrambling on logs : and other ways as best
they could over a jungle-like brook—Jesse,
haying been ridden all day without water, de
termined upon a drink out of said sluggish re
bel stream. No- sooner, however, were her
fore feet in the water, than she began to sink,
and, with a consequent floundering, was pre/
sently over her back in the treacherous pool.
In, vain she struggled to extricate herself with
•her rider, who was compelled to dismount, neck
deep; when,: witi};, vigorous -stragglings and
various assisted , also by nume
rous friends, something. like solid land was
reached on the opposite side. Night was on
usT-elear, windy, fireless, and; piercing cold.
Our regiment was soon halted in line of battle,
fronting the thus to remain during
the night. My/jhlankets, dripping wet, were
wrapped aroufiti me, haying every particle of
clothing equally saturated from'the icy stream
In this condition, tumbling upon the frozen
ground, I, ere long, found myself in a grand
hydropathic, wet-sheet, steam-operation, and
soon thereafter in a sound sleep. - On waking
from which, the outer plies of the blankets’ were
frozen into a hard crust, from which it was dif
ficult to hecomq .extricated. Happy to say
that nothiug in shape of what ,is usually
termed yyas .the result. ;
PREPARATION FOB BATTLE—SOI.EMN HOtJBS.
All of next day Were stationary in line of
battle, and in clbse proximity to the enemy
bur regiment Jn : front or picket line. With the
long experience of our men in battles and as
saults, the most inattentive, as the day wore,
could discern that the position of the enemy
was a very formidablb ohe, and that immense
slaughter must be the certain consequence of
fin assfinlfi bven thougb a successful one. gpe-- ;
ciflb orders afftf directions were given that an
assault would; beniade somewhat late in the
afternoon, and simultaneously along the whole
line of perhaps five miles in extent. So near
were we to the rebel lines that the soldiers
could almost shout across to each other. The
rebels, bonfidefif in the strength of their posi
tion, would occasionally shout across to us as
the day wore away, “ Tanks, why- don’t you
come on ? We’re ready.” And, as onr boys
’were gathering some rails for a fire against the
chilling cold; ‘‘-Tanks, don’t take those rails—■
they’re not yours.” The hour passed, nor came
the arranged' signal for the awful r scenes of fisy
thfibiiinicnc& Night drew
on, and our regiment was ordered to the'rear,
in order to rest. ,;
Never hare I spent a more solemn day. Our
brave soldiers are not npw want to rush, like
the unthinking horse, into battle. Our men
here saw the danger, yet were ready to face, it-
Ere the hour set for the battle came, all my
pockets, and even haversack, were filled with
sacred mementoes in case of death lifthe con
flict_-pocket-books, money, watches,' lockets,
rings, photographs.. Each one, as I passed by
or as ho came and handed mo his treasure or his
keepsake, would say in substance : “ Chaplain,
this is going to be a bloody business. In it the
half of our regiment must no doubt fall, as we
are in the front lino. Of these I may be one.
God, wo are sure, will spare you. . Take this,
and should I fall, give or to such and
such a. loved one, telling them I fell with my
face to the enemy, and this is to them—my last
earthly memento and pledge of love I” Durmg
many of these, perhaps, final interviews, my
emotions were unutterable, being only able to
grasp the brave, generous hand, and turn away.
MILITARY CRITICISM.
... All know the result. „ The meditated assault
was not made. This, beyond cavil, was mer
.ciful military prudence. Whatever of criticism
may be made .as to the propriety of . placing
the Army of the Potomac in such a. position,
no intelligent and'- reflecting mind, we think,
can but rejoice that the contemplated assault
was not made" at' the time and place. Victori
ous or repulsed, twenty thousand, at least, of
our brave soldiers would have been killed or
wounded. Of the fifteen or twenty thousand
wounded, the one-half, at least, must have per-,
ishedinthat lone wildemess, and with the se
vere coldj ere proper aid could have come or
their removal have-been effected. Even a vic
tory under the, conditions must, in a great mea r
sure, haVe been barren of results, as the army
would have been compelled very soon to have
fallen back on its s Ease for supplies. . The
grand Army of the Potomac is happily safe, in
a good position, and never in better spirits or
condition.
On Tuesday evening, December Ist, at the
dusk of evening, and still in front of the enemy,
We Feld a religions service around a large brush
fire which our boys had kindled in an open
wood. . An immense crowd assembled from our
own and other regiments. Loudly, cheerily;
thankfully did yp sing God’s praise, and fervent
acknowledgments were rendered in prayer for
merciful deliverance from mutilation and death
thus far bestowed. No sooner was our meet
ing ended, than on quick-step—almost a ran—
our retreat commenced, and at the.dawn of the
following morning, we recrossed the Bapid
Ann, twenty miles from the place of evening
prayer meeting. Soon we were again en
camped on the very spot, near to Brandy Sta
tion, which we had abandoned, as hoped for
ever, just a week previous.
FEOM OUE- SOOHESTBB COEBESPOHDENT.
PRESBYTERY OP ROCHESTER,
Pittsford, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 15th
and 16th.irist. Opening sermon by Bev. Jeremiah
Woodruff, the last Moderator.' Bey. James H.
Phelps, of Chili,, was elected Moderator of the.pre
seht sessions; and. Bev. C" P. Gardner, of Clark
son, Clerk. - V, -
The usual, routine of husinej® came up for consi
deration, and was promptly and happily disposed
of. Matters commended to the Presbyteries by
the last General Assembly Were taken up in their
order. Bev. E. M. Toof, of Holley , was appointed
‘ 1 Preshy terial Agent ’ ’ for Foreign Missions, ac
cording to the recommendation contained in the
Minuted, at page 235; and being an earnest,
thorough man, and withal specially interested Jn
the great subject of missions, we doubt not he will
thoroughly attend, to the, duties thus laid to his
hand.- We wish- all-Presbyteries might give heed
to this recommendation in their approaching meet
ings. And, in order to commend it to their special
attention., we venture to transeribethe resolution of
the last General Assembly, to which we have xe
ferred: ■.
... “Resolved, -That each Presbytery connected with
the'Assembly be earnestly requested to arrange, at
their next meetings, for the thorough and systema
tic presentation of the claimsof the cause of Foreign
Missions to each of their churches, and, as far as
possible, eaejy member thereof; and to‘appoint one
of their ministers or elders as Frcsbyterial Agent for
Foreign Missions, Whoso duty it shall be to see that
the cause is presented to each church, and to report
at. each meeting of the Presbytery, and also report
annnally to the Permanent Committee of the As
sembly , what each church in the Presbytery has
done for the cause daring the year; and that the
Stated Clerk of each Presbytery be; requested to
furnish to the Permanent Committee the name of
the minister or elder who shall be appointed the
Presbyterial Agent for Foreign Missions.” ,
The italics are ours; and we hope they will be
heeded by those for whom they are intended.
. Rev. Charles B. Furman, of Rochester,.was ap
pointed by the Presbytery to look after the interests
of the Publication cause within in its bounds.
The. following persons were : appointed delegates
to the next General Assembly: Clerical—Chas. P.
Bush and James H. Phelps, principals; Byron
Bosworth and C. P. Gardner, alternates. Lay—
H. N. Busbnell and Louis Chapin, principals; Da
vid Dickey and A. C. Allen, alternates.' Rev.
Tates Hickey was appointed Commissioner for Jbe
Theological Seminary at Auburn for three years.
At the same meeting of Presbytery, Augustus
C; a son of Rev. Dr. Shaw, of Rochester,
and a member of the Senior Class in Auburn Theo
logical Seminary, was licensed to preach the Gos
pel; His examination was thorough, and well sus
tained. His trial pieces were excellent; clear, well
written, .find impressive, as read by the young bro
ther. He gives promise, ~we judge, of much use
fulness. -
Business being finished,-Presbytery adjourned,
to meet in Ogden, on the second Tuesday of June,
1864, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.
REVIVAL IN CORFU.
We hear of a delightful religious quickening in
this small parish, near Batavia. The heart of the
pastor, Rev. Mr. Burdick, was deeply stirred by
the late meeting of the American Board in this
city. He went back to his people with peculiarly
strong desire to see the conversion ofithe world be
gin among his own people. One. or s more of his
people had been similarly blest in this great mis
sionary convocation, the peculiarly inti
mate and tender relation between the home and the
foreign work. And, as if to prepare the way for
these better things, the people had recently paid
off a church debt, and had added a hundred dollars
to the minister’s salary. They were in an excellent
state, therefore to receive a blessing from on high.
On the first Sabbath of this month, ten persons
made a profession of their faith in Christ. And,
as one, of the further fruits of this blessed quicken
ing, the liberality of ...the church has been greatly
increased toward: all good causes. . Having paid
their debts and increased their minister’s Salary,
they felt just likedoing something-more, (it will air
■ways work soy) and on Thanksgiving day they gate
A. M. Stewast.
$42 for the poor soldiers; and oil the next Sunday,
$3O for the freedmen. All this by a little church
of about one hundred members. We know a great
many other churches which would b% wonderfully
benefited if they would go and do likewise.
PERSONAL.
Jteo. E. .P- Sammond.- J Sina dear brother is
now laboring, with great adceptance and manifest
power, in -Lawrence, Mass. By letters just re
ceived fromfriends in that city, we learn that the
evangelical ministers there have taken hold in a
delightful, union effort; that -Rev. Dr. Kirk, of
Boston, has also been aiding the Evangelist; and
that, even at the first meeting, many began to in
quire what they should do to he saved. We know
that .the grateful hearts of many of our readers, as
their eyes rest on these lines, will go up to Godin
sincere and earnest prayer for Mr. Hammond, that
his labors iir New England may be blest as they
were in this region—and more also.
George W. Parsons, This gentleman has
been for twepty-ifiye years Superintendent of the
Sabbath-school'cohneoted with the Central Church
in this city. He has been untiring in his devotion
to the interests of the school—always on hand;
gentlemanly and courteous in his demeanor; loving
and tender to the children —inspiring their love -in
an uncommon degree in return; intelligent and en
thusiastic in his views of the importance and value
of the Sunday-school; - a workman that needeth not
to he ashamed. ■
. Tinder this faithful, administration, the school has
greatly flourished. It numbers about seventy
teachers arid seven hundred scholars. . Two thirds
of the additions made on profession to the church,
through, many past years, have come from the Sab
bath-school. About one -hundred were so received
at one time last year.
These faithful labors of the superintendent have
been highly appreciated by the teachers, and thus led
to one of those delightful surprises for which our day
is ; famous. With proiburidest secrecy, the teachers
had ameetipg, adopted a highly complimentary ad
dress, appointed; a Committee of Ways and Means,
and, in due time, marehed into the superintendent’s
house, without much ceremony, read to him the
address, nolens nolens, and then; nolens, presented
to him a beautiful -service of silver —a gift well be
stowed, and cheerfully, generously made. All will
be more useful for it.
T>r. Hairy Foster.—We regret to learn that the
popular and belovedproprietor and principal phy
sieian-of the Clifton Springs Water Cure, has been
compelled, by ill health, to desist, for a time, alto
gether from the arduous cares and labors of his re
sponsible position. He seeks entire restand recrea
tion by a trip to California; expecting, as we uri-;
derstand, to be gone some ax months. He was not
thought to, be seriously unwell; but had been
plainly admonished, by some symptoms, that the 5
tiirie had come for a season of just sriclLrecupera-‘
tion, if he would avoid some serious illness, or even
the sudden giving away of the vital powers. He
leaves troops of friends and admirers in all this .re
gion, who will look anxiously for his safe return'
and complete restoration ;to health and usefulness.'
' '/'Bev. A. M. Stowe.— This dear brother,Hhe.JJis-:
triet Secretary for Home Missions in Western New
York, has-been lying very ill at his; house in Can
andaigua for the last fortnight. He was suddenly
prostrated by an acute attack of pleurisy; and,' for
a time, it threatened to baffle the utmost skill of
his medical advisers ;, but we are happy to learn
thrit the crisis seeins to be past, arid the indications
axe that his valuable labors in the great causCwhich
he serves so acceptably are not yet ended. For
this many will give special thanks. - ;
~TJev. William Hart, of "a
call to the Presbyterian Church in East Avon: and’
Rev., Devi Q. Marsh to the Church in Nunda. The
latteT ministered to -.this church once before; and,:
after an absence of some four years, returns to.serve
them again. •; ,v •
OUR BAZAAR.
i The ladies of Rochester and' vicinity haye been
for some months preparing for a grand Mr, not un
like that recently held in Chicago, in aid of the
Sanitary Commission. It,promises, as-we write, to
be a great success. • Some #6,000 Were, received in
the first three days after the opening; Corinthian
Hall, where it is held, is crowded day and night,
while hundreds are turned away every evening from
the doors, unable to obtain admittance. We all
love to do - something for our soldiers, as they are
doing much for us; f Gsttß&Eß.
December l%th, 1863.
j HOME MISSIONS.
On applications received from the churches
they serve, the following ministers were com
missioned by the Presbyterian Committee of
Home Missions at their last meeting, nineteen
of whom were under commission last year:
Rev. C C- Wallace, Plaeerville, California.
“ D. B. Gampbell, Portsmouth, Bangor and
Kawkawlin,Mich.
: W. T. Catto, (2d African) Philada., Pa. ,
“ H. C. Cheadle, Tupperfs Plains; Chester,
Racine and Bash.au, O.
“ E. F. Tanner, Newark and Barton,
“ Aaron Thompson, Montrose and Summit
ville, Wis. : ■
" A. Marsh, Grand Rapids, Ist, Mich,
“ A. L. Clark, Hyde Park, Pa. ’
L.- R. Booth, Seymour, Ind.. ,
“ . G. J. Rait, (Hollandish church)' Cincin
■;vr: nati, O.
“ Asa Johnson, Adel, Redfield and Panora,
lowa.
" W. Puller, Buchanan, Mich.
' “ ■ W! R. Palmer, Attica, Ind.
“ J. W. Hancock, West Florence and Good
hue Centre, Minn. . ‘
u s'' Israel. Brundage, Prompton and Way
mart; Pa. V
“ Louis P. Lame, Canisteo, N. T.
“ GeorgeT. Everest/Masormlle, N.Y.
“ John Peck, Triverse, Minn.
“ H.,, L. Stanley,'tyons, lowa.
“ -P. M. Dirumick, Omaha City, NebraslS.
“ Samuel J. Mills, West Liberty and At
talissa, lowa,
“ W. H. Williams, Perry and Unity, 111.
“ E. P. Waldo, Pardeeville, Wis. -
“ Philip Bevan, Mt. Verndn, Mt.
, Greenville and Anderson, Ind.
“ G. h. A. Hebard, lowa City lowa. -
EAST WHITELAND CHURCH
This Church is now very pleasantly connec
ted with Recseville .Under one pastorate. The
Churches are btith oh. the Lancaster turnpike,
six miles apart—Reeseville sixteon and East
WEteland twenly-two miles from the city.
On the last Sabbath we had our communion
at the latter place, when five persons united
with the Church on profession of faith, and
what added a peculiar interest to the occasion
they all “ arose add were baptized.” J -
I am happy to state that an earnest effort is
now being made by the people to pay off a debt
which has been for many years a hindrance to
the prosperity of East Whiteland. Will not
those who have known this little Church in for
mer days, and perhaps have been members of
the congregation, lend a helping, hand in this,
good work? • J. Me. L.
IE?. B, 0.. HEADLEY.
Rev,, P C. Headley, of New York City, is
a * this city,, for the benefit.
Of the health of his family. He may bo ad
dressed: Care of George W. Childs, Philada;;
CALLS.
A PROSPEROUS SABBATH SCHOOL.
It was my privilege to be present last Sabbath
at the animal' gathering of the four Sabbath
schools" in connection with the Central Presby
terian Church of Wilmington, under the pasto
ral care of Rev. Gep- E- Wiswell. I have rarely
witnessed so pleasant a scene. It was the eighth
anniversary of the!parent school, organized with
the Church in 1855, with 54 scholars and 12
teachers. Three branch schools, established in
various parts of the city, gathered to this annual
celebration. The spacious church edifice was
crowded with the children and their parents and
friends, the children occupying more than three
fourths of the rooms. The efficient and honored
superintendent, Mr. B. -T.Taylor, read his annu
al report, by which we learned that there are
connected with these schools, between 8 and 900
children and 85 teachers, with-a'very large ave
rage attendance. Over .60 connected with the
schools at different times have united with the
Church. Some, touching incidents respecting
deceased pupils were alluded to by the pastor in
his address, which drew tears to all eyes!, A
large number of Valuable books were presented
to such as had within the year committed the
Catechism and portions of the New Testament.
We learned that three or four hundred children
have committed the Catechism and several the
entire New Testament during the past seven
years. ,
Rev. J- G. Harnner was present and happily
addressed.the children.
The pastor presented the books and feelingly
addressed some 70 or 80 of the scholars who
were called out into the aisles to reeeive their
gifts.;
The schools sang together several hymns se
lected for thu occasion, exhibiting .great profi
ciency in this department.
A very pleasant incident occurred which was
noti on the programme. One of the teachers
stepped forward rind in a very handsome address
presented on behalf of his colleagues, a large
and elegantly bound copy of the Bible to Mr.
Taylor, the superintendent of the parerit school,
who was taken unawares, and responded from an
overflowing heart for this appropriate and elegant
gift. Altogether the exercises were of the most
delightful character, and gave a very high idea
of the sphere and influence of a well-conducted
Sabbath school. I know not where an instance
can be found of more marked and gratifying
success than iri furnished by the Sabbath school
of the Central Church. K.
Dec. 22tf,1863. - , ; .
NEWS OF REVIVAL,
We rejoice in being permitted to present our
readers with some account of the revival in
Lawrence, where Rev. B. P. Hammond is now
laboring. The pleasant anticipations which
we were indulging, arid the signs of good we
were ( chronicling a week ago, were not without
foundation. Christians should be encouraged,
and especially Christian parents should cherish
hope for their children, as it is this class wMch
tappeafs to-share largely in: the work in Law
rence,,and other places.
■-liNffcu3EMO»og tTn-EATTtEs.—tEhejPoimg. Men's
Christian Association of Elmira, N. Y., recent
ly ordered of our Presbyterian Publication
Committee six hundred and fifty cobles of Dr.
Brainerd’s tract on the “ Influence of Theatres,”
to be'pat in the pews of their churches. This
is one mode of saving young men from ruin
when they pass from the country to the city.
Hutchinson. Music of file Bible; or Explanatory
N otea npon those passages in the sacred Scriptures
•which relate to Music, including a brief view of
Hebrew Poetry. By Enoch Hutchinson. Bob
tcin, Hould .& Lincoln. For sale by iSmith, Eng
. lish & Co. Bvo. pp. 513.
Much learning is gathered from various
sources and comprehended in the volume be
fore us, without however any marked addition
on the part of this compiler. Detached remarks
of value upon many separate passages of
Scripture are made, bat a general well-reasoned
summary upon the whole subject or subjects
has not been undertaken. Indeed the general
view of music in other ancient nations found in
the introduction is more complete than that
given of the Hebrews, and if the author had
continued the introduction and treated of the
music of the Hebrews in the same manner,
only with more minuteness, he would have
given the public a more acceptable treatise
than this on' the commentary plan which be
has chosen to pursue. Nor can we see the
utility of introducing chapter after chapter of
the poetical portions of Scripture with scarcely
a word of comment. The book cannot be re
garded' as any. addition to, our present stock of
accessible Biblical literature.
Milton’s Paradise Lost, in twelve books. New
York, Prank H. Dodd. Elegant miniature edition.
For sale by J. B. Lippincott & Co.
This delicate, tasteful, and yet substantial
and .readable volume is the welcome harbin
ger of a series of classic authors which must
meet universal favor; There is each a combi
nation of good qualities in the mechanical
execution—no one point being saerified for the
sake of another-—that one can only praise the
'whole as- exceeding in fitness any recent
attempt to put • the masters of English prose
and verse in a compact, durable, and elegant
form.
Kingsley. The Water , Babies, a Fairy Tale for a
*: Land Baby. By the Bcv. Charles Kingsley,
Author of Two Years Ago,” <fcc. With illus
trations by J. Noel Eaton, B. S. A. Boston. T.
0. H. Pi'Burnham. Rhilads., For sale by J. B.
Lippincott & Co. Bvo. l*2mo. pp. 310.
This is a yery handsome holiday edition of
Kingsley's remarkable Fable, which, with much
caprice in the author, is yet full of splendid
descriptive passages, and deals many a covert
blow at the vices and follies and eri-ors which
Mr. Kingsley thinks he discerns in the conduct
and belief of his contemporaries. -
Ohexsbko. Amy Carr, or the Fortune Teller, by
Caroline Oheesbro. New York, M. W. Dodd.
•' Philada., for sale at the 'Presbyterian Book-
Store. 16m0.. pp. 226. - -
A healthful story, admirably written, show
ing by strong contrast,the power of religious
principle in -the humble life of a yonng sewing
girl. ' v ■ -
; ■/,..'Thb American Tract Society, New York,
fcave published;
- The Little Sea Bird; by the Author of
“Mackerel Will.” 18mo. pp. 192. Illustrated.
Amy’s New Home; —with The Blot of Ink;
and The Picture Clock. From the London
Religious Tract Society. 18mo. pp. 112. Il
lustrated:'
The first is a deeply interesting story of a
child rescued from a wreck and after many
years returned to her parents. The second is
composed of three good stories Tor younger
children. >
They are for sale at 929 Chestnut St. It
N. Tbissell, agent. ' - '"'V "
DEC. 24,