torreopoodence. AMON ON UNION OF PRESBYTERIANS LETTER FROM DR. TUSTIN AND RESOLUTIONS OF THE PRESBYTERY OP POTOMAC. WASHINGTON CITY, April 19th,1864 To THE EDITOR OT THE AMERICAN Par.snvaraisic—Rev. and Dear Brother : I herewith send you a series of resolu tions offered by myself and passed with entire and hearty unanimity by the Presbytery of Potomac, at its recent meeting in this city. These resolutions will be published, I presume, in the Presbyterian, and in some other papers friendly to the cause, in accordance with the expressed wish of the Presbytery. Having no claim, as a Presbytery, upon your columns, I have to ask the perso nal favor, for the sake of the cause, that you will give them a place in the earli est issue of your paper. You will per- . ceive that they are framed in accordance, though previously prepared, with the sentiments contained in a recent letter from the opulent pen of my learned and noble friend Rev. Dr. S. H. Cox, of New York. I read that letter, as, indeed, I do everything which emanates frcan that source, with profound interest, even if. I might happen to dissent, which, I am happy say, is not often , the cap, from the positions which the writer sometimes, not in this case, assumes. I would to God that his elevated arid heavenly, spirit pervaded the hearts of of all the leaders and subordinates of both branches _of our beloved Zion. Then, indeed, might we expect soon to realize the hright'and lovely visions of many of those who, for long and weary years, have been , separated from each other. Having been highly honored by the unanimous vote of my brethren of the . Presbytery of Potomac with the itp i pointment of Commissioner to the next General Assembly, to meet at Newark; N. Y., I expect, Deo volente, to give an account of my stewardship as the eleriOal delegate from the Assembly which met in Peoria, 111., to the Assembly which held its sessions in Philadelphia in May, 1863. Notwithstanding the delightful character of my mission, I am almost ilarmed at, the responsibilitY l of my po sition. But, with God for my help and guide, why may not even I, frail creature that I am, have .confidence and courage and success ? This is riot the first time, and this is my consolation,—that "-God has chosen the weak things of this world," to further his gracious designs toward his redeemed people. / cannot close this hasty note without , recording my deep sense of the goodnoss • of my Hcavenly Father, that whilst at , his bidding my harp hangs partially un strung, upon the willow, He has kindly opened.-another door, so much in harmo ny with my feelings, where, in my fie .. ()lining days, I may do something for the honor of His holy name. Very sincerely and aftsetionately your - .brother, SEPTIMUS TUSTIN. RESOLUTIONS, Presented by, the Rev. Dr. Tustin, to the Presbytery , of Potomac and unani mously adopted by that Body at its recent meeting in Washington City. Whereas, in the order of a gracious Providence, the hearts of God's minis ters and people have been moved to consider the expediency of reconstruc ting the Presbyterian church, which has been severed for many long and weary years: And, Whereas, the initiatory steps for the accomplishment of this groat object have been taken, so far as to appoint delegates from the respective bodies into which the church bas been divided, with the view of interchanging Chris tian Andfriendly salutations with each 'other. And. Whereas, the primary steps thus taken have, .ae we believe, met with the ap proval of a large portion of the minis ,ters and people of these respective Bod ies, and have tended greatly to meliorate whatever of asperity may have remain ed, and to this extent - removed the • reproach which hitherto rested upon us, all of which seems to augur well for the ultimate reunion of these bodies—There fore Resolved, That the Presbytery of Potomac earnestly and affectionately re commend to all concerned within its bounds to 'abstain from whatever in 4eech, or conduct, °lay, serve to embar rass or retard the accomplishment of this most desirable object. Resolved, That in the subsequent sta ges of this movement we earnestly and affectionately recommend, that all un necessary issues be carefully avoided, that " by-gones be by-Bones,"and that in th - e - SEBlime spirit of Christian mag vanimity, we consign to oblivion what ever in the past may servo to awaken the 'demon of reproach and recrimina tion. Resolved, That however desirable in , some respects, the early and even imme 4diate accomplishment of this object may Ibe, we earnestly and affectionately re 'commend, for prudential considerations, that all precipitancy be carefully eschewed and that every step be taken with calm deliberation and devout prayerfulness to Almighty God, for "that wisdom which cometh from above, and which is profitable to direct. • Resolved, That the delegates from this Presbytery to the next General Assem •bly' be, and they are hereby requested to use their beat efforts to secure from that . Body the early appointment of a committee, consisting of one minister and one ruling elder from each Synod connected with our General Assembly, to meet a corresponding delegation from the other General Assembly, to meet in the city of Philadelphia on -- 1864, for prayer and consultation, and with the view of presenting some defi nite plan for the action of the next sub sequent General Assemblies. Re,solved, That the Presbyterian and editors favorable to the object contem plated be respectfully requested to give the foregoing resolutions a place in their respective journals, and thus aid in ad vancing a cause which, in its final tri umph cannot fail to convey joy and gladness to the heart of the wise and the good. FROM OUR WASHINGTON CORRESPON DENT. DEAR BROTHER, :—ln this letter I turn from the strifes of debate to , more con genial themes. RELIGIOUS INTEREST IN WASHINGTON As I have often intimated. in thepast, there is no city in this country, exposed to influences so fatal to morality and virtue as Washington. Multitudes visit the capital from all sections of the land and the world, who have only before them enjoyment, and give their days to the sittings of Con gress, and the excitement of political controversy, and their nights to places of dissipation. The theatres and dancing halls, the number of which no one thinks of count ing are crowded to excess. In the great central Avenue of the city, more is flow ing during most of the night, thousands of the slaves of dissipation, and the chil dren of passion for whom mans hope has no promiso of- a better. future. This festering, leprous mass, most seriously affected the - Mend and the spiritual life of the,pity. Other thousands are drawn here for the purposes of speculating in Govern. ment contracts, and enriching:themselves by some:fortunate turn in affairs. Great numbers are here to influence for their advantage, some acts of legislation ; and as we wolf on the Western Prarie snuffs from a height afaiT off its prey, so these men, in the advance of all others, disern what is coming, and are* on hand with wine, supper, valuable presents for ladies, and flatteries to influence congressional action. Others, and the class not small, are here for the purpose of forgetting them selves. The passions of a wrAted, mis pent life, drive them, like avenging angels, from one scene of dissipation and mockery to another. Other thousands are here without any intention of making this city,beyond a year or two, their home. They do not look upon the portion of life spent in Washington as having any duties. It is a holiday and carnival week, and therefore he is wisest who enjoys and gains most, and gives himself but little trouble about his obligations to God and man. Hence, as a singular and humilia ting fact, great numbers of professed Christians refuse to identify themselves with the churches here; and.. are never known by cross-bearing, by charity, by self-denial, by prayer, to be disciples of our Lord. But it is not all evil and dark. There are many of the best Christians I have ever known here. Several of the churches are distinguished for Christian activity and zeal. I am happy to tell you, that, within the past few months there has been an evident revival in progress in several of our congregations. Early in the Winter, there was a mani fest religious interest in the new church CALVARY BAPTIST Under the care of the Rev. Mr. How lett. For many weeks it was the delight and joy of many to come to all the meet ings for conference and prayer. As the fruit of this gracious visitation, twenty were baptized by the.. pastor; and the church has been greatly, strengthened.. in the B. Street Baptist Church, there were seven-persone received by the rite of immersion on last Sabbath, and the religious interest ha's induced the pa i stor to hold services every night this week. FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (BEV.BR. SMITH'S.) There has been an evident spiritual quickening here. This is discerned in the solemnity that characterizes the large congregation ; and in the increase of interest and numbers in the : prayer meetings and Sabbath schools.F: At the last communion, fourteen persons were added on profession of faith, and there is reason to hope that as large a number will separate themselves from the world at the coming sacrament. In the three years of my acquaintance with this church, I have never known it in so vigorous and healthy a state as now. And at no no time in the past has the bow, in the hand of the pastor, been drawn _with such vigor. Famili arity with awful suffering in the hos pitalS ; daily communion with men who die in his arms, and whom he lays in the bosom of the Alllnierciful' triie,. has given a pro-founder depth to the con.- PHILLMEGPIEUt, lIIMSDAY, APRIL 28, 1864. viction that man needs an infinite -Saviour. Thus the ministry of this venerable pastor was never so rich in unction as now. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. (REV. DR SUNDERLAND'S). There has been, more than two months, remarkable solemnity here. At the last communion eleven were added, as I believe, to the church on profession. The meetings for prayer ,have greatly increased. As many as twenty at a time have attended an "inquiry meet ing ;" and eight, ten and twelve have arisen at conference meetings for prayer. The state of the church is most cheering and hopeful. Many of the= members have come up to the help !A' the, pastor in this hour, in a way th i at has filled him with unspeakable joy. The riches of their liberality likewise abounds. Two years since the debt of the church was $200; it has been reduced until, three ninths since, there remained but $6OOO unpaid. One of the greatest ob stacles in the way of Dr. Sunderland's leaving his people for a season was this debt. He had - promised himself and them, that nothing should• separate him and them until this was done. In order to relieve his mind on this point, and as an evidence of their gratitude to him as their pastor, an effort was Inape on last Sabbath, in the morning ssivice, to take up a subscription for his purpose. The result was highly giktifying. We may consider the debt paid., for the sub scription was most , liberal.- The congregation and olfurch will ex perience the greatest loss in the (as we hope) hut temporary sojourn abroad of Dr. Sunderland. In,t4`;,l#t t few years, it has grown to , be, ,, onq,pf -itha most powerful and influential ,in:•the land. The church, with -nearly unbroken una nimity, has rallied about. 'Pastor, and sustained him, in,tl se troublous times ;' and the violence of the i nform -has but driven deeper its - rook • and• added strength and. beauty td its'' branches : And when "the church had.rest" ; when it had risen above its difficulties; when its morning was never so fragrant or its future so bright, then . came on its people the sorrow of seeing their pastor languish and suffer, and act) pain of sep aration. Dr. Sunderland will lekve, bearing . with him the affections a his people, and the gratitude of thousands outside of his church, who were comforted by his unswerving loyalty. " 'But who shall come after the king ?" Where can the people look for a man who, even for one year, shall fill his place ? THE MOVEMENT or THE , Who does not feel. that there is an oppressive solemnity in this hour?—the great hosts collecting for the sanguinary conflict. All hea#s here, I hope, feel it As I see men marching along our stkeets for the front, I look upon them as I have often done on those marching into bat tle. May the good God. be.merciful. Troops are moving in all directions. Fifteen hundred sick-men have just ar rived from the front, and arrangements are being made for the reception of thousands more. The stones of the Temple of Liberty are cemented with blood. I am glad to say/to you that General Grant has most favorably impressed all Men here. ire has infused into all departments of ithe,niilitary service, a marvellous energy. diet us not only watch for the coming. heyald, bearing tidings, but let alLtpray.-rmost earnestly that they may be gtrdtitlings. In my- next 116pe to write from the bosom of the army. J. J. M. Deßoi[ OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] THE BODY OR THE SOUL. If the question was put directly to every professing., Christian, " Which is the most important, the bOdy or the soul?" I think the Uniform, answer would' be, " the soul." faking ,this as the general belief of the church, let us see how it haS'been carried out with re gard to the army. Soon after the war commenced, two large organizations were'started; both of them having for their object the welfare of the soldier. One of them proposed to' look after his body, only ; the other took his body and soul together. will not stop here to trace the history of these two associa tions—that is doubtless well known at home—but I propose :looking at them in the light of the question stated above, in order to see which is of the greatest importance to the army, and which has the first claim on the church of God for support. This war came suddenly, and unex pectedly upon the nation; and so far as preparation for a gigantic conflict was concerned, we were lacking in almost every respect. ,Not only - was an im mense army to be raised, but the vast machinery necessary to maintain it in a state of proper efficiency was all to be got together and set in motion. That there should tte mistakes and grievou CIII,IIrEEE, Apr,i1:12,,1864 blunders made, and that much ` - suffering would follow was only what might have been expected, and any organization proposing to assist the government in such an emergency was a great blessing. But the war has been going on for three years. During that time the govern ment has been becoming more thor oughly master of its great work every day, and deficiencies which existed at the beginning of the contest are now comparatively unknown. Ido not think the history of war can show an army -better provided for than our army is to-day. Some of your readers, who are fresh in their historical readings, can correct me if I am mistaken. Those who will take the trouble to examine for themselves a little book issued by the government, entitled "Regulations for the. Subsistence Department of the United States Army," will be astonish ed to find how abundant the supplies are, both for the camp and hospital, and how complete the machinery is for their proper distribution. It will be seen that there is is not now - much occasion for any organization to "supplement" the government, supply of hospital and other stores. I am in formed by an officer whose position gives him an opportunity to know all about these things, that while the army is in camp, the-government supply of all that is necessary for the sustenance and com fort of the soldier, both in health and sickness, is more than suffi.cent. It is only during the progress of a great bat tle like Gettysburg, that the Govern ment needs the aid of voluntary assecia tions in caring for its sick and - wounded; and then, not for lack of material, but for want Of maim to transport and die tribute it. These are facts which are not gene= rally known to the people at home. They have been appealed to so much on behalf of thg,' "suffering soldiers," and have read so much of "starving," " neg lect," and "nakedness" in connection with the army, that it is a wonder they have not ceased to respect .the Govern ment who, it would seem, is so utterly careless about, ts soldiers. In my hum ble opinion very much of the cry about government neglect of the soldiers is not only utterly groundless, but posi tively mischievous, tending as it must, to discourage,enlistments, and to under mine the confidence of the people in the humanity and integrity of the Govern ment. A government supported by a people so willing to submit to taxation as the people of the North are, neglect ing or failing to make amplelmovision for the support and, As far as circum stances will permit, the comfort of its army, in health and in, sickness, would. not be entitled to the respect and confi dence of any people. There is need for supplementing the ,Government supply of spiritual provision =for the army. The chaplaincy system has not been managed with such effi ciency as to supply in every respect, the moral and spiritual wants of the sol diers. Had every regiment a chaplain, his efficiency and power for good could be greatly increased by an organization which would put into his hands Bibles, Testaments' andother valuable religious reading. But every regiment is not supplied with a chaplain, nor perhaps, one in every three. There rare whole brigades of infantry in which there is not a chaplain, not to speak of batteries of artillery, and squads of cavalry for whom government does not pretend to provide chaplains. In addition to these there are always companies of soldiers, detached from their regiments on spe cial duty of various kinds, who arc without any religious services. I do not stop here to, inquire, why the Gov °rum ent does not make better provision for the spiritual wants of the army. I merely take things as I find them. It will be seen that there is ample room in the army for an organization, to " supplement" the Government sup ply of spiritual provision. It will also be apparent to every Christian mind that on thiS account the Christian Com mission has been, and is likely' to be a necessity in the army while the war lasts. IT its delegates never preached a sermon; they would yet have an impor tant work to do in supplying the army. with religious reading matter, and if the church is true to her mission, this is a work which she should see to it is not neglected. But how has this most important work been supported in comparison with the work for the body ? The an swer is to be found in the fact that while eight millions of dollars have been contributed for "supplementing" the Government supply of hospital stores, only a little over one million has been given to " supplement" the more important and real necessity of spiritual provision. This, however, is not all. r learn that the treasury of the Chris,- tian Commission is empty to-clay, while I read in the northern papers of money being swept into the treasury of- the Sanitary Commission by the` - million. Tbis would lima to indicate, that the body is more important than the soul, in the estimation of some. Whatever the world may do, the church of God has a responsibility here which she can not avoid. A large number of the men of this army are anxious for the Gospel. In all human probability, a few weeks more will find thousands of their souls in eternity, while their poor bodies, for which these millions are being given, will be mingled with the clods of the valley. What have you done, dear reader, to help give these men the Gos pel of Jesus Christ? J. M. AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, At the March meeting of the Board of Managers, forty-two missionaries were commissioned to labor one year, of which four wore new appointments, of these, five are to labor in New York State, three in Pennsylvania, and the residue in States West and South. Rev. A. Brown was commissioned for the new State of Western Virginia. A pastor in Wheeling writes : There are whole counties in this new and noble State destitute of both a minister and Sabbath school. Come over and help us ! Reports from our misssonaries for the previous month, show 18 new schools started, where heretofore, there were , none, with 760 children and 116 teach ers. They also visited and_ assisted in 228 other schools, embracing 17642 scholars, they made 94 different dona tions of books, visited 947 families and distributed 105 Bibles and Testaments. The Society has also granted libraries to the Indiana State Prison, Cuyler Hospital Philadelphia, Johnson Island for the use of prisoners, Insane Asylum, Utica, N. Y., Park Barracks, N. Y., and schools at Hiltonliead. The intelligence from all parts of the field is very grati fying. The work especially in Missouri and Kentucky, is attended with great success and the people are asking for an increase in laborers, thatthe foundations of the church may be again laid and the children saved. A letter from New Orleans, asks for one thousand books and urges the appointment of a mission ary for that district. U, B. OHRISTIAN 0011111.13810 N. LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF WAR The following noble and unsolicited letter has just been received from the Hon. Edwin M.. Stanton, by Rev. Dr. Dyer, of the New York branch of the U. S. Christian Commission : WAR DEPARTHSNT, WASHINGTON, } April 16th, 1864. DEAR SIR :—Among the benevolent associations organized by patriotic and charitable men during the present war, none has surpassed, and few, if any, have equalled the Christian Commission in zeal, energy, and disinterested devo tion to the humane objects of their in stitution. Their efficient labors in the field, in the hospital, and in the camp have been felt by soldiers and officers, have . and have frequently been brought to the notice of this department. It is not only a pleasure, but I regard it as an official duty to commend the Christian Commission to public confidence and respect, as an institution whose labors cannot fail to contribute greatly to the welfare of our armies. Yours truly, EDwitili. STANTON, Secretary of War REV. DR. DYER, New York-. A MINISTER DEPOSED. EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN PRESBYTE RIAN :—Dear Brother ; At the meeting of Chariton Presbytery, held on the '7th inst. the following action was had, viz Whereas, the Rev. Wm. Fithian still per sists in refusing to appear and answer to the demands of this body, thus expressing his contempt of its authority, therefore Resolved, that he be and is hereby deposed from the Gospel ministry, and excommuni cated from the Church. I send you. the above for publication by order of Presbytery. . . -ABA MARTIN , Stated Clerk. Scorn, lowa, April 15, 1864 P. S. The New York Evangelist and the Cincinnati 'Central Herald are re quested to copy. IMPORTANT MEETING. A meeting of all denominatioAs of Christians, for the purpose of securing an express recognition of God in our Constitution, will be held on Monday evening next, in the. Second Presbyte rian Church, Seventh below Arch Street, at 8 o'clock. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Of Moneys Received at this Office: From Assembly's Church, Washing ton, D. C. For Committee of Home Missions, $4O 00 For American Board, 40 00 From Newark, Mo. (Individuals,) for Christian Commission, 3 00 From Rev. Ambrose J. Wight, for Special Fund Pub. Comm, 2 00 MORE CommissioNzas.—Rev. Epher Whitaker and Elder Joseph Wells, were elected principals, and 'Rev. Edward- Stratton and Elder S. T. Terry, altern ates, by the Presbytery of Long Island. LTHIRD PREOBYTIMY OF 11161. DE- FELL. This body held its Stated meeting in the new and beantifid Church at Darby, on Tuesday and Wednesday April 12th and 13th. Nineteen ministers and twelve elders were in attendance. The Rev. John W. Dulles was elected Mod orator and the Rev. Win. R. Mom), Temporary Clerk. By concurrent request of pastor and people, the relation, subsisting for thir ty years, between the Rev. Joseph Mc- Cool and the Ist church at Pottsville was dissolved. Declining health and ad vancing years were the sole causes of this request. A minute expressive of the high esteem in which this venerable brother is held by Presbytery, and their sympathy with him in this withdrawal from pastoral work, was most cordially adopted. The Installation of Rev. Richard A. Mallory over the Cedar Street Church and that of Rev. J. S. Willis over the Western Church, were reported. The Stated Clerk also reported the dismis sion of Rev. Henry Darling D. D., to the Presbytery of Albany; the dismission of Rev. T• S. Johnston to German Re fomed Church, and the decease of Rev. John A. Blythe. Mr. George W. Forbes, for nine years Treasurer of Presbytery, resigned that office in consequence of feeble and de clining health. The Presbytery record ed its thanks for the services rendered by Mr. Fobes, in accepting his resigna tion. Mr. Wm. E. Ten,brook was elected Treasurer. Examiners of Candidates, and a stan ding Committee on Autinssments were 'appointed for the ensuing year. The chief feature of interest was the series of reports from the Standing Com mittees of Presbytery upon Home and Foreign Missions, Education and Pabli cation. Those of the two first named were ordered to be published in your paper. It may be interesting and use ful to give the amounts contributed the past year to all the Assembly's Perma nent Committees : Horns M. For. Miss. Shwation. Publica'r. 3802 $1420 $378 $2580 412 180 118 700 378 93 216 330 84 91 60 148 24 150 93 125 26 32 100 100 ....- 343 15 as 9 60 O4urehes. Calvary N. Broad St Walnut 5t...... Clinton St Westchester... Green Hill Western Pottsville Mantua Marple.. Cedar St 42 26 14 15 .... 21 - 11 10 9 15 10 as 15 5 Darby First.... Darby Second Reeseville...... East Whiteland 15 15 S 13 10 .... 15 17 15 .... 12 West Nantmeal Olivet. Tabor Logan Square The Presbyterial sermon was preach ed by the Rev. Daniel March, at the re quest of Rev. Mr. Crittenden, the re tiring moderator. - The theme, taken from Exod. xix : 9, " Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud," was treated with peculiar beauty and simplicity, as well as effectiveness. The reports from the churches indicated steady progress in all the elements of church life. This has been evinced - by the increasing num bers of our congregations and Sunday schools, and augmented contributions to the great causes of the church. Two churches, Cedar Street and Western, have received new pastors, while from three, Calvary, Mantua, and Pottsvillo, pastors have been dismissed daring the year. Presbytery, by unanimous and hearty vote, gave a fresh commendation to the United States Christian Commission and its noble, Christ-like work. MEETING OF PRESBYTERY. Philadelphia Fourth Presbytery held its stated meeting in Southwark First Church, the sessions beginning Tuesday evening, 12th inst., and closing at one o'clock, P. M., Thursday. During the sessions 23 ministers and 13 elders were present. The Rev. James Y. Mitchell was elected Moderator, and the Rev. Messrs- Earle and Snyder Temporary Clerks. The leading items of business were the following : 1. Reception of Rev. Brown Emerson, from Worcester North Association, Massachnsetts, and of Mr. William H. Thorne,' Licentiate, from Philadelphia. Third Presbytery. 2. Election of Commissioners to the General AsseMbly : Principals—Ministers : Brainerd and Richards. Elders : Stevenson and Sam'l R. Perkins. Atternates--Ministers : 'Boggs and Mitchell. Elders: Jaggers and Clouds. 3.. Licensure of Albert 'Bryant, candi date, to preach the Gospel. 4. Dismissal of Rev. Albert Erdman to Utica Presbytery. 5. Reports and discussions. respecting Publication, Education, Home and For eign Missions. 6. Selection of Bethlehem Church and the first Tuesday of October next, at 71- o'clock, P. M., as place and time of next stated meeting. 7. Adoption of the Narrative to the General, Assembly, with order, to pub lish. _ 8. Adjourned to meet hi the Presby terian House, on Monday, 9th of May next, at 121. o'clock; P. K. T. S. SEIEPAIRD, Stated Clerk.
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