195 CDTrOpIUIVIUV. PROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. LONDON, June 4, IG4 An absence in Wales has delayed my letter for a week and somewhat thrown me out of the run of new information, but I must attempt to supply yonr readers with some particulars of what is occurring in this country. I found on my return every one waiting with an anxious, fearful interest for news from the seat of war in Virginia. Up to this moment we only know that Grant is still opposite Lee, that Beauregard is facing Butler. Before this reaches you perhaps some terrible crisis may have been reached. We all feel that this is the 'Most important period of the war, that here neither side can stand still, and that the dreadful pro longed battle now going on is of momentous and critical importance. I hear constant 'surprise expressed—and seriously expressed —that the resources of both parties have held out so long—and especially in the North, where the expenditure has been so colossal. 11fy reply to such remarks is, that no one who has not visited and lived in America can appreciate the enormous re sources, and the extraordinary energy of the coun try. Poor little Denmark—l am ashamed to write it—our sister in Freeedom and Protes tanism, is to be yielded to the wolves. This country will some day have to pay a severe debt for its action in the matter. The treaty of 1852 is to be annulled—holstein and probably part of Slesvig handed over to Ger many, and the Duke of Augustenburg, probably installed in another petty Duchy, which Prussia will some day swallow up along with the other little nuisances which disfigure and embroil the surface of Ger many. There is talk in Denmark, if this arrangement should be aceeded to, of form ing a Scandinavian United Kingdom,—a scheme which will throw King Christian out of his position. Then we have exciting news from Algeria, The great fleet which the allied powers have in that quarter is said not to be without a purpose. It appears that the whole Mahom medan population is in a fever. There is some prophecy that the year 1804 shall see them once more dominant, and it is natural if men have a strong expectation of a thing for them to set about striving to attain to it. Indeed, there are rumors of an intended general rise against the Christians. This is really allarming intelligence, especially at such a juncture) Is Cawnpore to be re peated again in a hundred places ; and while the .civilization of Europe is engaged in deadly strifes within itself—must it also come into collision with the barbarism of the East 2 The Pope, whose vacillations of health are like the changes of weather in this un settled clime, is now announced not to be dying. On the contrary, he is taking a lively interest in his own affairs. It is as the AS'aturday Review last week remarked, very singular how vast an importance is attached to the question of his life or death. I believe that there is a very general im pression among simple and superstitous folk that this is the last Pope. So long however as a cardinal survives to seize the chaiy,it will not be found empty. Should the clerical Napo leon succeed him, the result may be signal and disastrous. Cardinal Wiseman's pas toral about Garibaldi and other matters, you will doubtless have seen. It has occa sioned a good deal of remark. He adverts to the apparent conflict between science and revelation, in terms which our church infi dels and Natural Theologians stigmatise as unworthy of a pastoral address, though there is nothing in that portion of it to object to. Of course he is angry that Gari baldi should have been so well received, especially looking back to his own reception years ago. He seizes upon a foolish ex pression of the Liberator's—one of many foolish things he has published—in his let ter to the English nation of September 1862, about the Goddess of Reason. Perhaps I had better give the quotation, that the very words may be before you. " The initiative that to-day belongs to you might not be yours to-morrow. May God avert this I Who more bravely took the initiative than France in 'B9 ? she who in that solemn moment gave to the whole world the Goddess Reason, levelled tyranny to the dust, and consecrated free brother hood between nations. After almost a cen tury she is reduced_to combat the liberty of nations, to protect tyranny, and to direct her only efforts to steady on the ruins of the Temple of Reason, that hideous immor al monstrosity, the Papacy." Cardinal Wiseman has here the materials for a good hit. He makes it. Englishmen love fair-play and can admire a good stroke from an antagonist and we must confess that the Cardinal has considerable strength in his blow. "This representation by an act of sacri legious solemnity of the victory by reason over revelation was thus eulogized in an address to the British nation by the man to whom it is said, English ladies knelt. Not in the common crowd, not mingled with dissenting ministers in the general levees, but standing apart, elaborately separated, were the leaders, we will not say the repre sentatives of the Anglican clergy. Three and three from each highest class of the national hierarchy came forward, not as statesmen, not as soldiers, not as woildlings, —but therefore as priests and bishops—to greet the man who has preached to them doctrines and applauded to them practices far beyond those in wickedness to the pro claimer 'of which the word of God forbids us to say, "God speed you." With one hand grasping the right hand of him who had called on them, indirectly at least, to install the Goddess of Reason on the altars of their ministers—for this was what France did— with the other feebly condemning the doc trines of the Goddess." 1 say the hit is very hard, but Cardinal Wiseman cannot understand how Protestant Englishmen can select from a man his good qualities; and, if the bad do not intrude themselves practically on their view, give him credit for Lie Ueede and his; political action,without approving all his crotchets of private opinion. Garibaldi is respected as a divinely appointed instrument of Italian liberation, and as we do not much look at the instrument—though 1 believe in this case it is not an ignoble one. Would Cardi nal Wiseman open his eyes he would see that the Garibaldi reception was an affirma tion of principles not at all flattering to the Roman communion, and proving how deep and strong are the antipathies in English souls against that enslaving hierarchy. The Cardinal openened a new church—at Lin coln or York, I have for the moment for gotten which—under the shadow of the cathedral, and his address was very much in the same strain with his pastoral. The Ro man Catholics—who claim to be 6,000,000 of our population—are assuming the position which their numbers and social status must give them. But I apprehend no danger from giving them freedom, because that is a blessing that falls on all alike in this coun try, and freedom is poison to the Papacy. They are much more likely to lose than gain by a fair rivalry with other denominations. The Prince and Princess of Wales have been taking two days' festivities at Cam bridge, where he has received a Doctor's Degree. This of itself would not be worth mentioning here, but for a significant incident which attended it. Several others were se lected for the honor of the degree, among others Lord Palmerston, and Dean Stanley. The under-graduates have it pretty much, their own way in the theatre, and when the public orator led forward Dean Stanley to receive his degree, the youths unrestrained by the presence of loyalty burst out into cheers and hisses, the latter predominating. The antipathy was so strongly evinced that the Prince and Princess, who are the Dean's friends, exhibited some annoyance, and for Dr. Stanley himself the position was most trying. Three cheers for Dr. Wordsworth, who protested against Stanley's appoint ment were then given, a very good proof that the sympathies of the young men are in the right direction. The bill for the abolition of Tests for de_ grees at Oxford passed its second reading on Thursday; notwithstanding the Tory oppo sition in a full house. The object is to open Oxford, as Cambridge has been opened to Dissenters and non-anglicans generally. The test to be substituted for subscription to the articles, &c, is a declaration that the person is bona gide a member of the Church of England. Ido not see that this will ad mit any dissenter. N o Scotchman would sign it. Some men would have signed the thirty-nine articles, who will not make this declaration. It will let in any one easily who has no conscience. I should much pre fer the abolition of all restrictions, as in America. Dr. Candlish in the Free Church' ssembly gave the Strathbogie people who attempted to introduce upon their minutes a statement condenraatory of the Duchess Gordon, a ter rible dressing which they well deserved. He accused them of attacking the memory of the dead when they were afraid to attack the, living. The debate on union in this Assembly, was a most interesting and im portant one. The fervor and hallowed re sponsibility exhibited by Doctors Buchanan and Candlish prove that the Committee Meetings have had an immense influence upon their minds and hearts. The Reformed Presbyterians have trans mitted a minute of their willingness to join in the deliberations of the Union Committee , An attempt was made by Dr. Julius Wood to introduce a motion which would virtually have broken up the whole matter, but there is a strong directing Providence compelling these bodies together, and the re-appoint ment of the Committee appears to:me an in dubitable evidence that this union is a thing of God's decision. You will notice in Dr. Bu chanan's speech a strong tendency to volun taryism. Is it possible that the Free Church which has been practising the voluntary principle is yet to preach it? I think the prospects of Union brighter than ever. The English Presbyterian body is however as yet excluded. The " British Church" is not a favorite idea in the North. They pre fer national boundaries. It will not make much difference eventually.- The union in Scotland will give an overwhelming denomi nation, which will have no room to be ag gressive there and they will be obliged to push over to us. So we bide our time. FROM OUR ROCHESTER CORRESPON- DENT. PRESBYTERY OF ROCHESTER The Semi-annual meeting of this body was held this week in the rich, farming town of Ogden. A goodly number of the members were present, and the us ual routine of business was promptly despatched, Rev. Mr. Ellinwood, being Moderator and Rev. B. Gardner; of Clarkson, Clerk. The report of the Commissioners, re turned from the meeting of the General Assembly, at Dayton, was, perhaps, the most marked feature of the oeceasion. They represented themselves as greatly delighted and profited -by that great gathering in the Valley of the Miami. They evidently had a good time at Day ton; and the Presbytery were as mani festly well pleased with their cheering report of the harmony, unity and effi ciency of that meeting. This Presbytery is loyal, and means to obey the instructions of the General Assembly. According to the recom mendation of the General Assembly of last year, it has appointed a "Presbyterial agent" to look after the cause of Foreign Missions, another for — Horne Missions, another for Edu cation, another for Publication, in- PHILADELPHIA, THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1864. tending to see that the work of benevo lence is properly attended to within their bounds. The absence of Rev. R. S. Crampton, so long time a prompt, constant and efficient member of the Presbytery of Rochester, was noticeable. He has gone. to his rest since the last meeting. None was more ready or more faithful, in all the business matters of the church. It was oar privilege also to spend a part of a day in attendance upon the meeting of this body at Silver Creek.; thirty miles west of Buffalo. Wafer 1 Clarke, D. D was Moderator, and R. .) r S. Cowles, of Randolph, Clerk. Here also changes have occurred, Rev W. L. Hyde, who was pastor atDunkirk, has resigned his charge, and is still sery ing as a chaplain in the army. Rev. E. P. Willard, is preaching in his place. Rev. Jas. P. Fisher, has also resigned ' c() his charge at Westfield, and is acting . Si superintendent, or chaplain, at Cam Distribution, near Washington. His r-, signation is to take effect after the la, t ' Sabbath of this month, and was act d, upon by the Presbytery, and the pastor l relation diskiled. He also received a let,- ter ,of dismission from this body to join the Presbytery of the Potomac. And Rei, F. W. Flint has also recently left the church in Silver Creek, and settled at Cohoes ; leaving two important churches in the bounds of this Presbytery with out pastors. .In this Presbytery Also, the Commissioners to the General: As sembly at Dayton, gave a glowing ac count of that meeting. It must have been a good one, and must have done much towards advancing the interests of the Church. Rev. E. S. Wright, D.D., of Fredonia, was appointed " Presbyterial Agent" for Foreign Missions, in place of Rev. Mr. Fisher, now no longer a member of the body. And Samuel Taylor. Clarke, son of Rev. Dr. Clarke, of Buffalo, was ex amined and licensed to preach the Gos pel. He is a graduate of Hamilton Col lege, and has spent two years in the Union Theological Seminary at New York. The house of worship in which• the Presbytery met at Silver Creek, has just been remodeled, made, indeed, al most new, at an expense of some three thousand dollars, and was re-dedicated by act of Presbytery, Rev. Dr. Chester, of Buffalo, the retiring moderator preaching the sermon. It was an in teresting occasion, and the rdtiovated sanctuary does credit to the good taste and enterprise of the congregation wor shipping here. They deserve IL good pastor, and we trust they will soon ge, such an one. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION IN AUBURN A meeting of great interest has been held recently in Auburn, in the Presby terian church, eloquently addressed by Rev. Dr. Hawley, Rev. H. Fowler, W. C. Steel, S. W. Boardman and others; and an organization effected in behalf of the work of the Christian Commis sion. Miles Perry, Esq., is Chairman of the 'Executive Committee, and 11. J. Brown, Esq., Treasurer. A subscrip tion of $650 was taken on the spot; and a systematic canvassing of the city proposed by which it is hoped to swell the collection soon to $l5OO. We should be glad if it were in our power ;to report the eloquent and patri otic remarks made on the occasion- It was evidently a meeting of enthusiastic interest, Sand must bear good fruit. Lieut. Van Etten, who has been with the Army of the Potomac through all its battles, was present, and was called out. He bias just returned from the front, with a disabled arm, and moved the audience to tears by his touching appeal for the soldiers. He paid a no ble tribute tothe charitable and timely work of the Christian Commission. Some lives, and some souls, will doubt less be saved by reason of this interest ing and' earnest movement of the friends in Auburn. ADELrnos We have before spoken of a revival in this church. As a part of the result, thirty persons were received to Rev. Mr. Folsom's Church on the Ist Sab bath of June, many of them heads o families; four husbands with their . wiVesf standing together and taking thecove pants of God's house - upon them.. It was a day, of course, of peculiar inte rest. And now their pastor, Rev. Mr. Fols om, has - gone to the army. He has been appointed without any solicitation of his own, chaplain of the 136th Regiment New York Volunteers, with the Army of the Cumberland. Many of the boys of his church and region are in that regiment, and wanted Mr; Folsom' for -their chaplain, and so procured his ap pointment. He has decided to spend at least six months with them and try to do them good. His church consents to his absence for six weeks, but do not like to spare him longer. 119 is ;just the man to do good, whether in the PRESBYTERY OF BUFFALO OUR CHURCH IN GENESEO church or among the soldiers, and we do not wonder that they both want him. TIIE WIDOW'S ONLY SON Tbis Iveek the remains of Lieut. Ray, of Utica, were expected home for burial. He was a young man who went from the congregation and Sabbath school of the First Presbyterian Church. In giving notice of the funeral last Sabbath, Dr. FOwler made some touching remarks in regard to the ravages of the war, and stated, among other things, that this was the third instance, in which a widow had been called to mourn over the loss oTan only son, given a sacrifice to her coun try's need. Lieut. Ray was wounded in the battle at Resaca, Ga., and died in the hospital at Chattanooga. So sleep the brave. THE CHURCH IN CLINTON This church, which has been nomi nally Congregational, but in spirit and preference largely Presbyterian for many years, has recently elected aboard of elders,. and sent a delegate to the Presbytery of Utica. The change, we understand, has been amicably made. PERSONAL Rev. Dr. Clarke, of Buffalo, li as received a purse from his people containing the handsome sum of $1,300, " as a token of Choir good feelings, and high apprecia tkip of his services" or to help pay the incireased expense of living. :Rev. J. Jermain Porter, of St. Louis, hat accepted a call to the Presbyterian chirch in Watertown, of which Rev. Dr. . t. Br yton was recently the pastor. This is e right man in the right place again. W gladly welcome Mr. Porter back to W tern New York, and to that branch of ie - ChUrch to which he naturally be lon s., We have taken an interest in this movement from beginning, and reason to feel much gratified with the result. RJR nEsTER, June 17, 1864. NIHON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. i BY REP. DANIEL MARCH _Every denomination of Christians, f evlry branch of the universal church squid cherish a deep interest in the schools of the prophets. The doctrinal ,views which :they inculcate, and the "practical piety which they exemplify within the limited circle of a few stu dents will be multiplied a million-fold, % anithe prevailing opinions and religious ,f. hnracter of the people. Without their id, it were vain to hope for the growth an intelligent, vigorous and spiritual ohristianity in a land like ours, whore every human interest has its school, and every theory is defended by professional advocates. They are well named semi naries, seed-plots of the divine word, a d they must needs be entrusted to c mpetent, energetic and faithful men, i ever the greater field of the world is t be sown with a liberal hand; if ever apers are to be found to gather in the lready whitening harvests. Whatever ay have been true in other times, the resent age cannot dispense with schools (whose sole!-object is to supply the k,hurches with a disciplined and tho roughly educated ministry. Theoreti cal scepticism has acquired great skill 'in casting its elaborate arguments and subtile . speculations into popular forms, the b, etter to entice and mislead the multitude. Practical unbelief adorns itself with the graces of social culture and public philanthrophy, and so con- tend against the faith and weapons from Christianity itself. The in- ten:: activity in all material interests, leniis such a facination to a worldly life as SO never possessed before. The higher walks of literature and science supply exhaustless resources for the delight and ,employment of the more cultivated, 'without once raising the question oere ligions obligation. And the groat gulf of separation between the refined and intellectual forms of Christian worship, and the multitudes outside of Christian sanctuaries, is still deep and difficult to pass. In such an age, in such a land, the ministers of a kingdom that is not of this world, will need to speak with all the authority which earnestness, culti vation and character can give them, or they will not be heard. They must be thoroughly furnished in doctrine, expe rience and self-discipline, or they will contend for the faith at sore disadvan tage. They must be men of great . hearts, and strong faith and deep know ledge of the vital power of religion, or they will do little to help others believe. They must keep themselves in active sympathy with the present, and yet not forget to learn wisdom from the past; ever bringing forth things new and old from the teaching of divine providence and the exhaustless treasury of the di vine word. They must know equally well, books and men. They must com bine faith in divine help, with diligence in helping themselves. They must la bour and pray to be enriched with all utterance as well as all' knowledge. They will 'not prove themselves men for the time, by spending their. strength upon the leitrned and lifeless discussion of themes which the popular mind pro nounces outworn and exceeding dry. And they will do just as' little to adorn their profession, if they indulge only in ambitious and voluble declamation upon the transient topics of the day. We look to oar theological seminaries for men whose accurate and generous culture in all science, and in all the les sons of the past, enables them to make their preaching of the Gospel, the most living and commanding of all the forces that move the hearts and form the char acters of men to-day. We would not have them leave the people to doubt whether education has made theria bet ter preachers and better men, than they might have been had they never enter ed college or seminary. Nothing is of any account in the preparation of the minister for his work, save that which increases his capacity to bring the sav ing truths of the Gospel home to the hearts and consciences of his hearers just as he finds them. His course of study and the personal influence of his instructors, should all combine to make him a man whose very "look draws audience ;" whose voice breathes into the truth the breath of a divine or a hu man life.; whose whole bearing, as Christ's minister, leads all to listen with reverent and profound attention to the living and gracious words which he speaks. Systems of theology, histories of doctrine, biblical exegesis, hoMiletical disquisitions are of no use to the young preacher, any further than they increase his power to bring the message of the Gospel into vital contact wit all the in terests of human life, and all the hopes and necessities of the human heart. It is of little account that his sermon is learned or logical or eloquent according to some theoretical standard. He may be a scholar, an essayist, or a philoso pher, but he is not a preacher unless he Can make the truths of Christianity a living or stirring power in the hearts 'of his hearers. The people do not want books, or professsors or learned men to tell them who is a good prercher, or whom they should hear gladly. The minister must be his own commenda tion, and y he must prove the excellence of his training by his success and ac. ceptableness in the ministry. GENESEE. With such views of the result to be aimed at by the whole course of train ing in theologial schools, we improved the opportunity to attend a portion of the late examination of the seminary in New York. • The circumstances were unfavorable for the best appearance of the Institution. The time for the an nual examination had been changed, and in consequence nearly half of the students were absent in the service of the •Sanitary Commission, and there was scarcely a show of a Committee from Synods and Presbyteries to attend the examination. As it was, however, we heard each of the classes ; and the subjects reviewed, were Exegesis, the Church, Apostolical History and Pas toral Theology. We heard enough to feel warranted in commending the In stitution, fully and heartily to the con -Hence of the churches. It is unneces sary to say that the well-known corps of instructors have the highest qualifica tions for the sacred work entrusted to their charge. The examination proved that their fidelity had been equal to their ability. Alive themselves to all the public interests of the day, they seem to have left nothing undone to fit their students for the demands of the time, the country and the world. The Library of the Seminary contains the vast patristic stores of an old mediceval monastery ; and the ponderous folios ranged in musty rows twice round the hall, make one almost expect to see the dingy robe and shaven crown of an chorets and scholastics among the al coves. But the life which professors and students draw from these recluse and mystic fountains, is as fervid and practical as the business life of the great commercial metropolis around them. It -would be unjust to expect the Institu tion to receive all applicants for instruc : - tion, and to send_, forth every graduate mighty in the Scriptures, learned in theology, and certain to be successful in the ministry. But every student is . sure to receive all the advantages that can be conferred by access to books, a thorough course of study, earnest prac tical and accomplished instructors and extraordinary facilities for acquaintance with the living world combined with retirement for study and discipline. With so much in its favor, this Institn tion has some justification for taking the name of "Union," and aspiring to hold the foremost rank among all the schools of the prophets in the land. [Term time is carried back to its old status—beginning the second Wednes day of September, closing Monday of the Anniversary week in May.] PROP. W. H. ALLEN, LL. D., late President of Girard College, of this hai been appointed President of the State grieult u ral College. FROM OUR WASHINGTON CORRESPON DENT, [Our Washington correspondent, at the latest dates, was with the army of the Potomac. He NT$ - rites from near Headquarters, June 10th, follows THE PRISONERS I have seen one thousand at the White House, and about the same num ber near Headquarters of the army. They look better than in former tim es. Their clothing is still improvised ; and of nameless colors, but less torn and beggarly. They speak despondingly of the future, and 'say this is the playing out of their last card ;, that every man in the confederacy—boys' of 15 and men of 60—are forced into the ranks; that'to bring out into the army all effective men, the general has been forced to leave on guard men on crutches. Amongst the wounded prisoners is a captain of artillery, who, being severely hurt, the sex of the officer was dis covered to be that of "the more delicate vessel." She was quiet, reserved—but evidently bad feminine delicacy—and felt her' condition and necessary expo sure. She had with her an orderly sergeant, who had followed his captain. The sergeant Was cold and defiant, and in a warm controversy. struck one of our soldiers in the mouth. Subsequent events developed that - the sergeant was of the same sex as the captain, and with a generous devotion, bad followed the captain into the hands of enemies. The spirit of our army was never better. All speak in most mournful language of their brave and noble com panions who fell in battle in the recent engagements. But all speak in terms of the warmest praise of General (rant, and say the army " was never so well handled before," and when pressed at any point, they always expect help at the critical moment. Many say the army cannot now be defeated, and though now under arms forty-five days, they spring again into rank with all the spirit of the first it inarch. Some of the regiments have lost severely, but the army is 113 large, if not larger, than when it crossed the Rapidan. I can find no spot to write another word. Everything is in confusion ;we are looking any hour for another change. The army will be on James river before this reaches you, or between Hanover Junction and Richmond. A change is certain. 1 will write to-morrow again and let you know what is going on. Most truly yours, J.. 1. MARKS. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION, Letter from Rev. R. G. Wilder, Missionary at Kalapoor,lndia, to the President of the United States Christian Commission DEAR BRO. STUART :-If our prayers avail with God, you have not been with out our help in the grand and noble Work of your " Christian Commission." I cannot tell you the intense interest with which we have watched, from this dark corner of India, your earnest self sacrificing labors in behalf of our brave and suffering soldiers. But for this dear mission and these poor idolators perish ing in their sins, there is no work on earth in which my heart would so exult as to be a delegate of your Commission. We love our beloved country and the dear 'brave men who are periling life for all that is dear to us in liberty, home and native land ; and we often long to tell them how our hearts beat in warm est sympathy with theirs, and in some way participate in their self-sacrificing devotion to our Government and coun try. Will you kindly draw from Rev. Dr. Campbell, the amount of the little order enclosed and let it go, in the hands of your delegates, to bless some suffering soldier. Would it were a thousand times as much, but small as it is, it may help convince you that our heArts are with you. God bless oar noble presi dent, and speedily bury that wicked , . re bellion in one common grave with the slavery which begat it. Godspeed you in your labors of love, and believe me, Yours sincerely, R. G. WILDER KOLAPOOR, INDIA, APRIL 25, 1864. ILLINOIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CHRIS TIAN COMMISSION. The following letter was _received Friday morning at the office of the Christian Commission. It is brief and to the point : PEORIA, June 13th, 1864.—Rev. Boardman, Secretary C. C. DEAR SIR : Rev. McCabe and I have been canvas sing the central part of our State for the Christian Commission. We have. just returned from a two weeks' tour, with the following results Proceeds of 'Meeting att - GaJesburg 44 4,865 65 do do Peoria 4 400 00 do do Bloomington -1 550 00 do do Jacksonville 5,489 00 do do Springfield 1,000 0l do do Quincy 530 00 The six meetings Well done for the State which pro duced Abraham Lincoln I One gentle men in Jacksonville offers us $lO,OOO if. the people of Morgan. County will - give the same. We will accept the offer and go to work in Morgan. County in a few weeks. We think it can be raised in that county. WILLIAM REYNOLDS. 410404 86
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