gmmnnt Jlcesfriißi’mit. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY Id, .1867. t&*On our second page will be found the first of Mr. Hammond’s letters from the Holy Land; a keen word for the thoughtless critics of the min ister’s wife, found in nearly, every parish ; and a letter from China, detailing the facts of a spon taneous religious movement in Shantung vince, alluded to. in .last week’s summary. Book Notices andi. Literary Intelligence die on the 3rd page, where, also, will be found General Meade's letter upon the Gettysburg 'Orphans’ Home stead; Lectures.before the Young Men’s Chris tian Association ' are reported with the Scientific Items on thfifth page?. ;\ * SuMMskKT.^—Revival news comes to us- from Belvedere, 'Chester City," Pa., ’Central church; Wilmington, and other places not so near home. Tabor Church, Philadelphia, received twenty four, on profession, last The small Church, at Garland, Pa., Rev. H. D. How land, pastor, hasTCccived eighty-one members in a single year.' As many as forty students; have beeii hopefully converted at Wabash College. More than one, hundred conversions are reported in Mendham, N. J. The ehurehes of Chemung Presbytery, including Elmira, report seven hun dred and twenty-two accessions during the year. There are very hopeful indications in San Fran cisco, and other places in California. Mantua Second Church received its first pastor, Rev. E. L Burnet, January 31st. The Episcopalian mentions a rumor that some Of the clergy ,of that denomination have signed a eiicular in favor of the running of Sunday cars, in our city. It does not seem fair to those cler gymen, who are in.favoiyof maintaining.the sanc tity of the Sabbath, to spread such a‘rumor with out giving the names of the .parties referred to: The 6. S. Church; South, bids, fair to be left alone, even a,mong Southern Churches, in its un christian prejudices against ■ allowing colored Christians and office-bearers, an equal status with others in the Church. Their colored members are deserting them by the thousand in North and South Carolina. . ; ~ .... The Romati, Catholics; of;New; 5 York are trying to prevent the withdrawal.of the American min ister-from-Rome, by Congress.- We don’t- think they can succeed." < : *• - ' LEOTUEES ON THE EVIDENCES OF CHRIS- TIANITY. Rev. Dr. Barnes, of Philadelphia, delivered his second lecture in the Mercer Street Presby terian Church, on Thursday evening last. His theme was the historical evidence as affected by time. Eighteen hundred years ago men testified to the great facts of Christianity. They believed in their occurrence, and recorded' their belief. Hasithe lapse of time weakened’ the evidence bjr, which they were convinced, or is that evidence such as ought to convince mankind at the present day? ■ The learned speaker remarked that the lapse of-time did not affect evidence in other subjects. In ‘mathematics the problems of Euclid were just as capable of demonstration as when they issued from the mind of their author. In legal ques tions the same evidence that established the. truth of an alleged fact before competent judges in past centuries, deserved and received the belief of the present generation; and in scientific sub jects We as readily receive; the testimony of the astronomer with to regard the movements of the heavenly bodies, or an -eclipse, as though given yesterday.' Why, then, should time weaken the evidence of moral subjects? Christianity is founded upon facts which -were capable of being seen.. The birth, the life, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ' and his miracles were events not occurring in a.'eqfner, but open to in spection, and why not receive them as readily as any other facts in history—as the death of Caesar, the conquest of England by William the Nor man ? Time does not diminish our belief in the records of ancient history, but we are just as confident that Cyrus with his army invaded Bab ylon, and Titus sacked Jerusalem, as that Gene ral Grant met the army of General Lee and over came it. . . ~ Evidence becomesstrong and cpnvineing when witnesses are competent; when they concur in general; when they have no personal interest to Bubserve; when 'stating facts against their own wishes, and when the facts they testify are perpet uated'by’monuments: All,these features charac--; terized the witnesses of the great facte of Chris tianity. As to monuments, the celebration of Christmas, the use of the cross as an emblem of the Christian faith, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, and the observance of the first day of the week as the Christian Sabbath, all are monuments bearing evidence of the great facts of gospel history. As we cannot explain the celebration of the Fourth of July without believing the event it commemorates, so we cannot, explain these sacred monuments without accepting the truth of those events on which Christianity is founded—viz., the birth, death and resurrection of the Redeemer. The speaker took occasion to introduce Strauss and Renan, the'noted German and French wri ters, who have uttered their infidel senliments re specting Christ and the miracles of the New Testament. Ihe absurd and unscriptural Dature of their views was exhibited with great ability, and the Westminster Review received its merited rebuke. Dr. Barnes, we learn, has six more lectures to deliver on this subject. It is a matter of grati fication that these lectures, so instructive and so able in their vindication of revealed truth, should be given to the public at a time when skepticism and infidelity are throwing their poisoned shafts. When listening to the logical discussion of this important theme we could not but wish that all those who had any doubts with regard to the gospel revelation were present, that they might learn that Christig,us_are not following cunningly devised fables, but build their hopes upon well authenticated facts.—Wi Y. Christian Intelligen cer. “Consistency and Hypocrisy,” on our sec ond page, is not copied , from a paper called The Puritan, but was written by our correspondent. “Puritan” THE AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1867. FROM OUR ROCHESTER CORRESPONDENT, THE SABBATH-SCHOOL COMMITTEE. An adjourned meeting of this new Committee of the General Assembly was held in this city, commencing on Tuesday last and closing on Wednesday. Ten, out of the fifteen members, were present. The object of the meeting was to discuss plans and arrange for the future operations of the Com mittee. A very valuable paper, presenting a clear analysis of the Sabbath-school work, was read by Rev. C. E. Knox, of New Jersey.; he having been appointed to that service at a pre vious meeting. We trust that this paper will be printed and.widely read. It ik well? calculated to give one enlarged ideas of the importance of the Sabbath-school enterprise. Sub committees were appointed, to report on different departments of the great work in hand; one on Statistics, one on Finance, one on Sabbath scbool Literature, and another on Institutes and Training Chapels for Teachers. It was a very pleasant and harmonious meeting of the Com mittee. The subject evidently loomed up in its true proportions before every mind, and it was felt that interests of-transcendent importance were placed in their hands. Another meeting is to be held in the same place on Tuesday, April 30, at 2 P. M. We hope that all the members of the Committee will then be present. PRESBYTERY OF GENEVA. The annual meeting was held at Sbortsville. The opening sermon was preached by Rev. A. T. Young; sacramental sermon by Rev. David Magie, who Mpdera|pr, and ReV. J. C. Moses, Clerk. The subject of Benevolence received; speeial attentionj. and' it .was. resolved by the Presbytery not to overlook any one of all the pronctinent causes Rev. J. B. Richardson and Rev. H. E. Wood cock, and elders John Hatmaker, of Penn Yan, and Robert Rorison, of Waterloo, were appointed Commissioners to the General Assembly; with Rev. A. T. YouDg, Rev. B. M. Goldsmith, and elders T. C. Maxwell, of Geneva, and S. M. Whitaker, of Gorham, alternates. Rev. A. D. Eddy, D.D., was granted a letter to unite with the Fourth Presbytery of New York. The next meeting of the Presbytery is to be at Phelps, with a view to the ordination of a new pastor over, our, church, there,: of .whose call to that field we have before spoken. ** •- ’-S* $ 'r. >-• # E The meeiin'g’was well attended; and one of real interest and profit. ,The pastor and his ex-' cellent wife, who have toiled faithfully in this little church for years, evidently regarded the (Corning of Presbytery to their place as no mean event, and provided accordingly. .. Thehospitality of the little village was ‘ample aridgenerdus an d graceful. The occasion will not soon be forgot ten by those who were present. TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE. On the 22d and 23d days of last month a Sun day-school Teachers’ Institute of markedrinterest and manifest usefulness was held at Brockport. It was conducted by E. T. Huntington, Esq., of this city, Secretary of the State S. S. Teachers' Association. Tbe arrangements were admirably made by Charles Keeler, Esq., the County Sec retary, and embraced brief addresses, from cler gymen and others, with black-board' lessons, de votional exercises, and free conversation on all the interests of the Sunday-school. There were in this ease no “ distinguished, strangers" .from, abroad; it was carried on by home talent,; and j'et we have heard from many sources that it was one of the best meetings of its kind ever held in this region. There were about five hundred teachers from the . surrounding country, in atten dance, and all seemed deeply interested in the ex ercises. This having succeeded so well, it is proposed to try again, and a similar Institute is'to be held in the Presbyterian, church at Pittsford, (Ilev. : H. M, Morey, pastor,) to commence on Tuesday, 19th inst., at 10 A. M., and continue through that and the succeeding day. Pastors, teachers, and friends of Sabbath-schools generally are cor dially invited to attend, and bring all their diffi culties and discouragenients with them, and see if the united wisdom, enthusiasm and faith of the meeting can not solve and remove them. STATE TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. The late meeting of this association, in Auburn was evidently one of the best yet held. The at tendance was large from various parts of tbe State, and embraced many leading and influential men. The daily meetings were also thronged by the citizens of. Auburn, and advanced action was taken in reference to enforcing the laws we now have, and trying to get the laws so made that no licenses whatever shall be granted. There was evidence in this meeting, and it ac cumulates from many sources, that the friends of humanity are arousing to new effort in behalf of this glorious reform. And, surely, it is time something more were done to save our young men from the drunkard’s grave. Thousands are drinking as though absolutely bent on destruc tion. A recklessness in this regard was begotten by army life, which seems to have spread all through society. Thousands live as though there had never been any effort :at reform in this mat ter. They know nothing of the principles, mo tives or aims of the fri,ends of Temperance; and thousands more have grown “ weary in well doing.” -It is high time we.awaked out of our sleep, and went to work again to save what we can. Rev. F. A. Spencer, the efficient Secretary of the State Society, is re-appointed for another AN INTERESTING OCCASION. A marriage, which excited more than usual in terest, occurred in Lockport cn Thursday eve ning, the 7th instant, at 6} o’clock. The cere mony took place in the Presbyterian church, which was thoroughly crowded on this occasion by the best people of the place, and more would have been present if there had been room. The ceremony was performed by Rev. W. C. Wisner, D.D., giving away his own beautiful and beloved daughter, Ida, to Leigh R. Howell, of Buffalo. Rev. Drs. Wisner, of Ithaca, and Shaw, of Ro chester, also participated, in the service. ’ After all had. been done that was needful in this place, the invited guests were received at the pleasant home of Doctor and Mrs. Wisner, from 7i to 10 o’clock. There was a great throng; all passed off in: a most delightful and satisfactory manner. The Doctor’s people have taken a great inter est in the marriage of this daughter. Like heT father, we think she was evidently a favorite among them. The bridal presents, some sixty in number, were peculiarly rich, and made a beauti T ful display. INSTALLATION. On the 7tff instant, Rev. William Atwood was installed pastor of the Presbyterian church of Big Flats, by the Presbytery of Chemung. Rev. G. G. Carr, of Horseheads, presided and put the constitutional questions, also gave the charge to the pastor. Rev- Dr. Curtis, of Elmira, preached an admirable sermon, from 2d Sam. xxiv. 24. Rev. W. A. Niles, of Corning, gave the charge to the people; and ltev. F. Harrington, of Campbell town, offered the ordaining prayer. The day was beautiful, the congregation large, and all passed off well. Rev. L. I. Root, recently pastor at Medina, is going to East SaginaW, Michigan, to organize a Presbyterian church. The best wishes of many real friends in Western New York will follow him to his new field of labor. An effort is *n foot to build a new house for the President of Hamilton College. One is much needed, and we doubt not the project will be car ried through to completion. The burning of the Congregational church at Henrietta was a’ great loss to the society. We understand that they had no insurance, and do not feel Well able to meet the necessary expense of building another. ’They are kindly invited to occupy the Methodist church a part of each Sa bbath day, and Will probably do so for the present. A writer in the Evangelist of last week, speak ing of matters in this region, signs himself “ Genesee.” It is not a matter of any sort of im portance, and yet sotoe may find their curiosity gratified if we say it was not this writer, but doubtless a far better man. Rev. Levi Parsons of Mount Morris, has been kindly remembered : by his people in a donation visit of substantial value’ Both pastor.and peo ple will be happier and work better for it. Rochester, Feb. 9,1867. Genesee. The New Church at Williamsport.—A local paper contains a description of the new church at this place, whose dedication we announced in our last issue. The church, (the 2d Pres.,) was first organized in December, 1.840, and the first edifice was com menced soon after. It was a brick building, and, for its day, considered fully np to the times for the Susquehanna Valley. It was dedicated July' 9, 1842. The increase in numbers, and in the means of the congregation, including some of the wealthiest men in the city, made the demand for a new and more modern building imperative. The congregation have been worshipping in the Court House for about two years-—since the work of taking down the old building was commenced. The new building is 104 feet in length, by 60 feet in width, and is one of the finest church edifices in the State. It is built of the greenish sandstone, from the quarries in Armstrong township. The window arches and Bills are of the Newark, (N. J.,) sandstone. The door way, of Pietou. stone. The style is Gothic, and the original design, by Mes srs. Seoan & Hutton, of Philadelphia, has been carried out to the letter by able mechanics. The height of the spire, from, the ground,' is 175 feet. It attracts'universal attention for its beauty, and unrivalled symmetry of proportions, and its elegan'fie of finish. The first floor is di vided into a lecture room, a ladies’ parlor, and an infant school-room. By ascending flights of steps at the right and left of the front entrance, a large vestibule is reached, from which the doors open into the elegantly finished audience room. The whole woodwork is oak, and oak grained. The pulpit is of solid .oak, and built in most excellent taste, by G. Vollmer, of Philadelphia. The Gothic windows, of stained glass, produce a very agreeable effect. The ventilation is by ornamental apertures, at the apex of the high Gothic ceiling, and they are so numerous as to be entirely effectual in keeping the air pure. Immediately be'ow these are the gas jets, 192 in number, which are placed at short intervals the whole length of the ceiling, and pro duce a very agreeable effect by softening and dif fusing the light. The organ was built by Messrs. E. & G. G. Hook, of Boston, Mass., who, it will be remem bered, built the large organ for Henry Ward Beecher’s church, in Brooklyn, last year. The exterior is rich and tasteful. The case is of Bolid black walnut, with the large front pipes beauti fully ornamented in gold and colors. It contains one thousand pipes, two banks of keys, twenty three stops, with two octaves of pedal bass. The tone is brilliant and powerful. The congregation are satisfied that they have a rich equivalent for their $3,000 paid the Messrs. Hook for this beau tiful instrument. The dedication services took place on Sunday, January 22, in presence of a very large audience. The dedication sermon, by Rev. J. J. Porter, of Watertown, N. Y., from I Timothy,‘iii. 15, was eloquent and impressive. He alluded, pleasantly, to their exile in the abode of the law. In this connection he stated that they went out of their old edifice with 118 members, and returned to the new one with 328. The whole cost of the edifice was $62,172,40. At the time of the dedication there remained un paid $35,000. The Trustees went in that day with a determination to see that, when the ser vices of the day were over, no debt should stand against their beautiful temple. After a statement of these facts, those who had borne the burden from the first came forth with open hands to ob literate the debt The first donations were not enough, and the whole congregation joined in the effort, until, before the evening services closed, the whole debt was wiped out, with a small sur plus, for they had raised $35,510! On Monday evening the sale of pews took place. The bidding for a choice was very spirited. The highest bid went a little above $B,OOO. Several others realized nearly as much, and all the 94 pews were taken but fourteen. jitta sf fire CITY CHURCHES. Tabor Church —Last Sabbath was com munion-day at Tabor church, and, as usual, a day of much interest. Thirty oue united with the church, twenty-four on profession and seven by letter. Four were from the Sabbath School (three boys from one class, of which six are now members of the Church,) thence up through every stage of life, to the aged couple who had almost reached fourscore years—the aged, the middle-aged, and the young, .all coming with their testimony, that “ Only Jesus can do guilty sinners good." Though exceedingly gratifyingly, this result is by no means surprising. Indeed, much more surprising would it be, were such unwearied pas toral laljor, watchfulness, and sympathy, as are bestowed on this congregation, not thus rewarded. Those who thus, beside all waters, sow the pre cious seed, are sure to reap a plenteous harvest of immortal souls. It is in the nature of things i Or and it is in accordance with the promises of God. s. a: : Rev. E. L. Burnet, late of Union Seminary, N. Y., was ordained and installed pastor of Mantua 2d Church, Jan. 31st, by the 3d Presbytery. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. March, the. charge to the pastor by Rev. J. G, Butler, D.D., and the charge to the people by Rev. E. B. Bruen, late in charge of the congregation. Rev. Richard Mallery presided and proposed the constitutional questions, Mr. Burnet is the first pastor which the Second Church has had; we trust that a great blessing may attend his labors in this field. Central Church, Wilmington.— The spi ritual condition of this church, wc are glad to learn, is exceedingly encouraging. After a great work 1 last year, resulting in the addition 6f 70 or 80 to the Church, it is proof of rare elasticity that the people are in good working condition, that a good degree of interest obtains in the con gregation, and that precious souls are giving evi dence of a change. Outwardly the state of things is such as to demand increased accommo dations in the church building. Why should not the people regard the time as arrived for coloni zing to some one of the sites already occupied bv the congregation as mission stations ? Chester City, Pa.—During the past few weeks, the Lord has graciously revived his work in this church. Services have been held since the week of prayer. About sixteen have ob tained a hope in Jesus. The church members have been very thoroughly awakened, and ex hibit much enthusiasm. All the services have been conducted by the pastor, without additional help. The characteristics of the converts have been a, profound sense of sin and a prompt sur render to Christ. BelvideßE, N. J.—A correspondent writes:— “We are now in the midst of a most precious outpouring of the Spirit of God, in the Second church of this place. Meetings for prayer have been held ever since the week of prayer, with great interest. More than forty are expressing a wish to become Christians. We trust several have received that change; of heart which is necessary to be true followers of Christ. We feel that God has greatly blessed us in sending us a pastor. His whole soul is engaged in the work before him. The lay element is very much aroused, and show that they feel that there is something for them to do. The larger part of the converts are youth; many from the Sabbath School.” Girard, Pa— The church in this place re cently gave their pastor, at a donation visit, the sum of two hundred and fifteen dollars ($215) This is in addition to eighty dollars ($80,) given last Summer for a vacation journey. Over eighty-one (81) have been added to the Church during the past year, more than doubling its mem bership. ° Minonk, Ili,- 0 „ the 3d of February was dedicated the new house of worship in this place 1 1S t 4 ?on 68 1 664 ’ Seafe ' includin S th e galley about 500. It is in plain Gothic style, Without basement; is handsomely finished and furnished • and has cost, in all, about $3lOO. An indebted' ness of over $3OOO had been incurred, and a sub scription was taken up towards its payment It was only proposed to raise 81500, which was as much as the most sanguine dared to hope for: But the people took hold veiih a ictH, and S2OOO were raised. The pastor, Rev. Ml P. Ormsby, preached the sermon, and Rev. J. C. Hartzelfof the M. E. Church, offered the dedicatory prayer; Rev. B. Everts, of the Congregational Church, also assisted iu the services. Our Improved Form. —A correspondent says —“The type and paper and printing of the American Presbyterian are perfectly beauti ful. I love to look at it, even across the room. Mr has poor eyes, and would never have subscribed for your paper if it had looked like some others.” New York Churches.; —The church in Hen rietta, near Rochester, has been destroyed by fire. Meetings were being held each evening, and it caught fire while one such was in pro gress, Catching in the ceiling, all efforts to extinguish it were ineffectual. The Rev. Charles Wood‘has just resigned the charge of the church (O. 5.,) in Blackwoodtown, N. J., in order to take charge of the Concord Mission chapel, Brooklyn, an off r shoot of Dr. Robinson's church.— —Forty-t/hree have been added to the membership of the First Presbyterian Church of Geneva (Dr. Wood’s,) -from its Sunday-school, the past year.- ——The State . Street Church of Albany raised, in a few days, $20.,000 to pay off a debt of $lB,OOO incurred in church erection. Presbytery op Chemung, New York.—The churches are enjoying an nnnsual external pros perity. With the exception of three or four, all are free from debt; and several of the congrega tions, in addition to g;ood church edifices, own parsonages vary ingin value from $1,500 to $9,000. Eleven churches report revivals; some of them of great extent a power! First Elmira has re ceived to its communion-durihg the year on* hundred and fifty-five; Second Elmira, ninety six; Watkins,eighty-five; Waverley,sixty-three; Horseheads,sixty.; Sugar Hill, forty-three; South port, forty; Tyrone, thirty-seven; Mead's Creek, seventeen; Big-Flats, sixteen; and Burdetc, eight. These were mostly the manifest fruits of the Spirit of God in connection with the ordi nary means of grace. Although meetings wero increased, yet they were characterized by plain preaching, fervent prayer, and faithful conversa tion with individuals. It is believed that more than one thousand persons expressed hops in Christ within the city of Elmira during the re vival.— Got. Evangelist. Sunny Side.—The congregation of Elkhart, Ind., gave their pastor a very generous donation on the evening of December 20th. Money and useful articles received amounted to $230. Rev. J. A. Carnahan, of Dayton, Ind., lately met with an accident by which he is laid aside, for a season, from the work he loves. Ashe could not go to his people, they came to him. On Thurs day evening, the 24th'ult., they filled the parson age, bringing with them abundanceVand ’one of the elders, in the name of the brethren and friends, presented an envelope worth $275. Huntsburgh, Ohio. —An Ordinaton.—A Council was convened by letters missive, January 22,1867, to examine, and, if the way should he found open, to ordain Mr. H. W. Stratton, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Trnmbull (lately a member of the Session of the Presbyterian church of Warren,) to the work of an evangelist. After a thorough and very satisfactory examina tion, the Council proceeded to the ordination ser vices. Rev. H. R. Hoiaington, of Warren, Ohio, preached the sermon -from 2 Cor. x. 4. The or daining prayer was offered by Rev. W. O. Strat ton, father of the candidate! The charge wss given by Rev. W. F. Millikan. The right hand of fellowship was given by Rev. E. D. Taylor, in which all the members of the Council joined. The reasons for this abandonment of his own Presbytery by a licentiate, and reception of ordi nation after the loosest methods of Congregation alism, do not appear in the account from which the above is taken. •Revivals and Accessions— Seventeen have united with the church in Ripley. 0., most of them over twenty-five years of age. The interest seeras almost exclusively among older persons, and there is apparently more feeling out of the church than in it—ft ev . Henry Little, who has been laboring at Crawfordsville, Ind., writes at as many as forty students in Wabash College are opmg in Christ, and that the revival in town is steadily progressing.—There has been a powerfe! revive l in the First and Second church of Mendham, J. More than a hundred per vorLTinT CWchC3 P rofess to have been con verteu to Christ. llinois Churches—lt is not a great while since that citizens of Munson, Henry country, township expressed no little sense of gratification that there was not within its bounds either a phy -4 w WyCr ’ a town P au P e L or a minister of «p ° S tt T^e y have now, however, the county t o°r House,” and a Home Missionary is labor ing among them, working with his hands six day* mil 'I 1 '' 66 ’ and Wa^in S from three to seven es o preach m different districts from one to hree times each Lord's day;_fi adLng here and there a praying family, butno where enough for 16 “ the of « pn i 7 , ra P ldl y increasing in wealth, population, •"^ riS . e ’ and influence, where, with judicious X ! uL ° rt and faUllf nl preaching of one to c °rx ld be sustained and give himself “wholly cred ' a ? ° rt^odox eflnreh could begath d, Jferhaps within a few months, and in the
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