THE
AM, BOARD AHD GENERAL ASSEMBLY,
VS. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES IN HEATHEN
COUNTRIES
[The following anonymous letter was received
at this office last week. It was accompanied with
such evidences of authenticity and of the high
respectability of its origin that we cannot 'with
hold it from our readers. We shall not attempt
to answer its questions any further than to say,
that if any Foreign Missionary of the American
Board connected with the New School Church,
has the enterprise—which we trust some of them
may have—to start a Presbyterian organization
among the native converts on his field of labor,
he will in all probability, be heartily sustained
by the mass of the New School body, supposing,
of course, that that is the only question involved in
the case. It is not the only question involved in
Mr. Wilder's case. We are in favor of our As
sembly recognizing and adopting the Kolapoor
Mission, but it should in all fairness be under
stood that' Mr. Wilder's difficulties with the
American Board before he 'became a Presbyte.
rian and before he started a Presbyterian Mis
sion,'eomplicate the case and create opposition
on the part of many who would earnestly favor
the general policy contemplated in this letter.
Perhaps some one of the able Secretaries of the
American Board will answer the inquiry in re
gard to the course likely to 13e pursued' by that
body, if such a church were'' organized by one or
more of its missionaries]
A HEATHEN CITY, Nov. 1807
DEAR Bao. MEaus :—I feel as though I must
tell you how I feel:in regard to one or two sub.-
juts. I shall not tell you what my name is or
where I live, and I forbid your showing this to
any person beside your printer, and unless it is
shown to him, I bid you to destroy it. Perhaps I
shall feel easier, even though no mortal in all the
world beside you and myself shall see or know
what I write. I shall partially free my mind by
writing.
Forseveral years I have longed to have a pri
vate and confidential conversation with you,
more to learn what your views really are, than to
impart to you what mine are in regard to the
subject of having Presbyterian Churches in the
foreign fields cultivated by missions of the Amer
ican Board. For quite a number of years past, the
AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN has contained articles
more - or less frequently which speak of the above
subject. But what is its real position on the sub
ject ? What do you believe is the RIGHT and the
PRIVILEGE and the DUTY of Presbyterian Mis
sionaries of the' American BO d?---,
Now to be frank with you, I am a,
_missionary
of the American Board and have been\ fdr more
than one third of my life, . and gall be
such when lam called to•die: I have holt en
gagedin-Inboriirgswith - o — Otrgtregatienari risith
Presbyterian missionaries, as associates. But the
Native Chttrehes have been Congregational in
their distinctive features, rather than Presbyte
rian. This have regretted and this T. continue
to regret, because I soleiunly and conscientiously
believe that I could manage a Native Church in
this heathen land, better on Presbyterian princi.
ciples than in accordance with Congregational
ones, and I believe it would be better for the.
churches to be so conducted and managed. • But
under the circumstances relative to this subject,
which have existed since I became a missionary,
I have not felt it my duty to come out boldly
and advocate the formation of a Presbyterian .
Church. Perhaps I ought to have done it, but
I state the simple truth, I have not done it, for
the sake of peace. Congregational missionaries
want a Congregational Native Church, and they
advocate it, and they have such. Yresbyterian
, missionaries, for the sake of unity and peace, (I
speak of myself principally, and one or two . Pres
byterian associates generally) have not advocated
the formation of a Presbyterian Church, and no
such church has been formed.
I do not write this because I have any person
al griefs to complain of, either growing out of
the courAct of my associates, or of any officer of
the American Board, relating to this subject. Ii
seems to'be taken for granted that churches con
netted with missions of the American Board are,
to be Congregational, and bet Presbyterian. And,
the N. S. General Assembly seems to be content!
that all the churches should be Congregational.
Several scores of Presbyterian missionaries on au
average have been laboring for years (how many
I have not the data to state with precision) in
connection with the American Board, and the
Presbyterian Churches have contributed annually,
aboutone hundred thousand dollars to the Treasury
of thc, American Board, and yet there is not, as
I am aware of, a single Presbyterian Church, in .
all the missions of the Board. All the churches'
that I am acquainted with or know particularly
about, are Congregational in form. Is this state
of things to continue ? Would the General As
sembly be pleased to learn of the formation of a
Presbyterian Church on heathen soil in connec
tion with the labors of some or its missionaries?
Would not the American Board be displeased to
fled there was such a church ? lam fearful the
latter would be displeased, and I have seen noth
itt, in the reported acts of the former to lead me
to believe that the General Assembly would be
pleased. Do you think the General Assembly
cares for the development of Preiibyte t rianism in
heathen lauds?
Here let me whisper in your ear, that I was
sorry to learn that the late. General Assembly
did not regard favorably the effort to have Rev.
Mr. Wilder and his missionary worktaken under
its protection and support I indicate my feel
ings. I was pained and grieved. It seemed to
be like turning the cold shoulder towards him and
his work. From the reports contained in the
papers, I saw nothing stated which made it plain
to me at least that he ought not to have been re
ceived under the patronage of the General As
sembly. Ido not see why the General ASsembly
should not have a Board or Committee to super
intend its foreign work, done through such Pres.
byterians as wish to be directly connected with
it—just as it has its Home Missionary committee,
And that too without deranging its con-
AMERICAN PRESBYTE
nection with the American Board suddenly and
dangerously. The N. S. Presbyterian Church
seems to be extending in all directions and re
spects except in regard to Foreign Missions. By
rejecting the proposals in regard to Mr. Wilder,
a golden opportunity was lost to begin to grow
in the desired direction, as I view the matter.
And I do not write this because I am a personal
friend of his. I never saw him, nor the book
he wrote relating to his work in India, although
I wish I had it. Was the General Assembly
afraid the American Board would be displeased
if the former took Mr. Wilder under its patron
age ? What right has the American Board to
be offended at any such course ? I do not see
that it would have any reason to be offended by it.
For if the General Assembly bad taken him
under its care, that would not of itself imply any
reflection or disapprobation of the American
Board's *Aim in regard to Mr. Wilder. As I
understand the case, Mr. W. has been dismissed
from or by the Board, and it ought not to inter
fere between him and any body of Christians
which may be found willing to aid and support
him—so at least I think there are many who
view the matter.
To allude to the subject of Native Churches,
conducted on Presbyterian principles, if I knew
you would care to have me state it at length, why
I prefer such to Congregational churches in hea
then countries, I would do it. I will, however, sim
ply state that the principal practical reason is that
I cannot entirely trust the matter of admission
to church membership and the matter of disci
pline to the native Christians as a body.' They
will often admit to membership unworthy appli
aunts, and fail to discipline whom they should;
from motives of partiality or of prejudice. Ido
not believe there would be the same danger with
a body of Elders to assist me, to err so widely as
when' these subjects are submitted to all the
Church. I would like to try working the Native
Church with or by means of Elders, but, I am
afraid I never shall have the privilege.
In closing, I again assure you that I have no
omplaints to make against my associates, or the
officers of - the Board in regard to this subject. I
only lament the circumstances in which I am
placed, which are not what as a Presbyterian, I
think they should be, and I lament the masterly
inactivity of the General Assembly in relftion to
Foreign Missions. Yours truly,
PRESBYTERIAN - MISSIONARY OE AMERICAN
BOARD.
LETTER FROM THE LAKES.
Marquette GUz.ling and GodllUess: The . Week
of Prayer:The Spirit of God, and the al
coholic spirit : " Whosoever ?-and "M-hatso-
Marquette, Mich., on the Southern shore of
Lake Superior, is a village of no great preten
sions, but of three thousand inhabitants and a
vast amount of thrift. We have five churches
and seven times as many grog-shops; perhaps
rather more than the usual proportion of these
dlyirkrecruiting4ffic4,o_,Vae....bwm of Sra.
wherever the star of empire takes its way. What
a sad commentary on American taste and culture!
Guzzling and Godliness. Learning and Lager.
Freedom to worship and freedom to drink. When
will our boasted civilization rid itself of this un
holy alliance ? Why should every community
be cursed with these gateways to perdition, flaunt
ing their shameless tinsel on the streets ? We
may take the sternest measures to abate a nuis
ance, arrest a plague, stay a conflagration. Why
not to shut up a rum-hole ?
THE WEEK OF PRAYER
In common with the rest of the Christian
world, the people of God here observed the Week
of Prayer. Avoiding the too general and indefi
nite programme of the Evangelical Alliance, we
prepared and had printed and' circulated through,
the congregation a schedule of subjects having
more specific reference to our immediate circum
stances and necessities; not unmindful, however,
to place in the fore-front of our petitions, as our
Lord taught us, "Thy- kingdom come." : Do
not our churches miss much of the largeness of
blessing that ought to attend this world's union
prayer meeting; by failing in their preparation
for it? Christian hearts should anticipate it—
should be:toned up to it by closet hours of,prayer
and meditation—should take in something of the
brave resolve of wrestling Jacob,. and grow bold
in their pleading before the advent of the,year's
first Sabbath; and not wait for the services of
the week itself to help them' to the spirit of:ini
portunity.. We would oftener be victors, then,
at the very outset of our united supplications, and
send a tide of believing prayer down through the
week, that would not fail of p t ringing wealth of
blessing to the Church and great honor to God.
Such a preparation was sought here. And the
week came freighted with blessing. God bowed .
the heavens and came down. We continued the
meetings another week, and they are still-in pro
gress. How long they may go - on, will : depend
upon the faith of God's people and the number
of souls to be saved." Now, religion is the, topic
of conversation everywhere. On the streets,
across the counters, at, the work-shops, in the
drinking saloons, words are exchanged about the
way to be saved. Even as at Ephesus, "thet a
name of tie Lord Jesus is magnified," a 13..-1
" mightily grs the word of God and preva .
Public hops go begging. for patronage. , The
Presbyterian church is crowded every, fi ght. The
Baptist and the Methodist church ~ are equal
if .
sharers in the great blessing. - Yok 4, men—and
the village swarms with them.- 7 4eltanding up for'
Jesus. Strona men are boweddown and led of
God like little children. Fd men, who have
fought against God and ouneout their shame,.
are sitting at the feet o : Jesus clothed and -in
their right mind. rofessional and business_
men have sought a found the kingdom of
heaven. - There i - solemn awe in our. public
assemblies. Ii . the hUshed stillness, it seems as ,
if blinded sin - ers daught - the Sound.of the foot
fall of JesuCof.Nazareth passing by, they have
cried out Ihim, and he haS " stood still " and
bidden them come to him; `and they have.receiv
ed theiregicr b ht.
:\ .
-
THE VIRITOF GOD AND THE SPIRIT OF ALCO-
Last night, at the Presbyterian church, we
had a scene of most tender and tearful interest..
God had been moving upon the heart of a man
engaged in the liquor business. The conflict was
Severe. Victory for God would cost the man
something. There were golden gains at issue.
Among the hardest battles ever fought, are those
of a man's conscience against his pocket. But it
was a question between dollars and a human soul;
and the Holy Spirit proved mightier than the
spirit of alcohol. The man arose and said he
was done with this king of evil, and to-day the
store was emptied of the vile stuff, to find a home
there, we may hope, no more forever.
Last night, also, a husfiand and wife stood up
side by side, and gave their wedded hearts to Je
sus, and God owned and crowned the, gift with
the seal of his forgivinc , love. And many others
seemed to make surrender. We knew then, if
never before, what it was to stand still and see
the salvation of God. •
NOON-DAY PRAYER MEETING
Yesterday handbills were in, every house and
store, and shop and saloon, announcing a Union
Noon-day Prayer Meeting in the Hall of the
Good Templars. About one- hundred were
present. To day the number-is almost 4oublsztd..
We expect great things 4om , thiS agency:
deed, Christians here are begihning to realize
something of the reach and largeness of that
word " whatsoever.
WHOSOEVER AND *DATAOEVER
We point sinners to the gate of life, and we
bid them, read, " whosoever,'? " wlio - soeirer ' " and
we wonder that they do not believe. We forget
that on the inside of the,&ate is . " Whatsoever."
And that the one word is as brOad and full and
free as the other; " Whatsoever ye shall ask in
my name, that teill I do, that the Father may be
glorified in the Sion." 0: let Christians every
where believe in the . ".whatsoever," while they
urge the doubting, struggling, impenitent hearts
to believe in the " whosoever." Then shall our
altars be thrones of power; and every place of
united prayer be a .birth-plaee of souls. H. J.
POSITIVIST WORSHIP.
Our English correspondent sends' us the fsl
- account of a new .14rm of worship institu- ,
ted by the followers of Cipte. Thus even the
baldest, blankest Atheismls constrained to testi
fy to the religious necessities of man's nature:'
A very interes4g account of a meeting of
Positivists in Paris on Nevt Year's Day, appeared
in the " Pall`Mall Gazette?' Jilt night, , from its
. ,
~
Paris .correspondent. Positivist principles are
making great headway, especially 'anionggk the
young men ; in England: They are moulding
legislation, and affecting our social . habits. White
tay-tend to make men more huiname, theiKiiiflu
ence is so far good—where their effect is to render
men, less religious, they arii only seeds. of,evil and
sorrow : • Many .of your rnaders will, dMiltless,
pernse the following accoAtit with interest
1 , 01 1 New Year's Day at t o o'clock: the disciples
of Auguste Comte in Paris, ' et in the gloom' little
apartment; which their m er inhabited and sanc
tified, on ilia adeltrlfiThiP o F.l - 0, - 11tie l KEMsi eur
4 s,
le Prince, near the Luxemburg Gardens, to celebrate
in common the annual ceremony of the worship of
Abstract-Humanity.
"I had never been able to obtain from my Com
tist friends at home any clear and satisfactory re
ply to -my questions Concerning -the ceremonies or
the ritual with which Humanity in the Abstract is
worshipped in the Positivist Church. They appear
to me very like the Voltairian defendera of the
Pope's temporal_power in the French Chambers du
ring the recent debates, who were all careful to in=
form us -that they personally were no believers in
hiS spiritual power. Thus the Cointists I am ac
quainted with are all anxious to explain that, though
the Worship of Humanity in the Abstract Will be
necessary. for the masses when the Christian super
stitions have been finally removed, they themselves
have attained too high a degree of development to
require any reli g ious forms: I therefore readily
availed myself of so, welcome an opportunity of
gratifying my.curio-sity, which had been stimulated
by Mr. Congreve's Sunday lectures in London last
summer, and, on Wednesday last, I -attended Human
Service. The congregation consisted of about forty
to fifty persons, lncluding five ladies, seated in two
small rooms on several rows of chairs. The High
Priest, the learned and eloquent Monsieur Lafitte,
Director du. Positivisme, took, his seat behind a
small round table, below a bust of Auguste Comte,
which stood between the windows. -Like-Mr. Con
greve, in Bouverie-street, Mr. Lafitte opened with
becoming unction, in the name of humanity, of love,
order,_an% progress; be reminded us that we inetfor
the eleventh time since the death of the Master to
celebrate the. WorshiP of Humanity in a spot sacred
to all Comte's diSciples,'and from ivhibli - the light
of Positive truth (or, to Speak more correctly, of
Positivist truth) had radiated upon the world. He
congratulated his friends diirthe progress the good
cause had made ;-he reminded them 'of their mis
sionary: dutiei, he urged them- to persevere, and e -
treated of them hot to be faint-hearted or to e
numerous opponents of the Positive
Periodical meetings for religious urp eStA'e main
in- ,
itair jr
-human
taed,- were absdlutely neces . - —The
emotions were awakened by d iche stimulating effects
of combined action ; li)ril Congreve, he hoped
the time was not dist , 'When the Positivist'cere
monies would be Webrated in suitable edifices, with
all the . necessawiccompaniments of every worship
—music,rtin,g, and sculpture. My hope of wit
nessing tl
.; - se ceremoniea:on Wednesday last was,
there W ei -- doomed to disappointment; but I rteol
lecediat Mr. Congreve, in his first sermon in Lon
k . E had exhorteeus to patience, and. .reminded us'
that Christianity, wlijch began in an upper chamber
in Jerusalem, bad, in the Course'of a very - few cen
turies, covered the World with splendid cathedrals.
" But - the good Positivist, M. Lafitte continued,
did not neglect morning and evening his:private de
votions. Without periodical elevation of the soul
at fixed hours to higher thoughts, the daily cares
of material existence would overwhelm and, extin
guish our spiritual life.
_The Positive doctrine; he
explained, did not reject prayer; it borrowed prayer
from Christianity, but only atter having purified and
transformed that practice.'
" Already St. Augustine had taught -that prayer
did not Consist merely of egotistical begging, but in
grateful effusion and devout meditation. M. Lafitte
dwelt at some length. on the. hagiology of Positiv
ism, on the Positivist calendar, and on the.monthlY
festivities which . will be devoted to marriage, pater
nity, filiation, domesticity, labor, &c. .
-
"The Worship of Humanity was nothing else but
`Fidealisation systematique de la sociability finale.'
How long it will take our Comtist apostles,- even
though they be as able as Mr. Frederic _Harrison,
as eloquent as Professor Beesly, as earnest as Mr.
Congreve, or as learned as Dr. Brydges, to -induce
the working men of England to worship the `syste
matic idealization of final - sociability,' time alone
can show. .
"Although the Indian people had been more de
RI AN-----SEPPL DIE NT,
graded by the poison of English mercantilism than
by their Mahomedan conquerors, M. Lifitte hoped
that India would he ultimately converted by mis
sionary efforts, and enabled to enter at once into
the Positive creed without passing through the pre
liminary phases which the old nations of Europe
had been obliged to go through—Monotheism,
Christianity, Scepticism, &c., &c;
" Of the Germans he entertain 0 a very low opin
ion. Thes did not enjoy the smite advantages as
the French. They had resisted toO long the benefi
cent effects of the Roman conqueSt. While the
French had rid themselves of the Bile altogether
before the end of the last century, the 'Omens were
still laboriously applying their vaunted 4itical me
thod to the study of their Scriptures. Some persons
admired the Germans because they all knekhow to
read. But what was the good of reading 4f:they
only read nonsense?
"England, on the other hand, presented to ue_the
encouraging spectacle of men who did not hold the;
Positive creed, and yet co-operated with the Com--
tist party to promote the cause of justice and truth.
"The English Comtists had fearlessly come for
ward to defend - the trade nnio'ns - against calumny.
While the British aristocracy were cunningly avail
ing themselves of the excesses of some few tradesmen
to .worir upon the fears of the middle classes, these
same trade unions had employed their powerful or
ganization to bring the tyrant Eyre to juStice. Mr.
Bright had taken charge in Parliament of the peti
tion Xfthe'English Cdintists, reeitirnmending.,j usti co
to Ireland alidiairtiega to - tlie Fetiiaria: The preach
er exhorted us to
,toleration: toleration: There were many,
he said, who — belieied' in God, and who were yet
better Xositivists- than others who prided themselves
on that name. There .were.many who found hope
and'oornfOrt in belief in a spiritual world and a fu -t
tore life; let us not be unduly *severe upon them r
.fn.conclusion,..lie. appealed to.us to join in spiritual
communion with all our brethren in the faith, and
especially with Mr. CMigreve in 'London and Dr.
Brydges. at. Bradford ; who were celebrating with us
at the,sa.me hour the Worahip,of the Humanity.
-... 1 need not say that the Direetor of Positivism en
joyed the privilege of all preachers of being secure
from interruption or contradiction': 'After this .ser
nil* Which liated above an hour, the congregation
dispersed,in silence." • . AnaLpuos.
aunty tf tljs etttctitant,
THURSDAY, FR131074.41 7 : 6,1868
APPOINTMENTS OF PITTSBURGH PRESBY
. TERY
- AustintoVvri-::L3d Sab." Jan.; Stevenson i • 3d Feb.,
Alford; 3d March, "Al ford. Beulah-•---2dSab: Jan.,
and each alternate Sab., Alford. Darlington.-3d
Sab. Jan., Alford ; 2d Feb., Dr. Douglas; lstand 4th
March, Stefeinsisn.; 5t4, Alford. - Farrview-2dSab.
January,. ,Stevpnson; Ist February, Alford; 4th
Feb., Stevenson.; 3d. and sth March, Boice. Deer
Creek-3d Sab. Jan:, ; 3d Feb., Stevenson; 3d
March, Stevenson. Madisont-3d Sab. Jan., Mc-
Naughton ; Steienstn; 4th Feb., R. Me
-
Milian.. Mar 'Johnston Bethel All —4th
Sab. Jan., Johnston ,2d Feb., Stevenson ;2d Mar.,
J. McMillan; sth Mar., Stevenson. Bethel, Butler
-2d Sab. Jan.;: R:: ;2cl. Feb;, MeNaughten,
2d Mar. ' Hill. Neshanock-4th Sab. Jan., Steven
; 3d Feb.; MeNaugh ton ; - 2d March, Stevenson ;
4th, Boice. -u,. ROB'T MMILLAN
C_
TEEMS OF THE BANNER--$2.50 by mail. In
this city, $3.00, in-advance.
The proceedings of the Presbyterian Union Conven
tion, which met in November last, have now been be
fore the public, over two months, and in one result
of the meeting, all who are friends of the unity and
peace of the church will rejoice. It has done much to
prepare the way for a re-union of the Old and New
School branches of the Presbyterian Churches. They
are one in doctrine,—holding to the:same Confession
of Faith,—one in order, and. one in worship; whilst
in other, respects, not necessary here to advert to,
much. • nearer than when their division into two
churches took place. What seemed to be needed was
the 'removal of groundless suspicions and fears, that
while an assent was given to the Confession of Faith,
the doctrines - therein taught were not actually be
lieved. The interchange of views and statements
made by leading ministers from either Assembly, seem,
in a great measure, to have accomplished this 'desir
able end, and the way now appears to be Made plain
for a speedy union of the two churches.,,, dTo an out
sider, not connected with either of the churches, the
statement " That in the United Chiii:ch the Westmin
ster Confession of Faith shall be received and adopted,
as containing the system qf r ,doctrine taught in the
Holy Scriptures," ong t x to)liave been considered suf
ficient without at i , It being understood that
this Confession i ceived in its proper 4 historical, that
is the Calvillltic'or Reformed sense. This addition
would r . „ F indicate that all the fears and suspicions
we "'entirely removed from the minds of some of
the Old School fathers. Besides it is objectionable in
thi regard, that some of the honest ruling elders
fiat will be called to subscribe to the Confession,
whilst fully believing it to contain the system of doc
trine taught in the Holy Scriptures, might require a
good deal of instruction before they would have such
a knowledge of what is its proper historical, that is
its Calvinistic sense, as intelligently to subscribe to
this.
So far as the Reformed (Dutch) Church and the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church' are concerned, so
few representatives were present from those two
bodieS, we may take it for granted that they are not
yet in sympathy with this movement, for the union
of all the Presbyterian Churches of the country.
Should a union of the Old and New School Churches
be,soon and happily accomplished, it will doubtless
smooth the way for a more general union of the Pre
sbyterian Churches of the land in which these also
will be embraced.
There were representatives present in the Conven
tion from two tither churches, the United and Re
formed Presbyterian with the latter of which church
the proposal for the Convention originated. In read
ing over carefully the proceedings of the Convention, it
appears to have been taken for granted, that the only
obstacles that would hinder those churches from
going into a union with the Old and New School
Churches would be found in the matters of . Psalmody
and Communion. I shall not look after other Matters
of difference, but confine myself to these two, and ex
amine Wheth4 'anything was done by 'the larger
bodies;to makeitPossible for the United and Reformed
Presbyterian Churches, without yielding up everything
they held as truth in regard to these subjects, to enter
into the union on the Basis adopted by the Conven
tion.
Of the-two, the subject of communion is, in my es
timation,lof the lesser importance and can be disposed
of in the fewest words, and I shall therefore take it
up first., The Old and, New School Churches agree
in throwing open the table of the Lord to all in regu
lar standing in other churches, perhaps I should say,
evangelical, churches, inviting such to partake in the
observance of the Supper of the Lord; whilst the
United and Reformed Presbyterians admit only such
C airman of Corn of Supplies
PRESBYTERIAN UNION.
as are regularly received through the sessions lilt°
their respective bodies to the table of the Lord. The
Committee appointed by the Convention to submit a
Basis of Union recommended on this subject the fol
lowing proposition, "That the sessions of each church
shall have the right to determine who shall join in
communion in the particular church committed to
their care." This was middle ground, possibly better
than either extreme, and to which I cannot see why
the larger bodies objected. Sessions exercise the
greater power of receiving into the full membership
of the church and of excluding from it; why should
not then the lesser power of admitting to occasional
communion be recognized as belonging to them?
This, however, was not done, and the article after
some discussion, mostly on the one side as if those
in favor of close communion could not give an answer
for the faith that was in them, was laid upon the
table. Hence follows: that if a union should
take place on the Basis adopted, the churches which
have held to a restricted communion will be required
to yield everything, and adopt the principle and prac
fo of the larger bodies on this subject.
7t would make my article longer than desirable to
finish it now. I shall therefore reserve the remain
der fot next week.
GOOD. ADVIOE IN AN OLD LETTER.
. A correspoOdent has been stirred up by arti
cles recently appearing in our columns on the
ministry and preaching,—particularly by Dr.
Gillett on Dr. Buell, and by Z—a on Dickens'
readings—to copy a letter written Ir 3 years ago.
It taken from" The Scottish. Christian Herald"
6(1840. Even at that day, it will be seen that
new' fiShions if preaching had arisen and become
the.souroe of apprehension to the godly.
.' 1 The following brief but excellent letter was
addressed by tbe late Rev. Andrew Gloag, minis
ter of West Calder, to his son, afterwards Dr.
Wm. Gloag, one of the ministers of Edinburgh."
''`Willie,—As you do not know, if spared, how
soon you may be called to enter upon trials, in
order to the. ministry, I - earnestly entreat you,
in the course of your studies, to get yourself
well-acquainted with the Gospel scheme, that you
may be able, if called to it, to preach Christ and
hinu crucified., The modern way of entertaining
people, that obtains with some young preachers at
this day, is neither the right way to win souls,
nor yet to give a man true content in his own
mind when reflecting on his conduct as a minis
ter. Wherefore, I . would have you read those
books which show the way of salvation through
faith in a crucified Saviour, which teach the na
ture and necessity of regeneration : as also, the
nature and necessity of faith and holiness, in,
orderto please God here and be happy with him
eternally hereafter. Study to get yourself well
acquainted with precious Christ, be very earnest
to get a personal interest in him, that so you
may be disposed, froth your own personal experi
ence, to commend him powerfully to others. Be
much In prayer and devout meditations. Set
apart particular times for pleading with God for
his'Spirit and :grace to qualify you for laboring
in his vineyard. Make it a part of your work to
try compositions on such subjects as may be most
useful to you, - that havincr some stock on hand,
you may not be straitened afterwards, when, per
haps, you can scarce find sufficient time to make
due preparations for your public work. Mind
the Apostle's advice, Col. 3, 17 : Whatsoever
ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the
Lord Jesus." Be careful to preach Christ, and
-not yourself,—study the edification of your hear
ers. He that would approve himself to Christ,
for his faithful servant, must be very earnest
with God for his Spirit and grace, which only
can do his business, and 'qualify for the great
work he may be called to. No peace, comfort,
and joy is equal to that which a faithful servant
of Jesus Christ finds arising in his soul upon due
reflection, and being satisfied in his mind that he
has been enabled to make it his c' °Teat and prin
cipal business to know Christ for his Saviour,
Lord and Blaster, while careful to bring others
into a saving acquaintance.with him.. Your in
ward approbation of, and care to follow these ad
vices.will afford a particular satisfaction to your
affectionate father, &c.
" ' West Calder, July, 1755."'
MOVEMENTS IN NEW YORK.
THE PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
held a meeting in Dr. Adams' Church on Madison
Square Jan. 16. The attendance was very small.
An announcement was made that another meet
ing of the Society, would be held soon on a Sun
day evening. Rev. Dr. Skinner presided and
explained the object of the meeting. Dr. H.
B. Smith made a dense and effective survey
of Presbyterianism respecting its origin, its
spread and present strength and condition
throughout Christendom. The immediate ob
ject sought to be accomplished by the Society, is
the erection of a fire-proof building for the safe
keeping of an already large and very valuable
collection of books and pamphlets, principally
pertaining to the history of Presbyterianism in
this country. Such an object, properly present
ed, can hardly fail to receive ample support, and
the readers of the AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN,
may look for the announcement in due time, that
measures are on foot in New York, looking to
ward the erection of a Presbyterian Building, as
far as may, be, commensurate with the present
greatness and future union of the Presbyterian
church in this country. If such a building be
erected, who cannot see that it must be one of
the grandest edifices of all time ?
The religious destitution of the South is now
very largely occupying the attention of the Ame
rican Tract Society of this city. The colportenr
work of the Society, since the close of the war,
has been prosecuted with most encouraging suc
cess in that part, of our country. Sixty colpor
teurs have been in commission there this year,
who, besides other important work have been
mainly instrumental in agonizing nearly thirteen
hunt:Wed Sabbath-schools, embracing a hundred
thousand scholars, all of whom have been sup
plied with small libraries. Pressing applications
for publicatjons and colporteurs are daily urged
upon the committee of the Society. The benev
olent grants of the Tract Society during the last
six months, have exceeded its benevolent receipts
by more than $20,000. ,Tho demand for grants
.of the Society's publications, from the great
West, are nearly as urgent as 'from the South.
A large increase of means will lie needed to ade,
quately supply these urgent demands.