THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1868.
JB@“ l y age2d. The first of two or more arti
cles on the Genesis of the F deral Scheme; The
Tribune’s Leaning to Infidelity; Reconstruction
in Church Finances ; Feeble Churches , and Direc
tory. Third page , Lead Pencils ; The Winter of
Famine, <&c. Page sixth, Miscellany for the
family; page seventh. Editor’s Table, Literary
Intelligence, and Extract from Dr. Stryker's
Faretcell Sermon.
I®“ Rev. R. H. Allen’s address is 513 Pine
St., whither he has lately removed from Eighth
fifey- The April number of the American
Presbyterian and Theological Review has
appeared. It opens with an article on Logic by
Dr. James McCosh. The articles whic-li will
most interest the reader are Calvin’s Love of
Christian Union, and Dr. Hitchcock’s article on
Lay Eldership. Among the Critical Notices,
the first and longest is on Hodge’s Late Book on
the Atonement, which is very mild and over
cantious of offence—almost timorous, but after
all quite hostile to the peculiarities of the book
and the system it represents. New York: J.
M. Sherwood. Subscriptions received at the
Presbyterian Book Store. §3 strictly in advance.
O@T Rev. H. Kendall, D. D., Secretary of
Home Missions, sailed on Saturday last from New
York for Europe. From such arduous duties,
so devotedly discharged, such a respite must in
deed be welcome. We trust the Secretary’s life
may be preserved and that he may return even
better qualified for his high duties. During his
absence, the Associate Secretary, Rev. Robert
Adair, will be in attendance several days in each
week at the Presbyterian Rooms in New York
City. 5
OUR CHICAGO CORRESPONDENCE.
Dear American The...opening of .naviga
tion is signalized with us by iope ’of VthoSe fear
ful marine disasters, which send a thrill of sym
pathetic horror through tlfe.' entire ’ community,
and even over the wbole land. The • steamer
Sea Bird plying Between tfiispbrt. and Manitowoc,
and touching at -intermediate points,. : ou the
north shore of the lake,.was ..on .Thursday morn
ing last, burned to the water's edge, when about
thirty miles above, this, city) and), hey entire crew
and company of • passengers) with‘three excep
tions, burned‘or drOwned, to the number, as far
as ascertained, of not far -frpm seventy-five per
sons. - i.i.' ■ . .
The firp brdke out aboutVsik o’clock, hud was
•ccasioned, as {appears, by, the earelessn’ess of a
porter. In throwing overboard, coals’ and ashes
from the cabin stove, a part of the . same were
carried by the wind among sotae- inflammable
freight; and the whole afterpart of the boat was
in a few minutes wrapped in flames. . The boat
was but some four, to six miles from-shore, but
through .somb mismanagement,* Of unavoidable
incident of the rapid progress of the, flames,
none of the small boats were brought-into use,
and no means of ussistance 'were at the command
of the hundreds who viewed the scendwiih help
less horror at Waukegan and other points of the
shore. The burning, vessel was also’discerned
from this city, and "tugs and other vessels put
forth to her assistance. But tlic scene of the
disaster was too remote, and the \progress of the
conflagration too rapid, to admit of th'eir reach
ing it in time to be ; of any ; feefvice.' Dhring the
entire forenoon there was intense * excitement
here, in the- absence of all particulars of the
disaster, or knowledge as to whether)'any and
bow m.any jiajl been saved. Blit dboutYciur p. m.,
a schooner-arrived, bringing two. men, whom it
had picked up from portions t of the.wreck when
nearly exhausted from cold and fatigue,and who
supposed themselves the only survives of the
catastrophe. The account they gave of* the fear
ful scene was such as to appal the stoutest heart.
In the middle of the night, however, the keeper
of the hotel at Evanston was aroused by an ap
plication for admittance by a third survivor, who
after floating about for twelve or fifteen hours on
a part of the wheel-house, was at last cast upon
the shore, and had been some five hours iu drag
ging himself to the village. His narrative co
incided with that of the others received, and to
gether they doubtless tell all we shall ever know of
the brief history of this frightful calamity. Not
since the burning of the Lady Elgin in 1860,
near the same spot, with a pleasure party of four
hundred on board, nearly all of whom weve lost,
has our city been so deeply agitated. Very few,
however, of the sufferers were from here.
A Second Horror.
The Church of St. Mary, (Roman Catholic),
at the corner of Madison street and Wabasli ave
nue, was last evening the scene of a disaster
-scarcely less terrible, although less destructive of
life and property. It being the eveniugof Good
Friday, the church was densely filled with an
audience of probably not much less than 2000
persons. In the midst of the services the giving
way of some part of the support beneath the
floor was the occasion of the raising of the cry of
“fire” by some in the audience, and the usual
result, followed. The whole vast assemblage
rushed in terror from their places toward the
door. Some precipitated themselves from the
galleries, and others plunged wildly down the
narrow stair-eases, trampling under feet many
whom the rush had borne to the floor. Three
poor wonien were killed in the awful press, and
others were bruised and maimed, some, it is
feared, fatally. Thus we contribute our quota
to ,the long list of horrors of which the year is
already so prolific.
I have little religious or ecclesiastical news to
communicate. The Presbyteries of this and
contiguous Synods will meet pretty generally, next
week and the week after, and the subject of Un
ion will occupy a large share of attention. As
bow .understood, the plan of the Committee will
THE AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN, THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1868.
prove far less satisfactory than that of last year
—its contents having quite generally transpired,
in spite of the caution of the Committee. And,
by the way, a writer in the N. W. Presbyterian
of this week, comes out with a well reasoned pro
test against this attempt to keep a portion (for it
is only a portion) of the ministry and churches
in ignorance of the results reached by the Com
mittee, until after the meetings of the Assem
blies.
The IY. IF! Presbytei-ian also republishes the
letter of Doct. Patterson from your issue of last
week, with comments. Among other things it
says :
“ The doctrinal issue now seems to be narrow
ed down to this single point: Shall the views
so long excepted to as held by Mr. Barnes, Drs.
Duffield, Beman and others, on the federal head
ship of Adam, human ability, imputation, atone
ment, and justification, be allowed in the United
Church '! Shall we bind ourselves to license and
ordain men holding such views ? Our judgment
has been and still is, that any basis, which does
not allow such views, and guarantee such licen
sures and ordinations, will joe found in the end
unacceptable to, and will be rejected by the New
School j and any basis which does allow and
guarantee such views, licensures and ordinations
will be unacceptable to, and will be rejected by
the Old School. There are existing'differences
which the committees cannot evade, ignore or
cover up.” , The North Western, as shown by
the article from its columns republished in your
paper of this week, and by {the above extract, does
not intend that these" differences” shall be evaded,
ignored or covered up* by its connivance, and we
heartily thank it for this determination. It were
well if this course were pursued by all journals
of both sides. Then when the foreordained un
ion comes it will be a real union and not a mere
junction of discordant elements, p* • * r.
Call. —Rev. E. L. Burnett, late of .the’Sec
ond Mantua Presbyterian-church, of West Phila
delphia, has received a unanimous call to our
church at Rock Island, and will accept. . This
is a most important church to us, and this young
and excellent brother has a field before him
which will require and amply repay the most
earnest effort. ' North-west.
Chicago, April 11, 1868.
FROM OUR ROCHESTER CORRESPONDENT.
BUFFALO UNION CONVENTION.
In accordance with a call which was pretty
widely circulated, a Convention was held in the
First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo this week,
commencing on Tuesday afternoon, and continu
ing through all day Wednesday. The attendance
was not large, there being only about one hun
dred delegates in all present ; and yet the meet
ing proved, in the end, to be one of great inter-,
est and importance; one of the very best, we
judge, which has yet been held. Some real pro
gress was made toward a good and full under
standing of the grounds on which re-union is
safe or possible ; and on this account we feel jus
tified in reporting its sayings and doings pretty
fully, and feel sure they will well repay a careful
perusal by all who love our Zion.
But to begin with the organization.; Rev. Dr.
Clarke, in whose church the meetings were held,
called the meeting to order and offered a few words
of welcome. Rev. W. S. McLaren, U. P.“ of
Caledonia was appointed Temporary Chairman)
and Rev. Dr. Stillman Temporary Clerk. On
taking the chair, Mr. McLaren spoke of thejob
jects of the Convention, earnestly and tenderly
advocating the organic union of the various Pres
byterian families.
The following were chosen permanent officers
of the Convention : .
President —Rev. A. T. Chester, D. D„ of Buffalo. '
Vice Presidents —J. C. Lord, D.D., of Buffalo; W,
C. Wisner, D.D., of Lockport; and Hon. A. P. Has
call, of Le Roy. Secretaries —Rev. Dr. Stillman, of
Dunkirk ; and Rev. W. S. Me Laren,, of G'aledonia.
Dr. Chester on taking the chair made a brief
speech. He regretted that the honor of presi
ding over this Convention had not fallen to some
distinguished layman; but Be'wduld riot shrink
from any responsibility imposed.upon him, in the
interest of this great re ‘.union Movement, to
which his heart was warnily committed.
The delegates were next enrolled, embracing
the names of about one hundred ministers and
laymen.
‘Rev. Dr. Waller Clarke and Elder J. H. Plumb,
N. S.; Rev., Dr. A. G. Hall and Judge Shepard, 0. S.;
and Rev., QJark Kendall, U. P.,. were appointed a
Committee Sn Business. 1 ,;i
While this Committee were deliberating, brief
addresses were niade by members of the Conven
tion, all advocating the 1 proposed union.
Just before six tee brought
in the following resolutions, which were the sub
ject of discussion through Tuesdayeyening and
all day Wednesday. Speeches were made by.'Hrs.
Clarke, Heacock, and Lord of Buffalo, HalF'pf
Rochester, Gridley of Waterloo, Wright of Fre
donia, Mears of Philadelphia, and many others,
and with an Amendment to the last, which we
put.in italics, the resolutions were unanimously
and heartily .adopted. It will be seen that that
resolution, with the amendment which only makes
it more specific, seems amply to guard the liberty
for which we have contended. That is all we ask
on that point.
RESOLUTIONS.
1. That the several Presbyterian churches in this
country are in faith, feeling, and polity, to such an
extent one, that they ought 'to be organically one
also.
2. That the time has come in the history of these
bodies, when all divisive controversies concerning
Psalmody, Orthodoxy and Liberty, ought to termin
ate.
3. That in the recent marvelous movements of his
Providence and Spirit in all these churches to this
result, the Head of the Church is giving to His peo
ple no doubtful intimation of His will.
4. That the only basis on which union can or
ought to be accomplished, is our common platform,
the Westminster Confession, Catechism, and ferm of
government.
5. That this ancient and authoritative symbol, the
bond and badge of all who for two centuries have
held the Presbyterian faith, ought to be received and
administered in the re-united body, not as the in
strument of a party nor as expounded by any sect,
school or teacher, but as it has been held in common
by the several branches of the Presbyterian body
until now ; i. e., such differences of interpretation of
that symbol as are now allowed in the separate
branches of the Presbyterian Church' should be free
ly and honorably allowed in the united Church.
Nearly all the speakers were in favor of union.
Some, indeed, expressed solicitude in regard to the
terms. They wanted to know if we are really ready
for union. Those especially on the New School side
wanted to be sure that they were still to have the
liberty to interpret the standards of the Church as
they have interpreted them in the days of separation.
They want to make sure that they shall not be re
garded as heretics in the united church, even though
they are still New School men. The jealousy in re
gard to their liberty was manifest in many of the
speeches on the New School side; this especially in
the very able and eloquent speeches of Rev. Drs.
Wisner, of Lockport, and Heacock, of Buffalo. They
both professed the warmest interest in real union;
but they did not want any semblance without the
reality. There were difficulties. They were for look
ing them fairly in the face.
Dr. Wisner wished the union to be on terms of
perfect equality. He did not propose that the smaller
body should be swallowed up by the greater; or be
merely tolerated in the re-iihion. We differ in our
theologies—not in the material facts of the Christian
system, but in some forms of explanation and illus
tration. Mr. Barnes, the eminent commentator, was
tried and silenced for one year because he did not
give to the doctrines the same explanation that they
received from other lips, We do not expect Mr.
Barnes will be tried again; but there may be some
other men who may hold and teach just as Mr.
Barnes did—if so, what is to be done with them ?
We want some security on that point.
Elder Parker, of Buffalo, thought each body was
strong enough to take'care pf itself. He wanted the
union: postponed for a few years. at least) until it
.should he apparent that a perfect union could be
.brought about. j ■
Mr. Stephen Ives, of Batavia, assumed that there
is now such a union ofi faith, feeling" and polity as to
justify a unity.. The most good could be accomplished
by moving together.. 4 failure of union at. this time
would be a crime.
■ Dr. Heacock wanted unity of faith and feeling
among all* denominations more than he "desired or
ganic union of Presbyterians alone. He was not dp-
Eosed to organic union if we are really one; and Be
eld even more tenaeiously to realunion, even among
those who differ most on the non-essentials of Chris
tianity. He wants, more than all else, a true union
of .all who love our) Lord Jesus Christ,' He was a
little afraid that some-motives, not the' highest and
purest have something to do with this movement to
wards uiiioh. There may be* something of the pride
Of greatness insensibly moving some minds. .United,
the Presbyterian Church of this land-will be a great
power.. He does not want mere organic uniformity
but a union of feeling that shall overlook minor dif
ferences. Human minds must differ in the.intefpre
tation of the great doctrines of the Scriptutes. He
regards it a greater virtue to cherish a true union of
feeling even while We differ widely in non-essentials
of doctrine than if we were more nearly one in.,the
form 6f faith. He could fellowship Dr. Hodge, even
though he regarded him as holding some, monstrosi
• ties of doctrine, as ahhorrent.to his moral sensibilities,
as they seemed, .to him contrary to the proper teach
ings of Scripture. He regards Dr. Hodge as a great
man, an honest man, terribly honest in holding his
monstrosities; but will Dr,-Hodge fellowship Mr.
Barnes, Dr. Berdan, D'r. Duffield, and such men, even
though they do not believe as he does ? That is the
practical question. If such men are to be fellowship
ped in the re-union, and suffered to. enjoy the liber
ties which they now' enjoy, all very well. Bat we
want a good understanding on this subject at the out
set. ‘Now is the time to arrange our difficulties.
Rev. Mr. Richardson, of Geneva, said when a quar
rel rose in the family it looked bad; and outsidei-s
talked about .it. He had said some 'things which he
ought not to have said, and others had .confessed the
same thing to him. He wanted the Presbyterian fam
ily quarrel disposed) of as soon as possible. The
courtship has Been going on'for ten years, and the.
parties telt- that they were made for each other,
and the courtship had continued as long as it is cus
tomary or expedient. i
Dr. Lord regarded it as his duty to yield Mb pre
judices and mingle again with his brethren of twenty
years ago. It was a sin and a shame .to remain apart.
He was glad that the opposition came from the N. S.,
as it vindicated the 0. S. from some past aspersions.
Dr. Lord said that the mission question was the
feather that broke the camel’s back; but there now
is no mission question; the slavery and congrega
tional questions-afe gone, and nothing is left to pre
vent a,union Between the Old and New Schools.
Dr., Heacock to Dr. Lord:—Will you* be willing to
accede to a resolution, that the various theological
views, known to be held and tolerated in the differ
ent branches of the Presbyterian Church, shall be
freely'and honorably tolerated in the United Church ?
■ Dr. Lord—You have known me for the last thirty
years, and let me ask if you have ever known me to
be intolerant? . " ;;
; Dr. Heacock—That will depend upon the answer
to this, question. We cannot take the words of in
dividuals; we want constitutional liberty, and with
that the New School will walk into the union.
Dr. Lord—l am willing to'take the present status
of the churches, of both branches. [Applause.]
Dr. Heacock—Drs. Barnes and Beaman are in good
standing? ; ■ <
Dr. Lord—We will'unite with the understanding
that we accept the present status of the different
branches.
Dr. Gridlev, of Waterloo, said the feelings of the
members of his ehurch were in harmony with the
movement, but they wanted to know the grounds of
the re-union, and did not want, anything to be done'
precipitately. They should be, governed' by the feel
ings of the majority of different bodies, without re
gard to'the leaders. He was for reconciliation, and
an organic union was very desirable; He had no
fears of rigidness on the part of the Old School
brethren—in fact, they were more willing to con
summate the embrace than-the members of the New
School.
/! The Rev, Dr. Hall of Rochester, did net ask the
New-. School to purge themselves of heterodoxy. No
Such attitude had been taken. He was profoundly
impressed'with the conviction that whoever stood in
opposition tif fhefunion will be crushed under the
providence of God. '‘His church had been indepen
dent for some timeuftetvthe division, but when the
New School calle'd upon them to‘send delegates, they
took occasion to slip into the.iother body.
The Rev. Mr. Calkins, N. S., moved to amend by.
adding to the fifth resolution. '■
“ That is, such differences of doctrine as are now
allowed in the several branches ofHie Presbyterian
Church shall be freely and honorably allowed in the
United Church.” --
Rev. C. P. Bush, D.D., seconded the amendment.
This motion acted like an electric shock on the
nerves of the Assembly. Half a dozen gentlemen
were on their feet at once.
The Rev. Mr. McLean moved to amend the.
amendment by making it read “such interpretation
of doctrines.”
Rev. Mr. Proctor moved to lay it on the table.
Dr. Lord thought there could be ho objection to
the words "interpretation of doctrines.” It was
assumed that no difference existed as to the doc
trines.
Dr. Hall moved to make it such differences of
interpretation as are now allowed, &c.”
Rev. C. F. Mussey, of Batavia, proposed the
following: “That such differences of the interpreta
tion of that symbol, &c.” (This form of amendment
finally prevailed.)
Dr. Wright, of Fredouia, wanted unity in doctrine.
He favored the amendment of Mr. McLean, which
was then before the Convention.
Dr. Wisner contended that there was no differ
ence in doctrines, hut there might be difference ill
the interpretation of the symbol between the Old
and New Schools. He should blush to have it go
forth to the world that in the union there were dif
ferent doctrines.
Dr. Heacock contended that the difference of in
terpretation was the very point on which Dr. Barnes
was tried. His prosecutors said his interpretation
was the denial of the doctrine. If the New School
admit the amendment they would place the whole
thing where it was in '36, when Mr. Barnes said he
did not deny the imputation of Adam's sin; but they
said the interpretation denied the doctrine. “it is
an attempt to re enact the Philadelphia platform.
[Dr. Hall—No, no.] If you can tolerate a differ
ence of doctrine you can have a basis of union.”
Mr. McLean was surprised at the manifestations
of distrust entertained. We are willing to acknowl
edge the orthodoxy of our brethren, and yet we are
willing that they should interpret doctrines in their
own way. We hold the same Confession of Faith.
Dr. Hall found some Old School men who did ndt
agree so.well, with him in doctrine as some New
School men. Many of the Old School men are shaky
on doctrinal points. •! •
Dr. Lord stated that in the year 1 1836 he had vo
ted against the prosecution of Mr. Barnes, though
not agreeing with him in some of his views. . The
separation which took place in T 37 was attributable
more to the mission question than to riny difficulty
growin® out of the Barnes case. In connection with
others Dr. Lord voted with Mr. Barnes, because
they held that there was a difference of interpreta
tion.
, Dr. Mears, of Philadelphia, thought the discus
sion was on a matter of mere words. There was a
difference between the schools which might be call
ed a doctrinal difference. He did not come there to
plead for toleration of New School l views, but for
toleration on both sides. Thereisa wide difference
among the leading men of the Old School. . Messrs.
Sheddand Baird ,-hold to realism 5 that we literally
sinned in Adam—with him—and the readers of the
Princeton .Review kno.w that Dr, Hodge considers
that a terrible heresy. The speaker would feel safe
in entering into a union with the Old School, if the
views expressed here by Old School men were the
pre'vailihg'Ones in that body, but he wanted an ex
plicit understanding. Andes the words. ” differ-,
ences of doctrine,” were most explicit, it wouldcreate
greater confidence on our side if they were adopted.
It a co-partnership was to be formed, and one party
desired' to have the terms explicit, it would not do
for the other party to hesitate about doing so, as
by so doing, he would excite suspicion. If he re
fuse to be explicit, confidence is gone.
Dr. Clarke was in favor of the last amendment. He
wanted no difference in doctrines, but would allow
any interpretation consistent with the holding of
the doctrines.
Dr. neacock suggested that the words “theoloo--
ical views” niight be substituted for “ differences of
doctrine,” and Mr. Calkins was willing to accept the
amendment, but the “ theological views ” did not.
seem toineet with the approbation of the Conven
tion. •
Mr. Calkins was sorry that his .amendment had
not been offered by the Old School brethren, and he
blamed them for the existence of any apparent lack
of confidence.
The vote was then taken on the adoption of the
amendment, which was carried unanimously, as
was also, the amendment,to the fifth resolution. The
•question then recurred on the adoption of the arti
cles qf union, as amended, when Dr. Clarke said his
views' werq fully expressed in the resolutions. When
the matter of union came up two, years he was
not very strongly in favor of it, but since
been thoroughly convinced that the Spirit of God
had been moving the hearts of all Presbyterians to
accomplisn the uuion. They might delay its ac
complishment, but they could not prevent it. He
spoke of the hindrances in the way of union, and
said they were easily set- aside. He believed the
time had come when the Churches should unite.
Rev. Dr. Heacock said he would have the satis- 1
faction of knowing that with such a very general
opposition to his views of the subject, he must be
prejudiced, He felt, however, it was proper, in view
of the. history of the past, that they should give
pledges for the future. Twice before in the'-history
of the Church, had articles of union been presented
for the consideration of Conventions. Those on
which it was now proposed to base Reunion; were
the most stringent of all. If the object of the union
was a sincere one, he would only be too happy that
it had passed over his vote. His only idea in any
opposition to the measure, was to see whether or
not .it was in aid of our Saviour’s, work.
Five o'clock having arrived, the question was
taken on the resolutions as amended, when they
were adopted unanimously.
A vote of thanks was 'passed to the citizens of
Buffalo for their generous hospitality ; prayer was
offered by Drl Chester; and after singing, “ Blest be
the tie that binds,'' the Convention dissolved.
ITEMS,
Rev. Mr. Allen, recently called to Canandai
gua, was ordained abd installed pastor of the
Congregational church of that place, on Thurs
day, the 2d instant. The sermon was preached
by his former pastor, Rev. Dr. Manning, of the
Old South church, Boston ; ordaining prayer by
Rev. J. Butler, of Fairport; charge to the pastor
by the Rev. Joseph TwichelL of Hartford; and
address to the people by Rev. Dr. Wood of Gen
eva.
Dr. Curtis, of Elmira, declines the call to St.
Louis. We are glad of it. He is just the man
for Elmira, and could not well be spared.
At a meeting of the Presbytery of Buffalo,
this week, Erastus W. Twiehell, of Springville,
and 0. C. Johnson, of Buffalo, members of the
middle class in Auburn Seminary were licensed
to preach the gospel.
Rev. H. P. V. Bogue, of the same Presbytery,
received a letter to unite with the Presbytery of
St. Lawrence, within whose bounds he is preach
ing at Potsdam. •
The Hon. John Magee, of Watkins, who gave
the money to erect the new Presbyterian church
in that place, died last Sunday, aged seventy-four.
He was worth many millions of money, some say
forty or fifty, the accumulation of his own energy
and enterprise. In early life he was a stage dri
ver ; later a member of Congress; and more re
cently one of the Convention to frame a new Con
stitution for our State. He was full of energy to
the last; but stricken down by paralysis in the
23th ult, he soon passed away. His funeral
was largely attended on Wednesday last; con
ducted by Rev. F. S. Howe, his pastor.
On Sunday evening last, Rev. Dr. Gridley, of
Waterloo, preached his thirty-second anniversary
sermon, as pastor in that place.
Four additional elders'have been ordained: in
the Presbyterian church, at Dansville, Rev Sam
ueljessup, the pastor, officiating in the service
Rev: Ira O- De Long, who has preached for
two years, to our church at Honeoye Falls, is so
much out of health that he has been obliged to
relinquish his charge, and we fear he wifi not
preach any more. Genesee.
Rochester, April 11, 1808. j
Attention is called to the notice of lec
ture by Dr. \Villifcs next Tu:\sday evening. -
juf fw ©jntrrljtjs.
City Churches. —Fifty-three persons have
united with “ Old Pine Street” church, during
the meetings held in connection with the last
communion ; —eleven by certificate, and forty
two on examination. Two hundred members
of the congregation pleasantly surprised the Pas
tor Rev. R. H. Allen, by entering his new resi
dence the evening previous to his occupying it,
and stocking the larder with all manner of sub
stantials, and many delicacies, preparatory to
house-keeping. Fifteen persons including sev
eral heads of families were added by profession
to Coates’ St. church, 'Rev. J. Y. Mitchell pas
tor, last Sabbath. The services were largely at
tended and were of the most solemn character.
We rejoice that notwithstanding its unfavorable
location, this church is giving such decided evi
dence of spiritual life. Rev. Dr. Stryker
made an exceedingly happy impression by his
introductory service* in North Broad St. church
last Sabbath. His few words of greeting were
well chosen, his Easter sermon was argumenta
tive yet simple, practical and tender, closing with
a powerful appeal to those who have no part in
the hope of the Christian.—Dr. Humphrey was
not in the city last Sabbath but is ' expected here
daily. On last Sabbath, April 12th, 17 per
sons were received by the Wharton St. church :
15 on profession, making an accession in all of
54 ,pejrsons during the year.
Revivals.' —'The church in Rising Sun, Ind.,
has been much revived and sixteen added to its
membership, fourteen- on profession. Meetings
were held for three weeks; -T wenty-four (inclu
ding eleven; heads of families), were added to the
.Church in Aurora, Ind.; at its last communion,
eight by baptism, and I four by letter. In the
church in Irvin; Ks., which is vacant, a work of
grace is in progress, and twenty inquirers rosß
for prayer at a Sabbath evening meeting. The
church in .Edinburgh Ind. has doubled its
strength since last May. At a recent commu
nion, ten were received on profession, and three
by letter, arid there are a score more converts,
some very young, who are expected to come for
ward.-^-—ln Indianapolis,. April s', the Second
Church had ten on examination, and
as many by letter from the Methodist, Lutheran,
Episcopalian, and O. S. Churches. On the same
day, the newly organized Olivet Church had
fourteen accessions, nine’ on profession, and a
larger number is'expected at the next commu
nion. Mrs. W. S. Hubbard of the Second
Church has presented a beautiful communion ser
vice to the new church. The Presbyterian churches
of that city are to hold a union meeting on every
Wednesday evening* hereafter.—■ —The Church
of West Hoboken, N. J., under the care of the
Third Presbytery of New York has been highly
favored the past three months. Extra services
have -been .held - weekly.' since the week of
Prayer. The pastor Rev. James C. Egbert,
has been assisted for several weeks, by the Rev.
Dr. Ev F. Hatfield,- of New York. About
seventy persons, a large proportion of them
heads of families, are numbered among the con
ver s. At the communion service last Sab
bath (12th) not less than sixty,'it was thought,
would make a profession of their faith From
a business note tothis office we learn that the
church in Panama, N. Y. has been visited from
on high in connection with a series of meetings
which began with the Week of Prayer. Fifty
or sixty have l been hopefully converted, some of
whom are husbands of praying wives, while seve
ral others are young married couples. Twenty
have offered themselves to the Church, and more
are expected: ' . ' .
Churches. —A new church was organized,
March 29th, by Rev’s. W. S. Post, and J. IX
Jenkins at Vineland, Mo , on the Iron Mountain
R. 11., forty-five miles South of St. Louis.
Eight men and six women constitute the new
Church, and an elder has been ordained over it.
Mr. Jenkins has organized another (Salem)
qhurch at Dry Creek, Mo., seven miles from
De Soto. Seven men and three women form
this new church, and they have the use, part of
the time, of an edifice erected by Presbyterians,
Methodists, and Baptists.——The new church
edifice at Alameda,-- Cal., was opened and dedica
ted Sunday morniDg, March Bth; services by tha
pastor, Rev. F. L. Nash, assisted by Rev. Messrs.
Brier, Wells, and McClure.—- The sale of pe«vs
in Dr. Joseph T. Duryea’s church, Brooklyn, on
Friday evening, April 10., amounted to about
$24 000.
Church Courts.—The Presbytery op
Crawfordsvillb elected as commissioners to
the next General Assembly Rev. Joseph F. Tut
tie, of Wabash College, and Elder Alexander
Thompson, of Crawfordsville, principals, and
Prof. Caleb Mills, and Elder Wm. T. Schott,
alternates.—The Press, op the District op
Columbia met 7th at 2 P. M:, in a heavy
rain storm, which made the number present but
small, but the Divine blessing was largely gran
ted them from the opening to the close. Rev.
William McLain, D.D., so long the esteemed sta
ted clerk, in a letter, gave his reasons for ab
sence, and, resigned his office. A vote of
thanks, for past services,-was [ordered, and, of
sympathy for a brother greatly beloved, in the
disease .which has, compelled the resignation.
He has been always, punctual, faithful, effi
cient. Rev. George H. Smyth was elected
as his successor. Rev. John C. Smith, was
elected Commissioner to General Assembly, and
Rev. Byron, Sunderland, alternate ; 4.\Elder Ju
lius A. Fay, principal, and Dr. E. W. Warfield,
alternate. Presbytery adjourned to meet in Fourth
Church, Washington, first,, Monday (noon) in
May, to license a candidate, and to receive Rev.
Wm. Hart, of Catski.!l Presbytery, pastor elect
of Assembly’s Church, and make arrangement*
for his installation ; also to receive Rev. Charle*
P. Glover of New Brunswick Presbytery, pastor
elect of Harmony Church, Maryland, and mak»
like arrangements for his installation.
Ministerial —Rev. E: W. Kellogg has left
Oakland, Livingston Qo.„N. Y:, to take charge
of the Cong. Church at Barre Centre, Orleam
Co., N. Y., which is in connection with Niag-