fmrarait Jfoslqjtmait. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1869, REV. JOHN W. HEARS, D.R., Editor. Jfo. 1334 Chtgtnut Strtet, Philadelphia. THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE. Rev. Z. M. nnmplirey, Pastor of Calvary Church. Rev. Herrick Johnson, S.D., Pastor of the First Church. Rev. Rani. Hareh. R.R., Pastor or Clinton St. Church. Rev. Peter Stryker, R.R., Pastor of 31. Broad St. Chnrch. Rev. George F. Wlswell, R.R., Pastor of Green Hill Church. Rev. E. E. Adams, R. 8., Prof. In Lincoln Uni versity. Rev. Samuel W. Duffleld, Special Cor respondent. Mr. Robert E. Thompson will continue to act as Editor of the News Department. Correspondents In every Presbytery and Sy nod will promptly furnish us with fresh items of news from their respective fields. The Freedmen, Friend Mitchell, Letter from Mr. Hammond, College Revivals, Mis sionary Touring in India, Missionary Conven tion in the South Seas , Page 2d; Editor’s Table, Ecce Ccelum, Halbbatzen Union, Page 3rf; The Sparrows, ( Original Poetry ,) Little Gl'oBBtail, Long Waiting Rewarded, Study of the Bible, The Bottom of the Ocean, Page 6iA; Religious World Abroad : Great Britain, The Continent, Missionary, Page 7th. 8©“ To insure notice, communications, even of a proper character, must be accompanied with the writer's or some responsible person’s name. PRAYER TOR COLLEGES. Attention is called to this meeting, to be held to day. Our city churches will hold union ser vices in the morning, in Green Hill church, Girard Avenue, above 16th St., at 11 o’clock, and, in the evening, in the First church, Wash ington Square, at o’clock. - B©* Only the devoted friends of the Sabbath school cause can estimate the loss which it has sustained in the death of Eichard G. Pardee of New York. He was a native of New York State, and when quite a young man became an Elder in the Presbyterian church. It was after his removal to New York city that the cause took hold of him with that absorbing interest which directed the whole course of his later life. For it he gave up a lucrative business, devoting him self to this one end, or occasionally adding to his moderate resources by acting as an Insurance Agent. From him many of the more recent methods of Sabbath-school work take their rise. As his years grew upon him, so did the loving confidence and affection of all who knew him, and he may truly be said to have died full of good works. JS@* The foreign Branches of the Evangelical Alliance having signified a wish for delay in holding the next meeting, which, it is under stood, is to be held in this country, the Execu tive Committee of the branch in the United States, announce that at their meeting of Febru ary 11th, the call for a General Conference of the Alliance was deferred to a future period. It is probable that a Conference of Evangelical Christians in New York City will be called in the autumn of this year, to consider questions more immediately affecting our own country, and to prepare f<jr the Universal Council. Hours at Home tor March has continua tions of Books and Beading, by Prof.N. Porter; of Motherless Girls, of Christopher Kroy, and of Sevastopol in May 1855; also Papers upon Emile Girardin, Tally-Ho, (the Fox), by Prof. DeVere, the New Life of Raleigh, by Prof. Fisher; Lost in the. Desert, by John D. Sherwood; A Day among the Vineyards, by G. M. Towle; Remin iscences of Schleiermacher. The Poetry by Jose phine Pollard and others is better than sometimes appears in this journal, though not first class. The Leisure Moments, Books and Authors Abroad, and Literary notices are entertaining and valuable. C. Scribner & Co., New York. —ln Wharton St. church, Key. J. Garland Hamner, pastor, the indications of the Spirit’s presence are very manifold. The number of in quirers is large, and many express themselves as having found peace in believing. —Servioes are held more frequently than usual, in North Broad St. church, where hope ful indications are not wanting. Special services to some extent are still carried on in Green Hiil and in the First churches. A series of meetings was commenced, on Monday night last, at Clin ton St. church, where the happy release of one •of the Elders, Mr. Tingley, in the full ripeness -of years, and without a struggle or a sigh, ocfeur ring almost immediately after the installation of .new elders, has aided in mellowing and prepar ing the feelings of the congregation for such -se&vioes. —ln the First church, the pastor, Dr. John son, is preaching on conformity to the world. The sermon last Sabbath evening was on the Limitations of the Law of|| things Indifferent. That for next Sunday evening is the application of these principles to Popular Amusements. The preacher’s tone, while utterly removed from lati tudinarianism, is equally clear of needless sever ity. The large audience-room was well filled last Sabbath evening. " THE AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1869. ADDEESS OF THE BEUNION COMMITTEE TO THE PEESBYTEEIES, In pursuance of a resolution of the General Assembly, at its meeting at Harrisburgh, Pa., May, 1868, continuing the Committee on .Reunion for the purpose of “furnishing such information as they may deem best to the churches, in order to secure intelligent action on the subject of re union,” the said Committee met in the city of New York, on the 20th day of January, 1869. It appeared from the best evidence that could be obtained, that, while a large proportion of the N. S. Presbyteries, acting on the overture sent dewn by both General Assemblies had given their approval of the same, most of the 0. S. I’resbyteries had given their approval only to an amended basis, for which their Assembly had Impressed a preference, in case the Assembly at Harrisburgh should concur; that is, to the basis of the Overture with the omission in the First Arti cle, of the following words: “It being under stood,” etc.—or, as some of them have expressed their action, “the basis of the Standards pure and simple.” It thus appeared, that, while on both sides there has been a very general approval of re union itself, a difference of action has prevailed which, as the case now stands, is likely to defeat what we believe is the earnest purpose of a very large majority of the members of both branches of our Church, to wit, the accomplishment of reunion at the meeting of the next General As semblies. That the other Assembly did not intend to make any alteration in the principles of the plan submitted by the Joint Committee, is clear from the fact that, having adopted that plan by a large majority, the amendment was proposed only as a matter of “preference,” subject to the concur rence of our General Assembly; and the reason given for the preference is, that, so amended, “the basis would be more simple and ■more ex pressive of mutual confidence.” Tt appears from the statement of the Committee sent by the As sembly at Albany to report their action to the Assembly at Harrisburgh, that they were influ enced in part also by the hope of reconciling op posing elements in their own body, and so se curing in favor of reunion a greater unanimity. Believing that the Presbyteries connected with us, and our branch of the Church generally, are disposed to make any concessions to their breth ren of the other body not inconsistent with prin ciple, and that express guarantees, both in regard to doctrine and polity, may be safely dis pensed with, now that free discussion of the sub ject has brought about so good an understand ing, this Committee deem it their duty, in accord ance with the purpose of their continuance, to call the attention of the Presbyteries to the pres ent posture of the case; and, without assuming any authority, would recommend that, at a regu lar meeting preceding the next General Assem bly, they express their assent to the amendment referred to, with the additional one, (which to us appears to carry with it all the reasons that apply to the other, and is regarded by some as quite necessary in case the other is adopted,) viz., the omission of the whole of the Tenth Article. 'We cannot but trust that our Old School breth ren will concede this additional omission, since it is but the application of the same principle to the •polity of the Church which they have ap plied to its doctrine ; and, while it will serve to harmonize differing preferences among us, as theirs does among them, will be equally with theirs expressive of the same “mutual confi dence ” Should the requisite number of Presbyteries, in both the bodies, agree to both these modifica tions, the two Assemblies may find themselves in a position to consummate the reunion a,t the ap proaching meeting, and thus avoid the delay of another year, which is much to be deprecated, in order to frame and send down a new overture. It must, however, be well understood, that, by agreeing to the omissions in question, the Pres byteries do not relinquish nor deny the right to all reasonable liberty in the statement of views, and the interpretations of the Standards, as gener ally expressed in the First Article as it now stands; and also that the interpretation of their own lan guage by the Joint Committee in the preamble and conclusion of their Report, May, 1868, is to be accepted as the true interpretation. With these views, and in order to prepare the way for definite and uniform action on the part of the Presbyteries, the Committee beg leave to' submit the following form, not to supersede but to follow their previous action, in case they have already approved of the terms of the overture: “ This Presbytery, having already approved of the Basis of Reunion overtured by the last Gene ral Assembly, do now, in order to a final and, harmonious adjustment of the whole case, con sent to the amending of the Basis, by the omis- sion, “Ist. Of that part of, the First Article of the Basis that begins with the words, ‘■lt being under stood,’ &c., and ends with the words, ‘in the sepa rate churches.’ And “2d. Of the whole of the Tenth Article of the Basis.’! William Adams, Chairman. THE CAUSE OF EDUCATION IN lOWA. The Chicago correspondent of The Presby. '.erian writes :' A few years since, a Mr. Coe, by will, I be lieve, donated to the “ New-school” Presbyterian Church, for educational purposes, thirty acres of land adjoining the city of Cedar Rapids, lowa, which are now supposed to be well worth thirty five thousand dollars. Upon this land our New school brethren, with the active and liberal co operation of the people of Cedar Rapids, have lately erected fine and commodious buildings, worth at least twenty-five thousand dollars. The present value of this property is, therefore, sixty thousand dollars. To the same body, and for the same purposes, a Mr. Parsons also donated four thousand acres of land, in another section of the same State, now valued at forty thousand dollars. It is un derstood that this donation can, without any vio lation of trust; he appropriated to the support of the institution of Cedar Rapids, if such appro priation is deemed desirable. Our New-school friends in lowa have, therefore, an educational fund of one hundred thousand dollars already secured. Both the “ Coe” and “ Parsons” donations are secured to the Synod of lowa (New-school) until the reunion of the Old and New-school bodies. In the event of such union, they be come property of the united Church. In view of these facts, a conference of com mittees from the three Synods of lowa (two Old school and one New-school) was held at Cedar Rapids, lowa, on the 27th of January last, to consult as to the propriety and duty of uniting the strength of the two denominations in the State in founding and sustaining, Bomewhere within its bounds, an institution of learning creditable to the Presbyterian cause and name. Rev. J. D. Mason was chosen chairman of the meeting, and Rev. Dr. Spees, of Dubuque, secre tary. It appeared, upon an interchange of views, that the committee of the New-school Synod were especially instructed to take the initiatory steps for the establishment of a theological semi nary, in the expectation that the “ Coe” and “ Parsons” donations might be made available for that purpose also. They were fully autho rized by their Synod to locate the institution, se cure its incorporation, appoint a financial agent, &c., &c. Our committee, in view of the pros pective union of the two denominations, thought that the Chicago Seminary would meet the necessities of the united Church, and that pre sent action should look only to the establishment of a “ first-class” Presbyterian college or univer sity. As, however, they colild only consult and advise, they withdrew, after a free and fraternal interchange of views with the New-school breth ren, and- resolved to call another meeting imme diately after the meeting df the ensuing Assem bly. The New-school committee adopted the Cedar Rapids, or “ Parsdns” seminary, as the academic departmentof their institution, declared their purposes to open the collegiate department next autumn, and deferred further action upon the subject of a theological seminary, or a theo logical department, until/they could be further instructed by their Synod. In the event of the reunion of the two bodiep, : here is the beginning of a fine college endowment, and the general sentiment was that this is the institution really needed. f FROM OUR ROCHES'IjER CORRESPONDENT THE ; REVIvitL. Mr. Hammond has now be m laboring for four weeks in our city. The^ch undies continue to be crowded, night after night, and hundreds re main each night to the inqu ry meeting, which immediately succeeds the preaching service. Many are indulging hope—we know not how many—we hardly dare ask hiw many. We only know that we rejoice greatly in that which has already been accomplished, and that we are very anxious to see still greater wJrks than these. The work has evidently t of the public mind withii Larger numbers have .ris more are expressing hope, ( of striking character and in On "Wednesday morningjin the, prayer-meet ing, a hackman “told his (experience ” in such a manner as to draw tears from, many eyes. He was an Englishman; once liW'in Bath; used to hear the celebrated William; Jkj preach ; came to this country twelve years ago ; gave himself up to all .manner of wickedness, breaking the Sabbath, blaspheming, God’s name, neglecting the sanctuary; but-here, at lait- he had found the Saviour. Words almost Ailed him as he tried to express his. unbounded! gratitude that God had spared his life through) all those long years of his great wickedness, and had now brought him to accept offeredjmei ly. He alluded beautifully to his arewell inter view with his mother, before c lining to this countr- She was a. pio l ' won ' As he Ir' r y- pious wiimari. _s he left her she gave him a Bible, say tog that that was the best parting present ihe could possibly make him, begging him to read it and livb by it. That parting request and that blessei book had been sadly neglected, but not utterlyiforgotten. He attests his sincerity by giving 'up his busi ness. He is afraid of/its associations and its temptations, especially its Sunday,work, and so, as the safest way 'to make a sure I thing of his Christian life and eternal salvationlhe sells out his horses and carriage, and seeks! some other employment. In this ihe has the warmest sym pathy of his new Christian friends, - We are quite sure he will not lpng lack for employment. The daily morning irayer-meeting , continues to be thronged, and is attended by many of the leading men aind wornei of the various churches. A delightful spirit of h rmony continues to pre vail. The ministers c ntinue to stand by Mr.. Hammond, and aid hiii all they possibly can; Drs.,Shaw and Campbill, and Mr. Bartlett, of the Plymouth church, apparently vieing with each other to see which shall do most to help on the good work. “ Beh Jd how . good am how pleasant it is for brot]ir :n to dwell together in unity.” | The work at the Hou ;o of Befuge also conti nues. New cases of ,co [version have occurred almost daily It is touci ing to hear some the confessions and prayers of the boys, such Sim plicity, such -ndturalpes i, such pathos. One said, “ You all'know tbit I’ve been a bad buy, but I’ve fognd ,Jesus. IhQp'e you will all loVe Jesus, and he’ll help yi u, be good and right.” Another, said, “ 80y5,,1 could not sleep last night. I lay awake he greater part of the s night. I had a great harden op my heart. I was afraid some of you, turn back. But I prayed for you, and I want you ail to love Jesus.” And still another said he wanted all the boys to read the Bible, and! to j love to read it as some boys love to read novels.” One prayed for the boys that “ scoff and , scorn.” Another prayed for one of the unconverteji teachers, that God would “ bless him and convert him, and make him good to the boys ;” (mother said; “ Bless all our teachers, and all ths managers of this in stitution.” , . • In all our meetings we are using the “New Praises op Jesus” in the service of sacred song. It is a beautiful. b*ok, with many pre cious gems of poetry and music in ,it. Some of these have already became great favorites with Rochester audiences,[ and may be daily aien a stronger hold I the present week, n for prayers, and nbracing some cases erest. Yet to the “ inner chamber,” 0 ark, for weary dove, Our willing footsteps hasten With gratitude and love To Him who watches o’er us, , ev’ry prayer, \ Arising from the ruins Of castles in the air. \ The world with all its pleasures Endures but for a day; 1 We laugh, we weep, then vanish • From earth and time away.. The grave, that narrow po-tal, \ Through which the soul Bhall rise, Will open to our vision A. “mansion in the skies.” Owl Hamlet, Feb. 18, 1869. Shsm’s Ecclesiastical. Almanac for 1869 has just appeared. Its summaries of ecclesiastical and educational information are extensive, care fully prepared \nd simply indispensable to all who would think and write accurately upon these adjects. Price 50 cts. Orders received at this heard iu many families. The children, as well as adults, catch them easily and dwell on them with evident delight. They have mighty power also to impress the heart as sung by the great congregations. The free use of sacred music is a part of Mr. Hammond’s power, under God, to carry on such a work, and this little book, pre pared by himself, is well adapted to this import ant service. We can cheerfully and conscien tiously commend it to others for similar uses. DEATH OF BENJAMIN JOY. A standard bearer has fallen. All we learn, as yet, is, that he died suddenly, at his residence in Penn Yan, day before yesterday. He was one of the apostles of the temperance cause; has been prominent in that service for forty years ; was here only a few weeks ago and participated largely in the meeting of the State Temperance Society; has recently been engaged in a news paper controversy with Rev. T. K. Beecher of Elmira, on the duty of total abstinence; was en gaged soon to speak on his favorite theme in several places of this region; but his engagements are all ended. He was near seventy years of age, a man of decided ability in his way, a very effective speaker, a social, genial, honest Christian man, who has gone from long and faithful service to a great reward. We hear of revivals in Lancaster, Meridian, and other places, which we • have not before named; of some quickening also in Northeast Pennsylvania, under the pastorate of Rev. T. B. Hudson, where some fourteen have been con verted, all of !them adults, and some heads of families. We hear also of the beginning of good things in Erie, under Mr. Kimball’s faithful labors. We shall soon expect to hear of still greater manifestations of the Spirit’s power in that plaoc; In Holley also, in this State, God is doing great things for his people. The work began by the conversion of a man seventy years of age. Soon another old man and his wife were brought in; and all this almost before Christians were aware that there was any special seriousness in any minds. Since that other persons, old and young, have been turning to the Lord, many young ladies being among the happy number. And still the work is going on. PERSONAL. Rev. G. G. Smith, who has labored for a year with the Presbyterian church of Sennett, retires from that field. Rev. J. R. Lewis of Booneville, has ‘ heen visited to the amount of $2OO, by his affectionate people; and Rev. A. L. Benton of Lima, $150: sums intended only as 'expressions of good feel ing, and not as a full reward of faithful services. Rochester, Feb. 20,1869. Genesee. LINES SUGGESTED BY "MY CASTLE IN THE AIR.” in “ The American Presbyterian,” Peb. 11,1869. BT A MINISTER’S WIFE. Dream on ’mid heights poetic, ‘ I would not break the spell; Yet duty bids me whisper A i ruth I’ve learned too well. A parsonage ideal, With pictures choice and rare, Is all a fancy vision— A “castle in the air.” “Wide halls and airy chambers” Are fine to contemplate, For distance lends enchantment To ev’ry earthly state. But “ halls and fairy chambers,” Begrimed by age, unclean, With ceiling drooping downward, Are not so fine I ween. “A sitting room” so “cosy,” d With books and lounges, too, Your fond imagination Has opened to the view. I almost cry Eureka, ■ The picture seems so bright, But glancing ’round there meets me, How different a sight. For lounges all have vanished, While books are scarce and few, You know it takes the lucre To keep things bright and new. Therefore, we must not indulge, A.t least so people say, In all the little luxuries And comforts of the day. “Piano,” “basket,” waiting! The latter is too true, For six bright little cherubs There’s work enough to do. And winds that o’er the tree-tops, And through the branches sigh, Bemind us of the musio Of angels passing by. Like you, we have our “ sanctum,” “ With table, desk and chair,” Where anxious thought sits brooding “ You’d feel it in the air.” Though “made for sermonising,’’ The charm-I fail to see When poverty is blighting The one most dear to me. “Improvements late” are minus, Our antiquated nook Has dining-room for kitchen, Where mistress serves for cook: Where “ pantries ” are full spacious For “putting things away,” If hungry mouths consumed not' Our all from day to day. REYIYAL IN MINNESOTA. Rev. John W. Mears: My Dear Last Sabbath was our regular communion sea. son. It was, indeed, a day of great joy to us Thirty-two persons were received into the church—tweuty-six on profession of their faith and six by letter. A very large proportion were men—several of them prominent citizens. Oar church was filled nearly to its utmost capacity, and the exercises were deeply solemn and inter esting. As we sat down to the table of the Lord, the language of many hearts was : “ Mas. ter, it is good for us to be here.” We do re joice in God our SavioHr. Perhaps not more than a third of those who have been more or less interested during our meetings, have thus far connected themselves with the Church. We hope to gather in much mere precious fruit. The work has gone ou very quietly, yet we trust it has been deep and thorough. Unto Him who has had mercy upon us, be all the glory. In Christian love, Thomas Marshall. Mankato, Minn., Feb. 11,1869. gita, Jf oui Newark, O.—Rev. Daniel Tenney writes to The Herald: “We entered the basement rooms of our new church two weeks since. Twenty were added to the church on that day, seventeen of the number by profession.” Winchester, 6. —Twenty-six have recently been received on profession by this church, Rev. D. Yan Dyke, pastor. Brooklyn, Pa. —A note to The Evangelist says : “We are enjoying a precious season of revival; quite a number give evidence of having passed from death to life; more than thirty have at dif ferent times signified a desire for the prayers of God’s people, and the work seems gradually spreading and deepening. Geneva Village, N: Y. —This church is again visited with the gracious influences of the Spirit. Buffalo, N. Y. —The religious interest has been very marked in the Methodist churches, where Dr. Palmer and wife have been laboring Scores. of new members have been received. There is also more than usual interest in the La fayette and North Presbyterian churches. ’ Troy, lowa. —The eh urches of the two branches held a joint communion some weeks ago, which was followed by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. A note to The Presbyterian Banner says: “ The session of the church, O. S., have received twen ty-two additions on examination, and the New School brethren have received ten. There are still some more that will unite with one of these branches. The feature of this revival is, that several heads of families have been converted - another feature is, that most of the young people converted were outside of any particular church influence.” Ministerial, Rev. W. B. Parmelee, for ten years pastor of the Presbyterian church at Westernville, N. Y. has received and accepted a unanimous cail to become pastor of the Presbyterian church at Little Falls. Rev. Charles E. Lindsley , of the Fourth Pres bytery of New York, has resigned the pastorate of the First Congregational church in Southport Conn. ■ ’ -ffiei). W. E. Knox, the pastor of the First church of Rome, N.Y., sailed from New York on Thurs day last, in the steamer Donau for Bremen He goes abroad for his health and will be absent for some six months, extending his visit as far as Rome. Elihu T. Sanford, was ordained and in stalled as pastor of the church of Wenona Mich, by the Presbytery of Saginaw, on Wednesday afternoon and evening, January 13th. The peo ple of this growing town filled the church on the occasion. : Rev \ E ; B \ Thompson has resigned the pastor ate and closed his labors at Peru, Ind., after a year of labor, and expects to remove to Ohio He leaves with testimonials of the esteem and affection of his people and the community. e Z' en ‘ Nelson, D.D. , of Lane Seminary hv *f» v r M C n er f ec i e £ 011 a recent Sabbath, M ’°’ A - of Cincinnati to preach in hL i S u- heatre ’ °? Pourth St -> where they have, been holding, a series of services for the people. rii l Be ’f d SajrS Dr ’ Nelson repeated raemo nter, and expounded the parable of the Prodigal *>on. He presented it as a series of photographic pictures, and pressed its lessons with great earn estness and power upon the attention of the young men present, appealing to their own con sciousness of the soul’s hunger when estrang ed from God, and entreating them to arise and to' o him without delay. The audience was thin on tentive* ° f the raiD ’ bUt iC remarkabl J at: Re ”- J - ?■ Fackler of Hie Central Church of oan Francisco has again presented his resigiia with a, Churoi, , lx upo i Rev. L. Hamilton's standing ni . terj of S.o J«, Booibg U o* 1 Brooklyn the Ge , ntral Church of are in town that i a Committee and influential ° l • ac^P. t a to a wealthy $5,000 is offered. Ghlca go, where a salary Pmbytery'ofNew York” Thlrd the following vonno- 1 k ’ h d Febrnary 16th, preach the Gospel 'Aii? lieensed to Bell, Ashley D F7 n ;“- a M ’ Al !«, Kobert C. Ferdinand V. D. ! GulZT C \ U °^ er T. Fuller, son, Howard Kinwsbn em l N. Hutchin- Henry T. Rose, afl Hrf ° ineys aad of the Senior Class of>h’^ nlembers M, F„ S oi Th.ol.gW to the Freedmen of South n! Mlssioaar 7 Commission of the Pfesbvtir* 10 *??’ Under the Home Missions.— The Evanqefat C ° mmittee of b. ok KX ’ Revivals.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers