Ilanner a.O
PITTSBURGH, NOVEMBER 8, 1858
TERMS... $1.50, in advance; or in Club*,
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berm, 51.75. See Prospectus, on Third Page.
It ON OWALS shotticl Lis prompt; a little
while before the year expires, that we stay
moue full arrangements for a steady itupply.
THE RED WRAPPER Indicates that we
desire a renewal. If t however, in the haste
rf mailing, this signal should be mufti eti, we
hope our Mends will still not forget us.
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DID IMOT all Letters and Communications
to REV. DAVID MoILINNEV. Pittsburght
Pa.
THE AMERICAN BOARD.—We invite
special attention to the letter of our corres
pondent, detailing the important proceedings
of this very efficient Agency in spreading
the Gospel in foreign lands.
MINUTES OE SYNODS. — The Minutes of
the Synods of Wheeling, New Jersey and
Illinois will appear next week. They ar
rived too late for this week. Also, some
matters from Presbyteries are necessarily de
ferred.
OUR LONDON LETTER is always rich.
Let none be deterred from reading it, by its
length. Every paragraph is valuable. It
tells of the most important affairs in the
most influential centre of all the influ
ences which bear on human well-being.
That correspondence alone is worth more
than the whole price of our paper to sub
scribers. We know that many so esteem it,
and with great justness.
Rev. A. S. Holladay.
This valued minister of Christ was, last
week, called to his rest. He had lately been
elected to the Presidency of Hampden. Sid
ney College. He is spoken of as having
been lovely in spirit, unassuming in manner,
elegant in scholarship, and sweet and matured
in piety.
American Sunday School Union
The Rev. John W. Dulles has retired
from the service of this Institution, and the
Rev. R. B. Westbrook, who has for' some
time sustained the relation of Traveling
Secretary, has been appointed Secretary of
Missions, in the place of Mr. Dulles, and
will hereafter conduct the correspondence of
the Missionary Department of the Society,
and also superintend the collecting depart
ment of the Middle District.
missionary Wants.
Promptitude and liberality on the part of
the churches is urged importunately. A
missionary must have food every day, and
the nearness of the Winter's blasts calls for
additional raiment. These things cannot be
deferred. The Secretary of the Domestic
Board is obliged again to tell the churches
of a failing Treasury and large demands.
Read his appeal, on first Page: If agents
may not be ,sent, the Church papers must
speak, and ministers and elders must get.
Psalmody.
We place on our first page, a specimen of
a new Metrical translation of the Psalms of
David. The translator is a sound Presby
terian, and eminently a Biblical scholar.
The communication on "Scriptural Psalmo
dy," will also be read with interest. The
whole subject is worthy the deep attention
of our own, and of sister Presbyterian
Churches. We rejoice to see the evidences
of generally awakened interest, and shall be
pleased to be enabled to present farther
specimens of a work which we hope will
progress to a completion.
Rev. Simeon Brown.
It has fallen to the lot of this brother to
be the occasion of much trouble to the
churches. We formerly noted some of his
doctrinal statements, indicating, as seemed
to us, most certainly that his views were
different from the receivad faith of the
Church, as expressed in her Standards. Mr.
Brown had appealed from the decision of
his Presbytery to the Synod of Cincinnati.
That Synod, at its late meeting, took up the
subject on review, and, after some discussion,
adopted the following :
"Resolved, That the whole case be remanded
to the Presbytery, and they be enjoined to take it
up anew—ab initio, and to adopt such a course
as the facts and circumstances of the case may
demand."
The Moderator of the Presbytery bas, as
we learn, called a meeting for the 17th of
Xoveraber, in the First church, in Dayton,
to attend to the Synod's injunction:
Revival Efforts—Synod of Wheeling.
We are pleased to notice in the Minutes
of the Synod of Wheeling (received at an
hour too late for publication this week,) an
earnest recommendation to ministers :
1. In conducting devotional exercises in
their congregations, " to make the revival of
religion, by the effusion of the Holy Spirit,
a prominent object of supplication."
2. On or about the third Sabbath in No
vember, (16th inst.,) to preach on the nc
cessity of a revival, and on the Scriptura
means of promoting it."
3. As soon after the Sermon as convenient,
to convene the Session " to confer together
on the state of vital godliness in their re
speetive churches, and the most efficient
means of its promotion."
4. If deemed expedient, to invite a meet
ing of those "who specially desire a revival
of God's work of grace, to the end that they
may take counsel and offer prayer in regard
to this great blwing."
This notice vvill!serve for the bretbren and
Iptirches of the Synod till next week,
when the . Minutes will be published. Other
'churches also, may be incited to similar zeal
in seeking God's blessing in his, bestowment
of reviving grace.
The People, their IJinisters, Papers, and
Politics
The Presidential election is now over, and,
though the returns are not all in, the result
cannot be affected by any remarks of ours.
A knowledge of the vote may increase the
sensitiveness of one party or the other; but,
as we mean no reproach, and as the political
result is not to be influenced by what we
shall say, we trust that the good sense of
our readers will have sufficiently the ascen
dency to enable them to appreciate the rea
sonableness of our remarks.
We have always been opposed to the idea of
ministers, as they aro the servants of Christ,
using their official position, whether in the
pulpit, in the Ecclesiastical Council, or by
the press, for the accomplishing of a political
end. Their Master's kingdom, in the ser
vice in which he employs them as ministers,
is not of this world. They are not commis
sioned to dethrone, nor yet to uphold Cm
sar. They are to render to him his own,
and to Christ his own. They are to pray for
those in authority, and be subject unto the
powers that be, inasmuch as such are or
dained of God. This remark we make in
Scriptural language, and in a Scriptural
sense.
The proper, discriminating discharge of
their duty, in a country like ours, is acknowl
edged to be sometimes difficult. Here,
every citizen is a part of the governing pow
er. He has his political rights and duties.
He has his responsibilities, and his influence
is to he put forth for good. The minister
is still a citizen. He has lost nothing, polit
ically, according to the declared principles
of our government, by entering the sacred
office. To disfranchise him, on this account,
or to persecute him for the free and legal
use of his franchises, would be a political
enormity. The minister, as a citizen, has
all the rights, personal, social and political
of any other man. The principles of our
government make no distinction. Let it
then be accorded to the minister to do, in a
discreet and becoming manner, any thing in
politics which any other truly Christian man
may do. This is his right under the Con
stitution and laws of the country. By this
rule let him be judged. This liberty let
him enjoy.
But when the minister would judge him
self, and determine a rule of conduct for hi s
own guidance, he is bound to take other
things than above noted, into consideration.
Before God he may be required, not to use
all his social rights. Prudence may dictate
abstinence. A regard to usefulness may re
quire him to deny himself. Love to the
souls of men may make him forbear, uader
great and unjust restrictions upon his legal
liberties., lie has a perfect pattern in his
Lord, and a bright example in the apostles.
Partisanship ran high, in Judea, in those
days; but who, bearing the sacred office, in
terfered ? There were the Pharisees, Sad
ducees, Herodians, the advocates and the
opposers of paying taxes and tribute to the
oppressors of the country; but the declara
tion was, "My kingdom is not of this
world ; " and the rule of conduct, ‘c Render
unto Cmsar the things that are Caesar's."
A minister is one devoted to a work—a work
inconceivably important; and he is bound
of God to deny himself of any right or any
enjoyment which would interfere with his
successful prosecution of that work. Let it
be noted that this is the rule by which the
minister is to judge himself. God has not
made other men his lords to apply this rule;
though we cannot much blame them if they
shall occasionally remind the forgetful ser
vant of that which be owes to him who has
called him to honor and office.
We have intimated that the position of
the minister was the more embarrassing, in
our land from the fact that he is a citizen—
one of the sovereignty; and bound to put
forth his influence for the common good.
But, what is for the common good ? This
may be a question hard sometimes to answer.
Can he do most by speech; or by silence ?
by entangling himself with the affairs of
this life, or by confining himself to that
which relates to the world to come 7 by claim
ing all his social rights, or by operating only
within his own acknowledged sphere ?
`One element of the answer is, that he
shall preserve, the confidence of the people,
as a man of God—spiritually minded, separ
ate from worldly strifes and devoted to the
edification of his whole flock, and anxious
to win the world 'to Christ.
In a free country like ours, it is a fact, that
almost every congregation of worshippers
will embrace men of two political parties;
each party, of course, believing itself, in the
exercise of its own free conscience, to be
right; and the more high the party feeling shall
run, the more firmly will each believe that
the maintenance of his own side is a' duty.
And there will generally be found in the
congregation, not only the two parties, but
these will be divided into three classes, as
to sentiment, respecting the minister's duty.
Some of one side, will think that they are
religiously right, and that the minister should
espouse their cause. Some of the other
side will, just as religiously, in their own
opinion, claim his influence for them. Some
of each side, very many we believe of the
wisest and best, will think that as a minister
having the care of souls, he should attend
to their spiritual edification; and leave party
politics out of the pulpit. They regard
their minister as called to serve the whole
congregation, not in telling them for whom
to vote, but in guiding them, men, women
and children, in the way to heaven.
Hence, if a minister shall bring his polit
ical preferences into the pulpit, he will, al
most certainly, disturb the peace of his
charge. He will greatly weaken, if not
destroy, his influence for good. Two of the.
above classes will feel aggrieved. The re
sult will be alienations and barrenness; with
a weakening, if not a division of the con
gregation; and very probably his own remo
val. And what good is likey to result ?
Nothing spiritual to his charge, most cer
tainly; and probably, nothing to his party.
He is likely to drive more away by what
THE PRESBYTERIAN BANNER AND ADVOCATE.
they will regard as an interference with poli
tics and a desecration of the sacred desk,
than he will draw by the force of his reason
ing, or by a reverence for his judgment.
It must then be evident that partizans,
who endeavor to induce their minister to
take an active part in politics, commit a
very great indiscretion; and that the minis
ter who yields to any inducements in this
line, is guilty of a serious blunder. Happi
ly, Presbyterian ministers are generally very
firm in resisting such enticements, whether
springing from their own strong preferences,
or from the importunity of the too ardent in
their charge. Hence the high degree of
peace, unity and fraternal love in our church
es. Our people come to the sanctuary on
the holy SaLbath, with the confidence that
they will hear the Gospel of salvation, and
be taught in religious duties, and peacefully
and harmoniously worship the God of their
fathers.
Similar remarks might be made relative to
our Ecclesiastical Courts. These represent
congregations which embrace men of differ
ent political parties—but good men and
true, as belonging to the family of Christ.
They are composed of members, both minis•
terial and laic, who vary in their views rel
ative to governmental affairs. But, above
all, their Ecclesiastical Commission does not
embrace the management of the concerns of
Cmsar. They hence should, and, with us,
generally do, avoid " entangling themselves
with the affairs of this world."
The same principles apply also, very much,
to a religous journal. It is not established
and subscribed for, with the expectation
that it shall advocate the cause of any polit
ical party. It belongs to a Church which
embraces men of different parties. It is al
so intended for the edification of females and
children as well as of men. Public senti
ment, very extensively, requires that it shall
abstain from partizanship. The more it
shall mingle in such strife, the less will itbe
able to accomplish in the spiritual edification
of its readers. It will also, thereby, inflame
public feeling, incite strife, and produce ali
enation in congregations, and really do harm
to the cause it would advance.
These things we have long noted, and
have hence set ourselves firmly against polit
ical partizanship in our journal. Efforts,
somewhat strenuous, on both sides of the
controversy which agitates the country, have
been made to enlist the supposed influence
which we may possess. But we have re
sisted, on principle ; and hope that God will
give us grace to resist firmly.
We thus speak, not that we think the
question, now so overwhelmingly great in
the eyes of politicians, to be one of small
importance. It is immense, both socially
and religiously. Its religious bearings we
should like to diseuss—possibly may, to some
extent, hereafter, if we shall think that ben.
efits may result. But men would not hear
us now—could not bear the things needful to
be said—would callus partizans at once, and
reject our kindest and most truthful words.
There is a time to keep silence. Jesus
Christ found such a time ; and his servant
Paul also. We want no better models, nor
more authoritative example ; and we look for
wisdom rightly to follow it.
Home and Foreign Record,
DOMESTIC MISSIONS.
The .2?ecdrcl for November gives us a few
reports from Missionaries, but no summary
of labors and results, discusses no principles,
and states no plans of action. We therefore
conclude that the work is progressing with
its steady pace, and noiselessly producing
its happy influences in the hundreds of
churches occupied by the faithful laborers.
RECEIPTS in September: at Philadelphia, 52,283;
at Pittsburgh, $648; at Louisville, 1,138.
EDUCATION.
There is no great department of the
operations of our Church where so much,
faith and importunity are needed, on the
part of its conductors, as in the procuring
of an adequate supply of well educated
ministers. We have heard some reasons
suggested for the backwardness and con
tracted spirit of the churches in this line,
but are still at a loss to account satisfac
torily for the paucity of candidates for the
sacred office, and the reluctance with which
funds are furnished toward the preparing of
laborers for the harvest. We shall do our
part in reiterating the call. Let us have an
adequate ministry.
RECEIPTS in September: in Philadelphia, $1,076;
in Pittsburgh, $B5 ; in Louisville, $4OO.
FOREIGN MISSIONS.
The Board, in their review of the Sta
tions, say
INDIA. —We learn with sincere regret that Mrs.
Jamieson departed this life at Simla, July 17th.
Mr. Newton writes that she "viewed her ap
proaching end with composure, and det.btless she
was prepared for the great change." Mr. Mor
rison mentions that about 1000 Rs., or about
$5OO, had been collected by European friends at
Rawal Pindi, to build a schooLhouse for the mis
sion at that place, and ground for a chapel has I
been promised by the city authorities. Mr. Jan-
vier refers to the reduced force at Lodiana, in
the absence, for their health, of Mr. Newton, at
Sabathu, and Mr. Rudolph, in Germany, but
states that the routine of missionary labor has
been in a good degree maintained. Mr. Heron,
of the station of Debra, was spending several
months at Lodiana in charge of the school, and
had rendered valuable assistance in the work.
The lettere from Agra and Mynpurie speak of the
continuance of the cholera, though with abated
violence. Mr. Mouths writes from Allahabad,
that " the conduct of the native Christians is, in
general, satisfactory. Some of the teachers and
pupils are convinced of the truth of Christianity.
0 that they felt its power on their hearts!"
SlAM.—Letters have been recived from Bang
kok to the 17th of June. Messrs. House and
Morse had not then arrived, but were expected
soon. Mr. Mattoon expresses the hope that
other families will join them in this field, which
is now more open than at any former time for
missionary labors, and adds, that " the new
treaty opens two or three very desirable out
stations, giving the right of residence and of pur
chasing land. These places should be occupied
early."
ClllNA.—Letters have been received from Ning
po, to June 25th ; Shanghai, June 27th ; Canton,
July Bth. Mr. Way speaks of the missionary
work at Ningpo as "progressing, though not so
fast as we could wish." He mentions that the
health 'of Mrs. Nevins continued to be feeble.
At Shanghai, Mr. Wight was so far recovered
that he was able to resume missionary work,
though to but a limited extent. • He says further,
"the way before me look's rather dark. At
present I can do nothing but wait the develop
ments of Divine Providence."
The letters from China make reference to the
progress of the insurgents, whose movements
largely occupy the attention of the people.
Tilers is reference also to a visit made by an
American me: chant and some of his friends in n
small vessel to Jaian, the result of 'which is said
to be intere,timg, es Arriving bow little Japan
has been opened by Perry's treaty."
AFRICA.-itlr. Williams arrived at Monrovia
after a comfortable voyage, on the 17th of July.
The settlement at Sinoe, and the members of the
little church at that place, had suffered severely
from the war with; the native tribes, but pence
was again enjoyed.: At Settra Ere°, the day and
Sunday Schools were doing well, the former
having thirteen scholars, and the latter fifteen to
twenty. At Cerise°, Mr. De Heer's family had
suffered somewhat from sickness, but Mr. Mackey
writes, "We are alt now pretty well. Our wort
is going on as usual. We seem to have the confi
dence of the people. They attend our services
tolerably, well. Several Spanish priests have
been here, and expect to return again soon and
form a mission on this island."
INDIAN Tames.—There had been a great deal
of sickness among the workmen at the• Kickapoo
and Otoe missions, and some of the missionary
laborers had also been on the sick list, including
Mr. Irving and Miss FUllerton, of the lowa mis
sion. We regret to learn that she will probably
return to her friends on this account. Mr. Bun
nell writes that health was again returning at the
Kickapoo Mission. The Indians seem to be very
friendly. The white settlements in the neighbor
hood are peaceful and undisturbed, and at two
of them public worship is conducted by the mis
sionary.
RECEIPTS in September, $4,788.
PIT dLICATION
COLPORTAGE was prosecuted with much
vigor OP Lake superior, during a portion of
the Summer, and with apparent good effects.
The blight of. Popery and Infidelity is
there painfully visible, and the settlements
are such, that churches regularly organized
cannot be had nor sustained. It is just the
country for the Colporteur, with his kind
Christian visits and his precious treasure of
books. A very instructive report of one of
the theological students who labored there,
is given in the Record.. Ten new appoint
ments have been made, to different fields.
NEW PUBLICATION.—CaIvin and his
Enemies, by Rev. Thomas Smyth, D. D.
( See Literary Notices, last week.)
RECEIPTS, September 17th to October 15th : Dona
tions, $1,563; Sales, $3,731.
CUUftCIE EXTENSION.
The Committee is laboring with great dil
igence, and with much wisdom, as appears to
us, in collecting information relative to pop
ulation, want of churches in Presbyteries,
cost of building, evangelical supply, progress,
benefits from former appropriations, &c. They
will thus become able strongly to present
their cause, and judmiously to appropriate
the funds with which they may be en
trusted.
RECEIPTS in September: at St. Louis, $OO;
Philadelphia, $384; Pittsburgh, $117; Louis
ville, $lB6.
Choosing a Pastor.
A correspondent furnishes us with the
following, relative to the choosing and set
tlement of a pastor in Scotland :
THE' ESTABLISHED CHURCH OF SCOT
LAND, as you are aware, is still under the
law of patronage, which, however, by Lord
Aberdeen's Act, is so far modified, that the
people have it in their power to urge objec
tions to an objectionable presentee, before
the Presbytery. The objections must be
strictly within the terms of the Act,
otherwise (and here is the surrender
of the spiritual independence of Church
Courts, for which the Evangelical par
ty long contended, and made such
noble sacrifices in 1843,) the Civil Court
will say to the Presbytery, " You must or
dain the presentee." Nay, more; the Pres
bytery itself, by a Moderate majority,
please the Laird," ignore the people's ob
jections, and ordain over the parish such a
man as the following paragraph presents
to us:
THE KILSIALCOLSI CASE—ANOTHER DISPUTED
SETTLEMENT.—Friday being the day appointed
for moderating in the call to the Rev. William Law,
minister of Auldfield Chapel, Pollokslaaws, in the
parish of Kilmalcolm, the Established Presbytery
of Greenock met at Kilmalcolm. The Rev. Mr.
M'Kie, of Erskine, read the form of call, which
was laid on the table, and elders, heritors, and
parishioners who'were Protestants, were invited
to come forward and sign it. Mr David Bird,
writer in Glasgow, produced a mandate from Mr.
John Cos, tanner and glue manufacturer, Gorgie
Mills, near Edinburgh, and beritor in the parish
of Kilmalcolm, from being patron in the same
authorizing him to sign the call in favor of Mr.
Law. After some conversation, the Presbytery
agreed to receive Mr. Cox's name to the call, the
Rev. Messrs. Mac/aren, Moffat, and Macfarlane
dissenting. Mr. Blackburn, elder, then came for
ward and signed the call. Mr. M'lnnes, writer,
Paisley, suggested that as the call was only signed
by Mr. Cox, the patron, and Mr. Blackburn ; and
as Mr. Law was present himself, he might be per
suaded to retire from the presentation. Mr.
James Lang then lodged the following objections
to the settlement of Mr. Law :—First, His pray
ers are without method, and full of repetitious.
They evince great poverty of thought, and ab
sence of devotional views and , feelings. Second,
His sermons partake of the character of rhap
sody, being made up of unconnected and vague
ideas. They make no useful impression on the
mind. The style in which his discourses are writ
ten is very uninteresting, plebeian, and puerile.
Third, The awkward and hurried manner in
which he reads the Sacred Scriptures, and also
his compositions and sermons, makes them all
unintelligible. Fourth, He does not rightly un
derstand the position of -a minister of the Church
of Christ. Fifth, He is, indolent in the minis
terial work. He is very deficient in congrega
tional visitation and superintendence. Two con
gregations have already dwindled under his
charge, on account of the unacceptability and
lukewarmness of his ministrations. Sixth, The
parish and congregation of Filmalcalm are large
and important, and an energetic and devoted
minister is desired and necessary. Seventh, His
settlement in Kilmalcom would be hurtful to the
interests of the Church of Scotland in many
:points of view. The objections were signed by
James Lang. Alexander Scott, and Archibald
M'Kellar. The call was ordered to be lodged
with one of the elders, for other names, till the
next meeting of Presbytery, to be held at
Greenock, on Wednesday, 6th October, for the
purpose of discussing the relevancy of the objec
tions lodged.
To estimate the liberty wherewith Christ
bath made his people free, you have to con
trast the present Scriptural mode of the
election of ministers, by the communicants,
with the "forced settlements" of the old
regime, or even with the non-intrusion and
liberunt arbitriun t with which, patronage
still being preserved, even a Chalmers would
have been contented. The Head of the
Church himself solval the controversy in
the right way, and to the abundant glory of
his name, by the going out of the Free
Church..
The Congregationalists and the New
School,.
These brethren have had no little jar
ring, for a few years past. Their union
in the American Home Missionary Society,
and their efforts, at the same time, each to
build up their denominational interests, is a
source of great difficulty. Another subject
has, latterly, been also a cause of aliena
tions.
Two years ago, the General AsFociation of
New York resolved that they regarded the
course of the General Assembly, (New
School) on the subject of slavery,,with " ab
horrence i" and said they continued their
correspondence for the purpose of tect:fy
jolt against it. The reply of the New
&boot was:
Resolved, That this Assembly would respect
fully request that the future communications of
the Asboeintiou to us, be couched in courteous
language."
To this the Association replied, not in the
very mildest manner; and they sent Dr.
Storrs as their delegate to the Assembly,
the next year.. This gentleman's speech
was considered objectionable, both in matter
and manner, and the following was passed:
"Resolved, That our delegate to that Associa.-
tion, while expressing the wishes of this Assem
bly to maintain Christina and fraternal fellow
ship, and the free interchange of correspondence
with our Congregational brethren, be instructed
to state to our brethren, that we can admit no
right of theirs, by virtue of that correspondence,
to review our proceedings, or to reprove or rebuke
us for what we may or may*not do.
" We do not claim or propose the exercise of
any such right on the part of this Assembly."
And Dr. Wm. C. Wisner was sent to bear
the message. Dr. W. attended the late
meeting of the Association, at Albany, and
ably, and in a conciliatory manner, as is
said, presented and explained his cause.
A pretty sharp debate, however, ensued,
which is extensively reported in the Inde
Pendent, and which resulted in the adoption
of the following resolution:
" Resolved,
,That the appointment of a delegate
to the General Assembly (N. S.) be postponed for
a year, to give that body opportunity for any ex
planation of their action of the present year."
The correspondence between Christian
bodies is, unhappily, becoming the Occasion,
sometimes, of very unpleasant discussions.
Common politeness, as well as Christian
courtesy, we should say, would prevent a
delegate from taking the occasion' o either re
proach or reprove the body to whom he was
sent. If the =liabilities of fraternal inter
course cannot have their proper ascendency
on such occasions; and if criminstions and
tart replies, and long and alienating discus
sions must result, prudence, then, and piety
and love would all say, Let the correspond
ence cease.
The The of Tobacco by Ministers.
In our Foreign Summary, a short time
ago, we alluded toihe action of the last Eng
lish Wesleyan donference, on the use of
tobacco. We now present the case more
fully. Some of our readers may think that
we make quite too much of a small matter.
The thing is, however, in our estimation,
not small. True, it may not be of much
importance to us, that a
,foreign Conference
should refuse to license an applicant. But
the principle on which the action is based
may affect us deeply. The reason's by which
it is sustained may be as applicable here as
there, and as intimately connected with the
influence of Presbyterian ministers in their
high and holy work, as with the official
laborers among our foreign Methodist
brethren.
We shall make no strong affirmations
responsive to the sentiments advanced ; nor
shall we utter any denunciations. We but
ask our brethren, and especially our youth
who contemplate the holy ministry as their
calling, and would attain to the highest de
gree of usefulness in the responsible work,
to read the brief iemarks, and weigh, in
just balances, the principles advanced. It
then they shall choose to smile at our weak
ness, we shall endeavor to bear it with com
placent equanimity.
Part of the business of the Conference is the
examination of candidates for the ministerial of
fice. The private examination was conducted by
the Rev. Thomas Jackson. The result, with one
slight exception, was satisfactory. By Mr. Wes
ley's direction, an abstinence from the use of to
bacco, snuff, and drams, is required of all midi
dated for the Wesleyan ministry. One of the can
didates this year having contracted the habit of
smoking, was requested by the Conference to dis
continue it. The Rev. Thomas Jackson strongly
urged him to renounce the practice. The fall of
not a few ministers from their high position,
might be traced to their indulgence in tobacco.
Many Methodist families dreaded a smoking
preacher. .
The Rev. John Scott said, he hoped none of
the young men would take it up. Smoking was
an abominable practice, and there was every rea
son why Christian ministers should stand aloof
From it.
The Rev. John Mating said he was an old
man, upwards of ninety, and he had lived so long
without smoking.
Dr. Bunting also reprobated the habit. Min
isters should give it up, that it might not be said
by parents, their sons had been corrupted by the
ministers, and they should keep their sphere of
usefulness as large ad possihle.
The Rev. F. A. West said it was a wastit n ,. of
r
time—it oveexcited the brain, and prevented
access to many families, who did not wish to see
a smoking Methodist preacher.
The Rev. John Farrar lamented that twFrity
minutes of the time of four hundred ministers
should be employed in such a way. Smoking
was an excessively vulgar habit, and the young
brother should at once renounce it.
The candidate, on being appealed to by the
President, pleaded that he had been recommended
the use of tobacco by three physicians, for the
benefit of his health—that he had tried to give it
up, when his health began to fail—and that he
felt bound in conscience to take care of his health.
An aged minister hereupon remarked that if a
medical man recommended the use of tobacco, be
was a mere practitioner without knowledge, a
sham and scandal to his profession.
The Rev. John Scott also said that if the young
man's health was such that it could only be kept
up by artificial means—by the stimulent of smok
ing—it became a question whether he was phy
sically competent for the toils of the Methodist
ministry.
LAFAYETTE COLLEGE.—We learn, with
regret, that Dr. D. V. McLean tendered his
resignation of the Presidency of Lafayette
College, at the late meeting of the Synod of
Philadelphia, to take effect at the close of
the present College Term. Dr. McLean
has been indefatigable in the service of the'
Institution, and his labors have been emi
nently successful.
LIBERALITY.—Some remarkable instances
of liberality to the British and Foreign
Bible Society, have lately come to light.
For nineteen years, a lady has called
at the office, leaving an anonymous
gift. For several years, this amounted to
two hundred guineas ; but latterly it has
risen to the rate of £6OO a year. A gentle
man residing on the continent, commenced
five years with £2O. In 1854. - his gift
was over £2,700 ; in 1855, to £5,665 ; and•
for this year, he intimates his readiness to
make his gift either £13,000 or £15,000. He
has given an answer to some inquiries to the
effect, that "the more he gave, the more he
got." When Christians give in faith, and
as God hath prospered them, Scripture war
rants such an expectation. Would that
snore such professors would obey the voice,
and test the faithfulness of him who says,
"Prove me now herewith, if I will not pour
you out a blessing that there shall not be
room enough to receive it."
Ecclesiastical.
Rev. S. J. PRICE has, we learn, declined
the call to Brunswick Church.
Rev. J. H. LEPS has reseived a unani-
mous call to the Presbyterian Church at
Parkersburg, Va.
Rev. Dr. SPROLE, we understand, has re
ceived a call from the Presbyterian Church,
(0. S.) in Newburgh, N. Y.
Rev. J. C. CALDWELL'S post•ofice address
is Stillwater, Minnesota Ter., where cor
respondents will please address him.
Rev. W. P. HARSH.E'S post-office address is
changed from Bentodsport, lowa, to Mon-
ticello, Mo.
The pastoral relation between Rev. CYRUS
DICkZSON and the Second church of
Wheeling, has been dissolved, in order
that Mr. Dickson might be transferred to
the charge of the Westminster church,
Baltimore.
Rev. Mr. W/SEMAN has been called to the
church in Greenfield, Ohio, made vacant
by the death of Dr. Cruthers.
The Rev. H. HANSON, }laming removed from
Duncannon, Perry Co., Pa , desires cor
respondents to address him at Oquawka,
Henderson Co., 111.
Rev. J. CAMPBELL has removed from Shade
Gap, to Walker, Centre Co., Pa., where
he desires to be addressed.
Rev. WILLIAM C. DAvrs' Post Office ad
dress is changed from Wilkesbarre to Bald
Mount, Pa.
Rev. GEO. M. T. BLAUVELT, of Chester,
N. J., has received and accepted a call
to the First Presbyterian church at Ra
cine, Wisconsin.
Rev. Jogs M. BOGGS' Post Office address
is changed from Millersburg, Ohio, to
Indepen'ence, lowa.
Rev. C. D. MARTIN has removed from Leaven
worth, Kansas, to Logan City, Nebraska,
where he expects, shortly, to organize a
church.
Rev. A. BARR has taken charge of the
churches of Leesville and Crestline; his
Post Office address hereafter will be
Crestline, Ohio, instead of Columbus, 0.
The pastoral relation between Rev. JAMES
FLEMING and the church of West Union,
has been dissolved.
For the Presbyterian Banner and advocate
The American Board.
NEW YoRK, November 1, 1856
MR. Barron, :—The forty-seventh annual
meeting of the American Board, commenced
in Newark, N. J., on Tuesday, the 28th ult.,
and ended Friday, the 31st. The occasion
was one of unusual interest, and was char.
acterized by a very large attendance and
much enthusiasm. More than fifteen hun
dred strangers received accommodations
among the hospitable citizens of Newark,
besides the hundreds who flocked into it
from New York and the surrounding region,
and who returned in the evening to their
homes, or found quarters with their friends.
The business and devotional meetings were
throughoUt thronged with an eager and in
terested multitude; and it was no small
part of the gratification they afforded, to
meet and mingle with such a vast concourse
of venerable and honorable Christian men
and women. It furnished a vivid idea of
the unity of the Church, and in these times
of political agitation it was a refreshing
sight to behold the evidence which their
presence gave of the strong attachment
of the Christian public to the missionary
enterprise. Hardly any other anniversary
could have called together so many distin
guished and influential ministers and lay
men, of various names and Churches.
The meeting was organized in the usual
manner, on Tuesday afternoon, and in the
evening "an able and eloquent" sermon
was preached by the Rev. Dr. Bethune, of
Brooklyn ; for which, it may here be stated,
a vote of thanks was passed, and a Copy re
quested for publication.
The Absti act of the Annual Report, shows
that the labors of the missionaries have been
prosecuted with much energy and success
during the past year. Many additions have
been made to their churches, and abundant en
couragemeat is furnished for prosecuting
their work with renewed vigor. It was
mentioned as an interesting fact that the
population of the Sandwich Islands had
almost ceased to diminish, showing that the
diseases which at one time threatened their
extermination, have nearly subsided. The
missionary ship, too, it was said, would
probably be ready in December,
and be
built by the contributions of children and
youth ; 85,000 had been already received
for that objfct. "The receipts of the
Board from all• sources were $307,318.69;
83,109 less than those of the previous
year; leaving a deficiency of 815,681.80;
which, added to the existing debt if 820,-
507.90 makes the present indebtedness of
the Board 836,189.70." This falling off in
the funds excited considerable attention,
though less than it would have done,
bad
not more exciting matters engrossed the
thoughts and time of the meeting. It was
urged, however, that larger contributions
were needful, and that this debt should be
at once removed, in order to further pro
gress One gentleman, it was reported,
hid offered $5,000 toward its liquidation ;
but there must be a general effort and ad
vance on the part of the friends of mis
sions, especially as $350,000 would be
needed for the expenses of the coming year.
This is a subject that demands the attention
of all Christians, and on which many have
yet much to learn and do for its promotion.
Not until giving is esteemed as real an obli•
gation as praying, will the resources of the
Church be fully developed.
A report was made—though deferred for
further information and reflection until
another year—respecting the provision requi
site for superannuated and disabled mission
aries, with the widows, orphans and children
of missionaries. Their claims have hitherto
been recognized by appropriations from the
general funds of the Board, to the amount
of 815,000 a year. In view, however,
of their growing numbers and obvious
deserts, the Committee who reported on the
subject, recommended that a permanent fund
should be raised, from which they should be
relieved; not as a gratuity, but as an act of
justice, and to which all who needed it
might resort, without hesitation or humilia
tion. Our own Board, it will be recollected,
has already acted upon this principle in ap
proving of the effort to raise a fund for the
support and education of the children of
missionaries, and which promises to meet
with favor, since some 815,00 Q were c
tribated toward it or its objects, without: :n il ;
general exertion in its behalf.
The feature of the meeting, howevte,ad
the, matter which elicited . , the: deepest in
terest,n was the Report of the
Committee of
special
thirteen appointed at the meeting of
the. Board last March , in Al
ob
ject of bany. The this Committee, it will be remem
bered, was to take into consideration the
Report of the Deputation Which was sent to
India at the instance 'et
the Prudential
Committee, and who, it was thought, had
inaugurated radical and unaui but ized vies owes
in the management of missions in that
country. They had, e v., it was charged,
disbanded schools and seminaries, abolished
the study of the English language, and de
termined that the -energies of the "Mission
should be exclusively devoted to oral preach
ing. The Report of this Select Committee
was very extended, and indicated great care
in its preparation. It occupied some four
hours in reading, but was listened to by a
crowded assembly, with marked attention, to
its close. It reviews the various questions
in dispute, and endorses and sustains the
proceedings and recommendations of the
Deputation. The first part of it consists of
extracts from letters of missionaries on the
ground, which were written in reply to a
circular addressed to them by the select
Committee, and in which, With few excep
tions, they bear testimony to the necessity of
the changes made, and to their beneficial
results. They also, and without exception,
deny the exercise of any overshadowing
authority over them on the part of the Depu
tation, as had been eharged,,and commend
in the warmest terms their fraternal and
Christian conduct. They fully exonerate
Dr. Anderson, and his associate, Rev. A. C
Thompson, from any improper interference
in their measures, and express for them the
strongest confidence and affection. The
very highest eulogiutns, indeed, were passed
on the former gentleman by these missiona
ries, and by many of the speakers at this
meeting. The remainder of the report con
tains a statement and defence of those prin
ciples and measures on which, in the view
of the Ct. menittee, the missiunpry enterprise
should be conducted, and the results of
which are embodied in the following reso
lutions, which it recommends for adoption,
viz':
In regard to what is called the " eccle
siastical question," which has excited much
talk and feeling, it reads :
WHEREAS, The American Board of Commis..
sinners for Foreign Missions is not au ecclesias
tical body ;
Resolved, That it can neither exercise nor con
fer any eccleeiastictil power.
Resolved, That the appropriate sphere of a mis
sion established by this 'Board, and regarded sim
ply as such, (whether composed wholly of ordained
ministers, or of ministers and laymen.) is to
decide upon the places where labor shall be per
formed, the persons and instrumentalities to he
employed, and to distribute funds.
Resolved, That on the whole subject of eccle.
siastical relations and organizations the princil le.
of the Board is that of entire nonintervention on
the part.of the Board and its officers; that mis
sionaries are free to connect themselves with
ecclesiastical bodies or churches as they Insy
choose, either on missionary ground or in titis
country; and that in organizing churches, pro
vided the principles held in common by the con
stituencies of this Board be notvinlated, the per
sons to be thus organized are free to adopt such
forms of organization as they may prefer.
On the matter of Deputations, which have
called for some animadversion, this is its
conclusion :
Resolved, That in the judgment of this Com
mittee it is proper, and may be desirable, to strd.
Deputations to the various missionary stations,
for the purpose of obtaining information in r<-
gird to them; but that it would be inexpedient
for such Deputations to have power to originP.t<
or make important changes in mission policy.
without the express authority of the Proctentiii
Committee.
With regard to the relative importaact:
of preaching and of teaching, as instru
mentalities in the conversion of the heather:,
the following embody its sentiments :
Resolved, That the oral utterance of the Gos
pel, in public and private, is the chief instrumen
tality fur the conversion of the world.
Resolved, That education and the press are
be employed as auxiliary agencies, in forms r.:,:
methods, and in a relative proportion to the obi
instrumentality, to be determined by the circut
stances of each particular mission.
Resolved, That the Committee are glad to know
that the Batticotta Seminary has been only tel.:-
porarily closed, and that they trust that it n1:17
be soon re-opened on such a plan as may accord
with the views of the mission, and with the prin
ciples of the preceding resolutions.
After some discussion this report was
committed to the Committee for arnendmer..,
when they again reported it with a few ad
ditions and alterations, and met the views
which had been expressed. These ehang.f.,
were chiefly explanatory, though of sub
cient importance to procure for the Repoli
its unanimous approval by the Committer.
and ultimately its cordial adoption by tee
meeting. One of these amendments per
mits missionaries to " organize " as well
" to connect themselves with such ecclesiasC.-
cal bodies as they choose." Another stau,
that there is no difference of opinion betas,::
missionaries and the executive officer, of t 12.,
Board, or its friends, as to the great truths
which'underlie the work of Missions, tht,c.z! .
its economy and details must be settles-
mainly by the missionaries on the grom=.
The Report is full, and in the main, satin,-
tory. It reaffirms former principles of t
Board, and denies its right or purpose to
in
terfere in ecclesiastical matters. Its exe,.
lence and usefulness, however, are due 1
the committe that prepared it, and not to tn.
wisdom of the meeting by which it wf ,
adopted. Indeed, the debate on it took SIR:-
a turn, that the great questions it preserit.
could hardly be said to have been discus:,t6
Minor and less important parts of it ter.
canvassed; but whether it commended
self as wise and sufficient in the reading_.::
the meeting phiced implicit confidence hi it.
as the report of a large committee
various views it harmonized, it was odor.
with great unanimity, though ith little e. -
cussion of its principles. It seems, ind.
next to impossible to originate and exaa,
grave and important questions amid the
lessness and excitement of such a large 2
promiscuous assembly. The debate on t
occasion threw little light on the sobjec, -
dispute, and suggests the little confide='
that is to be placed in the judgment of
meetings. A few men in the study, or -
committee-room shape and control great:-
terprises of this hind, and hence the uec-'
city of wisdom on their part, as well as
some responsible body to whom they
amenable. These annual meetings are
ful in developing and deepening a gm
interest in the cause of Missions; they
pleasant, social and religious re-unions; l-
asrelates to business transactions they
have but a nominal use or influence. TV
do little more than assent to proceedirii
suggestions that are laid before theta •.
managers or directors.
Great harmony prevailed before the ec''
elusion of the meeting, and almost every
ter of dispute and difference seemed to
adjusted. Entire confidence was voted :-
the management of the Board and in is % ; 1 '
Hens missionaries, and the happiest roF . , -
were anticipated from its proceedings.
Presbyterian and Dutch Reformed Cbur,:i.e
were admitted to a representation in the t'f::.
dential Committee and ..nth arrange:Do' :
made as were thought would unite all
supporters in renewed efforts for the prow`
tion of the great end of its organzzati
The American Board has done a good
while there is room for its expansion? n", l
though other and similar organmations
be instituted. May the Divine blessing
upon its decisions.
Providence, Rhode island, IS the place
selected for the next meeting.
Sincerely yours,