enter and *botate. PITTSBURGH, MARCH 28,1857. TERms.... $1.501 in advance; or In Clubs 01.251 or, delivered at residences of &absorb , bare, $1.73. See Prospectus, on Third Page. ft EN EW AL a, should be ,prosopt; a little while before the year expiresi that. we 'nay snake full arrangements for a steady supply. THE RED WRAPPER indicates that we desire a renewal. If, howeveri in the haste of mallWgl this signal sbOuld be omitted, we hope our friends will still not forget us. REMITTANCES.—Hand payment by safe bands, when convenient. Or, send by mail, enclosing with ordinary care, and troubling nobody with a knowledge Of what you are doing. For a large amount, send a Draft, or largo notes. For ono or two papers, sand Gold or small notes. TO MARE CAIANGE, Send postage stamps, sr bettor still, send for more pawn may egg for &meaty slumbers, or $1 for Thirtyothroo asoonabors. DIRECT all Lotter' and Comonnualcationa to REV. DAVID MOKIENEV. Plttobiorght Pa. ROMANIST NEWSPAPERS. - The Free man's Journal claims a Romanist popula tion, in this country, of three to four mil lions, with nine newspapers, and thirty thou sand subscribers to the whole. The estimate of subscribers is probably large, but still it must leave a large number destitute. It is forte paper to every one hUndred or one hun ired and thirty-three persons. Tallahassee Mission. We have a letter from Miss 'M. 13. Mc- Kean, of this Mission, addressed to the chil dren; which they may expect to see next week. Miss McKean speaks of the enjoy ment of much happiness, and excellent health, though from a deprivation of help, ,she is ardently engaged "from early dawn till eight P. M." She says, two young la dies could find ample employment, just now; and asks if there`are not some of the Chris tian sisters desirous of consecrating them selves to the work. As' to qualifications, Miss McKean says, in the words of the Secretaries of the Board, "None but persons of sound constitutions, cheerful dispositions, and a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of Christ and their fellow-men, are regarded as suitable persons for this work." But, are there not many such—many in whom are combined all these qualifications ? The health of the Institution, the past Winter, has been without a parallel. The Old Brick Church. This .venerable building is no more. The congregation which long worshipped there, and for many years under the ministry of Dr. Gardiner Spring, having mainly removed up-town," the lot was sold, some months ago, and the - building was, last week, demol ished. The sanctuary of God must give place to worldly business ! The spot upon which the old church, stood, is to sustain a building for the New York Times. One hundred and thirty years ago, Jona than Edwards declined a call to an infant church of Presbyterians in New York, be cause, "on account of the smallness of the society, he did not think there was a rational prospect of answering the good end proposed, by settling there as a minister." What a mistake ! Ninety years ago, the triangular lot, the site of the Brick Church, was given by the city to the congregation, because an enterprise so far from, the centre of business, must need aid. Now, what a change ! Business has advanced to the site then so distant from its centre, and driven the church away. The congregation are engaged in building a splendid edifice on Fifth Avenue; but the " down-town" portion of the city, contain ing a more densely : crowded mass of human beings than ever, is being abandoned by the churches, and left destitute of the means of grace. Something is wrong. The' contem plation is melancholy. Revivals. EAR:LI/arm. ILL.—We last week noted from an exchange, the revival at this place. We have since received a: letter from the pastor, Mr. Ustick, which speaks of a few persons still inquiring, and acknowledges the help received from brethren Henderson and Fleming. The church was organized by the latter, a few year's ago. WRITE WATER, IND.-Fi; ' , teen persons were lately received to the communion of the Church; of whom fourteen were students in the Academy. The church is ministered to by Rev. David Monfort, and has received forty four additions during the year. FULTON, Mo., .the seat of Westminster College, still enjoys reviving influences. The work commenced on the day of prayer for youth.' Sixty-eix have joined in com munion; others were anxiously inquiring, and a deep seriousness pervaded•the commu nity. CORTLAND, ALABAMA.-A correspondent of the Presbyterian says "The Presbyte rian church in this place has been graciously revived---God's people have been made to rejoice, ,and hardened sinners have been humbled; such as were never known to weep before, have been made to cry out, Men and brethren, whit shall we do ?' A number, have been received into the church." NEW YORK. —The Times says : "In the Colored Presbyterian, (O. S.) church, wor shipping at the Chapel in Seventh Avenue, above Eleventh Street, Rev. Henry M. Wil son, pastor, a revival is in progress. On the Ist of March, sixteen were admitted to the church on profession of faith; ten others have been examined and approved by - the Session; and many others are under serious impressions." DANVILLE, KY.--Religious interest was awakened on the Day of Prayer for Colleges, and many inquirers have since presented themselves to the Methodist and Presbyte rian churches. COVINGTON, Ky.—The pastor, Rev. J. M. Worrell, writes to' the Presbyterian Herald, giving a most interesting account of a revival in CoVington. Thirty:three new comMinicents had been received. More Elucidation Relative to the Status of Infante. The subject of infant membership in the Church of Jesus Christ, and the duty of the Church toward those infants as they grow up to manhood, is so vastly important, that Christians will not think it amiss if we give it much space in our columns. And even if some things should be irrelevant, a little chaff among the wheat, they will exoercise their own powers in making a separation, rather than be deprived of a much needed means of benefit. The Princeton Review, whose article has called forth so much discussion, occupies a position giving..it immense power in our Church. Its friends must, therefore, not think strange, if, among PRESBYTERIANS, there should be much watchfulness, and some freedom of speech-, in regard to its ut terances; or even if there should be some calling for explanations, they must not com plain. They would, themselves, abhor the thought of its dicta being taken for doctrines; and they must hence not be too sensitive under a remark of ,inquiry. We know that they regard the Review as speaking to a people who have a right to investigate, and who are disposed to exercise that right. We are, therefore, always pleased to hear them, and disposed to respond in a fraternal spirit. Just after going to pressjast week we re .w oed an article , sustaining the position of the Review. It was written previously to the appearance of A. second number, and without a knowledge of our own remarks on the subject. We give a few extracts which are regarded by the writer as still in point 1. ott p. 21, as immediately introductory to, and explanatory of, pages 22, 23,'0f the article, from which A. B. extracts the words " presumptive," "presumption," &c.,the writer, for the avowed purpose of " precluding misconstinction in any quarter," affirms it to be taught in our Standards, us previously quoted by him, and "in the Word of God," " that the grace thus signed and sealed by the sacraments, is not tied to them, either as to the persons on whom, or the time when it is bestowed; that there may be true believers who receive the grace without its sacramental seals, while many unbelievers receive the outward rite without the thing signified; * * * and with regard to baptism, even in cases where the gift sealed is bestow ed, it may be before or after the administration of the rite:" The writer, then, with scrupulous care, 'as he proceeds to the following pages, which contain A. B.'s most telling excerpts, adds, " keeping this in view," thus declaring most emphatically, that what follows is uttered in a sense conformable to these statements, and in no other. 2. Wherever the " presumption" in question is spoken of, it is almost invariably in the. same sentence, always in the immediate context, ex plicitly qualified, so as to indicate something quite short of positive and decided conviction in reference to each particular case, until further evidence of membership in the Church invisible, shall be afforded. It is, on A. B.'s showing, de scribed as a presumption liable to be dispelled, and in experience often, in fact, dispelled; a pre sumption, even in the strongest forms of isolated statement quoted by him, not absolute; but limited to certain purposes. 3. In the subsequent unfolding of the writer's view, with reference to its practical applications,. the same thing appears that he constantly repre sents, that the bestowment of the grace sealed in baptism, and the consequent realizing or the pre sumption in question, depends largely on parental fidelity ; and that, even in case of such fidelity, some baptized children may come short of this grace, " because " God hath ndt divested himself of his own sovereignty herein; that there is no access to heaven but by spiritual regeneration. 4. A. B. says, "we are willing to take high views of infant church-membership, that they are children of the Church, and with parental fidelity may be expected certainly to become the children of God. We are willing to hold, that in their minority they are regarded and treated in their parents ; ..and that where they die in iisfarmy they are saved in the covenant relation." This avows all (with, perhaps, a single exception yet to be adverted to) that is involved in the " presump tion" of the Repertory. * * * What the writer in the Repertory signifies in repeated. passages to be the great truth he is laboring to establish, is that the status of the baptized is such that it is alone congruous to his position "to live, and feel, and act as a child of God ;" and that by any other course, he is recreant to that position, in a sense in which other children are not; just as those professors who lead an irreligious life, are recreant to their position in a sense in which other irreligious persons are not; and that, if faithfally trained, on this " supposition," the amount of baptized apostacy would doubtless be much diminished. This view is thus expressed immediately after the quotation from Dr. Watts. "Our Standards surely set forth nothing less than this ; they direct that baptized children be taught and trained to believe, feel, act, and live as becomes those who are the. Lord's; not merely that it is wrong and perilous to be, and do, other wise, which is true ()fall, whether within or with out the Church, but that such a course is incon sistent with their position as members of the Church, placed in it by the mercy of God, and "bound to his service by vows made for them by their parents, whose duty and privilege it was, thus to act for them, - and give them a place. among the people of God, until they become com petent in their own persons, and of their own choice either to retain or renounce it. The cast, is precisely analogous to that of adult profesisors and non-professors. All are bound to obey Christ on pain of perdition. But who does not admit a speciality in the professor's obligation, and a flagrant breach of the proprieties of his position, if he be recreant to it?"—p. 23: Drs. Miller, Richards, and Romeyn, in a report to the General Asumbly, in 1812, say of children: "Their relation to the Church as baptized chil dren, ought to be sedulously impressed upon their minds, as also their consequent obligation to walk in newness of life, and their subjection to the spiritual authority which Christ hash established in his Church. From the first dawnings of reason, they ought to be taught to consider themselves as THE Loan's CHILDREN, solemnly dedicated to him, and bound to glorify him in soul and body." 6. A. B. finds fault with the Review for arguing from the word " holy," as applied to the children of believers in the Scripture, and thence made a ground of their baptism, a presumption of their behig,' or becoming, holy sooner or later, which presumption is constantly explained as consistent with the fact, that with many it may prove other wise. On this point, I refer him to the Larger Catechism, answer 177, in which this passage (1. Cor. vii: 14,) is quoted in support of the proposition, that baptism is "a sign and seal of our regeneration, and ingrafting into Christ, and that even to infanta." Is this mere "federal holiness," as A. B. contends, in the sense of some. thing less than presumptive or real holiness, which presumption, with regard to some, will prove true, and with regard to otliers, will not be realized? lie further asks, is not the tendency of this scheme to lead to the inference, "we have Abraham to our father ?" The Jews and other formalists have thus perverted the promise of God to hie people and their seed. So every truth of orthodoxy is perverted by the wicked and un believing. If not improved to be a savor of lite, it is a savor of °death unto death. This liability exists on A. B.'s theory, that the children of the pious, rightly trained, "may 'certainly be expect ed" to become pious, and on almost any theory that attributes any virtue whatever to the cov enant. But itdoes not legitimately exist where all are thoroughly taught, that without the new birth, without experimental religion, evinced in faith, love, and holy living, none, of years ade quate to these things, can enter heaven. Because some abuse this ) or any other truth, is no good reason why others should be forbidden to believe, love, and obey it. We have also, from a source entitled to respect, the following : REFORMED PEDOBAPTIST THEOLOGY MR. EDITOR:—The language in the Princeton Review which has been the subject of strictures in your Columns, as if it were strange, and significant of confusion of mind, or something worse, was familiar in the Standard Reformed Theology. Observe the following from Vitrings, on Infant Baptism.. In his observations on 1. Cor. vii: 14, after refuting the notion or a mere outward fed- FIT [ PRESBYT ERIAN BANNER AND ADVOCATE. eral sanctity, different from that promised in the covenant of grace, he says : " This is first to be observed, that the Apostle did not intend that all children born of believers are really partakers of the Spirit, and by him ingrafted into the body of Christ. No, promise of such a prerogative has been made to believing parents. Events every day prove the contrary." He then gives the fol lowing summation of his doctrine : " What shall we say then ? This, indeed, which seems the simplest of all views of Oak sub ject. 'That the infants of believing parents are,. therefore, called holy, because we justly enter tain the presumption, (JUSTE rassuousms,) from the law of charity, that they are sanctified by the Holy Spirit. For when God bath begun to die play his grace to either parent, it is not right to presume (presuwere) otherwise than that he will afford the same grace to their infants, so long as the contrary does not appear. (Tuanidiu nobis non liquet contrarium.") We will now cite the celebrated Witsiu.s. After setting forth that the covenant does not endure the election, or salvation, of all children of be lievers, as Scripture and all experience proves, be gives this deliverance : " Nevertheless God war rants this degree of confidence in pious parents, that it is lawful for them to look upon their in fant offspring as children of God by the adoption of grace, until, being.more advanced in life, they develop themselves by indications to the contrary, (contraries indiciis se prodant ;) so that they may feel at ease with regard to their children dying in infancy, not less than Abraham and Isaac of old. And this, I think, Paul meant when he wrote 1. Cor. vii : 14." Much more the like might be quoted from these and other standard et thodox Divines. Upon which it is pertinent to remark : Tirol. They differ . from the reviewer in appa rently referring the presumptive regeneration of infants more largely and exclusively to the period Of infancy, than he. Second. They plesent in _the strongest form, both as to idea and expression, that which has given rise to alt the charges against the Review; from the high key of Pelagianism down to the dying note of well meant, but poorly executed, design. Third. It ie perfectly proper for such as sec good cause, to dissent from, and reason against, these, or any other ;views of uninspired men. But it requires considerable courage, (to ,say nothing of PRESIIMPTIONO and a very command ing stand-point, to warrant one in saying that they denied native sinfulness, or any other Cal vinistic doctrine; that they were contradictory, confused, uncertain, and vacillating in their opinions; or that they wrote like men who did not know what they were about. Fourth. If there is any mode of fairly recon ciling all parts of our Standards with any theory radically (I do not.say circumstantially,) different from this, it has not fallen in my way. And I may say the same of the great symbols and bodies of Divinity of the Reformed Churches. Within a few minutes of the receipt of the above, thire arrived the following, from "A. B." We present all together, because we think that the parties, becoming thus acquainted, will regard each other as " good men .and true;" and if . they should ever have a personal acquaintance, it will be with a full confidence in each other's ortho doxy, and with an attachment the more ready and the more strong, for this discus>. sion Mr.Enrrou:—The "Explanation" last week of the respected, bat unknown author, whose articles in the Princeton Review, on Infant Membership, has been called in question, might give the impression, that the *hole question is reduced to an unim portant word. With all deference, this is not my view of it. I would, therefore, beg to refer to the positions taken in the Review, as I understand them, on the Status of 'the children of believers, and which the Explanation does not recall nor justify. First. That, besides being born members of the VISIBLE Church, as we have always held, " they presumptively are (and) or will prove themselves to be, members Of the INVISIBLE Church." Second. That, (as the author's last explanation words it, and as he, therefore, fully' admits and maintains,) their membership in the visible Church is BASED ON this presumption of their mem bership in the invisible Church. Third. That their right to baptism, and the reason why we baptize them, is grounded on this same pre sumption of their membership in the invisible Church. And so it is maintained. Fourth. That, accordingly, the status of infants of believers is the same with that of adult profes sors ; they are baptized, because of this charita ble judgment, br presumption, that they are mem bers of the invisible Church. Fifth. That, accordingly, the natural seed of believers are, all of them, presumptively " the real children of God," (regenerate or elect,) and so they are to be held till they show the contrary. I ask, then, 1. Whether this is as clear as the author main tains. 2. Whether this doctrine does.not confound the visible Church with the invisible Church, as al ready suggested. 3. Whether infant baptism, (or circumcision, the corresponding seal of, te same covenant,) was given to be administered on the basis of this presamption, that the children of believers " are, or will prove themselves to be," the spiritual children of God. Was not circumcision expressly extended to many children who were "not of Abraham's Heed," but who were providentially brought into the outward membership of the Church, and ranked with God's - visible people ? And were not even the sons of Ishmael circumcised, though not of the covenanted seed ? And are we not, also, charged by our Church, to have the children of unbeliever; who are placed under our care and control, baptized ? Is this, also, on the presump tion that they are members of the invisible Church, or rather, because they are members of the visible Church ? I have all along credited the Reviewer with putting forth the true theory in many places ; but elsewhere he .is obscure. Very little exception could be taken to the ex planatory statements of the Reviewer in the Ban ner and Advocate of last week. The presumption that the children of believers ARE regenerate members, is construed to mean the presumption that, in case of their dying in infancy, they will be regenerated before death ; and the alternative pre sumption (that they will be regenerated in after life, if not in infancy,),is- construed to mean the HOPE we may entertain that they will be. With this I am fully satisfied. I would rather say there is a certainty in the former case, and not merely a presumption or probability. But this•is different from attaching the pre sumption to the children of believers As A CLASS, and equally, as we apply baptism to all. The Reviewer doubtless holds precious truth. I would not go a whit behind him in his valuation of the household feature in God's covenant. But I have judged tleat certain forms of expression were likely to mislead, and I beg Um to consider that the criticism seeks not him, but his. The "presumption," he now speaks of as ' hope." The stronger presumption, I would say, is rather that all the children of believers, As, sum, are not members of the Invisible Church. This pre sumption is every way warranted by the facts, as the contrary presumption is not. But our pa rental faith should—as the respected Reviewer very justly holds—plant itself upon God's house hold plan and covenant, in each particular case, and in the faithful use of all the appointed means, and in a believing application of the outward seal, faith may and should expect the blessing— not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Let Christian parents consider this. Let our Church also awake to the importance of her charge; let her care for these lambs of the flock, instruct them, admonish them, and charge them with their sa cred, gracious obligations, that,' by grace in Christ Jesus, they may become members of the. Church Invisible. A. B. As we - read the Review, and the ar ticles of "A. 8.," we perceive no important difference. Their theories of the Church may be slightly different ; but each holds, firmly, to God's house hold plan and covenant, and to the seal of the covenant. Each teaches the lost state of the infant, by nature, and the indispensable necessity of regeneration by the Spirit. Both would urge, upon parents and the Church, the diligent use of all God's appointed means of grace, trainiug up the children in the nurture and admoni tion of the Lord. Both press upon every baptized youth, as really as upon others, that they " must be born again "—must have a personal faith and repentance, and a holy life, and the adornments of grace We do not see that there is need of fur ther discussion as' to what the Reviewer really meant; but there is need, immense need, tf farther incitements, to stir up parents and the Church to the timely and full discharge of their duties toward their children. Will not the Review, and, the Reviewer, and " A. 8.," and others, help us in this line. We should be glad to have many pointed, awakening and instructive articles in this direction. This Institution owes its origin to the Synod of Missouri, and must thence, mainly, derive its sustenance. It is located at Ful ton, in Callaway County, and has been in existence about five years. The situation is represented as being very favorable; but its progress, hitherto, has not, been remarkably rapid. It seems; however, to be fixed on a firm basis, and promises a healthful growth, only that its friends shall not be . come weary in well•doing, and.that those who should be its friends will prove themselves such by liberal deeds. Presbyterians are not very numerous, and some of them, not very wealthy, in Missouri. But they need a College; and an Ecclesias tical College seems to be their only hope. In the Atlantic section of the country, we can hardly appreciate the need felt in the West, of Presbyterial and Syhi l dical efforts in the -promotion of literature. Here, at an early day, Presbyterianism was comparatively strong; and State institutions were intrusted 'to our management. There, things are very different. Presbyterians are in a minority. Christians who hold to Calvinistic and Evan gelical sentiments, and who should hence unite in building .up and sustaining Colleges, are much disposed to act, each denomina tion for themselves. Sectarianism and infi delity prevent the States from doing any thing for a sanctified literature. A result must be, for a long while, feeble institutions; and to have even - these, will require the whole force of a Church. This shows the necessity, if we would have any thing good; of Ecclesiasticism in our Academies and Colleges. Only by means of our Church Courts, can we have concentrated denomina tional effort. We have before us an Address of Rev. S. S. Laws, the President of Westminster, which ably presents the condition, wants, and prospects of the 'College. We trust that his pleadings will not be in vain. The Cellege possesses twenty acres of land, with buildings of some value. There are about $30,000 invested. Dr. Wayland offers $20,000 more, on condition of others giving - $20,000. To secure Dr. Wayland's offer, and provide some needful things, and raise the endowment to an estimated fullness, would require $75,000. 4 This amount the Trustees are exceedingly desirous to raise. There were in attendance, last January, one hundred and forty student& This is truly encouraging. Surely, with such indi cations of need, the College, endowment will be completed. OBSERVER. Rev. ELIZUR BUTLER, M. D., formerly Missionary to the Cherokees in Georgia, and who was there imprisoned for his fidelity to their interests, but released by the United States Court, died at Van Buren, Ark., on the 4th of February,' aged sixty-one years. Rev. ROBERT CAMERON, the Stated Sup ply of the church in Princeville, Illinois, departed this, life at his residence in that place, on the 12th of February. He was about sixty-seven years of age, and had la bored in the ministry forty-seven years. Rev. CALVIN COLTON, known as the wri ter of the Junius Tracts, died recently at Savannah, Ga., whither he had gone in pur suit of health.' He was a gentleman of highly respectable character, and a writer of much ability. Rev. Wm. D. PAISLEY, a "venerable and beloved man of God," says the Central Presbyterian, departed this life in Greens borough, N. C., on the 10th inst., in the 87th year of his age, and the 63d of his ministry. His long life, devoted to the cause of Christ, had a sweet and gentle close." It is always a symptom for good when people are disposed, earnestly, to help themselves. We were, therefore, much gratified to receive a letter from Indian City, Kansas Territory, informing us of the exist ence of •a, Charitable Society in that place, for the purpose of educating the poor, and also the Indians in the region. It speaks of the Indians as advancing encouragingly in civilization. In . the school of the Tribe, there were forty-seven scholars. Five school houses and two churches had been built in the village and neighborhOod, within the last year. The citizens are principally from Pennsylvania and Ohio. Books_ are bought and circulated by the Society .named. La bors of this kind, though the laborers be few and their means small, are productive of large harvests. First settlers give character to a place, oftentimes, for generations. Third Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh. On Sabbath last, Dr. Riddle preached Ws farewell sermon to the people of his charge. He goes, as we noted some time ago, to a . Reformed Dutch church, in Jersey City. The members of the congregation here, part with Dr. Riddle with great re luctance ; and they do themselves an honor, while they show a just appreciation of their pastor's worth, in their manifestation of deep interest in his welfare. Calls, and companies, and commendations, and resolu tions, do not comprehend all they have to give. Many substantial tokens are added. Aluongl,t these, and we are told that they are many, we may mention one—a thousand dollar hank note, presented as the voluntary offering of individuals. May they soon have another of Christ's servants as their minister, equally faithful, able, and success ful in his walk as the one who is now called to a different apartment in the house hold. Westminster College. ministers Deceased. Efforts in Kansas The American Tract Society. The Committee, appointed last year, to in vestigate the affairs of this institution, met in New York last week, and, after a two days' swim], adjourned till April 21st. A Sub• Committee was appointed to prepare the business. The members present were Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, Judge Jessup, Drs, Albert Barnes, Dewitt, McLeod, Be dell, Smucker, Hawes, and Palmer, and James Donaldson, Esq. The Sub-Commit tee consists of Drs. Dewitt, McLeod, and Bedell, and Mr. Donaldson—a conservative list. They are to report in time for the May anniversary. Superannuated and Disabled Ministers' Fund. The Committee appointed by the last As sembly, on the highly important subject of a Scheme by which adequate provision shall be made for God's ministers, in their decline of life, issue the following OIRCIII.AX.. It will doubtless elicit the deep interest of the brethren of the churches CINCINNATI, March 6, 1857 Siu :—At the last meeting of the General As sembly of the Presbyterian Church, (0. 8.,) the propriety of a further effort 'to secure an ade quate provision for the superannuated and dis abled ministers of the Church, and the widows and children of such as are in indigent circum stances, was fully discussed. The result was a decided expression in favor of such action, in cluding an affirmance of the reimlutions of the Assembly of 1849, on that subject. And the undersigned were appointed a Committee " to digest and report to the next General Assembly, a scheme for future operations." To discharge efficiently the• trust committed to them, the Committee deem it, important to pro cure authentic Information on the points indica ted in the inquiries which follow, to which they respectfully request replies ; 1. Are there any superannuated or disabled ministers in your Presbytery, or any widows or children of deceased ministers, requiring pe cuniary aid for their support; and, if any, what is the number of each ? 2. In the cases of want or destitution, em bracs.d in the foregoing inquiry, please state the cause, or causes, which produced it, if known, with such factS and circumstances attending each case as you deem interesting or important. 3. Has your Presbytery, or the Synod to which it belongs, made any, and, if any, what provision for the cases above designated? 4. What number of ministers in your Presby tery are engaged in secular employments, in ad dition to their ministerial duties ; and, in such cases, what has led to that result? 6. Is it probable, in your judgment, that the ministers and churches in your Presbytery will co-operate in carrying out Each plan as may be i ecommended by the Assembly, for raising a fund, the proceeds of which shall be irrevocably pledged to ,the purposes before indicated? 6. What would De the probable sum, annually required, in your Presbytery, to supply the just claims of those comprehended in the first inquiry ? 7. What proportion of the ministers, in your Presbytery, have resorted to Life Insurances, or the purchase of Annuities, as , a provision for their families; and, in this connexion, please state whether there are any considerable number of your ministers who have conscientious scruples as to the rightfulness of Life Insurances for the purpose stated? 8. What is The reason, •so far as you know, why ministers have not more generally availed themselves of the benefits afforded by the corpo• ration at Philadelphia, for the relief of destitute ministers, and• the widows and children of de ceased ministers ? To insure prompt and authentic answers to the foregoing inquiries, the undersigned respectfully suggest the propriety of presenting this Circular to your Presbytery, at their first meeting, and of its reference to a Committee of that body, tbrough which the desired inforniation may be speedily procured, and immediately transmitted. It is important that the replies to this Circular should be in the possession of the Committee at least as early as the 15th of April next. They may he addressed to the Chairman. H. H. Laavirr, (Chairman,)Cinoirins.ti, 0. E. P. ROGERS, Albany, N. Y. DANIEL LORD, New York City. ISAAC D. Jowls, Princess Ann, Md. THOMAS C. Pgiltatar, Abbeville, C. H., S. C. For the Presbyterian Penner and Advocate Church of Cherry Tree—DisEolution. In pursuance of previous notice, a meeting of the Presbyterian congregation of Cherry Tree was held February 22d, A. D. 1857, and the fol lowing preamble and resolutions were adopted by a unanimous vote : WHEREAS, Our beloTed pastor, the Rev. John Moore, has, on a recent occasion, intimated from the pulpit his wish to change his field of minis terial labor, and has also tendered to the congre gation his resignation of the pastoral relation; and whereas it is now fully understood to be his earnest desire and purpose to prosecute the same to its issue; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That while we very deeply regret this decision' of our beloved pastor, and deplore the lOss we are about to sutairi by his removal from us, still, we know no abatement of our confidence in r and affection for him, continuing, as ever, to esteem him " very highly in love for liis work's sake." And inasmuch as his reasons for the separation are satisfactory to his own mind, we feel not in the least. to .complain, but rather to cherish a lasting , gratitucie for all the kind ser vices he has rendered us. Resolved, That though depressed in view of the separation which we now consider inevitable, we are nevertheless happy in being able to record our giateful testimony that uninterrupted har mony, confidence, and affection, have character ized all the intercourse between pastor and people during his whole sojourn with , us, now upwards of four years. Resolved, '2. hat this Congregation desire espe cially to express to Presbytery our sincere•and affectionate regard for onr beloved pastor, our high appreciation of his ministerial talents and character, and his untiring energy, industry, and fidelity, in all that he undertakes. And while we very sensibly feel our loss, and deplore the necessity that imposes it,' we • would nevertheless cheerfully submit to The wishes of our pastor and the order of Presbytery in the premises. _Resolved, That our Sessional delegate to the next meeting of Presbytery, is hereby requested and appointed to carry up this paper, and to rep resent to that body the wishes and circumstances of the congregation. GEORGE aimann, Chairman. E. B. Camp, Secretary. For the Presbyterian Banner and Advocate Webster's Clizreh History. MB, EDITOR:—As the History of the Presby terian Church, by the late Rev. R. Webster, will probably be issued about the last of this month, the present may be a favorable time to ask the publication of the action of the Second Presby tery of Philadelphia in reference to it, which has been delayed for reasons which it is not necessary to mention. The following is a correct copy of the minute : Presbytery earnestly recommend to all its members, ministers, and elders, to take such ac tion in their respective congregations as, in their judgment, will best secure a wide circulation of the Church History prepared by the late Rev. R. Webster, and now in course of publication by Mr. Joseph M. Wilson, of Philadelphia." Very respectfully yours, JACOB BELVILLE, Stated Clerk of the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia. Hartsville, March 17, 1857. Bar the Preabyt'erien Banner'and Advocate Dane Presbytery. • At a meeting of Dane Presbytery, called by the Moderator, Mr. Samuel' Holmes, formerly of Union Theological Seminary, was licensed to preach the Gospel. Also, by the Presbytery of Dane, on the 11th day of November last, Mr. W. L. Gwin, from the Presbytery of Mecklenburg, was ordained and in stalled over the church of Madison, 'Wisconsin. Mr. Gwin's prospects are of the most flattering kind. He has a wide field, and a willing heart to labor in it. Also, at the same time and place. Mr. Jacob Schwartz, from the Presbytery of Cedar, was or dained en evangelist. Mr. Schwartz is preaching to the German Presbyterian chnich in Plattville. By the same Presbytery,' Ootober 10th, Rev. M. W. Staples was installed over the First Pres byterian church of Janesville, Wis. Brother Stales has been the instrument, in God's hand, of building up a strong and healthy church. B. P. For the Preebyterien Benner and Advocate REV. JAMES SLOAN, PASTOR OF PIGEON CREEK CRITSCR:—.Dear Sir :—The undersigned are consti tuted a Committee in behalf of members of the con gregation of Pigeon Creek, to convey to you the sum herein inclosed,contributed voluntarily, as evidence of our esteem for you as a man, and more especially for your faithful labors amongst us, as a pious and devoted minister. We trust you will experieace as much pleasure in receiv ing, as your friends have done in contributing. With sentiments of the highest regard and es teem, we are yours, GREER tr.ILVAIN, WILLIAM SMITH. September 10, 1856. ALEssins. G. M'lrmats AND W. SMlTH :—.ear Brethren :—Your kindletter, enclosing, as a gift, $ll7 in cash, has , been received: Accept for yourselves, and permit me, through you, to ten der to the members of Pigeon Creek congrega tion, the expression of my heartfelt gratitude for such a gift—valuable not only on account of its intrinsic worth, but especially so as a token of affection and confidence in the earthen vessel placed over you in the Lord, and so well calcula ted to cheer his burdened heart amid,,t his arduous and responsible duties. This, together with other acts of kindness on your own part, as well as those whom you represent, will be cher ished with pleasure in the fond remembrance of your unworthy minister, whilst he may be spared to live over again past endearments. That you, and those whom you represent, may share large- Win the rich blessings of the Gospel of God's ,dear Son, is the sincere prayer of your humble pastor, JAREN SLOAN. Dunningsville, Sept. 12, 1856. Ecclesiastical. Rev. A. S. BILLINGSLEY'S Post Office ad dress is changed from Wurtemburg, Law rence Co., Pa., to Florence, Nebraska. Rev. LUTHER DODD has removed from Selma, 111., to Toledo Tama Co., lowa. Rev. Wm. WirmsoN, of the Presbytery of Erie, has declined an agency for the Western Theological Seminary, and also declined a call to the church at Wellsville, Ohio. Rev. JAMES M. CROWELL, oflParksburg, Pa., Ins received a call-to the Penn-Square Church, Philadelphia. Rev. P. G-. BERGEN has been released from his charge at Springfield, Ohio, amd dis missed to the Presbytery of Kansas. Rev. ROBERT IRWIN, of Clermont, Ind., has been invited to supply the church of Monticello, Indiana. Rev. JOHN Cuozmn, has accepted an 'twits tion to labor as Stated Supply of the churahas of Richland and Union, 111. His Post. Moe address 'will be Olney, Rich land Co., 111. Rev, B. F. BITTINGER was installed pastor of the Seventh Presbyterian Church, • Washington, D. 0., on the 12th inst., by the Presbytery of Baltimore. Rev. F. M'MURRAY'S Post Office address is changed from Bellevue, Georgia, to Union Springs, Alabama. Rev. A. HANNA'S Post Office address is changed from Dalton, Wayne Co , Ohio, to East Greenville, Stark Co., Ohio. Rev. A. W. YOUNG, of Tatesville, Miss, has taken charge of the church and Semi nary in Panola, Miss. Rev. Jo - int F. COWAN has taken ehafge of the church in Carotsdalet. His Post Office is St. Louis 7 Mo. Rev. DAVID BuLmoNs, formerly of the As sociate Reformed Church, has accepted a call from the West Milton Presbyterian church. Rev. JAIIES H. BAIRD has received a call to become pastor of the church in Lock Haven, Pa. Eastern Correspondence. NEW Youß, March 21, 1857. Mn. EDITOR :—Popular amusement is a subject of great practical interest, and just now excites much attention. Amusement, or relaxation of some kind, seems a necessity of our nature; and in this city, at least, most ample arrangements are made for its gratification. There are, for example, some twenty theatres, concert rooms, &e., open and attended nightly by thirty thousand people, at an estimated cost of about one hundred thousand dollars per week. This is but one class of'amusements, and one class of pleasure-seekers, whereas the, variety is great, and number endless. Dur ing the past Whiter, the excitement and gaiety connected with them have certainly not been less than during previous seasons. There have been private, as well as public balls, concerts 'and parties, on a scale of grandeur and extravagance which indicate the growth of wealth and luxury as clearly as it is seen in' 'houses, dress, and style of living. Its amusements are, in- fact, the principal attraction of the city to vast num bers, and an amount of time and money are expended on their preparation and enjoy ment, almost adequate to the ordinary neces sides of their families—certainly vastly More is contributed to their support _than to all our churches, schbols, and benevolent insti tutions. The tendency seems also to in creased license in their indulgence. In genuity is taxed to give therd variety. For eign, games are adopted not only, but, with the impetuosity of our people, pushed to unusual excesses. In the matter of danchag, for instance, a gentleman familiar with the saloons of European cities, remarked that he bad seen nothing in them so lascivious as at our Fifth Avenue parties. Balls and theatrical exhibitions are sancti fied not with the Word of God and prayer, but by the charity to which their proceeds are contributed. A dollar for a ticket war rants the expenditure of fifty dollars for dress, and sanctions all the frivolity of the occasion, because it feeds the hungry, or helps the afflicted ! Professing Christians are found at our Theatres, and ministers, sometimes, at the Opera. Card playing has become fashionable in families and 'parties, as wcll as in gambling houses. Dancing is estimated as necessary a branch of educa tion as music, even in the estimation of many 'church-membeis, while they do not fail to carry out their views in the 'enter. tainments which they give their friends, or accept of in their social intercourse. These things are notorious, and may well arrest attention. They are "signs of the times," many tbink, t of formality ; in religion, and degeneracy in morals. There are, how ever, differences of opinion; certainly there is more latitude of belief and practice now, than obtained in those Puritanic days when it was thought unlawful for a man to kiss his wife or children on the Sabbath! And, in the view of numbers, this change of senti: meat is an approach to the true idea of Chris tian liberty on this subject, even as progress in art and science has brought about a more comfortable -and cultivated style of living. It is not to be denied that intelligent, and even Christian people, look with .growing favor on popular amusements, nor are there wanting plausible arguments in their sup port. This sentiment maybe due to the'de cline of vital, piety, but how is its prevalence to be molted ? Its dondelUnation by ec- elesiaitical bodies often excites only ridicul e or merriment. Preaching on the sulje n does not seem effective; indeed some 11110- ters doubt whether, as a mere question of manners, it should be bandied at ail in th e pulpit. Discipline is rarely attempted, se i. dom or never enforced ; while individual s and families do what is right in their (Iv , eyes. Many, however, are at a loss to know what is right, while others are ao perplexed that they would welcome an authoritativ e expression on the subject, like that which the Romish Church gives toits adherents on matters of faith and• practice. They do not wish to conform to the world, nor ) . et to be righteous over-much. Many amusements become evil only by tbeir abuse, or by their association with other things with which they are not neces sarily, though usually, connected. Dancin g , for example, is, in itself, as harmless as walking; and why, they ask, may it not be tolerated in Christian families, under proper regulations, as to dress, hours, and company, since it is conducive to health and ease of manners, and is especially entertaing to city children, who have so few out door recrea tions ? Should it be condemned beyond many games and plays which are practiced with impunity, though equally childish, often more indelicate, and though it might supersede much " foolish talking," and per haps positive slander ? If it be said ail these things are evil-, then it is asked, again, must children be forbidden all games of skill and social parties, as well as public amusements ? Would not such strictness give them a wrong impression of religion, and repel them from it, as morose and mel ancholy ? Nor would this measure, of itself, render young people pure or safe, since history shows that great corruption may co-exist with great severity of manners, as in the days of President Edwards. Is it not "a more excellent way" to allow them in the indulgence of these things, so far as they are innocent, and guard them against while they are under pa their perversion, rental control ? These are the views of many who are alive to the.evils of gambling ; balls, and theatrical,exhibitions, and who hope to shield their children from their danger, and to render their home attractive by these simpler amusements. Others go farther, and plead for, or fre quent the Theatre or Opera. Music is a gift, or talent, which they have received from, God, and which they feel at liberty to enjoy and cultivate. The operatic is the highest style of music;, they play it in pri vate and teach it to their children, and why may they not listen to it in public, when performed by the most skillful artists? The mere rendering, too, of a drama on the boards of a Theatre is, in itself, inoffensive, provided it teaches neither error nor im morality. It may, indeed, be made . an effective medium of conveying "reproof and correction ;" and why then may it not be as innocently enjoyed as an Academic exhibi tion ? It is true these amusements are ap propriated by the word, but' there is high authority for saying the world should not have all the good music and speakina ° ? Cannot the Opera -and Theatre be rescued, by Christian influence, from the world's eon trbl, and made the help-meets of religion, or at least divested of their objeetionable features? Now, though it has been usual to think that this matter was long ago set tled in the minds of intelligent and serious people, in these degenerate days the ques tion seems, from these and similar apologies, to be re-opened. In reply, therefore, it might be urged that the impossibility of sustaining these amusements at all; when pruned and puri flea, so as to adapt them to Christian taste and principle, ought to be conclusive as to their inherent viciousness. If the Theatre is converted into - a church, or even a "sehool for morals," its best supporters will desert it, just as the same class of persons will frequent the Church, if it is converted, as sometimes seems to be the. aim, into a Theatre, or, at least the Opera! Moreover, the influenCe of these places on the domes tic habits and moral charaeter of the per formers thernselVes, is evidence of their per nicious tendency. Whether it be their late hours or exhausting labors, the company they keep or the sentiments they express in music or in acting,lthey are, as a elks; con sidered dissolute and dissipated. There are exceptions, but their profession is hardly reputable. What respectable parent would not deplore its adoption by his child, as equivalent-to his social disgrace and moral ruin ? Can it he right, then, to encourage in a community institutions whose fruits so palpably condemn them ? Some of these performers themselves have, Unwittingly, perhaps, but unequivocally, given their tes timony against them. Jenny Lind, for example, renounced- the Opera, and refused all inducements to reengage in its scenes; as soon as she ' received serious impressions of religion. She must have been qualified to judge of its tendency, while she con demned it by her conduct,. in the most em phatic manner. After Macready, the emi nent tragedian, retired from the stage, it is said tie positively prohibited his family from any connexion whatever with the, Theatre. Thimgh he acquired wealth and fame by his profession, he would not allow his children, while under his. control, even to witness performances with which his whole history was identified. Can this be explained on any other supposition than that he was thor oughly persuaded of their pernicious in fluence ? And can any amount of theo rizing in their favor subvert these suggestive facts. Were they less fruitful than they are in temptations and occasions of vice to oth ers, the character which they fasten upon their performers, and the testimony of the most competent judges among them, wit ness sufficiently against theni. It is, however, the little foxes that spoil the vines. The great body of serious Christians condemn these forms of popular amusement; but do they set themselves, as they should, against other worldly practices and questionable amusements? It may not be easy to draw the line beyond - which a Christian cannot consistently go in social or public recreations. No general rule can be made to cover all cases, nor ought specific directions to be attempted which might snare the conscience or bring it into bondage. Let every one be fully persuaded in his own mind. At the same time it will be an evil day for the Church, and for individuals when they aim to come as near as they safely can to the customs and indulgences of the world, rather than to come out from it and separate themselves as a peculiar people. Parents can hardlyx e pect the early conversion of their children if they encourage them in ensnaring pleasures, instead of teaching them to avoid " even the appearance of evil." Those views of re ligion are, doubtless, most reliable which are attained in moments.of its deepest solemnity or highest enjoyment. Let those, therefore, who are perplexed to know how far they may go in suchamusements, 'ask themselves how card-playing and dancing, the Opera, or the Theatre, would appear to them in the closet or at the Lord's tab, on a bed of sickness, or. at the open grave. If they would decide how far they shall allow their children in them, let it be at a time when their own minds are thoroughly impressed
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