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