.X. 44,3 • .It
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PITTSBURGH, MAY 30, 1857.
•
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REN AVIN A L should be prompt, a Ihtle
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TIM RED WRAPPER indicate. that we
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hope our friends will still not forget um
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to REV. DAVID. Miesit t ISSICIG Pittsburgh.
Pa.
TELE BIBLE TINES.-Dr. Stockton, the
editor of this excellent little, monthly, has a
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DAVID Moknotsr, Pittsburgh, Pa. Seri
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General Assembly.
Owing to the failure of the mails, our re
ports of .the ProCeedings—save those con
tained in our Editorial Correspondence—
are not as full this week as we hoped they
would be.
West 'Liberty University.
This is the name of the Institution pro
posed to be founded by the Synods of Ohio
and Cincinnati. It is reported that the
Agent, Luther Smith, Esq., is meeting with
great success everywhere; and that if the
wealthier congregations will exhibit a liber
ality corresponding with that evinced by the
feeble, to which applications have, as yet,
been principally confined, the endowment of
4200,000 will soon be secured.
Centre College, Ky.
It is well known that great.prosperity has
Attended this institution for some time; the
number of students has greatly increased,
and frequent outpourings of the Holy Spirit
'have been received. Owing to this pros
perity, President Young has issued an ap
peal to its patrons, presenting strongly the
need of another Professorship, and an addi
tional building. No doubt the appeal will
receive a becoming response. Nearly two
hundred students are in attendance.
Reformed Synod, New Side.
The General Synod of this Church met
in Cedarville, Ohio, on the 21st, and was
, operted with a sermon by the Rev. Alexan
der Clarke, of Amherst, Nova Scotia, from
John xvii :2. Sixty-one members, clerical
and, lay, were present. The Rev. John A.
Crawford, of Xenia, 0., was elected Mod
orator; Rev. John N. McLeod', D. D., of
New Yotk, State'd Clerk; and the Rev.
Spencer L. Finney, of New York, Assistant
Clerk. The Annual Address, by appoint
ment of the Presbyterian Historical So
,ciety, was delivered by the Rev. Dr.
McLeod, on the Life and Character of
James Renwick, the last of the Scottish
Martyrs.
More Ministers Taken Away.
The Rev. David S. Todd died at Natchez,
Miss, on the 4th inst. Of him, Dr. Rice,
of the St. Louis Presbyterian, says
We have known brother Todd long and
intimately, , and we have known few more
devotedly pious men. His life was spent
in constant labor in his Master's cause, and
to an uncommon extent the Divine blessing
crowned his labors. He is interred in a
spot selected by himself near the church, in
Canton,.where he labored for the last six
, . Anti on thel.sth of April, •the Rev. jno. M.
Morrow, Stated Supply of the Presbyterian
church in Beersheba, Miss., died at Ponto
toc, in tact State. Of him, the True Wit
ltess, says
Mr.' Morrow was a useful man, not only
in his'aotive labom, but also in his example,
walk and conversation. He was a willing
and faithful worker, and did a great deal of
missionary labor within the bounds of Tom
beckbee Presbytery—more, by far, than any
other member of that body. Hisdeath is a
real loss both to the Presbytery an 4 Synod,
and doubtless will be felt as such.
General Synod of the Associate Reformed
Presbyterian Church.
This body assembled in the city of New
York, on Wednesday, the 20th inat. The
opening sermon was preached by the . Rev.
Mr. Findley, from Eph. v 25-27. The
Rev. David It Kerr, editor of the Preacher
and United Presbyterian, of this city, was
elected Moderator. The three , subjects of
most interest, in the proceedings of this
body, will be the revision or improvement of
the Psalmody in use, union with the Asso
ciate Church, and the establishment of a
denominational College.
Thus far the prospect of union on the
basis proposed, does not seem encouraging.
According to the report of the Committee
on the decisions of the Presbyteries with
respect to this subject, the votes in favor of
union on the proposed basis were 154, and
opposed to union on such basis, 94. Eight
Presbyteries had not reported the strength
of their vote; but six of them opposed the
basis, and two supported it. Dr. MlCarroll,
of Newburg, N. Y., expressed the opinion
that he did not believe the Synod could act
with harmony on , the subject; and estima
ted that only fourteen of the twenty•seven
Presbyteries would'go into the union, and
that seven of these would go. unwillingly,
.iwhile there were thiiteen that refused posi
lively to 'submit to the union on the terms
•
=IIME=I
The General Assembly of 1857.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church, in the United States, now in session at
Lexington, Ky., is likely to possess fully the usual
interest of such meetings. The union of some
three hundred ministers and elders, the represen
tatives of the Presbyteries from North and South,
East and West, in fraternal harmony, is an occa
sion of rejoicing for every friend of Zion, and
every lover of his country. May the boundaries
of our Church never grow less, and the number
of her members never be diminished. May she
ever be win throughout the whole length and
breadth of the land—one body, one in faith, and
one in effort; and may the country where she has
her happy home, long enjoy God's richest
blessings.
Lexington is one of the noted cities of the
State, containing about eight thoumnid inhab
itants, and situated in the midst of a very ex
tensive, highly fertile, and well cultivated dis
trict. The land is a limestone, gently rolling,
and well timbered. There are no mountains, nor
high hills, as far as the eye can reach. The
members from Pennsylvania, in traveling thither,
noticed as singular, the sparseness of the habita
tions amidst so widely extended and such beau
tiful cultivated fields. This indicates large plan
tations, and a population not very numerous.
But the great want, in the eyes of Petinsylva
nians, is that of barns. In journeying through
the valleys of the Keystone State, you may see
five Of these useful structures, for one which is
visible here; and each of them a splendid
palace in coniparison with what is to be seen in
even the best cultivated regions which we have
yet visited South of the Ohio But it is not, the
country whiCh we most note. It is the Assem
bly. This fills the eye and expands the heart.
The Church has our love.
On the 21st of May, at 11 o'clock A. M., about
two hundred and fifty Commissioners from the
Presbyteries assembled in the First Presbyterian
church, of which the Rev. J. D. Matthews, D.D.,
is pastor. The last Moderator of the Assembly,
Rev. Dr. McFarland, being unable to attend, on
account of ill health, the opening sermon was
preached by Dr. Hoge, of Columbus, Ohio. Dr.
Leland, of Columbia Seminary, a reoent Modera
tor, was present, but declined preaching, being •
severely unwell. The Invocation Hymn, and
reading of the Scriptures, were by Dr. hl'Gill, of
Princeton Theological Seminary. Prayer was
made by Dr. Swift, of Allegheny City.
Dr. Hoge's sermon was on the text, Matt.
xxviii: 20, And 10, lam with you alway, even
to the , end of the world." This, the preacher
observed, is a high commission. It comes from
the highest source—from the God-man, Mediator.
It devolves the greatest responsibilities upon
those to whom it is given. They are charged
with the dispensation of truth and grace, for
man's eternal salvation. They are sent to all
nations. The succession is to all whom he shall
call into the ministry. The duty, made oblig
atory, binds the whole Church, in every age; and
the promise is theirs, and shall be, even to the
end of the world. The commissioned may be
weak in faith and fallible, as were Thomas and
Peter, but they have a promise which shall never
fail them.
Jesus Christ is present with his Word, and by
his Spirit. He gives his Word its power. His
Spirit works, renewing and sanctifying the souls
of men. The Spirit taught the apostles to write,
and teaches ministers to preach, and makes hear
ers to understand.
Ail power is in the hands of Jesus Christ. It
is variously exhibited. There is notch in Divine
Providence. It is special, peculiar, and brings
things to pass. It is concerned with ministers
and people. It is exercised for the perpetuity
and extension of the Church. Christ will rule
all things to the accomplishing of the great pur
pose for which he came into the world. He is
present in the Church for an end—for her edifies
lion and extension. She is his body; precious
in his eyes. He forms her graces; adorns her;
makes her beauteous. She is his own °; the ob
ject of his love. He will present her before his
Father's face, perfect, without spot or wrinkle,
with exceeding joy. , Every believer is a recipient.
Not one shall lack any grace. All shall be like
him. He will be the Head, and they the mem
bers.
The Church shall never fail. If she declines,
fora time, in one place, she will flourish more in
another. Her members are transferred to the
Church above, but others succeed them here be
low. In. all changes, she still lives; she extends.
We live in a day of preparation for great things.
The Word goes forth. The time draws near when
all the earth shall be embraced in Zion. This is
to be accomplished by preaching. Every op
posing power will yield, or be put down. The re
sult will come.
Christ's presence sustains his servants. He
is with them in persecutions, ivatchings, labors—
in all straits. They may sow in tears, but they
shall reap in joy.
The sermon was becoming the patriarch. It
was earnest, instructive, encouraging; and was
Ilstened to with profound attention by a crowded
house.
Afterthe sermon, Dr. Hoge offered the consti
tuting Prayer. Dr. M'Hill, the Permanent Clerk,
read a roll of,the members whose commissions
had been presented. It was unusually defective;
but was rapidly filled up by members who ar
rived too late to have their names previously re
corded.
Dr. Van Rensselaer and Dr. Swift were put in
nomination for Moderator, and the former was
elected. Dr. Sloan was appointed Temporary
Clerk.
The organization was not Perfected till Friday
morning, at which time the Standing Committees
were announced. An early adjournment was had
on Thursday, to enable the •Moderator to form
these Committees. The principal ones, with their
Chairmen, are, Bills and Overtures, Rev. R. J.
Breckinridge, D. D. ; Judicial Committee, Rev.
E. P.. Swift, D. D. ; Committee on Theological
Seminaries, Rev. T. V. Moore, D. D.; on Do
mestic Missions, Rev. C. C. Jones, D. D. ; For
eign Missions, Rev. J. B. Adger, D. D; Educa
tion, Rev. A. W. Leland, D. D. ; Publication, Rev.
J. A. Brown, D. D. ; Church Extension, Rev.
Jonathan Greenleaf; Narrative on the State of
Religion, Rev. W. M. Scott, D. D. ; and Sys
tematic Benevolence, Rev. S. S. Laws. The
Committees will be noticed more frilly in our re
port on Proieedings of the Assembly; to which
we refer our readers.
On the choice of a Moderator, there was &lit
tle more feeling manifested than we have noticed
at any time since the disruption, in 1888. Per this
we could see scarcely an adequate reason. There
are neither parties nor party questions in the
body. The nominees were both good men, and
each well qualified for, the position. Happily,
however, the zeal,was not from opposition to one'
but from a partiality to the other. It was love
to, and a desire to honor, a valued minister with
whose excellences the individual members were
most intimately acquainted. Such partialities
are amiable. Dr. Van Rensselaer is most exten
sively known. His position as Secretary of the
Board of Education, and his presence and promi
nence as an officer of that Board, at every Gen
erai Assembly, cause him to be familiarly recog
nized by brethren from every -quarter. Dr.
Swift, occupying but the place of a pastor; and
but taking his, s twa with, his co-Presbyters, is
goOg to t*Amembly, =lust neoeisarilrborleas;
dmtaottivoirsoqiudatedlo Bat Dr:=Strift'wootivityi
~
OPENING SERVICES.
ORGANIZATION.
THE PRESBYTERIAN BANNER AND ADVOCATE.
as a minister, his rncrgy as r. Director of the
Seminary at Allegheny, and o pecially the leading
part which be toob :n getting op, organizing,
and, for years, while the seat of operations was
is Pittsburgh, carrying on the work of the Board
of Foreign Missions, gave him an extensive repu
tation, and attached to turn, by the strongestties,
multitudes Of his brethren.
PLACE FOR. THE NEXT MEETING.
Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Rochester, and New
Orleans, were put in nomination for the place of
the next meeting of the Assembly ; and a very
earnest discussion ensued on their various claims,
and on the duties of the Church in seeking to ex
tend her influence. The advocates of New Or- .
leans were numerous and eloquent, and the other
places did not lack friends who could render a
reason. The claim of Philadelphia was urged
from the fact that next May will be the time for
celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of the
union of the Synods of New York and Philadel
phia, making the Presbyterians one body, after
having been for years divided. On the call, of
the roll, New Orleans had 187 votes, Philadel
phia 112, Rochester 13, and Cincinnati 3; in all
265. New Orleans is hence,the place of meeting
for the year 1858.
In the discussion, some fears were suggested as
to the healthfulness of New Orleans ; but the
overwhelming response was, that up till the mid
dle of June, that city is ordinarily as healthy as
any portion of the United States. It may be as
healthy tar residents, who are somewhat acclima
ted, and upon whom the heat of May has come
gradually ; but there may still be doubt whether
it is so for strangers going suddenly into its high
temperature, from the colds of
l a Northern Win
ter. Doubtless, however, there are'ministers and
elders, in , all the Presbyteries, who will be ready
to comply with the providential call. And we
would hope that the Presbyteries will, be just as
ready to bear the increased expenses of their
Commissieners. It is surely but reasonable that
much should be the case; and this being under
stood, and the appointments being made early—
say in October—and the selections judicious, the
Assembly of 1858 may be just as large and as
able as any of its predecessors.
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES.
The reports from the Seminaries at Princeton,
Allegheny, Danville, and Prince Edward, were
read on Friday. These institutions all flourish.
Princeton has bad large accessions to its funds,
-increasing its capacity for usefulness, especially
in affording aid to worthy but poor candidates.
The liberality of the friends of Danville has been
unwonted. She now calls for her Fourth Pro
fessor. Would that the friends of Allegheny
could be stimulated to a similar activity and lib
erality I And, may be, if the activity was mani
fest on the part of those who have the Seminary
in immediate charge, the liberality would not be
wanting on the part of others. We should re
joice to see the thing fairly tried ;' and to this
end we were pleased to observe in the Report of
the Directors, that a, worthy gentleman had been
entrusted with the duty.
As the Reports were all handed to the Com
mittee on Seminaries, and will be again before
the House, we shall have occasion for farther
remarks.
A large number of the members being on Com
mittees, and much being put into their hands, but
none yet, prepared for action, the Assembly did
not sit on Friday P. M.
INAUGURATION OF DR. ROBINSON
On the evening of Friday, (lklay 22d,) the in
auguration of Rev. Stuart Robinson, D. D., as
Professor of ECCLESIOLOOY in the Theological
Seminary at Danville, took plaee in the Second
Presbyterian church. The Directors of the
Seminary had adjourned to this time and place,
for the purpose. Rev. Dr. Edgar, of Nashville,
Tenn., presided, led in prayer, administered the
Pledge, and gave the Charge. These exercises
were brief, solemn, and appropriate.
Professor Robinson having signed the pedge,
in a book kept for the purpose, binding himself
to the faithful discharge of the duties of his
office, and not to teach any thing inconsistent
with the Scriptures of God, nor adverse to the
Confession of Faith and Form of Government of
the. Presbyterian Church; and having received
his Charge, proceeded to deliver his Inaugural
Address. This may be denominated a masterly
performance. It was evidently, as was highly
proper, the result of much careful labor. It also
partook largely of the Professor's peculiarities.
It was somewhat vague, speculative, abstruse,
high sounding, -manifesting a great want of clear
and definite conceptions, and exhibiting a strong
desire to attain to something new and magnificent.
The Professor evidently intends to magnify his
office. He regards the theme of his department,
ECCLEBIOLOGY, as a new-Science—not that there is
no History of the Church, but that the Science of
Ecclesiastical History is not yet developed. The
development is now,•by him, to be made. Dr.
Robinson has hence a new field to occupy ; a
field not exhausted, nor trodden down, nor effete
as a subject for genius; but fresh, fertile, exten
sive, most important, capable of yielding the
richest, and at the present time, the most needed
treasures; May he have the strength, wisdom,
prudence, length of days, and, above all, the
grace requisite to cultivate it well.
The Inaugural, while , greatly vague, and no
little inclined to magniloquence, yet contained
some pointed
,home truths, most distinctly and
.unequivocally uttered. On the Purpose of God,
as the centre of the Calvinistic system—the true
system in God's .revealed will, according to which
all things are brought to pass ; and on the Head
ship of Christ in his house ; and on Church Gov
ernmentby Councils, the utterances were direct,
strong and unambiguous. The Address we ex
pect to see in print, and to read with renewed
interest.
GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF VERMONT
The representatives of Corresponding bodies,
this year, are but few in number. Rev. F. But
ler, of the General Association of Vermont, is
the only one who has yet appeared. Mr. Butler ad
dressed the Assembly, on Saturday, in a manner
at the same time able, and truly fraternal; and
the Moderator responded in terms equally liberal,
and in a spirit similarly Christian. It was de
lightful, and we could not but regret that men of
like mind were not present from the other Eastern
Associations to reciprocate the tokens of high
esteem and affectionate regard.
Mr. Butler presented the thought, that he was
sent from a small body to a large one—to the
representatives of a Church which extended
throughout the land. But though they were few,
they loved the Gospel, and loved God's people.
They were an educated, orderly, liberty loving
people. He had long known the Presbyterian
Church by the hearing of the ear,' and desired to
mingle with her members. Re now enjoyed the
privilege. Mr. B. paid a pleasant compliment to
the noble State of Kentucky. He spoke in. glow
ing terms of the benefits resulting from union
and fraternal intercourse between those wit" love
evangelical truth ; and he would chialh the
connexion.
The Moderator responded happily. We also
are a liberty-loving people, the friends of educa
tion, and ardently devoted to the propagation of
truth ; and, on behalf of the Assembly, he gave
the Delegate a re-duplicated welcome.
DOMESTIC MISSIONS.
This subject elicited, as is usual, deep interest
Dr.. 3. C. Jones presented , the report of the A 6.
sembly's Committee on the Board's Report. The
1 receipts, as our • readers are swam were some
r4hing shoit of the inoomeAstlast'year,"frednohig
the ti,
working capital, for the present, and the hope is
cherished, that the churches will not neglect
their duty to send in a constantly flowing stream,
of supplies. The amount of service perfumed
and the great success attending it are very
encouraging. An abstract of the Report, with
all important details, we expect to give next
week.
But, excellent as is the cause of Domestic
Missions, and great as are the results of the
Church's labors, there are still found those who
oppose themselves to it—not to the cause, but to
the resumer, in which it is conducted. The leap
ing thought, in some great minds, is, that each
Presbytery should supply its own destitutions,
devote . .
and then devote tke residue of its means to help
others. Dr. Adger, of S. C. told us of one Pres
bytery, Harmony, Which did so, sparing 400 to
500 dollars a year . ; and this he regarded as a
pattern Presbytery. Well, it is not every good
pattern which all men can follow. General ex
perience must be our teacher, and not isolated
examples, under peculiar influences. And the
experience of our church testifies strongly
against the " pattern" plan of Dr. Adger, and in
favor of the Associated plan of the Board, where
all contribute, and the feeble are aided and the
destitute supplied from the common stock.
The discussion turned mainly on the Com
mittee's statement, that there were 1,600 churches
which contributed not, a dollar, the past year, to
the common fund; and the proposal, hence, that
the Assembly shall declare a want of "good
standing" on the part of those•. churches -which
do nothing for the Boards. It was contended by
opponents that there were churches which did
not contribute to the , Boards, which yet gave to
the cans.): Harmony Presbytery was cited, and
also a church in St. Louis; but it vita well re
sponded that these were samples of a very small
lot, and that reproof should not for their sakes
be withheld from the multitude of defaulters.
The subject is one of much importance, and
should b e ardently pressed. Every church should
contribute - to the cause•, and every individual
should' give. It may be but the widow's mite.
It may be that a 'church will give a little, and
draw out much; but let there be a united and
universal co-operation. And let it be liberal too.
No man , will take a dollar to heaven with him;
better then not hoard it up, nor •consume it
needlessly, but appropriate it to the, spread of
truth.
The report was re-committed, the objectionable
word erased and the sentence modified, and the
whole was then adopted unanimously. The dis
cussion did good.
It 18 , 1101 Y Saturday P. M. and the Assembly •is
taking a rest.
[By Telegraph we learn that on Monday the
Assembly was occupied with Foreign Missions,
and that part of Tuesday was devoted to the
Board of Education.]
The Catholic Almanac for 1857.*
This is a most suggestive volume. Few
of our readers are likely to see it, and very
few even of our clerical brethren are likely
to make themselves familiar with its, pages,
which are replete with information of great
moment to all the leading minds of our
Church. ,Our past history shows that
we are not prone to keep up a No .Popery
cry, and to foster feelings of strife and ha
tred toward either the priesthood or the
in embers of the Church of Rome in this
country. Our protest against the apos
taoy of that Church is, nevertheless,
quite as earnest and sincere, and we are in
clined to believe it is more intelligently
based than 'the outcry, of many political
tricksters and noisy declaimers, who trade
on the partizanship of their followers. Our
business, however, at present, is with the
Almanac and Directory, lying before us.
During the late war in the Crimea, if,
amid the invention of death-dealing instru
ments of long range and desolating energies,
which it excited, there had ,been produced
a machine which would have enabled the
French and British Genentls to examine
with safety thelrenclies end defences of the
enemy; to see with their own eyes the
actual number and position of the reel
moots and artillerymen, as they lay behind
their walls ; to note the advance of the
supplies, as they were' added to the ranks
of the enemy—thus discovering the points
which might have been assailed with a fair
prospect of success, while they ascertained
the points of their own line on which the
forces of the enemy were about to be di
rected--such an instrument would - have been
hailed as of inestimable value. And far
ther still, if the Allied Generals could, by
such an" agency, have discerned what was
taking place behind , the ridge which was
topped by the Russian lines—if they could
have seen the want of provisions under
which the enemy suffered, the difficulty
which they experienced in bringing forward
additional troops and munitions of war, and
how, as the season advanced, their ability to
contend successfully was daily diminishing,
the use of such an apparatus would have
told with decided effect on the issue of the
campaign. So far as the great issue be
tween the friends of the Gospel and the sup
porters of Apostolic Christianity in these
United States, on the one hand, and the
forces of the Bishop of Rome, on the other
hand, are concerned, the, Almanac before us
may serve the purposes of this machine.
When Popery seeks to undermine and ob
tain a position in any neighborhood, like
the mole, it can work underground, and
without displaying any apparent results that
are calculated to alarm or terrify. When,
however,
„the vantage ground is secured,
and the object can be still farther attained
by a manifestation of great success, then
the mass-house can 'be brought out of the
retired lane, and with all the adornments of
sculpture, fainting, and architecture, the
gorgeous ecclesiastical establishment will be
placed in the most prominent position,
where, by means of vestments, incense,
music, pantomi m es, and the whole para
phernalia of aesthetics, '
the net may be
spread for the emotional who feel, but do
not reason. Now, that in England and in
the United States the Romish Church has
attained to a commanding importance, the
fact is heralded forth to the world, by the
publication of an Annual Almanac.
The Church of Rome, in this country, is
at present divided into seven Provinces,
each ruled-by an Archbishop, together with
the Apostolic Vicariates of the Indian Ter
ritory and Upper Michigan. In these seven
Provinces there are 41 dioceses, with 39
* TiX XTROPOL ITAA ATHOLIO
ALMANAC ; and
Deity's Directory. ll 1857.
1. ,114 Baltimore: , } L u cas
~.. S,J I+Lv 1 "1
Bishops, and 1,872 Priests, who either at- I
tend to the duties connected with 2,053 1
churches, 829 stations, 35 Ecclesiastical In
stitutions, or hold Professorships in 29 Col
leges ; while female Academiesitre reported
as numbering 134. It appears that in 1808
there were only two Bishops in the country,
having under their care sixty-eight Priests,
who served eighty churches, two Ecclesias
tical Institutions, and one College; while
two female Academies only, had been estab
lished. ' The importance Of securing the
young, by means of education, especially
by the proselytizing of those who are to be
the mothers of the next generation, soon
became apparent; and hence we find that
in 1830 there were twenty female Acade
mies in operation. In ten years more, this
number had more than doubled, forty-seven
being now at work. At the end of another
decade, we find the same ratio holds good,
and ninety.- one female training Academies are
reported; while in 1857 the entire number
reaches to one hundred and thirty-four.
The wisdom of the serpent is also dis
played, in which the situations of these es
tablishments are chosen.• For instance, al
though. Washington is, pre-eminentlyu Prot
estant city, yet, as it is the centre of polit
ical influence for the Union, and a place in
which the families of important personages
are brought together in connexion with their
legislative duties, we 'find_ that, the most
minute attention is paid to the educational
wants of these families. Thus we have the
Georgetown, College, D. C., with twelve mem
bers in the faculty; the Washington Sem
inary, with nine members in the faculty ; the
Ladies' Academy of the Visitation, George
town, D. C. ; and the Convent and Acad
emy of the Visitation, in Washington. In
addition to these, there is a plentiful supply
of free schools and institutions into which
the children of the humbler classes may be
brought, and the work of perversion accom
plished. In St. Vincent's Female Asylum,
there are one hundred and fifteen, and pro
vision is being made for two hundred; and
at the Female Orphan Asylum, there are
three hundred pupils taught by Daughters
of Charity. So it is also in Baltinore, in
Cincinnati, and in all the great centres of
our population; and the danger is all the
more imminent in those places where our
common school system has not been adopted,
to meet the necessities of the rising genera
tion. The cunning of the system, and the
deep knowledge of human nature which the
managers of these establishments possess, is
displayed by the connexion of the female
Academy and the Convent. Hence it so
often comes to pass that the one is but an
ante-room to the other. There is no diffi
culty in rendering the class.room of the
Academy a place of attraction to the young
female mind. There the influence of proces
sions, flowers, music, painting, and• all the
romance of devotion and dedication to a
happy life of purity and bliss can be brought
to do their work at the fitting season, and in
their own time ; and the numbers in thoSe
prisons attest with what success the system
works. Neither in the class-rooras, nor in
this Almanac, is there any record given of
the number of disappointed, broken hearts,
and withered spirits in these jails, that are
wasting away their lives in hopeless misery.
We have no record of the manner in which
fora look, a smile, or for some inadvertence,
the caged inmates are made to endure the
manifold devices of a despot's will. We
have no recital here of the prayers inflicted
as punishments; of the sleeplessness, the.
&stings, the flagellations, the prostrations
on cold pavements—no description of the
wasting influence of the ruthless tyranny
which the female mind endures, when it
suffers unjustly from the caprice or malice
of the tormentor of her own sex, from which
the victim sees, in her despair, that there is
no deliverance. But we have a full army
of the names of learned Professors, en
joying the advantages of foreign train
ing and thorough education. We have
the attractions paraded of a cheap educa
tion, in which the Continental languages,
music, and all the accomplishments which
mere worldlings desire, may be acquired un
der parties whose pleasing address, fair pro
fessions, and European education, are sure
to gratify the careless; but we have no set
ting forth of the vows taken by these sons
and daughters of Loyola; no description of
their modes of process in undermining and
proceeding step by step until the convert is
gained. We would seriously recommend
to our brethren in our great cities, to make
themselves familiar with the actual amount
of machinery which the Church of : Rome
has now in full operation in their neighbor
hoods, in the form of Asylums, free schools,
and other institutions, reminding them, as
we now do, of the fact that these schools
are formed quite as much for gaining prose
lytes, as for preserving the children of Ro
manian to their own faith. •
In another point of view, the Catholic
Almanac is suggestive. We mean as an in
dex of the greatness of the absurdities and
errors into which the Romish Church has
fallen. If the Apostles Peter and Paul
were now in the flesh, and present in, any of
our Presbyterial assemblies, they would un
derstand what is meant by the `terms pastor,
Presbytery, prayer to God, the Lord's Sup
per, the Lord's Day, and such other terms
of our Presbyterian phraseology. But sup
posing these Apestles not to be cognizant of
any thing which had taken place in the
Church since they had finished their woik
on earth, or supposing any one who had
learned Christianity from the writings of
these;and the other Apostles, alone, to have
this book put into their hands, and that they
were ordered to attend to its instructions on
the subject of Divine worship, what would
they comprehend by reading such items as
the following :
" The office of every day is either double, semi
double, simple, or of the feria; " Is. 10.
The collect of B. V. M. within octaves on
-visits and on semi-donbles within paschal bine,
is found in the votive mass of the-Blessed Virgin
Mary ;" p. 12.
" Upon, 511114,3, and all semi -doubles, are aid
l ihree OolleotKaariitit, OVA enintntinionei
Bitidais occat4iihitiVilaili4e,
on which are said two collects, &a. ; one of the
iSubday, the, other of the octave ;" p. 12.
Or, what would they, understand by tle
directions tor worship, indicated as folio: s
in the Calendar, for the.2oth day of May :
" Rogat. Day and Vig. of. Ascens. St. Bernadin
of Sienna, C. Semid. Less. 1. Noct. Beatus Vir.
9th less. and com. of vig. in L. and M. 8d cot, of
Rogat. and last gosp. of vigil. 01. White. (After
Lauds Lit. of S.S.) Veep. of fol." !!
Again, in turning to the first day of
August, they would be directed thus:
“ St. Peter's Chains. fr. d. 9th less. and corn
of S. S. after St. Paul (Oot.) in L. and M. 01.
Cr. Pref. of .Ap.p. W. In V. corn. of St. Paul.
Sol and Sund.i(Oot.).and•-St.-Steph.”--
It could scarcely be expected that Catho
lics on this Continent should be fully so
quainted with the long roll of Saints' names,
which are to be found in the ead.quarters
of the system in Europe. It as, therefore,
thoughtful and wise to give list for Amer
ican use, of those dead men and women to
whom recourse may be had in times of dis
tress. And yet, in this list there are a
goodly number of parties named, whom we
suspect it would require all the intelli
gence that the best informed votaries of
superstition possess, to enable them to iden
tify. Who, for instance, was a Hedwiggis'
Widow ?" When did she live ; what did
she perform; what are her powers; or is
she only to be addressed by widows ? Then,
again, we have " John Bef. Lat. , Gate,"
" John of the Cross," "John of Maths C.,"
and "John of. God C."
The term "oblate" is pretty well under - -
stood by school boys and tyros in astron
omy; but we imagine that'it would puzzle
even some of our sophomores to tell who
the " Oblate Sisters • of Providence" are I
They could, no doubt, define an " oblate
spheroid;" but to describe what constituted
a person a " Sister of Providence," or. a
Brother of. Providence, but above all, an
" Oblate Sister of Providence," would
seem somewhat arduous. The Almanac
solves this ethnological puzzle, however, by
telling us that i the "Oblate Sisters of Provi
dence" are to be found in Richmond Street,
Baltimore, and that they are a community of
ociored women, who conduct two schools for
colored male and female children.
We close by observing, that documents of
a statistical character, like this Alinanac,
should be found more frequently than they
are, on the library tables of our pastors and
professors. Their use would serve as <a
stimulant and a directory. No books writ
ten by Protestants are as valuable, in order
to expose the errors and monstrosities of
the Romish system, as the Text books and
authorized formularies of the Papacy.
St. Vincent's Manual, The Glories of
Mary, and the different formularies con
nected with the sodality of the Saired Heart,
in addition to the Catechism, the Decrees
and Canons of the Tridentine Council, and
the Breviary, are for this purpose invaluable.
While such works afford the most powerful
arguments in refutation of the errors of the
apostaey, so the Catholic- Almanac, as a
guide and directory of progress, is equally
important; and we commend it to the year
ly perusal of our clerical brethren.
Western Theologiesil Seminary
The Rev. Dr. Prime, of the, New York
Observer, gives the following account of the
position, progress, and prospects, of this
Institution, and also of the services connec
ted with the closing exercises of the last
Graduating Class. The Dr. seems to have
been surprised by the number of students
in attendance at the Seminary, and the
dense Presbyterian population of the adjacent
country.
ALLEMEENY, May 15, 1857.
Messrs. Editors : The Western Theolog
ical Seminary at this place is at present in
a higher state of prosperity than it has ever
enjoyed before. To my surprise I found
that eighty-two students were in attendance,
placing this Institution, in point of numbers,
among the very first in the country. Per
haps Princeton, Andover, and the New
York Seminaries are alone before it. Its
professors are Drs. Elliott, Jacobus and
Plumer, men of great, fitness for their places
and the work. Doubtless the reputation of
these men has drawn many of the students
here, but the position of the Seminary in
the midst of the strongest Presbyterian com
munity in the United States, must always
command a large supply of young men for
this school of scored learning. You may go,
in a straight line, fifty miles West of Pitts
burg without going out of the bounds, of a
Presbyterian congregation. The Old School
church is pursuing the very 'doubtful policy
of multiplying theological . Seminaries in the
West, instead of fostering one or two, that
will with far greater• economy and efficiency
educate all the students the churches will
furnish. One first rate school is better than
half a dozen second rate. I could form an
opinion of the success of this Seminarylrom
the exhibition made by the graduating class
on Wednesday evening of this week. The
class select three of their number to deliver
orations at the close of .the year., One of
these speakers is to represent each of the
departments of theological study. : ;.The first
orator 'of the evening was J. H. Clark, of
Schellsburg, Pa., who delivered a brief
sermon,logical, Seriptural,fervid and impress
ive, containing the marrow of the Gospel.
He was followed by E. L. Belden, of Wheel
ing, who exhibited the historical evidence
of Christianity with marked ability, answer
ing the arguments of modern neology and
infidelity with so much skill and forces as to
give the best prOof of his being thoroughly
versed in the literature of this , department
of theological science. His speaking was
earnest, forcible and pungent, rousing and
fixing the ' bearer's attention. The last
speaker was David A. Cunningham, of New
Pittsburgh, Ohio, whose discourse on pol
emic theology was in able demonstration of
the sphere, the ditties and the usefulness of
the well furnished champion of Divine
truth. The sincerity of purpose, seriousness
of manner, earnest and thoughtful presenta
tion of this subject, commended it and',the
speaker to the audience, and laid,th e
foundation of a good hope of his future
success.
The usual diploma or certificate iis.then
awarded to the class of eighteen young men,
who have completed their course of study.
Dr. Elliott pronounced an appropriate fare
well addresa. Dr. Plumer presented each
one of them with a Bible in the the name
'of the Faculty, and added a few parting
words. One of the Oleg, Mr. J. R. Bur
gett, then stepped forward, and in bebalf of
`the class, made a beautiful farewell address
the'Professorsi; *hie & 'touched' the harts
br 'Taa ' di~o `offered`
prayer, and Dr. Swift ; -, are 6 ,,
next session will commence on tl
Monday in September.
Tie venerable Dr. Herron, now
eighty- fourth year, President cf the,
of Directors, was not well enough to h e r .
ent, but I observed his majestic fo rm
benevolent face in the church on the
vious evening,
when an address was
ed before the Society of Inquiry.
The Ueneral Assembly will probably
another to the Professors in this
as four seems to be the present eras.,
number required. Whoever is sent 1,
will occupy a post destined to be one of
and`commanding influence. It is imp,
ble to over estimate the prospective g rc „,,
of this field West of the Alleghenies.
need of culture, its present devotion to
terial interests in preference to moral and'
telleotual, its calls on the East for helpv,_
it is abundantly able to take care of
its youthfulness and wildness, have all h€; : ,
to make us undervalue it. But a weel i s
here has given me a new and vastly eni,„_.
view of the present ability as well as th E .
ture greatness of this empire. Of a ll t bi :
it needs religion ; the conservative infl D:
of the Bible and the institutions of the G
pel under an able, evangelical and 1 ,
taught ministry.
But I have a hundred things to say E
no time to say one of them now.
Ecclesiastical
Rev. JOHN G. BIDDLE, principal ( , f
Winchester (Tenn.,) Female Aeadct.
•
died on the 23d ult.
Rev. JOHN H. ITILLEa has receivd r:
accepted a call from the churches of P v :
totoc and Harmony, in the Presbytes.
Chickasaw.
Rev. A. MCFARLAND has commeaced
boring in Cambridge, Indiana, as S t
Supply.
Rev. PETER HASSINGER has been invitri,
take charge of the Sugar Creek chn
. Kaskaskia Presbyteiy, 111.
Rev. EDGAR WOODS' Post Office addl.,
changed from Wheeling, Va., to Ci;
bus, Ghia
Mr. Wri. T. PRICE, late of Union Senik :
Va., was licensed to preach the Gos.p:
the Presbytery of Greenbrier, cn •
9 d ul
Rev. Jou - N R. DUNDAS having received
accepted a call from the church of
'cheater, desires to be addressed at ',.
chaster, Columbiana County, Ohio, in
of Richmond, Jefferson Co., Ohio.
Mr. rjAKES Y. 14frrouszz, late of PrE
ton,Theological Seminary, has accept.
call from the church at Phillipsburg, ti-
Jersey.
Rev. B. S. KRIDER I S Post Office addre
changed from Bethany, to Mount Ver
Nord!. Carolina.
itey. Jo H. BROWN, D. D., late of
ington, , Ky., was installed pastor of •.
First Presbyterian church of Spring
-Illinois, on the 311 inst.
Rev. T. H. CurnsiprearAm was installed
tor of the First Presbyterian ehureli
Indianapolis, on the 7th inst.
Rev.
J.
A
1k!. P .
..CLININSON, of Winehu
Imen elected`President of IL
den Sidney College, Va.
Rev. JESSE WIMPY, late a member of t
Richland Presbytery, New School, has
eepted an invitation to labor as the Stec
Supply of the Walnut Grove clrn
Arkansas, under the care of the Pre ,
tery of. Memphis, Old School.
Rev, L. GANG has accepted an invitatfi:
supply the church in Newton,
Rev. WM. Krva has accepted an imitz
to supply the church in Dunleith,lllL.
Rev. S. P. DUNI:UM. was installed pa . ..• , kr
the church at Bainbridge, Ohio, ou
14th inst.
Rev. J. G. SY - mmEs has removed from N..
ison, Ind., to Cranberry, New Jer
The Presbytery of Madison, at their
stated ;meeting refused to dismiss hir
go to Cranberry, but at a subsego.
meeting his dismissal was granted.
Rev. JOHN GRASTY has been installed r,
tor of: the churches of Fineastle
Mountain 'Union, Va.
Icev. JOSIAIE MILLIGAN'S Post Office
: dress is changed from Triadelplia ' V.
to Princeton, 111. He goes to supply e..
church at Princeton.
„Rev. IL SMITII has been °Maine:: a'
installed pastor of the Third Presbytery;
church, New Orleans.
Eastern , Summary.
BOSTON AND NEW ENGLAND.
:1 The anbjeCt for 'the ANNITAM DEDLELIE LECTiS;
at 4lTarVard College, was the " Errors of
Church of 'Rome," and the preacher, the ri
Rollin IL Male, D.D., of the First Baptist au'
Boston. The text was. Acts v: 88, 89.
cording to 'the report given of the lecture in:-
Boston Journal, the lecturer took the gr.:-
that there were some elements of truth is
Romish system, and that many of its errors
the cause of its vitality and permanency:
that the proper method for us to deal with
to seek out and acknowledge the good, leofi 2 :
our republican institutions, our free school , .
untrammeled press, and the influences of
Churches, to correct the evil.
A Nsw ORTHODOX Cirunon - , in Cambridge.'
be, ready for occupancy in July.
The Hartford Courant states, that the P l 5
relation between the REV. Dn. Hauvrs,
Church of Thompsourille, Ct., was disso'T
the request of the pastor, by the PresbP'":
Connecticut, which met in Thoropsonvill‘ ,
28th ult. Dr. Harvey is one of the oldest
ters in the State, and has been one of
prominent. He now retires from active
on, account of increasing age and e 1
heath.
NEW YORK
The Trustees of the New York State INV'
ASTI.III4, : haye held their first meeting..
accepted - the charter of incorporation gro'
the last Legislature, The Hon. B. F. Bute:
been 'elected President, and Wm. E. Dodge, l7
carer; , This is the first regularly orgoniztV :
'lam' for the benefit of the drunkard, in the
The charter authorizes the committal nnd
'Aims of inebriates tinder the control of the 1 7
tailor'. It will be necessary to raise a foe'
''sso,ooo, of which $32,009 have already 1 :
subscribed. Probably no medical institution
!ever been initiated with so general a coneurrt:'
'of the profession. More than one thousand
hundred physicians in the State petitioned IC
charter ; and seven hundred of these hare •
scribed , $lO,OOO to its funds. All the Tres:`` Managers, and Physicians of the Insane Asybr-
areamong the subscribers. Throe hundred c!'
gymen have subscribed $3,000.
tions of usefulness, in. recovering the bodily g
mental health of even confirmed drunkards, ;,
entertained. High anticif
The' Directors of the Beet:omit Car Rano
'1235 - 47 -1114 . 4% - •
Cowl'Airrhare ehiittied their Pone:4' 11114 °Y L sr
CZ
Z3l
ig I
R r.