0
Nalnlet anb Abilocatt
PITTSBURGH, DEMMER 4,1568.
TEIIIIO.-. 91.60, lot &anomie; or In Clone
e 1.351 or, delivered at realdeneei of Ilubserle
burs, Pia& gee Pramual's, onTitlrd raga.
pt shmeld be prompt; a little
While before the year expires% that we lola/
make full arrangements fora 'toady supply.
BADMIMI/ indleatee that we
dears a ranewal. lii hoWovere ba the halts
of Illiatibefig this missal should be onalited, we
kepi oar. Wanda will still awe forgot us.
payment by safe
bands. Whew esivoniult. Or, asad by really
oneloidng with ordinary Garet sad troubling
nobody with a knowledge of what you are
doing. For a large ammiat, rend a Draftier
ergo nets% Per one or two paperavesuO Gobi
or mall notes.
WO MAIM ONANOIS, Pend postagootaloplio
•r bettor WO, mod for moor. PaPara May SS
or Solromitymiusiberos or $1 for Wklrtreiroo
&Nabors.
D1R1507 all Laatar• and Cowmanleanings
to ADV. DAVID NaNIXIkiITI, Pittsburgh,
ItmADILPHIA.—Messm. J. V. Cowell
it Son, South-west corner of Seventh and
Chestnut Streets, will receive payments for
Presbytekati Banner and Advocate.
THIF SYN OD Or PITTSBURGH appointed the
Becond Sabbath, in December, as a suitable
time to present to the churches the subjeot
of the Seminary, and to receive donations
for Alio endowment of the Fourth Professor.
ship.
Columbia Theological Seminary.
This Institution now numbers thirtylve
student& Eleven entered with the present
term, and four or five more are expected.
A student, writing to the North Carolina
Presbyterian, says:'"A spirit of living,
active piety, characterizes the students.
The religious meetings are well attended,
and much interest is manifested in the sub
ject of missions. All appear imbued with
the spirit of their Divine Master, and solici
tous of being qualified for inture usefulness
in his vineyard."
Our London Letter.,
This eornspondenee, always worth far
more than the year's subscription, is, this
week, of special value. We refer the reader
particularly to the advance of Presbyterian.
ism, as noted in the addresses of Drs. MeCrie,
Hamilton, Angus, Hoppus, and McLean, at
the Feiiiival of the Theological College ; to
the account of the Cardinal's visit to Ire
land ; and to Thomas Cooper, and the indi
cations of a great revival in England.
" Our London Correspondent " and our
synopsis of "Foreign Intelligence," must
keep our readers enlightened on the con
dition and progress of affairs abroad. The
youth who shall .grow up, under these ad
vantages, will
. be well•informed men and
women
The Confession of Faith.
The. New School Presbyterians have
shown a love to the CONFESSION or FAITH
and SHORTER CATECHISM, which may well
stimulate their older brethren. Their Pub-
lication Committee have got up `.a neat edi
tion,in- paper 'covers, 58 pages, 18fo:, for
geneisl °initiation. The .pricela six cents.
Why ;have not the conductors of our
Publication House done Something like this,
only better? Better is practicable; and the
subject was presented to them, years ago. ,
Do they not love our Standards ? Ought
not every fairdly to possess a copy? Would
not the Confession and Shorter Catechism,
make' a precious present to a friend, and also
form an excellent little work for gratuitous
distribution ? There is a very great want
of a truly noble and enlightened denomina
tional zeal among Presbyterians.
Movement in the City Councils.
At a meeting of ;the Common Council,
Pittsburgh; Nov. 296, there being prepent ;‘ ,
Messrs. Bailey, Caldwell, Campbell, Dar-
lington, Dickson, Dignarn, Errett, Floyd,
Hamilton, Hunter, Hutotison, Little, Mc.:
Candles, McGeary, Norris, Reed, Ross;
Robb, Sergeant, Sterling, Thompson, Ward,
and McKelvy, President.
Mr. Robb /resented the following :
Wireaues, The members of this Council, before
entering upon their respective duties, have bound
themselves to endeavor their faithful discharge
under the solemnity of an oath—thereby recog
nizing their accountability to God—and wishing
ever to cherish a proper sense of that accounta
bility. so 'as to act under its influence, and be
lievin.g that an appeal by prayer to God for wis
dom to direct us in the discharge of our difficult
and varied duties would have a happy influence
in securing 'this result; therefore
Readlued, That our President?. be requested
either to lead us in prayer, or call at bis pleasure
on some member of Council to do so, that we may
thus be wisely directed in the management of all
interests committed to our care.
This paper was read three times, and
petaled. This indicates' a very correct pub
lie sentiment in our city, and a 'favorable
state of social feeling.
Short Sentences.
There should be a good religions newapa
per in every family.:
Any practicable time is a good time to be
gin, but now is the best time.
Men 'should wisely prepare for entering
upon a new year.
-Every subscriber should renew promptly,
and Indus his neighbor to subscribe.
The readers of a good Paper have more
benefit from the editor's mind, than he has
from their money.
Females and children have an immense
interest in a religious jouinal.
Youths who grow up under the training
of a good newspaper, become leading men
in society.
Printers cannot live upon air. They
*ant it, and something more substantial.
NOT! TRW.
The club price for eight and upwards, is
41.25.
—For twenty and upward's, to the same
congregation, the price is $1.25, and a eopy
is added for the pastor.
—A new name may be added to a club,
at any,time, at 'club pOce.
—The price to separate subscribers, is
$1.50:
Stir From Kis&ii churches, and sparsely
populated .neighborhoods, four papers (sepa
rately direeted,) are sent for $5,
==2l==2====M=P=
We present our readers, this week, with
the. Response of the Executive Committee
of the . Board of Domestic Missions, to the
allegations of Dr. Happersett, in his letter of
resignation. It is to be regretted there
phoul d be charges injuriously affecting the
business Board by the retiring officer. But
such having been made, it became the Corn
mitts to explain or repel them. And, from
these revelations it behooves the churches to
learn wisdom.
The promptitude with which the Baud
abolished the Secretaryship, and the histori
eal statements now made, clearly prove some
important foots.
I. The gentlemen who conduct the
Board's business, have a deep respect for
the will of the Church. The Church ex
premed a desire to be relieved from the
expense of an office which she deemed
needless. lier agents have effected that
relief. If she should, at any future time,
express her will for a second Secretary, or
for a third, they would comply with equal
readiness. Obedience to rightful authority,
is the first law. Let it be revered. Though,
as we think, the day when the Presbyteries
and people will consent to a multiplication
of officers, is not likely soon to be witnessed.
It cannot arrive, while true Presbyterianism
is a living principle.
2. The Board would study economy.
They dispense with, an office when there is
no longer any needful work for the officer to
perform.
3. They abolished the officefromprinciple,
and not from hostility to the occupant.
When the occupant got together enough of
his friends—members of the Board who but
seldom attend—bo sustain the office, .they.
yielded. They did not, as they might have
done, abolish the officio at the next monthly
meeting. No : but they received a proposi
tion from the occupant and his friends, and
fixed his duties accordingly. It.was not till
a resignation, professedly in godd faith,
occurred, that they abolished the office.
4. They desire efficiency. He that re
ceive? wages should work. They had
yielded to their brethren who came in to
instruct them, and had 'passed, in general
terms, "the business order which was sug
gested to them. And when they found
that, under the general order, the work was
not done, they then gave specific directions,
and asked for reports.
Did the Board do right? Doubtless our
laborious pastors, and our toiling elders and
people, will say, Yes. They will flay that
the Board should not employ an officer, for
.whom they have no need; and that when
they engage a man for a service, he should
work by directions, and should give evidence
of his labors. The missionaries make, their
reports quarterly; and, no report, no pay.
The Corresponding Seeretary, makes his
report every week. The Treasurer and
Clerk make reports when called upon, and
being in the house, and under the Board's
eye, their work is open, every day, to in
spection. The Western Executive Commit
tee, report monthly. And what is an Asso
ciate Secretary, that he should be exempt
from the common law of the Board ? Mod
esty, we know, does not like to obtrude its own
great and good works upon the public notice;
but here is a ease where an employee, like
his brother laborers, may be justly required
to make report of his doings.
It has been intimated that there was, in
the Board, something personal against the
incumbent. If so, we never had any-know
ledge of it. So far, at least, as the two
Secretaries are concerned, there could have
been nothing of the kind, or it must have
been latent, up to June 28th; for, on that
day, in the presence of that largJmeeting of
the Board, it was stated by one bf them and
I
confirmed by the other, that there never had
been any, difficulty, nor an un eaeaut word
between them.
Such intimations should riot be made
Without some proper evidefiee. Conjec
tures, and especiall y injurious conjectures,
should not be resorted to when an adequate
cause for a thing is already clearly manifest.
The adequate cause here; and, that most
patent, for the abolishing** the office, is,
that it was needless, expensive, and unao
ceptable to the churches; and the cause for
the "specific instructions " was, that the
Committee were bound to have the work
done which was entrusted to their manage
ment.
If there was ill will against Dr. Rapper
sett, and if he was a laborious and useful
servant of the Church, but was, with malice
prepense, instructed out of office, a grievous
wrong has been done. But if, on the other
hand, the Committee and the Board have
honestly done their duty, then, to receive
an. unsubstantiated insinuation against them
would be a wrong equally grievous. Well,
what are the fads ? We want not coojeo
tures, " surmises," "whispers," but things
definite, tangible, and , clearly stated: The
Committee set forth distinctly and officially,
with their names, what they did. And
they state the reasons. They seem to have
been in the honest discharge of a sacred
duty; and so they must be regarded by an
honest Church and a truthloving public,
till there shall be some definite and adequate
evidence to the contrary. Far are we from
a disposition to screen public servants, but
equally removed are we from a spirit that
would ,cherish an nnsustained suspicion.
That there could be no personal end in
view, in the line of a pecuniary advantage,
on the part of any one who has spoken or
voted on this question, is most manifest. If
any had striven for the ?mom/ of the man.,
it might have been charged that such had
in view the filling of the place; but since
they urged the abolition of the office, there
is no room for the charge. No vacancy is
thereby made, for any man to fill.
And as respects the Corresponding See
retary) to. give him an Assistant, under any
name,- *mild but diminish his labors. It
would give him relief and ease. With an
Associate in the office—that is, with two
men to do one man's work—he could have
taken many a`leisure hour to enjoy the city
Response to the Resignation.
THE PRESBYTER : IA_
attractions, and many a day, or week, to
ride abroad at the expense of the Church,
and to enjoy the fat of the land. That he
did not do so, good men, in the absence of
commanding evidence to the contrary, will
ascribe to good motives. Other men will
ascribe his conduct to something which they
,are conscious is a prevalent motive :with•
themselves.
These things are painful—exceedingly so.
But there is some consolation, in the hope
that they will strengthen in the Church the
now growing spirit, that pastors, elders, and
Presbyteries, must themselves attend well to
their own work; that salaried officers must
not be multiplied beyond real need ; and
that salaries, while duly liberal, to sustain
talent, must yet be so moderate, and the du
ties required be so great, that none hut in
dustrious and devoted men will accept of
them. The opinion also will be confirmed,
that a few men in office at the centre shall
not be allowed to send forth their dicta for
the Church's Sanction, but shall, as good
and faithful servants, receive and execute
the intimations of her will.
These sentiments are of vast importance,
and their spread and growth will compen
sate for the endurance of many things which
are not in themselves pleasant.
Centennial Anniversary.
On the morning of the 25th of Novem
ber, 1758, Fort Daquesne was evacuated
and burnt by the French and Indians, and
on that day was entered and possessed by
the British and Colonial forces. The forti
fication then received the name of Fort
Pitt, in honor of Mr. Pitt, the celebrated
English statesman, who, at that time, di
rected the British Government.
In the early settlement of the country,
the French held Canada. and Louisiana.
Fort Duquesne was one of the strong holds
in the line of connexion between these
Provinces. The French being thus on the
North, South, and West, the. English Pray
inOes were hemmed in; and these nations
having a strong antipathy to each other,
wars were their almost constant occupation.
These wars were exceedingly annoying to
the British Colonists; and the occupancy of
Fort Duquesne gave the French very great
advantages. They were not trying to
onize and occupy the country, and hence
did not interfere with the Indians. And
by trading with the Indians, giving them
presents, and furnishing them with arms
and ammunition, they made them their
friends. The combined forces were thus
able to prevent settlements by the English,
West of the Allegheny mountains; and the
Indians being in such force here, were en
abled to operate severely against the settlers
in the valleys on the East of that range.
To possess this fort was then a matter of the
greatest importance.
The first effort to fortify the junction of
the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, was
made by the English. Capt. French, with
a small company, arrived here in February,
1754, but in April of the same year, his
fort being unfinished, be was, assailed by one
thousand French and Indians, who came
down the Allegheny, in batteans and ca=
noes, under command of Capt. Contrecomr,
and was obliged to surrender. .
The next year, 1755, Gen. Braddock,
with one thousand British Regulars and one
thousand two hundred Provincials, made his
fatal effort toward the recovery of the place.
Braddock's field, though then a wood, will
long be remembered.
Three years afterwards, in 1758, the ex
pedition under General Forbes, was planned,
and carried to a successful result. There
were, in this expedition, about five thousand
troops, one thousand six hundred and thirty
of whom were British regulars. Colonel
Washington, Colonel Bouquet, and Major
Grant, were among the officers of note,
under General Forbes.
The possession of this, place gave great
relief to the settlers along the Eastern range
of the Alleghenies, and facilitated the oc
cupancy of Western. Pennsylvania, Western
Virginia, and Ohio. What a change since
then I Then, there was a rude fortification,
and a very small and very poor village;
now there are two cities, with, suburbs, and
a population of one hundred and twenty
thousand. Then, the country was a waste,
occupied by a few thousand savages; now it
is extensively cultivated, and is the happy
home of millions of Christians.
The celebration, on the 25th of Novem
her, was creditable, in a worldly point of
view. The military, the surviving soldiers
of the war of 1.812,• the fire companies,
various Societies, the farmers, and the work
men of different occupations, and from
many of the factories, turned out in proces
sion. The music, decorations, banners, &c.,
&c.,, were fine. The address of A. W-
Loomis, Esq., we did not hear, but it is
spoken' of with much favor.
Such things are great consumers of time
and money, and, with some persons, of
morals, too; and, also, on a damp, chilly
day, as was the 25th, they are injurious to
health. Still, there are some advantages
attending them. They perpetuate the re
membrance of important events. They
cherish patriotism. And, with a few, they
lead to thanksgiving. " 0 that men would
praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his
wonderful works to the children of men."
A Christmas Present.*
' Christmas is coming, and we are pleased.
to have it in our power to tell our friends
where they may get, at a small expense, a
truly valuable present for their children, and
for the children of their neighbors. It is
a book, a good book, and pretty, too. A
judicious minister sends us the following
note : •
" The Lost Children," is the title of one
of the most attractive little volumes, just
issued by W. S. Haven, corner of Market
and Second Streets. Whoever reads one
chapter, will wish to read all. Nothing is
over-wrought; .yet all is sprightliness and
*Tire LOST Ctraweas ; or, Henry and hie Torch.
By the Author of "The Widow's Sixpence."
Pittsburgh: Kr. S. Raven. Pp. 93, 24m0.
BANNER AIN I) ADVOCATE.
e writer deserves the thanks
ity for this contribution to
to the cause of humanity.
r the poor," that -must do
not a line which any one
nged, nor a sentiment ap
uthor, thatis not refined,
consistent with Scriptural
t book. W S P.
written, printed and bound
The price is twenty-five
dollars for one hundred
ath Schools which shall
copies, as'presents for the
'ioter will give the. worth
tra. * The profits of the
to the poor. It is for sale
nil's, and Read's.
animation,
of the cumin
literature, an/
It ia a " plea
good. There
need wish ex:
proved by the
benevolent, an
piety. Buy thi
This book wa
in Pittsbnigh.
cents, or twent
copies. To Sat
bay one hnndre•
children, the Pr
of five , dollars,
work are devote ,
at Davison's, Re
EASTER SUMMARY.
BOSTON • NEW ENGLAND,
Though Bost' is generally considered
the Literary A ens of America, it must
be confessed At some things are found
there which semi more in consonance with
vulgarity and degradation, than with civili
zation and refinerient. The things to which
1
we now refer we connected more or less
with the sale andlise of intoxicating drinks.
And in these, as 1611 as in many other ways,
the city exerts I 'great influence over all
New England. _lndeed it is said that the
wealth and influence of Boston rum dealers
bad very much to do in breaking down the
41 Maine La-c -" in its own State. And it
cannot be denied but that this power has
done very much toward rendering all the
restrictive laws of Massachusetts in a great
measure a nullity. Even in the use of
liquors, this city is as bad, in proportion to
the population, as New York or New Or
leans. The Chief of Police reports the
number of places in the city where intoxi
cating liquors are sold, to be 3,500. The
number of persons arrested during the year
has been 21,093. In addition to these,
10,913 were lodgers at the Station Houses,
and 916 were assisted home by the police.
Now,the cost of arresting, lodging, and as
sisting 'home these persons, is estimated at
an annual expense
,of from $300,000 to
$500,000. And theamount of money paid.
In twelve months to-the dram shops, giving
to each- an average of three dollars per doy—
en exceedingly moderate allowance—has
been the enormous sum of $3,286,500.
This sum would purchase fifteen barrels of
flour for every familY in the city, or pay
$lOO rent for every family l This reduces
the actual expenses to their pecuniary value;
but who can form any proper estimate of
the wretchedness, woe, and misery entailed
on thousands?
The Hoosac Tunnel is one of the great
internal improvements in which the wealth
and enterprise of Boston and vicinity are
largely interested. This work is steadily
progressing.
At the late meeting of that useful insti
tution, the Historic Genealogical Society,
an interesting discussion took place concern
ing the religious opinions of William Shalt.
speare ; and a Committee was
.appointed to
learn whit—they , were, - Mr,
Smithett read a veinal:lle paper on the origin
of the Indian tribes in the region of the
Amazon and Oronooko which throws con
siderable light on the colonization of the
islands and Southern continent of the new
world. We give a brief synopsis, taken from
the Recorder
Mr. Smithett traced, on the theory of Humboldt,
the origin of all the American Indian tribes or
races, to the Shemitio Tartar, or Soythian races
of the North of Asia and Europe, and proceeded
to explain the emigration Southward, until the
two portions of the -American continent were
peopled frith the Asian or Scythian irruption.
He then passed to the consideration of the tradi
tions extant among the Caribisce Arrowak people
of the Oronooko, with notices of the scores of
distinct tribes now occupying the vast country
between that river and the Amazon, accounting
tor the distinction of features and Chariteter, as
well as diversity of language to be observed
among them.
The Thanksgiving Collections taken in
the different churches, for the poor, were
unusually liberal. .1.
The Boston Branch, of the American
Tract Society, in the 'early part of the pres
ent financial year, determined not to employ
soliciting agents, but it has been found
'necessary to return to the old method, and
agents are, again in the field. The absence
of the agents has no doubt lessened, some
what, the,contributions, but a deeper cause
is to be found in the division of sentiment
between the Boston branch and the Parent
Society, at New York, and in the different
lines of policy adopted with regard to publi
cations touching the subject of Slavery.
Many know not what to do, or in what direc
tion to turn their contributions. The best
friends of both Societies, in this quarter,
are exceedingly anxious to avoid any occasion
for the renewal of the strifes of the past.
The Young Ladies' Seminary, at Mount
Holyoke, still continues the career of prosper
ity so long enjoyed. There are now two 'hun
dred and ninety pupils in attendance, which
is more than the usual number. Mary
Lyon has left successors who endeavor to
carry out her views,. and to impart her
spirit to all who come under their influence.
The Old , Meeting-House of the, First
Parish of Hingham, now occupied by the
Unitarians, was erected in 1681-2. It is
the oldest house of worship in the Eastern
States, and probably the oldest in the coun
try, except one in Jamestown, Va:, which
is now unoccupied.
An instance such as the following, which
we clip from an exchange, does not oftea
occur, especially when the ages of the parties
are taken into account :
On Sunday, the 7th inst., Rev. Mr. Smith, of
Princeton, N. J., sixty-five years of age, preached
in the Congregational church, at Egremont,
Mass., and on the same day, Rev.. David Smith,
D.D., of Durham, Ct., his father, over ninety
years of age, preached in the Congregational
church, at Sheffield, ignorant of the fact that his
son was in an adjoining pariah.
NEW YORK
The frequent exercise of the Pardoning
Power, in connexion with the state of things
in this city, as 'mentioned in our last, is be-
ginning to awaken much attention. What
security can there be to life and property,
when it is only with the utmost difficulty
that a criminal can be convicted, and when
it is so • eaey to let him loose again upon the
community, tlarough,,the exercise of Execu
tive clemency. Much of the business done
by the present Governor seems to consist in
pardoning convicts, and some of them of
the most hardened and dangerous classes.
This power should exist somewhere, but
there should be a responsibility attending its
exercise.
"Harper's Weekly has a wide circula
tion, and olaims to be a "Journal of Civil
ization," but some of its illustrations must
be intended to promote " " by
way of contrast ; as we once beard of an old
man, who got drunk every day for the pur
pose, as he said, of showing to his children
the bestial effects of intoxication. The prin
cipal illustrations of one of the late numbers,
were several views of the late horrible at•
tempt to murder the Gouldy family, by an
unnatural son, and of the suicide of the
murderer. Concerning this, Prentice, of
the Louisville Journal, makes the following
sarcastic remark :
" CIVILIZATION " ILLUSTRATED. Harper's
Weekly, a Journal of Civilization '
as it is named,
has among the illustrations of its last number
several views of the late revolting attempt at
murder and successful suicide in New York. We
of the West do not regard such events as illustra
tive of any advance in civilization.
But in spite of the • crimes, fashion, lux
ury, and heartlessness of -a great city, there
are many Endearing Features—many bright
spots in a great city like this. No where
else are there such. opportunities for kind
ness, benevolence, and active Christian
effort. Talk about the extravagance and
pride of the professing Christians in some
of the wealthy churches of our great cities
as we may, it cannot be successfully denied
that a vast amount of humble, self-denying,
warmhearted, and active piety, is also found
there. And it is also true that from these
very sources flow the great streams of be
nevolence for the aid of the Church and the
good of men. Indeed the inhabitants of
country places, villages, and small oities,
have no proper idea of the frequent calls
made upon Christians and benevolent per
sons in large cities, or of the vast sums thus
contributed to religious and charitable
objects.
As an instance, take the " New York
Society for Improving the- State of the
Poor," which has -just issued its Fifteenth
Annual Report. The last year was one of
peculiar privation and suffering, owing to
the terrible financial crisis that reduced so
many to poverty, and threw so many out of
employment; and consequently the calls
upon this Society, and every other of similar
character, were proportionately numerous
and pressing. The aggregate of the work
of the year is as follows : number of fami
lies relieved from October Ist, 1857, to
October Ist, 1758, 13,842. 'lf there are
great crimes here, there are also. great vir
tues; if many bad men and women are to
be found here, there are also to be found
many of the purest, kindest, and holiest,
who abound in every good work.
The Excluiion of the Bible from twelve
or the common' schools, still continues to
excite attention, and to call forth the efforts
of many writers and speakers in favor of its
admission into all. There are two hundred
and seven common schools in different parts
of the city, and efforts are made to elect.
Trustees in, some of the wards for the re
moval of the Bible from some of the schools
in which it has always been found. To se•
cure the triumph of party in certain , locali
ties, men have been nominated who openly
declare that their first object in to banish
the reading of the Bible from the schools.
It is only by constant vigilance that it can
be protected from the combined assaults of
Popery and infidelity. An open Bible, which,
dll are•taughtAo read, is the only safeguard' I
against the superstitions of the one, or the
unbelief of the other.
The Seamen's Home, on Cherry Street,
under the auspices of the Seamen's Friend
Society, has been in existence for sixteen
years, and during that time has given accom
modations to fifty thousand seamen. It has
delivered from much suffering, and has
saved from many and great crimes.
The Opening of the Academy of Music,
on Sabbath evening, for religious services,
has been a complete success. The first
sermon was preached by , Dr. J. W. Alex
ander, from 'the words, " Whosoever will,
let him take of the water of life freely," to
an audience of at least three thousand per
sons, although the weather was very un
favorable, and hundreds did not enter, sup
posing the house to be full. The service on
the following Sabbath evening was attended
by an audience equally large. Dr. Alexan.
der preached altogether without notes. In
deed one of the happy results of the present
revival is seen in the return of so many to
the 'more Scriptural and more successful
method of preaching.
An evidence of the progress of religion
in this city may he learned from the fact
that the venerable and versatile Grant
Thorburn, whose reminiscences of men and
things have delighted so many, states that
in 1839 there were only one hundred and
fifty churches and chapels in the city; while
at present there are three hundred—much
more Spacious and much better filled than
those of twenty years ago.
PHILADELPHIA
The North, American publishes a letter
from ex President Roberts, in which he fully
exculpates the Liberian Government from
all cotoplicity in the slave trade, in the mat
ter of the Regina Cali. Mr. Roberts him
self was the first to board the vessel after it
had been taken possession of by the Afri
cans, and he was received by them as their
deliverer.
The Anniversary of the Business libn's
Prayer-Jleeting, at Jayne's Ihll, was held
on Tuesday, of last week, and was exceed
ingly interesting. A vast crowd of earnest
listeners and devout worshippers was present.
The Rev. John Chambers presided, and
gave a succinct history of the beginning and
progress of the movement. It originated in
in the heart of a young gentleman of this
city, lately brought to a saving knoWledge
of Christ, after a return from a brief visit to
New York, where an awakened state of re
ligions feeling was beginning to manifest
itself. After consultation with Messrs. Geo.
H. Stuart, Mason, and others,
.the first
meeting was held in the church on Fourth
Street below Arch, with an attendance of
from twelve to fifteen persons. The.numbers
gradually increased, until Jayne's Hall, ot:
Chestnut Street, was required for their ac
commodation.
A-Precious Revival is in progress in tbe
church of Octorara, about forty miles from
this city. About eighty inquirers have
already sought direction, and many trust,
they have found the Saviour. The pastor,
Rev. Mr. Reed,• 'spends several hours every
day conversing with the anxious. This
church has been remarkably blessed, for
already, during the year, ninety have been
added to its communion.
Ecclesiastical.
Mr. JAmEs A. EWING was ordained by the
Presbytery of Clarion on the 23d ult.,
= and installed pastor of the church of
Greenwood. Rev. W. P. Moore preach
ed on the occasion, Rev. C. P. Cummins
delivered the charge to the pastor, and
Rev. James Montgomery the charge to
the people.
Rev. A. B. MAXWELL has removed from
Alliance, 0 , to Salem, Columbia Cottnty,
Ohio, to take charge of the church in
the latter plane all the time. Publishers
and correspondents will please note the
change.
Rev. J. W. E. K was installed pastor :of
the church of Lewisburg, Pa.,by the
Presi/tery' of Northumberland, on the
24th ult. Rev. J. C. Watson, D. D,,
preached the sermon, Rev. D. J. Waller
delivered the charge to the pastor, and
Rev. Wm. Simonton the charge to the
people. -
Rev. C. B. BRISTOL'S Post Office address
is changed from Farlow's Grove, Mercer
County, 111., to Viola, Mercer County, 111.
TT Rev. nnENRY B. CHAPIN, late of Stenben-'
ville, Ohio, has accepted a unanimous call
from the Third church of Trenton, N.
He requests correspondents hereafter to
address him at Trenton, N. 3.
Rev. 3. JONES SMITH'S pastoral relation
to the church of Greensboro', N. C., was
dissolved by the Presbytery of Orange at
its late meeting.
Mr. J. C. TIDBALL was ordained by the
Presbytery of Columbus,
on the Bth tilt ,
and installed pastor of the church of
Scioto, Ohio.
Rev. J. C. LORD, D.D., of Buffalo, N. Y.,
has accepted the call from the First (Gov
ernment, Street,) church, Mobile, Ala
bama, and is to enter upon his ministra
tions there, early in December.
Mr. CYRUS HARRINGTON was licensed to
preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of
Tombeckbee, on the 21st of October.
Rev. Dr. HEND RICK, of Clarksville, Ky., bas
received a unanimous call to become pas-
tar of the church in Paducah, Ky., which
he still has under advisement.
Rev. J. T. 'HamTzD has declined the call
from St. Charles, Mo.
Rev. W. A. SAMPLE has accepted an invi
tation to7supply the church of Fort Sinith,
Arkansas.
Mr. Jonm B..SILEARER, a licentiate, has
received and accepted a call from the
church of Chapel Hill, N. C.
Rev. L. L. STEWART'S Post Office, address
is changed from gamy Hill, N. C., to
Ashville, Buncombe County, N. C.
Bev. A. HART has been installed pastor of
the Buchanan church, Va.
Mr. EDWARD P. ARNOLD was licensed to
preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of
Montgomery at its late meeting.
Rev. G. GOBLE'S pastoral relation to the
church of Newcastle, was dissolved by
the Presbytery of Montgomery, at its
late meeting.
Rev. W. F. P. NOBLE was installed pastor
of the church at Belle Air, Md., by the
Presbytery of Baltimore, on the 9th ult.
Mr. Ilmaur S. 'HUNTINGDON was ordained
as an Evangelist, by the Presbytery of
Troy, on the 15th ult.
Rev. JOSEPH NIMMO'S Post liffiee address
is changed from Huntington, Long Island,
to Islip, Long Island.
Rev. JOSEPH BARDWELL'S pastoral relation
to the church of Aberdeen, bas been dis
solved by the Presbytery of Tombeckbee.
Mr. GEORGE NIXON was ordained and in
stalled pastor of the church at West
Farms, New York, by the Second Pres
bytery of New York, on the 10th ult.
Mr. SIDNEY G. LAW was ordained and in
stalled pastor of the church at Vernon
Valley, New York, by the Presbytery of
Long Island, on the 21st of October.
Rev. A. D. POLLOCK has transferred his
connexion from the New School Presby
tery of Winchester, to the Old School
Presbytery of West Hanover, Va.
Rev. LIAmEs H. atenes Post Office address
is changed from Sixteen Mile Stand, 0.,
to Carlisle Station, Warren Co., 0.
Rev. .L K. KosT's Post Office address"is
Marysville, t Ohio. Correspondents will
address accordingly.
Rev. Wm. H. MATTHEws (N. S ,) has re
moved from Fancy Grove, Bedford, Co.,
Va., to the church (0. 5.,) at Pittsylvania
C. H., Va., with a view changing his
relations.
Rev: ALEX. MARTIN'S Post Office address
in changed from Pittsylvania, C. H., Va.,
to Aspinwall,, Charlotte County, Va.
For the Proebyterlan Banner and Advocate
A Call.
The present members of the Brainerd
Evangelical Society of jefferson. College,
wish, for a special purpose to collect as
much information as possible, of her past
membership. To accomphish this, they
earnestly request that each member prior to
the year 1858, would send to the under-
signed, Chairman of the Historical Commit
tee, an account of when he graduated; his
profession or occupation ; where he has la
, bored; how long, and with what probable
success, especially with regard to missions ;
together with his present address and cir
cumstances. In' case of death, the friends
are requested to supply the above informs
tion, as far as possible. Brethren, do not
fail to respond to our call.
Address box 155, Canonsburg, Pa.
J. W. Elia, Ch,' n Com.
Any periodical giving the above an inser
tion, will confer a very great favor on a
Missionary Society.
For the Pr•mbsterian Banner and Advocate.
I .Asso3iate Seeretaryshito.
sTATitiv ENT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
A meeting. of the ExeoutivnTurnitt ee
o f he Board of Douicstie was held
oil Monday, the 22.1.1. day of IN ovethber ; pre
sent, Rev. John McDowell, D. D, Rev. C.
W. iklusgeave, D. D, Rev. Ilyory Steele
Clarke, D D , Rev. Blen Happersett,
D , ltev. Levi H. Christian, Matthew New-
I;irk, Charles. Mitealester, Jmnrp. Field, ar , ( 7,
-John M. Harper. Absent, WEliiasi Nassau,
Sr
On motioa, the following preamble and
rear.lution were adopted, sus. :
WIIERNAS, The Rev. Dr. Flappersett has pub
lished iu the Presbyterian, of the 20i1 inst., a
copy Pf his resignation of the office of Assceiat,
Secretary of the , Board, dated the 11th of Octo
ber, in which the proceedings and instructions
this Executive Committee are commented upon;
and, whereas, it is important that all the facts of
the ca-..e ehoulti be lit once weAle known ;
fore,
Resolved. That a Committee, consisting of the
Rev. D.r. Clarke ' the Rev. Mr. Christian, and Mat
thew Neikirk, Esq , be and they are hereby e p...
poiateeto prepare an answer to the letter
resignation of Dr. Happersetr, and that said Com
mittee report as early as practicable.
IThe Committee, after consultation, pr e .
i rented the fodowing report
The Executive Committee of the Board of
Dothestie Missions deem it proper, under ex.
istrog circumstances, to adopt and publish
the t °flowing statement:
At the annual meeting of the Board on
the 2Sth at June !net, when the question
referred by the General Assembly to the
Board was acted on, via. :
" Resolved, 8. That in view of the many de
mands upon the Treasury, and also of the happy
working and bright prospect of the sche me o f
Systematic Benevolence, the Assembly sugeest to
the Board the'propriety of considering the ques
tion whether the zervices of en Associate Secretary
might not be dispensed with, and the amount kif
the salary of the office saved ; whilst the As,..ieni
bly cherish full confidence arid regard for the
brother now holding this appointment."
All the members of the Executive Com.
mi t tee then present (with the exception of the
Chairman, and the Corresponding Secretary,
who abstained from voting out of courtesy
to his
,late colleague, who also declined
voting,) voted for the abolishment of the
office, because they believed it might be
abolished without detriment to the interests
of the Board ; and that, therefore,•so large
and comparatively useless an expenditure
of the missionary fund of the Church ought
to be saved to the cause. The office, how
ever, was continued by the casting vote of
the presiding officer.
On the 9th day of. August, the Executive
Committee feeling it to be their official duty
to endeavor 'to carry out the views of the
majority of the Board, adopted the follow
ing general instructions to the Associate Sec
retary, which had been prepared and proposed
by two of the prominent advocates of the
continuance of the office, viz.:
"Resolved, That in order to define the ditties of
the Associate Secretary of the Board, it be as
signed to him, as'his main business, to attend to
the outdoor interests of the Board—as, for ex
ample, to visit Sessions, churches, and pastors
generally, and the Presbyteries and Synods under
the direcrien of the Executive Committee, with a
view to euperintend, and by personal conferences
to promote the working of the plan of Systematic
Benevolenceinaugurated by thoGenerul Assembly,
in so far as the same relates to the support and
operations of the Board of Domestic Missions;
and also to visit, under the same direction, gen
eral or spec*, asmay be, the various parts of the
missionary field, as frequently and in as much
detail as possible, with a view of encouraging the
missionary churches and pastors, inspecting the
condition of the congregations, and promoting, as
speedily as is practicable, their efforts to become
self-sustaining; and generally of exploring
.new
fields of labor. In the intervals of this service,
he is to perform such office business, attending to
correspondence, &Gm, as may be agreed upon with
the Corresponding Secretary, and with the sanc
tion of the Executive Committee. And, further,
it shall be his duty to prepare communications
respecting his labors, from time to time, with a
view to their publication in the Home and Foreign
Record, in order to the diffusion of missionary
intelligence among the churches."
'Subsequent observation soon convinced
the Executive Committee that without more
definite, and specific instructions, the work
contemplated by the afore-mentioned gen
eral instructions would not be, to any consid
erable extent; performed. - The Committee,
therefore, ' adopted the folloWing specific
directions on the 27th day of September
last, viz.:
WHERIAB, The Board.of Domestic Missions, at
a late meeting, having considered the suggestion
of the last General Assembly, did decide to con
tinue the office of Associate • Secretary ; and,
whereas, it did also instruct its Executive Com
mittee to define his duties; and, whereas, the
said Executive Committee did, on the 9th day of
August, 1858, only in general terms define those
duties ; and, whereas, it is judged expedient in
carrying out the views of the Board to give more
specific instructions ; therefore,
"Resolved, That the Associate Secretary be, and
hereby is, instructed to commence his labors in
the bounds of the Synod of Albany, and to visit
the Synods in the order in which they stand in
the Minutes of the General Assembly.
"Resolved, That the Associate Secretary be fur
ther instructed to report in zriting to this Com
mittee, from time to time, the churches visited by
him, stating particularly the names of those, if
any, which may agree to beceme self sustaining,
the decreased amount of aid which any may con
sent to • ask from the Board, and how many
churches have been induced to adopt the systemat
ic plan of benevolence inaugurated by the General
Assembly, and such other information as he may
deemed useful to the Beard."
These instructions were unanimously ap
proved by the Board at their meeting on
the 11th day of Ootober. The Rev. Dr.
Happereett then tendered his resignation,
which, at the suggestion of several members
of the Beard, was laid on the table for far
ther consideration. On the Bth of Novem
her, it was unanimously accepted by the
Board,-Dr. Happeraett being
_present, and
insisting upon its acceptance. At the same
meeting, after the acceptance of his resigna
tion, on motion, the amount of a quarter's
salary ($450) in addition to any balance then
due him, was voted
. to Dr. Happersett.
In giving his reasons for resigning his of
fice, Dr. Happe.reett asserts that there was no
necessity for any other instructions than
those which had been given him three years
ago, when the office of Associate, Secretary
was created; that he regarded the general
instructions adopted on the 9th day of
August, as a compromise, and that he con
sidered them as a finality. In the judg
ment, not only of the Executive Committee,
but also of the brethren at whose sugges
tion they were adopted, a new definition of
his duties was indispensable, because some
of the duties originally assigned were no
longer required of him; while others, not
named in his original instructions, were
thought by the majority of the Board tope
not only necessary, but highly important.
The Committee, when they, adopted the gen
eral instructions of the 9th of August, had
not heard of the idea of a compromise, and
of course could not have so considered them ;
and as to their having been intended as a
finality, it is sufficient to reply that the gen
eral instructionte themselves contemplated
and expressly provided for additional direc
tions, 44 general or specific," as to the Exec
utive Committee might seem necessary.
Besides, as previously stated, the Committee
became convinced, that without more defy
nite and Ppeoific instructions, the work con
templated in the general instructions would
not be, to any considerable extent, performed.
The truth is, them was an essential difflrence