Vrtshgttrin 'fafliter.
PITTSBURGH, VEDNESDIT, DECD
CHANGE OF TERMS, &e.
We find it necessary to modify our terms,
and, after much thought, and some consul
tation with our brethren, ministers and
others, we propose the following :
1. The price of the Banner, on and after
January Ist, 1864, will be two dollars a
year, in advance.
2. A minister, or other person, sending us
TEN names and twenty dollars, will be
entitled •to an additional paper. And
also one additional for the next ten ; &c.
N. B.—Ministers of small means, and
having no charge, can have their paper
still for $1.50.
* * *_theological Students can have
the Banner still at the dollar.
seir Ministers who have been subscri
bers, but haw become unable to pay,
will have their paper continued gratuit
ously.
3. Commendations of &boola, Books, &c.,
Notices of " Surprises," &c., 44 Cards,"
and all other matters which are mainly
of personal interest, will be charged for,
at 10 cents a line.
Though we have put the Banner, by the
above, more on a business footing than
formerly, we still adhere to the CO-OPERA
TIVE principle. Our desire is, in conjunc
tion with Pastors and Elders, to train the
young for honor and usefulness, and to help
all onward in the way to tvglorions immor
tality. We hence labor assiduously, and
use money freely, to give the _Banner the
very best practicable adaptations. Our
Foreign Correspondence, our Summary of
Eastern News, and our War Articles are
highly commended. Our Editorials dis
cuss matters of living interest. Our Gen
eral News is comprehensive. Our Book
Notices are honest. Our .Selections are
varied and instructive. Our Correspon
dents write well. Families which grow up,
being habitual readers of the Banner, will
be intelligent, enterprising, liberal, and
virtuous; as well as sound in the faith.
We hence ask Ministers and Elders,
whose duty it is to nurture the people, to
make the Banner their co-adjutor. Have
it, if possible, in every family.
We also ask all our readers, including la
dies and children, to aid us in extending
our circulation. Get us one subscriber, get
another, and still another. Get enough to
have your own paper free. Or get enough
to have a paper free for some poor family.
Do good.
DR. HOWARD'S SERUM.
The sermon of Dr. 'HOWARD, before the
Synod, of Pittsburgh, is published in ac
cordance with Synod's request. It is got
'ten up very neatly, and issues from the
press of J. MOMILLAN, Wood Street. Sub
scribers Can obtain it at the. Presbyterian
Book Rooms, on Hand Street. A few
copies are there also for sale.
The sermon is founded on PAUL'S words
to TIMOTHY: " This know also, that in the
last days perilous times Audi Tome." In
the exposition the preaoher finds what
is occurring in our own day and country,
as belonging to the "perilous times?' The
sermon is excellent. It was listened to by
the Synod with deep attention, and with a
very cordial approbation, and, by the Chris
tian and the patriot it will, as we think,
be read with equal delight.
We may recur to this discourse before
long, and enrich our columns by an extract.
The Second Report of the Committee of
Maryland, U. S. Christian Commission, is
a document of much value. It shows the
working of the Commission, and its bene
fits to the sick and wounded. Many inci
dents deeply interesting to the Christian,
are narrated, and many facts are stated
which belong to a proper• history of the
war. The account which it gives of the
Battle of Gettysbmrg, written by Rev. A.
B. CROSS, is among the most graffic and
thrilling which we have seen. The more
we read of that battle, the more are we im
pressed with its importance; and the more
do we admire Gen. MEADE, and the brave
men who executed his commands. Before
entering into the fight he exhorted all to
do their duty, and trust in God tnr the re
sult; and after 'their toils and heroism had
won the victory, he said to them : " Jt is
right and proper to return thanks to the
Almighty Disposer of events, that in the
goodness of his providence he has thought
fit to give victory to the cause of the just "
Men of such a spirit we rejoice to see at
the head of our armies.
Tke Missionary Box.—We invite attention
to the reprint on our fourth page, under
this heading. Our lady friends, and es
pecially the young, will read it, we are
sure, with deep emotion. And we cannot
bat think that it will greatly enhance, in
their benevolent Christian estimation, the
value of the Sewing Circle.
Zed,—The letter from the Army, over
Ellis signature, is graphic, and reliable.
The writer tells you of 'sufferings in which
you ought to sympathiit. Those men are
the defenders of the Union. Future peace
is to result from their labors and losses.
Ret Aleph Sunman, of Saratoga Coun
ty, N. Y., died of paralysis, Dec. 10th., in
the ninetieth year of his age. He is said
to have been the first giaduate of Union
College, N. Y.
MINISTERS AND TAE CONSCRIPTION.
Among the amendments proposed, in
Congress, to the Conscription Act, we ob
serve one offered by Mr. DIXON, of Con
necticut, to exempt all clergymen.
A Jaw conscripting the ministers of reli
gion, and forcing them into the battle-field
to engage in deeds of enmity and slaugh
ter, is a new thing in human history. It
is a piece of conduct which has no sanc
tion in God's Word, and no precedent, as
we believe, in any Christian nation. It is
not justified by the practice of any civil
ized people. , Even pagans have always re
garded as sacred, and free from impress
ment to perform deeds of blood, all who
ministered at their altars. Examples there
are of ptiests leading armies, and fighting
battles. But as a system, such a course
has not been encouraged, and as a matter
of legal requirement, it is an anomoly.
As ministers we claim all the rights of
citizens. We look for protection. We
also hold ourselves bound to obey the laws.
And we ask for no special exemptions, as a
matter of personal right. The country
has the same right,to our services, as it has
to the services of all others. What we
speak of relates to no personal claims of
ours to any favors or any distinctions for
our own sake. It regards the fitness of
things ; the honor of religion; the benefit
of the people. The ministers of religion
are not only the spiritual guides of the
people, showing them the way to immortal
joy. They are also the conservators of
public morals. The State stands, laws are
obeYed, life is sate property is secure, by
the influence of their teaching. The com
munity suffers a loss—a loss in a vital part
—when they are called away from their ap
propriate work.
Ministers are, in their sacred office, %E
-rectly the servants of God, and men should
not force them from his work and put them
into another service. It is dishonoring to
God. It is a robbing of God. It is irrev
ereit.
Ministers are the ambassadors of Jesus
Christ. He has chosen them to this end ;
has endowed and commissioned them. He
claims their perpetual service ; and they
have vowed that service to him; and
neither may they voluntarily abandon it,
nor may his people force them to relin
quish it. Their business is, to effect recon
ciliation. He sends them to promote good
will in the world. The Gospel they preach
is the Gospel of peace—" Peace on earth."
It is wrong to force them from the work of
peace, into the field of strife.
We are, however, not absolutely opposed
to the conscripting of clergymen. They
have a work to do, under God, for their
country—a work appropriate to their sacred
office, and one which their country needs.
The Gospel should be preached in the camp,
and on the march, as well as elsewhere.
Its sacred ministrations are needed in the
hospital, and on shipboard. Wherever
men are, the Gospel is needed; and when
the Government calls men from their homes
and employs thew in its service, it should
provide them with the means of grace—
with the ministers of religion. And we
say of ministers just as of others. If men
enough will volunteer, of the right kind,
accept these and draft none. It' enough
will not volunteer, then conscript them.
So if there are not ministers enough, and
of the right qualifications, offering to serve
in the army and navy, then enforce a con
scription, till the want is supplied. That
is, employ men trained and consecrated to
a sacred work, in their appropriate calling.
It is possible that the new bill may be
hurried. through both Houses of Congress,
immediately; there being a necessity for
important modifications in the law, before
the sth of January. But even then a sup
plementary bill can be adopted, providing
that all ministers already drafted, and to be
drafted, shall be employed as Chaplains;
or shall find acceptable subititutes for the
Chaplaincy. Suppose the drawing to com
mence on the sth of January, as contem
plated, weeks, if not months, must pass be
fore the conscripts will be marshalled into
camp. And even if they were in the field,
armed and brigaded, still, those who are min
isters might be permitted to exchange their
swords for Bibles—to cease from the work
of destroying men's bodies, and attend to
the saving of' men's souls. -
Theological students, licentiates, and
ministers drafted, if any, beyond those
needed as Chaplains, would be appropriate
ly employed as hospital nurses.
Ministers, as we remarked about the time
the conscription bill of last March was passed,
may be chargeable with bringing upon the
country this public disrespect to the sacred
office. So manY of them were fomenters
of the strife; so many abounded in blood
thirsty denunciations; so many sought
the sword as officers in the army. But
still, the right should prevail. Religion
should be honored. There have been cases
in --which both prophet and priest might
take up the sword ; but such have been few
and extraordinary.. Such a case, as we
conceive, does not now exist. The minis
ter of Jesus Christ, now; will far better
serve his God and his country by consist
ently serving in the Gospel, than by enter
ing the ranks with weapons of death.
We commend this subject to the serious
consideration of the members of Congress.
We commend it also to citizens and politi
cians who have access to • their representa
tives. If the Christian press will duly
discuss it, there will be ground of hope for
a reformation. If the secular press will
join in the effort, we will surely be relieved
from this worse than Pagan feature in our
legislation. •
KRUM&
A note to the Presbyterian says:
"Last Sabbath week was a day long to
be remembered by those who were in at
tendance at the church, corner of Seventh
and Brown Streets, Philadelphia, Rev. T.
DE WITT TALMAGE; pastor. Fifty-two
persons came foriard and united them
PRESBYTERIAN BANNER-WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1863.
selves with the church. . Forty-seven an
.
flounced themselves on the Lord's side for
the first time. Nineteen were baptized. It
was a solemn scene, and one which is sel
dom witnessed. Many others have ex
pressed a hope in Christ, and the good work
is progressing with increasing interest."
Another writes :
I am pleased to learn that a. special
work of grace is in progress in the church
of Pleasant Grove, on Schooley's - M-untain,
New-Jersey, ftirmerly under the pastoral
care of R,ev. H. W. HUNT ) now under that
of Rev. J. H. °LARK. Upwards of forty
have professed conversion.
Close Communion.—A correspondent fur
nishes us a brief article, on our first page,
on this important subject. It is plain and
kind.
EAST - ERN SUMMARY.
NEW-ENGLAND.
IN AN A.R.TICLE which lately appeared in
the New-York Observer, on the subject of
the Unitarian controversy in Boston, the
writer remarked : " When the Rev. Dr.
Beecher arrived in Boston, some years
since, and fottn.d the ' orthodox ministers
habitually erchanging pulpits with the
Unitarians, he denounced the practice.
The result was, a separatiOn of the liberal'
Christians, as they were called, from the
orthodox! Out of it grew heated con
troversies and theological disquisitions
without number; finally, things narrowing
to the point of charging 4 Unitarianben as
practical infidelity! "
Rev. Dr. Winslow, who succeeded Dr.
Beecher in his Boston pastorate, and who
speaks of his deceased predecessor in terms
of admiration and love, makes, in a
communication to the last Observer, some
important as well as interesting corrections
of two statements in the paragraph above
quoted. .8o far from being on such terms
of intimacy as the first writer implies, Dr.
W. states that the orthodox and Unitarian
pastors and churches of Boston have never
been more distinctly and decidedly separa
ted, both as to doctrine and practice, than
they were at the time of Dr. Beecher's ar
rival. And instead of the separation hav
ing been effected by the withdrawal of the
"liberal" from the " orthodox" Chris
tians, the reverse was the case. On this
point, Dr. W. observes
" With the single exception of Dr. Cod
man's church in Dorchester, I believe that,
in every instance of defection from ortho
doxy in churches and ministers, the ortho
dox separated themselves from the Unita
rians, went out from them, leaving all
behind, and built and furnished for them
selves new houses of worship. Instead of
the Unitarians having been eliminated
from the orthodox, or a separation between
them having been 'effected by Dr. Beecher's
denunciation, the separation had long be
fore been made by the voluntary withdrawal
of the orthodox from the. Unitarian, under
a full conviction of truth and duty. The
Unitarians did not leave the orthodox, but
the orthodox left the Unitarians. The
Unitarians were so liberal,' that they
would stand agnost anything, even brim
stone corner,'
as they called Dr. Griffin's
church, if the orthodox would own them
and exchange pulpits. Unitarians are gen
erally excellent proof against denunciation.
Liberal, kind, genial, patient, they care less
for what orthodoxy claims as doctrinal
truth, than for social virtues and refine
ments. At least, such has been my expe
rience, in no small intercourse with them."
REV. DR. BRACE, of the First Congre
gational church in Milford, Conn., has just
closed his pastorate of eighteen years, and
is about to enter upon his editorial con
nexion with the Religious Herald, of Hart
ford. Dr. B. has been eminently success
ful as a pastor, and his people part with
him with great reluctance. The First
church in Milford is said to be the largest
country church of the Congregational order
in the State, numbering, as it does, five
hundred and forty-two members.
" A YANKEE PASTOR," hailing from
Connecticut, takes to task his desponding
brother " Rusticus," whose letter to the
Boston Recorder, on the perplexities
of poorly paid ministers, has excited
considerable attention. He thinks he,
might manage to get along with compara
tive comfort on his salary of- $600; and so
he might, all will be ready to say, if he
could or would imitate the Yankee Pastor
in 'his shifts of economy. On this point,
the latter says quite quaintly :
" I do n't suppose that brother Rusticus
is at all extravagant, but if myself and
wife and children could have twenty dollars
a year allowed us for wearing apparel, we
should lay up money , out of it. My blue
broadeloath cloak, as good as new, was pre
sented to me thirty-one years ago and is
likely to' remain good and warm' thirty-one
years longer. My coat and surtoat, costing
say twenty-three dollars ' at a clothing
store, four years ago, bid fair to hold out
four years longer. My stove-pipe hat,
which I bought two years ago for fifty
cents, (it having been on a man's head a
few times before,) is as good as new. My
vest, &c., ought to be replaced once in two
or three years, if I could afford it"
We think most of our plain coun
try congregations would criticize with no
little severity their pa,stor's unstylish ap
pearance, were it anything like that which
oiir Connecticut friend must surely make
among his people. We must regard the
latter, however, as indulging in a vein of
ironical pleasantry, rather than as seriously
presenting his own case for imitation. Un e .
pretending gentility of dress is in no small
degree essential to the usefulness of the
Christian imbassador.
TINDER THE "LEADING, " Fraudulent
Use of Names," Mr. Beecher remonstrates,
in the last independent, against the reck
less and dishonorable devices which are not
unfrequently employed by the managers of
public meetings to get up an excitement
and draw crowded houses. The following
incident in his own experience Mr. Beech
er relates, in illustration of the offence to
which he justly calls attention :
" On one occasion, being solicited to at
tend a meeting in New -York, we categori.
cally declined. Would we not make a
prayer ?" No.' Or pronounce a bene
diction 7' No! Or just be present on
NE W-YORK.
the stage, so that it could be advertised
that we would take part in the meeting r
No, we, would not take any part, nor sit
on platform, nor attend the meeting at all r
Nevertheless, in a day or two we saw our
selves announced in the most jubilant man
ner as a speaker on that occasion !
" In some ire we addressed a note to the
offender, threatening to expose him. He
promised to withdraw the advertisement—
whiCh he did • on, the morning of the day
for the meeting, - after it had stood for a
week—and as to apology, when the meet
ing came off, the offender came forward and
stated that he was sorry to say that ' Mr.
13eecher had hoped to be present, but that
other engagements bad prevented r--leav
ing the audience to understand that an
agreement had been broken! On reading
this wanton explanation the next morning
in the newspapers, we passed through all
the colors of the rainbow, and no plan
seemed severe enough for this miscreant
committee-man, and we have suffered him
to go unpunished to this day, simply -be
eamie we have not yet pet made up our
mind what punishment is good enough for
him."
Somewhat ,similar to the fraudulent prac
tice above noticed is that which publishers
of objectionable books sometimes adopt in
order to securefor - them an extensive circu
lation.. For Pie, the Ch,ristian TimeS
happens, in a review of Renan's Life of Je
sus, to speak of this Infidel work as " Man's
ablest effort "—alluding thus rather extrav-_
agantly to the merely intellectual ability
displayed by the author. The New-York
publisher, wholly disregarding the adverse
criticism of the Times, adroitly garbles the
incautious expression, and exultingly par
ades it in his extensively distributed eir
eulars as the unguakfied commendation of
a religious journal!
The case epmplained of by Mr. Beecher
is mainly one of annoyance, as regards the
person imposed upon : that to which we re
fer is chiefly reprehensible because of the
moral danger. into which it is calculated to
entrap the unwary.
A WRITER in the Evangelist character
izes Poughkeepsie, N. Y., as a " City of
Schools!' Exclusive of the city free
schools and Vassar Female College, which
is expected to go into operation next Fall,
it has not, less than seven or eight large in
stitutions for the education' of young men
and women. Its population falls. a little
short of eighteen thousand.
VASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE, aboveallud
ed to, owes its origin to the munificent lib
erality of Matthew Vassar, who two years
ago set apart $4.00,000 for the purpose of
establighing a female college of the highest
order. We understand that the University
system of Europe is to be adopted in the
institution, so that the studies will be com
bined into. distinct and practically inde
pendent departments. We are pleased to
see that, of the nine departments, or
" schools" mentioned on the programme,
the "-School of Religion and Morals"
is to be regarded as the first in promi
nence and importance. The following par
agraph from the report of the Committee on
Faculties and Studies will commend itself
to all Christian readers, and is deserving
especially of the attention of those to whom
is entrusted the education of youth:
" Any scheme of training which over
looks or undervalues the religious element,
is fatally defective. The young girl put
into your hands to be moulded into the
loveliest type of perfect womanhhood is an
immortal spirit, capable of endless progres
sion in knowledge and happiness. Yield
ing as the wax to the seal, it is your privi
lege as co-workers with God, to stamp on
her heart the image of the Redeemer, and
so to educate her for the parodist above..
Religious instruction, therefore,- should- oc
cupy the fiat and highest place in our pro
gramme of studies. Utterly loathing and
repudiating the spirit of sectarianism, we
still insist that the fundamental principles
of Christianity`in which believers in Reve
lation agree ; the sublime precepts of the
Gospel ; the spotless example of Jesus
Christ and the atoning sacrifice in the
death of our great High Priest, should form
the base and foundation of our educational
structure. To bring our pupils fully un
der' the influence of religious truth they
mast enjoy the earnest and faithful-preach
ing of the-- Gospel ; they must store their
memories- with the rich treasures of the
Holy. Scriptures; they must - have time and
opportunity for self-inspection and for se
cret communion with the Father of spirits.
More than all they must see the power and
purity and sweetness of the religion of the
Lord Jesus Christ exemplified in- the daily
walk and conversation of earnest, consist
ent and happy Christian teachers." -
In denouncing sectarianism, we of course
understand the Committee as condemning
that unchristian spirit which regards - the
interests of a sect as paramount to all other
considerations:t _Denominationalism good
men will approve of, while they are intol
erant of bigoted sectarianism.
PHILADELPHIA.
THE Sixth , Anniversary of the Protest
ant Episcopal Society for the Promotion of
Christianity among the Jews, was celebra
ted recently 'in this city. According to
the annual report, the labors of the Society
are performed - among adults, only, and the
difficulties thus attending its operations
are great. An encouraging disposition,
‘• •
however, is said to be manifest among the
Jews to hear the claims of Jesus.
IT IS STATED - that Rev. 3. S. Willis,
who has for nearly two years been the pas
tor of the Spring Garden. M. E church,
has accepted -a call of the Presbyterian
eliureh, New Sohool, Seventeenth and Fil
bert Streets, Philadelphia.
AN ORDINAiCE providing a bounty for
volunteers,.under the late call of the Pres
ident, has received the signature of the
Mayor of the eity, and is as follows;
"The Select and Common Councils of
the city of Philadelphia do ordain, That
the sum of one million two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars be and the same is
hereby appropriated for the payment of a
bounty of. two hundred and fifty dollars to
each volunteer who, in pursuance of the
proclamation made on the seventeenth day
of October last by .the President of the
United States, has been or shall be duly
enlisted and mustered in the military ser
vice for the term of three years or, .the war,
arid who shall thereupon be credited to the
quota of. the city of Philadelphia, accord
ing to the allotment for the ensuing draft;.
such sum to be paid without regard to any
bounty which may be paid or offered from
any other source; Provided, that no such
bounty shall be awarded until the claim
thereof be duly verified with satisfactory
vouchers."
For the Presbyterian Banner
Dedication of the Presbyterian Church in
Butler.
Masses. Era Tons :—The new Presbyte
rian church of Butler was dedicated to the
service of God on Wednesday, the 9th inst.
(Dee. 9th,1863). Rev. Dr. Win. D. How
ard, of Pittsburgh, preached the sermon and
made the dedicating prayer. Rev. David
Hall, and Rev. Ephraim Ogden, together
with the pastor, Rev. Loyal Young, parti
cipated in the exercises.
Dr. Howard's sermon was very able and
eloquent, and the earnest attention of the
large audience showed that it was highly
appreciated. In the evening Rev. David
Hall preached a sermon of peculiar beauty
and interest. The day was pleasant, and
every thing conspired to make it an occa
sion of joy.
The following Statement was made by
the pastor , after which a contribution was
made, amounting, to $225, the different
churches contributing liberally.
ONE THAT WAS PRESENT
STATEMENT.
This is not only a dedication, but it,is
an anniversary. It is , an interesting fact,
that we have unwittingly reared and dedi
cated this building just fifty years after the
organization (or I might say reorganizing)
of the church. We build a monument on
this semicent,ennial anniversary, to, the
Memory of that able , and devoted man of
God, who fifty years ago took upon him
the spiritual charge of the people of this
town and vicinity—the Rev. John Mc-
Pherrin.'
The Gospel was preached by. Presbyte
rian missionaries, who were the pioneers in
this' region of country, as early as .1797,
under the shadow of the spreading forest
trees. A. tent was erected about a mile
and a half N., E. of this place, with a clap
board cover to shelter the preacher. It
was on a sidehill near the . Connoquenessing,
and was, called Thorn's Tent. This was our
first house of worship.
In 1805 this tent gave way to a log
churchi, abOut five miles north of Butler;
and a Presbyterian church was organized,
embracing this whole neighborhood. It
was really the organization of this church.
but the name given to it , was Harmony.
Three of mir present aged members were
members of the Ilarmony,church fifty-eight
years ago; James McCurdy, Esq„ his
wife, and Mr. Robert Thorn. Harmony
church was re•oonstructed . in 1813, and
named Butler, and Mr. MePherrin began
preaching statedly in the Butler Court
llouse. This was just fifty years ago.
The Associate Refornted Presbyterian
church was organized in Butler as early as
1810, five years after Harmony church was
organized, and three years before the re
construction of this church: Though that
church twice made , out calls for pastors,
they were not responded to; and the'
church had no stated minister till 1819,
when their present worthy pastor settled in
the place.
Rev. Jahn MePherrin was therefore the
first settled minister in this vicinity,by four
teen years; and the first stated preacher in
the town, of }Alder, by six years. But we
claim no preeminence' n account of prior
ity. We only wish to present historical
facts. As we dedicate this church to-day,
we would thankfully recall G-od's mercy to
us and our fathers during these fifty years
For two years Rev. John McPberrin
preached in the Court House. Then the
stone church was built on this identical
spot in the year 1815.
I hold in my hand the original subscrip
tion paper, in the handwriting of John
Weyman, Esq., supplemented in the hand
writing of Hon. John Gilmore. Their
names head the list with thirty dollars
each Rev. John McPherrin subscribed
fifty dollars. Of the eighty names on the
list of subscribers, it is believed that but
seven survive_ Their names are, Robert
Thorn, John L. Maxwell, James McCurdy,
John Negley, John Elliott, Joseph Thorn,
and Wm. Gibson. The first Trustees were,
John Weymari, John Potts, and William
Campbell.
This stone church was the religious home
of the congregation, where they met as
brethren, and enjoyed times of refreshing
fir about seventeen years: Rev. John Mc-
Pherrin ministered in it about seven years,
till his death, and Rev. John Coulter about
ten years. We would have been glad to
see lather Coulter with us to-day in our
prosperity, to which his former faith
ful ministrations so much contributed.
He aided greatly in the erection of the
late brick church, but retired ,from the
oversight of this, flock before the house
was completed. We would welcome him
amongst us to-day. Serus i i ccelum red
eat.
In the year 1833, on the last Sabbath of
November, we entered the late brick
church, and on the first Wednesday in De.
cember. the present pdstor was ordained and
installed over this congregation—thirty
years and five days ago; so that this is also
the, t)airtie.th anniversary of my settlement
in this church. Had we time, it would be
pleasant and profitable to recount the many
mercies uf God that have strewn our path
way dining these thirty years. But I must
forbear.
Time has wrought great changes since I
becanie the pastor of this church. Of my
one hundred' and five communicants then
on, the list only twenty-two remain with
us. Some have removed to other parts of
our great country, but the greater part have
gone to the land of silence. And former
buildings in which this congregation wor
shipied have all disappeared.
Not a trace of Thorn's Tent can be
found. Harmony church is gone. The
stone church and, the old Court House have
been removed. And . . , of 'the late brick
church, not one tile is left upon another.
But all these changes have marked pro
gresi. God - has said to the church at every
change, " Enlarge_ the place of thy tent,
and let them stretch forth the curtains of
their habitations; spare not, lengthen thy
cord's, and strengthen thy stakes.
Without progress man becomes impa
tient'. God loves progress in that which is
right. Progress is one of his laws. It is
seen, in his physical and in his moral world.
We have I tit first the blade, then the ear,
then the full corn in the ear." The little
germ matures into the mountain oak, re
sisting a thousand :storms. The unfledged
nestling develops into the soaring eagle;
and the feeble infant grows into a Samson,
able' to push down the huge pillars sup
porting Dagon's temple.
In the region of mind, the school-boy
supposed to be by no means brilliant, de
velops into a Newton, tracing "the mighty
cord which binds " together the great
worlds above us.
The civil and religions revolutions of the
world are only preparing the way for the
reign of Jesus • mere jostlings of the oar.
which brings the cedars of Lebanon and Bethel, Upper Bt. Clair,
the gold of Ophir to build and beautify !Ws,
the house of God. what thougthere is I won ,
sometimes apparent, delay, and r gression. So does the tree appear to lose
its vitality alien.its leaves are sere and
fallen. So did Israel take many a zigzag
march. in the desert. But in Spring
time the latent life of the tree bursts forth
again in a thousand leaves and blossoms.
And the children of Israel; after all their
wanderings, at length planted their feet on
the promised land.
. •
The building of a new church Is an era;
it marks progress. It invites us to look
back with gratitude to the advances made,
and forward with joyful hope.
The other churches of this place have
also gained, like us, in strength and num
bers, and as a general thing there has been
muck cordial friendship among the differ
ent religious denominations. Ephraim has
not envied Judah, and Judah has not vexed
Ephraim. With the pastors of the United
Presbyterian Church, and the Episcopal
Church, my intercourse has been long-con
tinned and pleaatnt. To their talents and
uniform kindness, I take this opportunity
to bear my glad testimony. Dr. Wiblock
has been pastor of his (the United Presby
terian) church forty-four years. Itev. Wm.
White has been pastor of his (the Episco
pal) church twenty-six years. Our com
bined pastorate would amount to one hun
dred years. -We are all still wedded to our
first love, having our original charges.
The other clergymen amongst us have
come much more recently, but we welcome
them to theiriseveral fields of labor.
To the Trustees of this church the
thanks of the congregation are due, and no
doubt heartily given, for their great ener
gy- and careful attention to the business
entrusted to them. It has required much
time and labor. The masons, carpenters,
plasterers, and painters, have performed .
faithfully their parts. The ladies have
constantly, aided the enterprise, and their
skill is apparent in the tasteful adjustment
of the furniture. While the members of
the congregation generally have come and
with willing hands wrought as opportunity
offered. And "so built we the wall ; ; and
all the wall was joined together unto the
half _thereof: for the people had a mind to
work." But we must not forget to as
cribe to God both our will and ability to
build a house to his name. " Except the
Lord build the house; they labor in vain
that build it." We have the satisfaction
of having a well built church, the founda
tion resting on a solid rock May it be an'
emblem of the faith of those that worship
in it, built on the rock Christ Jesus.
The trouble with our. late church was,
that the foundation .of the South wall was
defective. Now in the reconstruction all is
alike firm,
fit to endure for ages. So may
it be with our beloved cdttntry. May the
Southern wall which has given Way, be
cause the corner-stone was defective, soon
be built up again in strength and beauty.
The building, of this church has cost about
$6,000. This, with a few exceptions of
gifts by public men, amounting to $BO, has
been. borne entirely by members of the
congregation. So was. the _late church
built by, the members, no foreign aid being
asked. lam happy to announce that we
enter this house of worship free from debt.
We desire your good wishes and your
prayers. And as to those of you who ordi
narily worship in other churches, we shall
always be happy to see your faces in this
sanctuary, when, your own pastors being
absent, you choose to worship with us.
And may the God of Israel bless and keep
Yoti.4l.
For the Preebyterian Banner
United States Christian Commission.
The Treasurer of the Army Committee
of Western Pennsylvania, acknowledges
the following contributions, received from
Ist to 15th of December :
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.
Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh,..... $18.50
East Liberty,
26.22
giiapeon Chapel, Duquesne .. . 4.16
Mercer, Pa., 22.00
Centreville, Pa., " 23.65
Perryopolis, Pa., 7.25
Smieksburg, Pa 7.80
Milton, Pa., 4.30
Salem, Pa., 8.20
Port Perry, Pa., 15.65.
Wilkinsburg, Pa., 4.05
Braddooksield, Pa.,
Lawrenceville, Pa„
Sardis, Pa.,
New Hamburg, Pa.,
Richland, Pa::
Greenville, Pa. . 5.00
Meehanieksburg, Pa., 6.30
Freedom, Pa.,8.50
Centreville, 1 , , 6.35
Harrisvilli, Pa., 2.65
Wallaceville, Pa., 10.00
Browns, Pa., 7.00
Birmingham, Pa., 9.70
Ross Chapel, Latrobe, Pa., 5.50.
Allegheny Circuit, " . 5.65
Marlboro', Ohio, 5.20
Carrollton. xi ' 34.70
Hanover Circuit, R. 25.00
Somerton, " 7.65
New Lisbon, " 28.00
Westchester, and Pleasant Grove, Ohio,— 12.20
Limaville, ... 30.05
Harlem, " 16.50
Hendrysburg, « ... 15.25
Deersville, . 44 15.25
Williamsport, " 2.40
Elkton, ~. 13.75
Flushing, " ... 50.00
Adamsville, ". 11.50
Alliance and Mt. Union, " 16.00
Wellsburg, West Va., 20.00
METHODIST PROTESTANT OM:MOUES.
Ist. Proi. chuich, Pittsburgh 30.00
" " Sbarpsburg'.. 10.00
UNITED PEESBYTERIAN cuurtctuss.
Cannonsburg, (Rev. D. H. Prenoh,) Pa,... 23 . .35
Butler, " 10.50
Bethel, Westmoreland county, " -.. 25.15
Peter's Creek, “ ..- 7.50
Centreville, " .- 12.00
Conneaut Lake, “ 18.00
let and 2d, Mercer, “ :... 28.00
lat, New Wilmington, “ ... 6.25
Cochranton, .... 22.35
Canonsburg, (Rev. J. W. B .... 40.60
Bethel, Monroeville, .... 9.00
McKeesport, " ... 10.00
Burgettstown, ... 16.50
Unity, Monroeville, " ... 24.87
Laurel Hill, " ... 9.25
Craigsville, ec.... 9.25
Birmingham, " -.. 25.00
Cherry Run, (Rev. S. C. Reid,) " 21.00
Tareutum, " 80.00
Cherry Run, (Rev. J. IL Blentz,) ... 21.55
let U. P. eh- Pittsb'gh, (additional,) " ... 5.00
Salt Creek, Ohio, 34.00
White Eyes, " 8.00
Unity, 11.80
La Clare Prairie, lowa, .5.40
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
Sixth church, Pittsburgh, Pa.,... 44,80
Fourth " " " _
34.45
New Alexandria, " —.104.25
Bethany, Allegheny county, " ...100.00
Concord, " 20,00
Callensburg, 4 g * 9.23
Cross Roads, 25.00
Plains, 4' 22.15
liocky Spring, - 82.00
Sharpsburg, a ... 48.40
First, Kittanning, " ... 40.00
Brownsville and Little Redstone, " 38.76
New Castle,, " 60.00
New Salem, Beaver county, " ..: 16.40
Franklin, " 45.00
Sewickley, , '‘' "..; 76.05
Greensburg, " ... 31.82
Ligonier, " 30.00
...2 i l l,
••
-- 17.4) . -
Glasgow, at ,
•'' ' l l
Pine Grove, Penn'a )..;.
li.,
Perry, ~
Saltsburg, " 1:2•;:lr
Mansfield and Mt. Pisgah, Penn's. .......... ,1)
Canonsburg, Jl,
........... I:.,tjti
NeW Salem and Dunlap's Creek, Penn'a.„ 4 '
Centre,
al l
County, 4,1 .• I ),Pm
Concord, Armstrong County, .•..
~ . ,I.h,
--• In.r d ,
Glade Run, .g a Si
Kerr HU, ii 2
5.01 )
...• - 17.ri. )
Long Island, " .... 13,•,,,
Unity cong., Ps., taken in Latrobe church,
51
.1)11
Montour, Penn'a 9q -
Burgettstown, Penn's
14 .., 1
Butler, 1 .1 a
North Butler, " 14.4
Sandy Lake, " lil..-
Forest Grove, " IP • -
Hopewell, 1; i.
Armagh. ii 9.9 _,'
,
Leatherwood,' " .. 1(1.4
Pine Creek, " ft s.,
Raccoon, Washington County, Penn'a...,.. : 11, ,, i,
Meadville, c$
..... 88 f,,
Connellsville, a ~
li,
..... I
Tent, Fayette County, a .
...... 211-,
Rich Hill, a
/
.
it
Spring Hill Furnace,
OS ...... 5,
Greenville, " ... '-
Pisgah, ......
Sturgeonville, " . .....
Harrison City, " . ....
Church (Saltsburg Presley), " ...
Cherry Tree, it
..
Bethesda, ' "
Sctubgrass, CI
Mt. Pleasant, Mercer County, "
Milledgeville '
Pigeon Creek,
Cool Spring,
Leechburg,
Boiling Spring,
Sunbury,
Pleasant Valley,
Fairmount,
New Lisbon,
Perrysville, -
Cadiz,
Martinsville,
Olivesburg,
Carrollton,
Bloomfield, ,
Short Creek, "
Wheeling Valley, "
Brownsville, .
Berlin,Bethesa, "
Corinth,.
Monroeville, 44
Rehoboth and Newton, Ohio.
Island Creek,
Centre,
Mt: Eaton,
Richland,
East Liverpool,
Canton,
Fairmont,
Allen Grove,
Wolf Run,
Bethel, Bull Creek, "
Fayetteville, Fenu'a
Berlin, "
Salisbury,
Freeport, g ,
Butler, "
Reedsburg, Ohio
Harlansbnrg, ` Penn'5...........
Freeport,
East Birmingham, "
Sharpsburg, • "
Calvary Episcopal church, East Liberty._ 11.75
Trinity German church, Pittsburgh .
Evangelical church, Olivesburg, Ohio PIP.
Bridgeport., Penn'a I,t,
Mt. Vernon, is
.. I'2 :!5
Manor Dale, . 5,0,
West Greenville, " 3
Pnckerty church,
Mill Creek; " ui
Mt. Tabor,
Leacock,
Loudonville,
St. Clairsville,
Concord,
Sandyville,
Cadiz,
Scroggsfield,
Shanesville,
Bakersville,
Kilgore,
Virginia, Cass county, Illinois..
Ellisville,
UNION TELNKSOPTING MEETINGS
Monongahela City, Penn's 624;
Uniontown, "
Waynesburg, " 20.11)
Edinboro', Erie county, " 10,5,1
New Florence, "
Bellair, - Ohio
Millersburg, " DT 24
Ellington, New York. 15.0
Bethany chapel, Van Buren co., lowa
Meth. and Pres. chs., Bridgeport, 0hi0... 70.h'
" " Brady's Bend, Pa.. 25.25
" " L tTitusville, Pa . . . . .
Meth., Baptist and Pres. chs., Greenboro',
Penn's . 16.7;
Meth., Camb. Pres., and Pres. ohs., Car
michaels, Pa ...... ... ........ .............
Pres. and United Pres. chs., Armisville
and Mt. Vernon, Pa
Morgantown, West Virginia
Citizens of Apollo, Pa 4
Citizens of Whitesville, Pa
Residents of Farr and Blood Farms, on
Oil Creek, Pa 38.4;
Soldiers' Aid Club, Sheakleyville, Pa 20. K
Soldiers' Aid Soe., Poke Run, Pa • 23.0;
Do. do., Cross Creek Village, Pa 56.55
Do. do., Smicksburg and West Mahoning,
Penn's..... 39.54
Do. do., Eldersridge, Pa . . ........... .....—.... 5-00
Do. do., Mud Creek, 1ndiana........... .... . 5_06
Ladies' of Irish Ripple, Pa 4.05
Sabbath School, Waterford, Erie co., Pa.. 32.0 ,,
Class No. 4, Allen Sabbath School, Pa 1.0 ,
Thos. M'Allist er, Chanceford,York co., Pa., 1.6'
B. E. J. Kittanning,
John Elliott, Elizabeth,
John: Armstrong, Greenfield,
Mrs. A. W. Baker, California,
Mrs. J. K. Logan, Coal Bluffs,
Rev. Mr. Carson, ClaysvMe,
Mrs. Snodgrass, Cochranton,
Mr. Curtis,
Lady in Brownsville
Two widows in Shirfeysburg,
Soldier's widow, Harlansburg,
William Pierce, Villenova, N. V-,
Cash, .
4.85
5.10
11.25
liIE
. 15.00
The friends of the soldiers,will please v.
eept our warmest gratitude for their e,,n
tinued response to our Thanksgiving ap
peal. The evidence which is daily at-en
mulatina that we have not yet sounded
depths of Christian benevolence, is thr.:'* -
gratifying, both in its approval of the knj
we have in view and the means we erne
We 'have confidence that all our ett ":'
will be seemided by the cooperation of t
Christian public.
All cash Contributions may be sent
JOSEPH ALBREE Treasurer,
No. 71 Wood St., Pittsburgh
All stores should be sent to
WM. P. WEYMAN,
No. 76 Smithfield St., Pittsburgh.
1 - ECCLESIASTICAL,
Rev. WM. M. BLACIT.BI7RN, of Erie,
has been called to the Fourth Presby' r .
riani church, New-Brunswick, N. J..
is not yet ascertained whether be will''' .
cept or decline the call.
) -•
Rev. E. D. YEOMANS war installed
Peter's church, Rochester, N. Y., on
vember 9th.
Rev. PHILIP H. Mow has accepted t! ,
call to the Big. Spring church, .Newrii.'
Pa.
Rev. Dr. R. DAVIDSON has accepted a c 2-;
to Huntingdon Long Island, N. Y. , 'I::
has commenced his pastoral duties in t—
tsr
place.
Rev. R. H. ALLEN, recently of Wala:"
Hills, Ohio, has accepted a call
Second Presbyterian church of Sastivl.. ,
Tennessee.
Ohio
64
West, Virginia
LUTHERAS CHURCHES
=
Ohio,.
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