thtsb*rian `§aniter. fITTSBERGH, VEDNESDAYt MAY 11, 1864. RETALIATION. President LINCOLN closed his address at the great Maryland Fair, in Baltimore, on Monday, April 18th, with the following words : " We are having the Fort Pillow affair thoroughly investigated. If there has been the massacre of three hundred there, or oven the tenth part of three hundred, it will be conclusively proven ; and being so proven, the retribution shall as surely come. It will be matter of grave consideration in what exact course to apply the retribution; but in the supposed case, it must come." A general order, issued some time ago, contained this provision : " It is therefore ordered, that for every soldier of the United States killed in vio lation of the laws of war, a- rebel soldier shall be exeouted." That the President finds the position in which he has been placed by the Fort Pil low atrocity, not only a painful but a per plexins one, may be inferred from another passage in his Baltimore address, as fol lows: " Would it be right to take the life of prisoners in Washington, in Fort Delaware, or elsewhere', in retaliation- for acts in which they had not shared? Would it be right to take the prisoners captured, say at 'Vicks burg, and shoot them for acts of which they were not. guilty 7" Mr. LINCOLN has here, with characteris tic precision, stated a difficulty which inev itably accompanies the subject. To what lengths may a civilized and Christian peo ple go, in endeavoring to protect their sol diers from violations of the acknowledged laws of war 7 And to what lengths is it not only their right, but their duty to go ? In reply to this inquiry it may be well to refer to a standard authority upon the Law of Nations. We quote from VATTEL, Book 3, Chap. 8, Sects. 141, 142 : " There is, however,•one case where life may be denied an enemy who surrenders, and also 'capitulation refused to a place. This is when the enemy has been guilty.of some enormous breach of the law of na tions, and particularly if it be at the same time a violation of the laws of war. This denial of quarter is no natural consequence of war, but the punishment of his crime; a punishment which the injured party has a right to inflict; but for this penalty to be just it must fall on the guilty. When the war is with a savage nation, which observes no rules and never gives quarter, it may be chastised in the persons of any seized or taken—they are among the guilty—that by 'this rigor they may a brought to conform to . the laws of human ity. But wherever severity is not abso lutely necessary, clemency is to be used. "If a general of the enemy has,.without any just reason, caused some prisoners to be hanged, a like number of his men, and of the same rank, will be hung up, signi fying to hith that this retaliation will be continued for _obliging him to observe the laws of war. It is a sad extremity thus to put a prisoner to death for his general's fault ; and if this prisoner before was promised his life, reprisals cannot be made on him with any color of justice. Yet as a prince or his general' has a right of sacri ficing the life of his enemies to his (own) safety, and that of himen, if he is engaged with an inhuman enemy, who frequently commits such enormities, he appears to have a right of refusing life to some of the prisoners he may take, and of treating them as his were treated." "According to the principles here enun ciated, it would be a violation of the rules of war to detail three hundred prisoners from Camp Douglas, men who surrendered under promise of safety, and execute them as a retaliation for the three hundred Fed erals murdered at Fort Pillow. But in some future assault or battle, three hun dred captured enemies might be thus exe cuted. Especially might this course with justice be adopted toward the parties im mediately guilty, if the perpetrators of the Fort Pillow massacre should come into our power. It would appear, however, if we inquire historically into the y antecedents of our Government upon this very question, that the distinction made above has not always been observed. In the last war with Great Britain ; twenty-three British-born subjects, who had become American citizens .by nat uralization, having been taken prisoners of war in Canada, the commander of that Province sent them to Englaid to be tried for treason, and possibly to be executed. A like number of British prisoners of war were placed in confinement by the Ameri can Government, with a notification to the British authorities that whatever violence might be committed on the American pris oners would be retaliated upon these host ages. Whereupon forty-six American offi cers were immediately placed in close confinement by the British Government, to experience in their turn the same treat ment which might await the British pris oners. Here was a trying case for our Government, and the manner, in which our fathers met the responsibility may be learned from the following extract from the message of President - MAorsoN to Con gress, Dec: 7th, 1813: " That no doubt might be 'left with the enemy of our adherence to the retaliatory resort imposed upon us, a corresponding number (forty-six) of British officers, pris oners of war in hands, were immedi ately put into close confinement, fo abide the fate of those confined by the enemy; and the British Government has been ap prised of the determination of this Govern ment to retaliate any other proceedings against us contrary to the legitimate modes of warfare. It is as fortunate for the Uni ted States that they have it in their power to meet the enemy in this deplorable con test, as it is honorable to them that they do not join in'it but under the most impe rious obligations, and with the humane purpose of effectuating a return to the es tablished usages of war." A law had been enacted, March 3, 1813, empowering the President, during the ex isting war, when any violation of the laws of war should be committed by British au thority, " to cause full and ample retalia tion to be made, according to the laws and usages of war among civilized nations." • It is also worthy of note that the Legis lature of Pennsylvania adopted a resolution, Jan. 18, 1814, which was communicated to Congress, approving the " spirit and firm ness which the • National authorities have manifested," and promising to " support our Government in every measure of just retaliation, to which it max be driven by the violence of the enemy." 03S correspondence between the American and British authorities, upon this subject, in the American State Papers, vol. 3, pp. 630 to 684. The fact is not .only histori cally interesting, but extremely pertinent at the present time, that the result of these retaliatory measures adopted and perse vered in by the American Government, was the ultimate release of the prisoners who were threatened with trial for treason. A similar result attended a like measure of retaliation on the part of the Continen tal Congress, in the war of the Revolution, when they confined six Hessian officers as hostages for Gen LEE, who was threatened with trial for treason. The British Gov ernment receded from its position, and treated Gen. LEE as a prisoner of war. A resolution passed Congress, April 29, 1782, "unanimously approving the firm and judi-. cious conduct of the Commander-in-chief, and assuring him of their firmest support in his fixed purpose of exemplary retalia tion." It would seem from the foregoing that the Law of Nations recognizes the right of retaliation, under such circumstances as the Fort Pillow massacre, and that our Government has heretofore sanctioned the policy by the highest legislative and execu tive authority. A cotemporary, (N. Y., World, April 20,) in its diacussion of this subject, quotes - from Gen. HALLUK'S work upon International Law, as follows : " Suppose an enemy should massacre all prisoners of war, this would not afford suffi cient justification for the opposing bellige rent to do the same." The Same journal adds that to execute man for man would shock the civilized world, and cause Europe to resound with a cry of horror. It proposes to execute, instead of three hundred, a bin& rebel officer. But if it be barbarous to execute three hundred innocent prisoners, it is' difficult to 'see how it can be right to execute one; whilst the probability of arresting these atrocities.is entirely destroyed. Moreover, it it not proposed to adopt the system of indiscriminate and universal massacre, even if the rebels should inaugurate that savage policy; but to . confine reprisals within the narrowest limits that afford a hope of doing away with such horrors altogether. Much might be written upon a subject of such grave importance. Our limits, however, permit but a few reflections. And first, we are unwilling to believe that the Christian people of the South can possibly sanction the wholesale murder . at Fort Pillow. That soul-sickening brutal ity cannot possibly commend itself to any, heart in which the spirit of the Gospel reigns. We may hope that the Christian community of the South will array itself against such atrocities. In the next place, we may dismiss any fear that this massacre will not be avenged. Unless we greatly mistake, many have been the instances of retribution that have never come under official cognizance. This unlicensed redress can best be prevented by legitimate retaliation; and if not thus prevented, a fearful atonement will be ex acted by . our soldiers for the butchery at Fort Pillow. Moreover the right of retaliation has its limits. We would not be justified in scalp ing, or burning alive our .prisoners, upon the plea that the enemy does the same. Hence, though our hearts have sickened at the revolting details of the cruelties prac tised upon our soldiers in Southern prisons, and of the savage ferocity with which those, who once plumed themselves on their chivalry, have murdered our wounded on the battle-field, or mutilated the bodies of the dead—yet has no Northern press or party stooped so low as to suggest retalia tion in kind. The Lex Tationis in the Mosaic law—the eye for an. eye and tooth for a tooth—was punitive.: retaliation in the Law of Nations, is preventive. Also, a thirst for revenge ought not to be the principle that governs us. Look at the thousands of patriot graves—remember the mourning households of the land ; and if vengeance .be the rule, where would we end? In strict" justice, every voluntary traitor in this wicked rebellion deserves to die. Yet who, amidst the thousands'of our strieken ones, calls for this universal pen alty? Further, whatever difference of opinion there may have been as to the original en listment of black troops, all must agree that every man who interposes his breast be tween us and our enemies, is entitled to all the protection-our. Government can bestow. Upon this duty to protect our soldiers— " absolutely a duty," in the language of WASIIINGTON—an " imperious obligation," in the words of 111AnxsoN—we base the right of retaliation. From the foregoing we infer that the demands of justice would best be met, if the penalty could be made to fall upon the perpetrators of the crime; and therefore upon FORK ST'S officers and men, whenever captured, should the punishment be visited, until the number be complete. For the future, if the Confederate G-overpment dis claim the Fort Pillow policy, the difficulty is ended. If they persist in this babarous course, then, for every Federal soldier here after murdered, let a rebel prisoner, of those hereafter taken, be put to death, commenc ing with the officers of highest rank. Let it be stated that this mode of warfare is ab horrent to our feelings, is adopted only un der an imperious necessity, and will be discontinued so soon as that necessity shall cease. And lastly, all can unite in the prayer that the President may be directed by wis dom .from above, in shaping the policy of our Government amidst the painful and embarrassing circumstances in which it has been placed. PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. The term of this oldest of the Theologi cal Seminaries of our Church, closed on the 26th ult., after a careful examination of the classes extending over five days. Forty young gentlemen received certificates of having completed the full course of three years' study. The New-York Observer !says: " Half of this large class are, already engaged in definite, fields of labor. Two at least, probably three, go , the foreign field; three go to the Pacific, Oregon and Cali-. fornia; some pursue their preparation an- PRESBYTERIAN BANNER.---WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 864. swell the list of candidates for settlement, and some of these are among the best preachers of this gifted class, who decline offers at the East in preference for the Western field, to which they feel in duty bound to return. This feeling is cherished at Princeton. Instead of watching and scrambling for vacancies in. the best places of the East, its Professors and students alike seem to watch for the regions, at home and abroad, where the Macedonian cry is loud est : ' Come over and help us.' ci Nine members of the class are sons of ministers. Nineteen different Colleges and thirteen different States were represented. And the, destination of this noble class would seem already to be signal and diver sified, as have, been the characteristics and endowments which make it eminent among the many largeclasses that have gone into all the world frdna the consecrated halls of Princeton." And from the Presbyterian we learn that it is expected the laying of the corner stone of Brown, Hall, the new building to be ereeted for the use ,of the Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey, will take place on Saturday, the 21st of May. This will afford an opportunity to any of the members of the General Ass( mbly, which will then •be in session at Newark, New Jersey, to visit Prlnceton. CHANCEL LOR, GREEN ) President of the Board of Trus tees; Rev. Dr. Pgrrzips, President of the Board of Directors; Rev. Dr. HODGE, and others, are expected to take part in the 'Ceremonies and exercises, of the occasion. This Hall will be built from a bequest of the late GEORGE BROWN, Baltimore. THE CHRISTIAN COMMISSION IN PITTS BURGH. I The :Pittsburgh Branch of the United States Christian Commission held its first Anniversary, last Sabbath evening, in the First Presbyterian church of this city. The church was filled to overflowing, and the exercises were of the most interesting character. The B.ev. lismarox JOHNSTON, President of this Branch, opened the ser vices with the reading of the Scriptures. Prayer was then offered by the Rev. S. J. WILSON, D.D. This •was followed by singing the hymn beginning. "God moves in a mysterious way." After thisy Mr. JOHNSTON made a brief but comprehensive statement of the opera tions of the Pittsburgh Branch for the last year, which has already appeared in our columns. The Rev. JAMES PRESTLY, P.D., then delivered an earnest and effec tive address. . This prepared the way for GEORGE H. STUART ; Esq., President of the United States Christian Commission,. who spoke with all his usual fervor and enthu siasm. Among other things, he said the idea of a National subscription of $500,000 to aid the Commission in doing its work for this 'year had originated in this city. A meeting in the church of the Epiphany, in Philadelphia, had given $50,000, and the speaker expected at least $20,000 from that assembled. in Pittsburgh, in the First Presbyterian church. Those who sub scribed to this fund would receive interest throughout all time. Laborers are ready to go to the field; every facility is-afforded them by the officers of the army to reach the sick and dying soldiers in hospitals and upon the battle fields; the soldiers them selves are always glad to see them, and they always receive a hearty welcome when they go among the soldiers, and a heartfelt God-. bless-you wheti:they depart. In a circum ference of twenty miles, fifty-four log chapels had been erected in the Army of the Potomac, and phis was what the speaker called church extension upon a large 'and rapid scale. These buildings were open every day in the -week, and three or four times on the Sabbath. During the time the Arley of the Potomac lay in Winter quarters; before it received its late baptism in blood, ten thousand eight hundred ser mons were preached to large, attentive au diences, and it was the privilege of the speaker to say that great good had been done by these meetings. The speaker closed by an earnest and eloquent appeal to those present to raise at least $20,000 as a part of the national capital of $500,000 to enable the Commission to get through the present year. A battle had been fought— eight thousand men bad been wounded— then let a thank-offering be given tonight that would cheer their hearts. Here a dispatch from the army of Gen. GRANT was read, which conveyed the cheering intelligence of LEE'S defeat, and, notwithstanding the time and the place, the glorious news was received with great ap plause. A fervent prayer was offered up by the Rev. Dr. PAXTON, in which he in voked the bletisings of heaven upon all the members of the Christian Commission, and prayed that (od would open the hearts of all present, that they might give with a liberal hand. At this point,.a gentleman who, had pre viously subscribed- $l,OOO, arose and said that he wished to withdraw that subscrip tion and replace it with one for 45,000, since he had learned that between six and eight thousand brave Union soldiers had been wounded, and needed the immediate attention of the'UommisSion. A Commit tee then waited on the audience,, and re ceived in a few minutes subscriptions to the amount 0f r 521,145. This has since been increased to $25.518. Altogether, this was the most successful meeting ever held in this city for the pro motion of any Christian and benevolent object. Everything seemed to be in favor or the result attained. The people had been intensely =cited throughout the day by the reports from the field of awful con flict; the evening was fine; there was a delightful cooperating union among all the Protestant denominations; and all these were crowned with the high, humane and Christian aims of this noble Commission. Just now, and. for months to come, the Commission will need all that can be pos sibly placed at its disposal. Let the exam ple set in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Newcastle, be imitated in all our cities, villages, and congregations. We would take the liberty of asking the pastors and Sessions of all our churches to_give the people an opportunity of making contribu tions without delay. God is blessing our arms and giving us victory. But victory has been secured at immense cost. Tn ad dition to the killed, many thousands fill lf o to our hospitals, and many thousands more will, in all probability soon be added to these. The Christian Commission cares for both the bodies and the souls; let us give it our prayers, and fill its treasury, that it may be able to meet the great and constant demands. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION IN LAWRENCE COUNTY. - Rev. J. S. GRIMES, of Newcastle, a re turned delegate, in a letter to JOSEPTC AL- EtItEE, Treasurer, of Christian Commission, Pittsburgh, enclosing $1,209, thus writes : " When I think of a tithe the Christian Commission has done—the wounds it has dressed—the burning, swollen lips it has m9istened—the thirst it has slaked—the hunger it has satisfied—the words of cheer it has breathed, and the Souls it has saved— my heart is filled and fired with zeal. Above' and -beyond the mere pleasure of doing one's daty toward the defenders of our country, altars, homes and household goods, there will be an inexpressible joy in every heart engaged in this cause, when Christ shall have delivered up his kingdom in spotless glory upon the Lamb's Book of Life; for then and there, amidst the count less multitudes of redeemed ones, singing songs of deliverance to God and the Lamb, will . be found thousands who have been plucked as brands from the burning' by the Christian Commission, telling with thankfulness how God found them in camp; or hospital,o,r on the bloody field of bat tle. From the bottom of my soul, I can't but say, God bless every man who loves the Christian Commission. The Lord fill and fire the heart of every delegate with the Holy Ghost, who goes out to hold up Jesus Christ to the dying soldier. ti Through you I desire to express my thanks to the citizens of Newcastle for the manner in which they have responded to my appeal in behalf of the Christian Com mission. Lawrence County has always done her duty when called to work. For the $1,209 received at their hands, I thank them with all my soul, and in t i be name of the Christian Commission, AL* name of the countless soldiers it has breised, I pray God's richest blessing on their souls, bellies and spirits. " To the firm of PHILLIPS & Boo's, who gave $l,OOO, I express my sincere thanks, and can say truly, that God has lavished temporal , gifts on men who know how to use thin for his glory. There is a mantle of blessing in reserve felt such nobte-mind ed, generous men." FARE TO MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL AS " SEIBLY. Frequent inquiries have been made as to the pimba.bility of aje,duction of fare on the Chicago; Fort Wayne, and Pennsyl vania Railroads to members of the Gen eral Assembly, to meet next week in New ark, New• Jersey. Upon information de, rived from the proper source, we can now say, the Pittsburgh - , Fort Wayne and Chi cago Railroad will make no reduction. In reply to our inquiries concerning this matter,. the General Ticket .Agent of the PennsYlvania Railroad replies : PHILADELPHIA, May 7, 1864. Ens. BANNER—Dear Sirs:—Yours of sth inst. received. The arrangement made on all such occasions for this year is, to return delegates free upon certificate of the proper .officer (the Stated Clerk, I should judge,) of the General Assembly, stating that Mr. • was in regular business attendance f aud has paid full local fare over the Pennsylvania Railroad from -- to Philadelphia in going.' Those en titled to such a free return, must go via Philadelphia, and return via same. Blank certificates will be furnished to proper parties upon their application (per sonal) at this office, when necessary in structions with respect to their issue will be given. Yours truly, LEWIS L. HOUPT, Gen'l Ticket Agent. • This is in accordance. with the liberal policy•which has always characterized this road, and which has made it the most pop ular-and successful Railroad in the United States. Complimeatary Resolutions. —ln most churches it is usual upon the resignation of a pastor, to pass.s, series- of complimentary resolutions, and ask their publication in one or more religious newspapers. All the papers of our ChurCh, and also all the lead ing religious newspapers in the country, invariably and properly, charge for the insertion of all such matter. Therefore if any resolutions, or acknowledgments of, do nations to pastors, sent us have not been published, the cause is evident, A Religions Newspaper in Every Family. —An esteemed minister of our Church, in the Northwest, in sending us a list of new subscribers, writes : " Now every family in my pastoral charge is supplied with a re ligious newspaper." How many pastors can say as much ? If the pastor would have his peciple readj , to cooperate with him in every good work of benevolence or Christian activity, he must have them Sup plied with a Jive and reliable religious newspaper. Allegheny Bible Beciety.--Alr. F. G. REIN *MAN has been elected Agent of the Alle gheny Bible Society, in place of ROBERT DAVIS, resigned. His Post Office is Alle gheny City. Mr. REINEMAN will at once enter upon the active duties of his im portant office, in .making collections and receiving subscriptions for said Society, and in exploring' the destiputions of the 'district North of the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. The Piesbyterian.—This paper came to us last week, enlarged and in the double-sheet form, and printed from type somewhat larger than that formerly used. The Pres byterian has in past years distinguished itself as the staunch advocate and defender of Westminster theology. And we con gratulate its proprietors and editors on this indication of continued prOsperity. Family Treasue.—The 2d number of this new monthly has been issued. Its con tents are of tho diversified and 'suitable kind proposed by the editors for the in struction and edification of Christian fami lies. General Alexander liays.—Among the he roes who fell in the late terrific battles of the Army of the Potomac, but few will be more deeply regretted than Gen. A.LEXAN DEIX HAYS of Pittsburgh. Brigadier Gen eral HAYS was born in Franklin, Pa.; grad uated at West Point; won distinction in the Mexican war;, then retired from the army, and pursued the - business of a civil engineer. At the outbreak of the rebel- lion he was among the first to offer his ser vices to his country. In almost all the great battles of the army of the Potomac, he was present, and always displayed the highest skill and valor. He was a brave soldier, and a true patriot. His wife, a daughter of Jonx B. McFADDEN, of Pitts burgh, and seven children, receive the .sympathies and prayers of the entire com munity. NEWS OF THE CHURCHES AND MINISTERS. PRESBYTERIAN. Old School,—Mr. S. S. Mitchell, of the late Senior class in the Theological Semi nary at Princeton, has been called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian church in Harrisburg, formerly filled by the Rev. W. C. Cattell, now President of La fayette' College. The salary was fixed at $1,500 per annum. The church of Sewickley, Presbytery of Allegheny City, has given a call to the Rev. Mr. Bittenger, formerly pastor of the Third Presbyterian church (New School), Cleveland, Ohio. Delegates to the Generar AsseMbly from Presbytery of Allegheny City—Rev. Dr. Elliott, and Rev. M. L. Wortman ; elders, John D. Stokes and J. M. Burchfield. Rev. F. H. L. Laird, having removed from Moro to Upper Alton, requests his correspondents to take due notice and gov-, ern themselves accordingly. • . The Post Office address of Rev: ,Wm. Cathcart is changed from ,La Grange, Ind., to Lima, Ind. Correspondents will please address- him accordingly. A correspondent of the Standard says : "At Downingtown we were struck with the tasteful ippearance of the new church which is being erected. in that place, and which, it, is expected, will be completed in July. qWe learned from the pastor, Rev. Mr. Newkirk, Whom we met in the car on his Way to assist the beloved and efficient pastor of Upper Octorara in services pre paratory to the communion, that the church will cost $6,000, and will accommodate about four 'hundred persons. Mr. N.'s la bors have been greatly blessed in this, his first pastoral charge. At a meeting of the Presbytery of Cin cinnati on the ad inst., the pastoral rela tion existing between Rev. J. E. Annan and the First Presbyterian church of Gin s einnati was, by request of Mr. Annan, dis solved, and the following resolution was adopted by the Presbytery Resolve, That in accepting the resigna tion of brother Annan as pastor of the First Presbyterian church, we desire to bear testimony to the faithfulness and zeal with which he has discharged his duties as pastor amid many discouragements, and to extend to him our best wishes for his use fulness and happiness in whatever field he may be called hereafter to.labor. Last week we published an account of the action . of the Presbytery of Louisville with respect to the application of the Board of. Domestic Missions to the War Depart ment, that our missionaries to the South might be permitted to occupy temporarily the 6andoned Presbyterian churches, and also receive the.protection of the Govern ment. We learn from a private• source, that Dr. W. L. Breekinridge, a delegate from that Presbytery to the General As sembly, does not consider himself bound by the instructions of .the _Presbytery, and that the resolutions passed by ; that Presby tery were the work of an aecidental ma jority. The Presbytery of Philadelphia, at its late meeting, struck the name of the Rev. John Leyburn, D.D., from its roll, satisfac tory evidence having been received that Dr. Leyburn had connected himself with one .of the Presbyteries belonging to the Seuthern General Assembly. The. Potomac Presbytery has organized a new church near the Capitol, under the title of the Capitol- Hill Presbyterian church, Washington City; it consists of thirty-five members, and will be under the pastoral care of Rev. John Chester, the son of Wm. Cheste j r, D.D., Corresponding Secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Education. Mr. Chester was pastor of the Presbyterian church in Burlington, N. J., where he was quite successful, and several members of his former charge in . Burling ton are interested in this new movement. They haye obtained a site for an edifice, and it is earnestly desired that efforts shall be made to erect a manse for the comforta ble accommodation of the pastor, at the same time thef build a house of worship. flew Rhool.—Our readers have not for gotten Rey. F. -A. Ross, D.D., of Hunts ville, Ala., who formerly took a leading part in many discussions of the New School General Assembly, but Who, along with oth ers, seceded from that body and formed a separate Synod in the South,, after the meeting of the Assembly in Cleveland. A correspondent of the Evangelist writes con cerning him : " Yesterday I net a young gentleman who has been in the army nearly three years. For several months his brigade was at Huntsville. There he frequently met and heard our old friend - Dr. Frederick Ross. He says the soldiers are very fond of attending the Doctor's preaching. He prays for the country, but in such a way as may mean our country or the Confederacy. He &caches the Gospel with great earnest ness and power. On one communion day, he gave a very handsome invitation to any strangers present, members of other de nominations, to commune with them. My informant says the Doctor and his church were not a little amazed to find half a sin gle regiment accepting the invitation, in cluding many officers. When the next communion day came, scarcely any soldiers Communed. When the Doctor afterwards learned that some of his female members had openly insulted the soldiers, who for that reason did not commune, he gave these women a most characteristic lesson on good mannera.", United.—A United Presbyterian church was organized in Sewiekleyville, according to order of Presbytery, by the Rev. John T. Pressly, D.D. Twenty persons united upon certificate. Their new house of wor ship is nearly . completed, and almost paid for. • The St. -Louis' Presbytery, at its late meeting, took the following action : " Presbytery having learned that the practice of attending balls and dancing parties prevails to a deplorable extent in some of our congregations, if not all, by memberrof our own Church, adopts the fol lowing resolutions : • "Resolved, That -Presbytery, regards the practice of dancing as immoral in its ten= dencY, inimical to the purity and sobriety inculcated in the Gospel, and contrary to the profession and faith of the Church. " Resolved, That the Sessions under the care of this Presbytery arc directed to see that the conduct of Church members under their care be orderly in regard to. this mat ter, and to discipline all persons engaging in dancing, and those countenancing such practices by their presence or advice!' METHODIST. The General Conference of the Metho dist Episcopal Church met in the Union church, Philadelphia, on Monday - the 3d inst. The General Conference .of 1860 con tained 221 members; that of 1864 con tains 244. Of the whole number, 86 are presiding elders, 10 editors, 8 are presi dents of colleges, . 5 professors, 4 principals of seminaries, and one an agent for a uni versity—making 18 connected with litera ry institutions. There are four book agents, two missionary secretaries, and two agents of the American Bible Society. At 9 o'clock Bishop Janes called the Conference to order, and the senior Bishop proceeded to open the proceedings by read ing the 84th Psalm. The. _Hymn 219th was then announced and sung, beginning : "Jeans, the name high over all," after which the Bishop offered prayer. Bishop Janes continued the religious services by reading the 20th chapter of Acts, after which the 237th Hymn, begin ning— "I lave thy kingdom, Lord," was sung. Prayers were then offered by Rev. Dr. Peck, of Wyoming Conference, and Rev. Dr. Elliot, of Missouri Conference, two of the oldest members of the body. The General Conference of the African Methodist . Episcopal Church met in the same city on the same day.' This body composed of all -the traveling ,preachers who have traveled six full years in its con nection, and one regularly licensed local preacher or minister of four years' stand ing for every eight hundred members re turned at the previous Annual Conference. There were 139 delegates present at the •close of the second day's session- For tbe Preeliyterian Banner . Letter from New-York. NEw-YORK, May 3, 1864 My Dear Banner :—The Anniversary Week opened with the discourse before the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, in the First church, Fifth Avenue. . The Rev. Archibald Alexander Hodge, D.D., pastor of the Presbyterian church at Wilkesbarre, Pa., gave an elaborate and able exposition of the prophecy, "And to him [Shiloh] shall the gathering of the people be." He traced the course , of his tory and the progress of the Chula from the period of the dispersion of the people, at Babel, all along to the predicted gather ing of the people to Christ, now going on with increased rapidity toward the con summation. The breadth of view and freshness of thought and expression, to gether with the rich instruction and solid piety of the discourse, made it a true fes-, tival Occasion. The habit of the preacher being extem poraneous, he was evidently trammelled by his notes. Seldom can those who are wont to preach without manuscript, succeed well in delivery when, on rare 'occasions, they resort to the notes. Dr. Hodge began' his ministerial course, as a missionary to India. He returned on account of the failure of his wife's health, and has ever since, for some fourteen years or more, been an active and successful pastor. The last year about seventy have been added to his church-as the fruit of a revival. He is also the au thor of " Outlines of Theology," a very valuable synopsis of Didactic Theolggy, and republished lately, with high com mendation, in Scotland.He is about forty one years of age. He states in his preface that he preached the whole series to Ms people extemporaneously. And a Theology that can be preached and popularized, is what is wanted in our day. He has several times been spoken of for a Professor. And he has all the elements for a Theological Professor which.his father had at his age, besides having the pastoral experience, which is justly deemed of so much import ance .for such a chair in our Seminaries, especially where,"as at Allegheny, it is the chair of " Didactic and Pastoral Theology " —a very wise and suggestiye arrangement. To the Stated. Clerks of the Presbyteriei. The Stated Clerk of the General Assem bly calls attention to the following resolu tion of the Assembly Minutes 189, p. 385 : Digest, p. 855, viz. "Resolved, That the Presbyteries be re quired to direct the Sessions of the church es within their bounds, to make out in each year the Sessional Report to the Pres bytery up to the first day of April, and transmit the same to the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery; and that each Presbytery be also required to direct their Stated Clerk, on or before the first day of Hay, in each year, to transmit by mail to the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, a Presby terial Report, bearing the date of April first, prepared from the Sessional Reports." In conseoence of the almost universal disregard of this rule, the Minutes of the General Assembly are so long delayed in their publication, that murmurs come from every, quarter. Many Presbyterial reports come as late as July, and even August. Notice is now given, that the Resolution above _will be rigidly enforced, hereafter, unless repealed by the General Assembly; and that no report, later than Ist of June in reaching the office of the Stated Clerk, can be expected to appear in the statistical tables. For the sake of greater convenience, let the reports, if they are not delivered at the General Assembly; be sent to the care of Winthrop Sargent, Esq. S2l Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, (by whom the tables are annually calculatd,) instead of being addressed to Princeton, directly. Brethren mailing the reports should be careful to pay the postage in full. Other wise, according to a late revision of postage law, the office of the Assembly's Clerk will be required to pay double of the whole amount. When • the- weight is more, for qample, than what is charged six cents, and no more than this sum is prepaid; twelve cents must be charged by the Post Office, on delivery of the document. Sev eral reports have already come to hand with this burden; and in the low condition of the Contingent Fund, it will be necessary to decline taking from the Post Office, alto gether, packages so neglected in mailing them. ALEXANDER T. McGILL. For the Presbyterian Banner. Action of the Presbytery of Redstone on the . State of 'the Country. Being met together as the official repre sentatives of a portion of tie Church of God, and believing as we do, that all Chris tians, and especially ministers of the Gos pel, have an important part to act in these 1€ periloui times," we it our duty to bear testimony frequently and plainly, by way of warning, and, of reproof, and of encouragement. We exhort all to special forbearance with others who may differ from one another in matters not involving• principle, and par ticularly to resist the prevailing- tendency to schism among the professed followers of Christ. We also earnestly exhort all, and espe • • daily those who lead in social and .public worship, to order well their words and thmights, so as not needlessly to irritate sensitive minds ; nor, to introduce any- For the Presbyterian Banner thing into the worship of God th a t . trary to his revealed will, or whi ch suitable to spiritual and profitabl e \7o , l llr '• We also exhort that the cau, e f i: 1 1 beloved country be unceasingly borne fore God in united as well as indi v ic prayer ; that no outcry of party p rei l. or any such thing, binder any one pleading with God to protect the went and union of these Etates— t , abundantly those regularly in a ut h or: : , with wisdom and strength, and Fb needed qualification for the arduou s ; , 1::; of suppressing the treasonable rebellik our land, and of maintaining riglitfill and order throughout all our hone,. ~ That God would also mercifully brealzt;„- yoke-and let the oppressed in our 1 4 , 1 7 free, and prepare them for, and bles s with, civil and religions liberty, T hat l , would be pleased to deliver every pytt t; our nation from the sin of African sla.kr together with ,whatever else provok e : I:: wrath. We exhort all pastors and teaelicrB tor• member the supreme authority o f Divine Master, and his requirement t r , dare his whole counsel, being watehil: meanwhile, to blend meekness and wi s k with unfaltering firmness, that they gi ve 13 , c ause of offence to any man ; but let ty er also remember that it is a small matter be judged of man's judgment, but of r 2,. importance to approve themselves faithili witnesses for God. We esteem it our duty, and the duty ri all men, so long as there is a rebel in ar t , against this Government, to consider hi m , hurtful b enemy to a good and rightful G r y : , ernment, and as sinning against God, ati that connivance at his acts, or any deaf, of encouragement shown to him in evil course, is a very heinous sin : and that it is 'our duty to express our fidelity tr,, and our sympathy with, our Governmen t at all times, especially in this its time of se re trial. • And finally, we express our great soLi tude that, in the midst of our loyal syrup: , thies and efforts, and our high , hopes aDi expectations of our officers and men sol wonderful agencies, we should more fa i realize and acknowledge our entire pendenee on God, through Jesus Christ our all-sufficient helper and Saviour. For tho Presbyterian Ftam,Ar. The-Presbytery of Washington Met in West Alexander on the 21;d1 April, and was constituted with prayer b• the Moderator, Dr. J. Alexander. Rev. S. Pomeroy was chosen Moderator, a! Revs. James Sloan, D. D., and Same' Henderson, Clerks. Messrs. J. D. Kerr, W. M. White, E Campbell, W. S. Van Cleve, and .1 Ramsay, (all of the graduating class at Western Theological Seminary,) N ve ß ceased to preach the Gospel. Revs. William H. Lester and Alm M'Carrell, and Messrs. William Men and James Rankin, Ruling Elders, at chosen as Commissioners to the neat Gt eral Assembly : _ _ _ _ Rev. Wm. M. Robinson was the Presbytery of Erie. Rev. James H. Spelman was rem a member from the Presbytery of Erie, Rev. John A. Brown from the PresLyi of Wooster. By request of Presbytery, the Rev P. Caldwell, a delegate of the U. S. r tian Commission, made some very inl ing remarks in regard to this great eni prise, as conducted.in the Army of the S. is address was heard with la; attention, and made a very happy imi sion on the very large audience ass emlk. the occasion. After this address, the lowing resolutions were unanimously ac ed, viz.: Resolved, That this Presbytery tai deep and lively interest in the proms this noble enterprise, the U. S. dr; Commission. Resolved, That this Presbytery, pressed with a sense of responsibiln reference to this great cause, will en& to keep a permanent delegate in the vice and under the direction of the Christian Commission. Resolved, That Presbytery earnestl) - ommend to Christians and patriots to tribute liberally, of their means, for support of this great cause. In compliance with the second ros tion, the Rev. It. S. Morton, of Hookst Pa., was appointed a delegate from Presbytery to that part• of the U. S. to which he may be sent by the U.S. tian Commission. Drs. Eagleson,Brownson, and :qr. M. Reed, of ashington, Pa., were' pointed a committee to superintend sending out of our delegates, and to arrangements for the supply of their r' during their absence. Dr. Brownson presented a paper, 151 was unanimously adopted, urging, sac the claims of the Board of Domestic sions upon the benevolence of all t tians, and patriots, in this important in the history of our Church and natit The thanks of Presbytery were ti monsly tendered to the citizens al Alexander, and vicinity, for their hoF} ity in entertaining the , The entire meeting was pleasant, harmonious, and characterized by 3 of kindness and good will among the hers. ALEXANDER llVCAnarr.t. , Stated Clo For the Pre:thyterinn P. Supplies Appointed by the Presbytery of WI , tan, at its late. meeting in licsi ander, West Alexander—Fourth Sabbal May, Mr. D. W. Fisher ; Fifth Sabb May, Mr. W. J. Brugh. Claysville—Fourth Sabbath i❑ May ; Eagleson; Fifth 'Sabbath in May , Black. • Hookstotom—Second Sabbath in M: S. Pomeroy; Fourt Sabbath in May, I Laverty; First Sabbath of June, Pr. gleson. Mill Creek—Third Sabbath in ) 11 ) P. Caldwell; Fifth Sabbath of 31* Grier. East Buffalo, Second Sabbath in N. B. Lyons; Fourth Sabbath hi William Hanna; Second Sabbath in Alexander DiTarrell; Fourth Sabi July, Dr. Stockton; Second Saliba' August, Dr. Eagleson; Fourth Sabb' August, J. T. Fredericks ; Second N in September, J. W. Scott; Fourth bath in September, W. J. Alexander, Waynesburg, Core, Mt. Pror Church, Washington ; West Unity, have leave to procure tbelf supplies until next stated meeting 0 1 , bytery. ALEX. MICARBEI.I,,, For the Piesbytai 3 e l33l Supplies by the Presbytery of St. Clai Fairview—Second Sabbath May, haffy; Second Sabbath June, it Tan' Second Sabbath August, W. S. Poi and Sabbath September, S. Mahaff) -, administer the Lord's Supper and,,. collection for. Foreign Missions; gabbath July, D. R. Campbell. Morristown—Fourth Sabbath 3. 1 * R. Campbell. First Sabbath Joe' drew G - reenlee. Third Sabbath JO Dool. Freeport—Fifth Sabbath May, 11 strong.; Saeond.Sabbath. June, G. 3 aid; Fourth Sabbath June ) T. ford„ Cadiz Fourth Sabath May, Vince:o; Fiftla.Sabbath May, S s . 0
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