Vrtsligttrian Vantr,
tITTBIIIIM, VEDNESDA Y, JULY 11, 1864.
RISCALITIRS IN TIDIES
.O 1? WAR.
The outcry against the rapacity and vil
lainy which have characterized a large
number of contractors and some Govern
ment officials, during the present mar, has
been general and loud. It has been charged
that such self-seeking and such selfishness
have never been witnessed in the history of
a Christian nation. * And toe much con
demnation cannot be expressed, or too
much contempt felt, for men who will seize
upon the blood and agonies of their country
for the purpose of enriching themselves or
friends, or securing their own personal ad
vanoement. That grievous_wrongs-;-ac
tions which startle us by their very heart
lessness—have been committed, in these
particulars, no one will deny. Fortunes
have been amassed by means most. disrep
utable. These things grieve and sadden
the heart of the patriot and Christian, and
the report of them discourages our brave
soldiers in the field, who have left the
quiet and endearments of home, ' and the
rewards of industry, to risk their lives and
lay them down, if necessary, for their
country.
And to make matters worse, the present
is contrasted with the past—the feelings
and conduct of the men engaged in such
reprehensible practioes, with the feelings
and conduct of the men of our revolution
ary period, of which we are so proud. So
that many people suppose the rascality to
be all at the present juncture, and that in
the Revolution there were no private am
pitions, no petty jealousies; no extortions,
and no complicity with the enemies of
their country. They now see things to be
very different, and therefore conolude that
we have sunk to a baseness unparalieled
in former times. Croakers fill the ail; with
their complainings and vaticinations of
evil. While the sympathisers with the
rebellion rejoice in them as indications of
complete national overthrow.
But rascalities in times of war are no
now things ; nor are we worse in these par
ticulars than the men of former times in
similar circumstances. The prevalent com
parison is nnjust . to oOrselves and untrue
to history. The sum of our national vir
tue, notwithstanding all that has been said
to the contrary, is as great now is it ever
was in this land, or in any other land.
This will be evident from a consideration
of facts in our own history and in- the his
tory of other nations, in times of war.
In the new edition of his "American
Loyalists," Mr. LORENZO SABINE, known
as an exaet and scrupulous author, has in
serted an historical essay, which roads very
much like a series of pungent observations
on contemporary events, and which shows
the common opinion entertained to be very
erroneous. Mr. SABINE says that the
omi -nt 41
just as elsewhere in the annals of our race:"
He says : " Avarice and rapacity were as
common then as now. The stock jobbing,
the extortion, the forestalling, the low arts
and devices to amass wealth that were
practised during the struggle are almost in
credible. WASHINGTON mourned the want
of virtue as early as 1775, and averred that
its i trembled at the prospect' Soldiers
were stripped of their miserable pittance,
and contractors for the army might become
rich in a sine() campaign. Many of the
sellers of merchandise monopolized articles
of the first necessity, and would not part
with them to their suffering country and
to the wives and children of those who
were absent in the field, unless at enormous
pzofits. The traffic carried on with the
royal troops was immense. Men of all de- -
acriPtions finally engaged in, it, and those
who at the beginning of the war would
have shuddered at the idea of any connee- -
tion with the enemy, pursued it with
ity."
This is not an unsupported statement.
WASHINGTON bears testimony to its correct
ness in a private letter, in which he says:
/ 4 From what I have seen, heard, and in
part know, I should,• in one word, say that
idleness, dissipation and extravagance seem
to' have laid fast hold of most; that specu
lation, peculation, and an insatiable thirst
for riches seem to have got the better of
every other consideration, and almost every
order of men, and that party disputes and
personal quarrels are the great business of
the day." .
There was much greater difficulty in
raising troops, even in those patriotic times,
than now. Some States never furnished
their proportion of men. Deserters and
bounty-jumpers were abundant. WASH
iiiGTON complained that some of the States
sent him officers unfit to be ahoeblaeks.
Mr. SABINE says that eighteen generals
retired during the struggle; one for drunk
enness; one for receiving double pay;
some from declining health ; others from
the weight of advanced years; others to
accept civil employments; but several from
private resentments, and real or imagin
ary wrongs inflicted by Congress or asso
ciates in the service.
Conclusive proofs can be given to show
that individuals of all ranks entered the
army from interested motives, and aban
doned it for similar reasons. Joust AD
AMS , wrote in 1777: " I am wearied to
death with the wrangles between military
officers, high and low. They quarrel like
oats and dogs. They worry one another
like mastiffs, 'scrambling for rank and pay
like apes for nuts." WASHINGTON, who
was more guarded in his letters to Congress,
wrote almost in a similar strain to private
correspondents.
It may be added that similar charges
and criminations, arising from similar
causes, circulated in England during all
her long continental wars,, in Prussia,
where PASDBRICK conducted his cam
paigns; in qrermany, Sweden, Rtissia, and
in every country disturbed by war. WEL
LINGTON'S dispatches from Portugal and
Belgium, are largely filled with inveighing
against public and private villainy and
speculation. He even wont so far as to
bang contraotors where their dishonest
praotioes were proved, and he freqMintly
-#4stiied them into the ranks; while NAPO
LEON not unfrequenlly shot mon for similar
offences
Therefore, we must not suppose that we,
of this age and in this great struggle for
the life of the nation, are afflicted with an
amount surpassing that of former times, of
dishonesty and villainy in the prosecution
of war. Nor must we permit half-hearted
Union men, or constitutional croakers, to
make us despair of the Republic. A bless
ing is still in it, and God will preserve it,
even in the midst of the fires. Let each
one of ns listen to the wise man where he
says : " Say not thou, What is tile cause
that the former days were better.. than
these ? for thou dost not inquire wisely
concerning this."
Yu NI OF PRAYER
The General Assembly, on the last day
of its session,. at Newark adopted a resolu
,
tion recommending Thursday, the first day
of September, tO Ihe observed as a day of
humiliation and prayer, (unless the Presi.
dent of the United States should appoint
some other day,) because of sins as indi
viduals, as churches, and as a nation.
Since the adjournment of the General
Assembly, the President, in accordanee
with the, united request of both Houses of
Congress, has set apart the first Thursday,
being the fourth day of August, as a day
of national humiliation and prayer. We
have already given in our issue of the
inst., the joint resolution of Congress, in
ssme respects a remarkable paper, and the
President's proclamation thereupon.
We now call attention anew to the action
of the Assembly and the appointment of
the President, because the present is the
last issue of our paper Which will reach a
large portion of our subscribers before the
designated day , of prayer. We feel assured
that our readers will• not forget the duty to
which they have been thus doubly and
solemnly invited, and that pastors and Ses
sions, or united churches, will make pro,
vision for the, suitable observance of the
day. -
It becomes us to be humbled. Many
dark days have passed' over us, disappoint
meats have befallen us, men in whom we
have confided have note justified our trust,
millions of treasure have been squandered,
precious live's have been lost, untold suffer
ings have been endured, and the end is not
yet. But while theae things should rebuke
our pride and self-reliance, they are not
the chief reasons why - e should be humbled.
We have sinned--T•as individuals, as churches,
as a nation,- we have sinned. Our trans
gressions have called down upon us the wrath
of an offended God; and for our sins, more
than for the penalty they have entailed,
should we be grieved and humbled.
It becomes us to Fray for our rulers that
they may direct our affairs in the fear of
God and with the Divine approval; for
our soldiers and sailors, that God would be
their shield in the hour of danger, would
support them in sickness and suffering,
would prepare them both for life and for
death, as he in wisdom shall appoint; and
* lrtiliaetetting 4 Llereaved, the
afflicted, the distressed, that GCd would
oomfort and sustain and bless; for our
enemies, that their hearts may be turned
to lay down the weapons of their rebellion
and submit to the rightful authority of the
Constitution and the laws; for ourselves
that strength may= be given us to contend
and to endure for a just and righteous
cause; and for our common country, that
speedily, if God so will, peace and pros
perity and fraternal love may return to our
distracted land ;—for all this it becomes
us fervently, submissively, to pray.
Nor lot us forget, in view of the approach
of this day of prayer, to make preparation
for it by rigid searchings of heart, confes
sions of sins, and earnest looking unto
God, that his anger may be turned away
from us, and that he would cause his face
once more t 6 shine upon'us. -
Do we seek encouragement to pray ?
3`rom the many instances of answered
prayer, recorded in God's word, let us recur
to that remarkable example contained in
Dan. ix: 3-23, where, in circumstances
of the deepest national b.umiliation, the re
sults of humble penitence and importunate
supplication, .are so touchingly de,scribed;
and may the same merciful God that caused
his winged messenger to fly swiftly in an
swer to his prophet's prayer, incline his ear
also unto the united petitions that ascend
Co him from the crushed and smitten hearts
of this great people.
A COLLEGE FOR THE TORTRLIVEST.
The circular which we print in an
other column, addressed to tho friends or
education in connection with the Presbyte
.
Tian Church in the North-west, deserves
the earnest, immediate, and prayerful con
sideration of those who desire the welfare
of the Church and the country. Many
who have been prominent in initiating and
prosecuting various educational enterprises
in the West, are now willing to merge
these.diverse interests into one•great insti
tution, which shall, by God's blessing, de
serve and receive the confidence, affections,
and bounty of. the churches, to a degree
that has not yet been the happiness of any
—even the most successful—C4llege of the
West. - • .
The subject is a momentous one. Con
siderations analogous to those which -have
prompted the desire for the union of our
Colleges in Western Pennsylvania, and the
ttpbtdlding upon their union•of a 'first-class
institution; would recommend tho measure
suggested in this circular. 'lf anywhere,
surely - in the great heart of our imperial
Republic, in that vast seotion whose polit
ical pulsations will hereafter determine the
character of the Government, it is impor
tant that our Church shOuld be rePreseitted
by au institution that shall be at least equal
to any in the land.
Let it not be said.that this consideration
„
involves_an undue influence of, the Church
upon the State._ If to educate our sons at
home, with all the advantages which they
would derive from the improved appliances
and the increased facilities of the best
Eastern Colleges, and yet surrounded with
all the Christian influences which the home
and the Church can unitedly command, be
to exert a controlling power upoil the
State—and we are not prepared to dispute
the proposVon—haPpY ie the State thus
centrolled77blessinia upon,sueh a union of
Ohnroh and State, • -
PRESBYTERIAN BANNER.--WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1864.
But whilst these indirect results of the
possession of a really great College in the
West arc deserving of regard, the chief
consideration which should commend this
enterprise is the hope and prospect that it
would be instrumental in building up the
Church and in promoting the glory of its
Head. That - we should be enabled to give
our sons near home that education which
will best fit them, whether as ministers or
as laymen, for the great conflict between
truth and error, and which 'will render sci
ence and literature, even in their highest
developments, the handmaids of sound,
evangelical religion, would be the crowning
glory of this enterprise.
How then can these great ends be best
attained—by the support (?) as heretofore
of numerous Colleges in perpetual mendi
cancy, (to our own shame, not theirs, be it
spoken,) or by the establishment upon a
broad, firm basis of a.first.olass institution
—a really-great College for so great a coun
try? This,'we conceive, lithe main ques
tion to be answered in the proposed meet
ing at Chicago, where, we trust, all who
can and who feel an interest in this meas
ure, will be present
A brief but important communication
will be found in another column, upon the
union of the Colleges. We have forborne
to express editorially any opinion upon
the various plans and suggestions which
have been submitted to the public through
oar columns, having this . great end in
view; and we have no projects of our own
to propose. But it is with pain we notice
that, after months of consideration, the
desired end seems no nearer of accomplish
ment than before, whilst the time during
which the proffered donation may be se
cured, is rapidly passing away.
On one point all can agree : that it
would be better, far better, for the cause of
education that there.should be, in Western
Pennsylvania, one enlarged and endowed
College, with a corps of instructors and a
pecuniary foundation bearing some resem
blance to the equipments of the best insti
tutions in the Atlantic States, than two
Colleges, impoverished and struggling, as
Jefferson and Washington have always
been. And this we say without the least
disposition to detract from the just reputa
tion which those institutions have earned
by a long career of self-sacrificing labors
and abundant usefulness.
If it were,supposed that the endowment
of the - united Colleges would cease with
the addition of the offered fifty or one
hundred thousand dollars to their present
funds, the union would, in our judgment,
scarce be worth effecting. Ent we desire
its consummation because we believe that
this amount would be but the beginning of
a better day, and that in the lifetime of
some now living, the fund would grow by
gradual accretions; as in the case of Har
vard, and Yale, and Union, till it would
embrace from half a Million to a million.
, E43I2IStIT• •
henemetions upon a
vigorous College, already well endowed,
than upon a 'sickly, starving one. And
there can be no reason why the same Fe.
sults may not be attained here in the
West, that have been so often witnessed in
the Eat.
It has been the desire of our heart,
since our own College days, that there
should exist in 'Western Pennsylvania a
College commensurate with the require
ments and the just expectations of our
churches and of the large- section of coun
try from which it would derive its support;
—a College that, attaining the p - roportions
of an University, and possessing facilities
and advantages not excelled in any other
institution in the country, would yet retain
the spirit of the founders of our earliest
'schools, who bhilt their ,hamblelog-cabia
Academies in faith and prayer,—a'College
that, resting upon the foundations laid by
those pioneers, would be at once a blessing
to the present generation, and a noble and
enduring monument to the piety and wis
dom of , our fathers. There are many who
cherish this hope. Shall it fail ?
The late naval combat between the
gearsarge and the Alabama deriveis its
chief significance from the circumstance
that them two vessels are justly. regarded
as representatives, respectively, of the
American and British navies. That the
Alabama, floated, the rebel flag ceases, in
this view of the ease, to be a matter of
moment. , it; is indeed a subject of con
gratulation that the destroyer of our com
merce should be, itself destroyed, and its
piratical course be terminated forever.
But the importance of the, victory by no
means ends with this.
The Alabama, built in a British port by
the contributions of two hundred and
ninety British merchants, constructed with
all the improvements and appliances of
British skill in naval architecture, equipped
With the best . of British guns, manned by
British seamen, fought by British train:al
artillerists, and in its piratical career sup
ported by the undisguised sympathies of.
the British people, was, to all intents, and
purposes, a British. vessel. Not only so,.
but in sailing and fighting qualities it
might be regarded as fairly representing
the British navy, if not, indeed, above the
average of British men of war.
The Itearsarge hastily built and
equipped, - but armed, manned, and en
gineered by American skill, was regarded
as it beet but, a second-rate American -yes
eelof war ; yet in construction and arma
ment fitted out • according to American
ideas, which had been rejeeted by French
and- British theorists, may be taken as a
representativo of the Aluerican navy, so
rapidly increasing-in tbe number, of its
vessels and the power of its guns.
It is not strange, therefore, that the re
suit of this contest should create a pro
found sensation throughout Europe ; for
that result established the superiority of
American naval architecture and of Amer
ican artillery. It is not strange that, but
a few hours after the roar of the battle had
ceased, in English lord should 'rise in the
British Parliament and indignantly inquire
Whether the Admiralty would continue to
build "ships that could neither fight nor '
He cefortli no more Call it be oaid so proud-
SllAlib 1T PEI
A SCEPTRE LOST.
ly that ( 1 Britannia rules the waves." Her
dominion, often so tyranically exercised, is
gone; her boasted supremacy upon the
seas is broken ; and when the pirate cap
tain so dramatically let fall his sword into
the waters surging over his shattered ves
sel, it was the sceptre of British power
that sunk with the Alabama.
It' is not in a boastful or vainglorious
spirit, that we would regard this feature of
tile late contest. That boastful spirit has
been one of our national sins ; and surely
the events of the last . three years should
have taught us how little we are entitled to
its indulgence. But when we reflect upon
the unprovoked and unjustifiable hostility
toward us so clearly evinced by the British
people, and upon their disregard of inter
national law in their efforts to cripple our
commercial- marine, there seems to be
something of retributive justice in the
mow which has suddenly prostrated the
pillar that has so long and so loftily upheld
their power and their pride.
And should it be the will of Him whose
path is , upon the waters, that our own be
loved Republic should become preuminent
in its power upon the sea, God grant that
we may never, as England has so often
done, use that power for selfish purposes ;
but be,. if possible, more scrupulous in
respecting the rights of even the weakest
nations, than in asserting and defending
OF Own.
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL.
Last week, in company with the devoted
President,of the Pittsburgh Sanitary Com
mission, we paid a visit' to this establish
ment, which was taken possession of, some
time ago, by' the United States Govern
ment. The hospital is under charge of Br.
BRYAN, an accomplished surgeon and also
a Christian gentleman, with a competent
and attentive corps of assistants. The po
sition of the buildings and the entire ar
rangements are most admirable. About
eight hundred and fifty sick and wounded
soldiers are now under treatment, and ar
rangements' are being made for a con
siderable increa.se. A new dining hall
will soon be ready for occupancy, which
will add much to the comfort and conve
nience of the inmates.
The patients belong mostly . to Western
Pennsylvania regiments, who were able to
be brought to the vicinity of their friends,
where they might breathe the air of their
native hills ) and receive u
the visits and m
pathies of relatives and acquaintances.
From time to time, short leaves of, absence
are granted those who can go about, that
their homes may be visited; and in this
way much is done to promote speedy re
%ivory. The sight of home and the rush
of old associations do much to impart
strength to the feeble, and to give hope to
the desponding.
Dr. BRYAN Is not a mere official, but a
man who takes a deep interest in the
bodies, minds, and. souls of those commit
ted to his care. The chaplain, Rev. Mr.
E.F.- 4 g!, of the Methodist Church, is assid
-nous in --t-.7—perrouty.
The Christian and Sanitary Commissions
are unwearied •in supplying Christian lit
erature and hospital stores. So that, alto
gether, we must congratulate the soldiers,
disabled from wounds or sickness, who are
so fortunate as to be placed in this hospital.
We may remark, in conclusion, that
just vow there is great need of vegetables
and apples. Many of our farmers can,
without any expense to themselves, con
tribute the apples now falling from their
trees, and confer a great benefit on the
soldier. Vegetables and apples left at the
rooms of the Sanitary Commission, on
Fourth Street, twill be thankfully received,'
add Saithfully used for the suffering.
FALSEHOOD IN THE SOUTH.
,The falsehoods perpetrated by the rebel
newspapers concerning the enormities prac
tised by the Union soldiers and the inva
riable defeats of the Union army, have
long been matters of public notoriety. But
we find that ministers of the Gospel in
rebeldom have become seized, it may be un-
consciously to themselves, with the same
terrible disease. The last instance of the
kind whieh has been brought to our notice,
is a letter from the Rev. 3011 N LEYBURN,
D.D., formerly Stated. Clerk of our General
Assembly, to the British and Foreign Bible
Society, asking a supply Bibles and Tes
taments for the Confederate armies, which
has been granted. In this letter he says,
" The revival in the army still goes on,"
and much more of the same sort; but if
there is no, more truth in this than in the
other declaration made in the same letter
.
by Dr. .LEYBunN, of the " uniform suc
cesses " of the rebel armies in " repulsing
and punishing " the armies of Generals
GRANT and SRERMAN, his statement will
be received; with many grains of allowance.
It will be observed that he makes General
LEE a remarkably pious man. In this ap
peal to the British and Foreign Bible So
ciety, the Dr. says
"The revival in the army ; still goes on ;
and*e.ver since the commencement of this
active campaign, there have been marked
manifestations of the presence and power
of the Ifoly Spi,rit. Our hospitals, now
filled with the wounded from the late great
battles, afford a most encouraging field for
religious effort. Every man seems ready
to hear, and a Testament Would be to them
a treasure more valued than riches. The
oheerful and uncomplaining - manner in
whioh these poor fellows bear their suffer
ings would almost seem as if all of them
were supported by a supernatural power.
We have prayer-meetingß' in the , churches
every afternoon, with crowded and deeply
attentive assemblages.. One of the most
marked characteristics of this whole revo
lution is its extraordinary religious "aspect.,
General LEE is
_a humble, God-fearing,
and praying man, and so are a very large
/limber of our officers. The uniform suc
cess of our armies,- since the opening of
this stupendous campaign, in repulsing and
punishing the enemy, have greatly encour
ged our people in their prayers " I
"The Canada Presbyterian Chnreh.—The
following is an abstract of the statistics as
furniShed at the last meeting of the Cana ;
da Synod : 40,000 communicants, being an
increase of 2,000; 4,500 baptisms, being
an increase of 500 in - the year; 21,000
Sabbath - Scholars, an inereaae- of 1,800;
410 weekly meetings, being 80 leis thin
last year; 1,250 elders, an increase of 50;
2,200 other office-bearers; 600 preaching
stations, being an increase of 50; 73,000
persons attending Divine ordinances, being
an increase of 6,000 ; stipends paid to the
Ministers, $122,000, an increase of $lO,-
000. Total contributions, $236,845, being
an increase on the preceding year of $17,-
809.
The Examiner.—This admirable paper
of the Baptist Church, published in New
York, oh a sheet smaller than that of: the
Banner, has raised its subscription price to
$3, or $2.50, .when paid strictly in ad
vance.
NEWS OF. THE CHURCHES
AND MINISTERS.
PRESBYTERIAN.
Old School.—The South Presbyterian
+church, of Philadelphia, says the Presby
terian, of which the Rev. John Moore is
pastor,, has a good degree of prosperity.
At the last communion, nine were admit
ted into membership. The Sabbath School
numbers three hundred, to the library of
which quite an addition of books has:been
made. A literary association has recently
been formed under the — ituspices of
the church, which promises to accomplish
much good.
At a special meeting of the Presbytery
of Allegheny City, held on the 25th inst.,
a Committee was appointed to organize a
new church in Sewickley, on next Monday
evening, at half-past 7 o'clock. The Com
mittee consists of Rev. Messrs. Conrad,
Shields, and Lowry, and Messrs. Caineron
and Mercer.
The venerable Dr. Spring, of New-Yorlr,
has resigned the place he so long occupied
as Chairman of the Committee on Versions
of the American Bible Society. The Rev.
Dr. 'McLeod, of New-York, was appointed
to the place, at the_ last meeting of the
Committee.
New School.—The American Presbyterian
saps:
" Dr. Kendall left for California directly
after the meeting of the General Assembly.
His presence and personal conference with
brethren in the State will doubtless facili
tate our Home Missionary operations in
that important field. We are glad to see
the enterprise and energy of the Secretary.
Under such a leader, -the Church will not
decline from, her present noble position in
the Home Missionary work. The prospect
before us is one full of grand and inspiring
opportunities for labor in the, service of the
Master. Oar part as a Churoh, is leaven
ing this nation with the saving truths and
influences of the Gospel, is destined ap
parently to be no trifling one. It is a glo
rious but a solemn responsibility.
" The friends of Mr. Barnes and of
Hamilton Collega will rejoice to learn that
the subscription to the fund for establish
ing the Albert Barnes Professorship of
Natural Science in Hamilton College, is
now complete. It has been very nearly so
for a considerable time; but we have pre
ferred to withhold any announcement until
we . cculd say what we have just said."
Reformed--The Rev. George Scott, for
luteriaa church of Darlington, Pa., has re
ceived ..the degree of D.A. from Monmouth
College, ill. -
Uaited.-0a Thursday afternoon, June
30th, Mr. Jas. P. Sankey was ordained and
installed pastor of thi'United Presbyterian
church, corner of Court and Stone streets,
Rochester, N. Y., by the U. P. Presbytery
of Caledonia. The sermon on the occasion
was preached by the Rev. F. M. Proctor,
of Cuyierville, Rev. Dr. McLaren of Ge
neva, made the ordaining prayer, Rev. J.
L. obertson, of the same, place, gave the
charge to the 'pastor, and Rev. John Van
Eaton, formerly pastor of this church, but
now of York, gave the charge to the peo
ple. The benediction was pronounced by
the pastor. The exercises were exceed
ingly interesting.
Associate.—The Monthly of the so-called
Associate Church contains in its July
number the' proceedings of the Synod of
that body. It met at Bloomfield, Ohio,
May 25th, and continued its sittings eight
days. Its statistical tables show that there
are four Presbyteries, 15 ministers, 47 con
gregations, 519 families, 1213 communi
cants, and that the contributions from all
sources were $575.10, or about 48 cents for
each member during the year. Among the
47 congregations, 9 ministers have pastoral
charges, and of the 15 ministers -in that
body; 6 are. without settlements.
WALDENSIAN CHURCH IN ITALY.
The annual meeting of this Synod has
just been held. Among those Alpine Pro
testants it is always a time of great festivi
ty and hospitality and kindly greetings.
The Synod, which moves from parish to
parish, was held this year at Coppier, the
old parish church of La Tour ' and about a
mile higher up the valley. It is an old
and rustic and venerable sanctuary, having
been built and dedicated to God's service
in the year 1506. It is astooiated with
some of the most stirring events of Wal
densian history. It is the only church that
was spared by their persecutors during
their exile from 1686 to 1689. , •
The first Synod of the Waldensians'after
their return was convened in this building,
which in 1861 was restored through the
liberality of Missßradshaw, now the wife
of General Molyneux Williams. A large
number of Christian strangers from various
'churches and countries was present to cheer
the hearts of the brethren. The meeting
was one of great interest ; : andthe narrative
of the state of - religion showed that in all
parts of the field the progress of the work
of Evangelization had- been very cheering
and encouraging. The feeling seemed to
pervade every heart, the fields are white to
the harvest, and that: nothing was wanting
but the laborers to thrtist in, the sickle and
reap.
Circular
To the Friends of Education, in Connection
with, the . Presbyterian Church. in the
Northicest.
NEWARK, N. 3., June 1, 1864.
DEAR. BRITIIILMI :HMO ministers and
elders' from the Northwestern States, in
comedian with the Rev. Dr. Chester. and
the Rev. Mr. MiCauley, Secretaries of the
Board of Education, have held a series of
conferences' during the sessions of the Gen
eral Assembly now meeting in this city,
for the purpose of consulting as to what
measures were practicable in order to ad
vane° the cause of Education in that great
field. A Committee of five, consisting of
the Rev. Messrs. Willis Lord, D.D., Wil
helm Speer, Joseph Platt, Thomas W.
Hynes, and Riding Elder Ron. W. T.
Pierson, was, appointed to yrepare the
present memorial, and make such arrange
ments as may be necessary for the ends
herein proposed:
We feel the vast importance of the 8 - 0-
jeek The region of our country which we
represent is that which' the present Secre
tary of State of the United States, pro
nounoes, after many "pato of thought on
the subject, that which he believes to be
" the ultimate central seat for the North
American people," and " the last seat of
power on this great Continent." We know
the responsibility God has laid upon our
branch of his earthly Church, in bearing
the standard of devotion to liberal, thor
ough, comprehensive, and unrestricted
learning and knowledge, both in the Old
World and in the Nevi. Some of us have
shared in educational enterprises, which,
for various reasons, have not been blessed
of God to the measure of our aims, and
which now nearly all concerned feel willing
to merge in what may prove to be more in
accordance with his will, and realize the
ends had in view. We are not satisfied
with the State institutions alone, which
accomplish some important results, and are
worthy of sympathy and aid. These must
ever be kept unsettled by the oscillations
of politics, the meddling of partizans, the
influences of science unconsecrated to God,
and even hostile to religion and truth, and
the prejudices of sects. Much less can we
regard with favor those institutions that
are founded upon partial or mischievous
religious creeds for their propagation. We
are anxious to secure the advantages of
sound and general education nearer home,
where the people can be relieved from the
hindrances and burthens connected .with
journeys to distant places, and the larger
expenses of living there; where the young
and inexperienced shall not be so far re
moved from our supervision and care, and
where we shall be closer to them'in case of
sickness or death. Moreover, we look be
yond the present time, and desire to see
planted in these growing regions an insti
tution which shall long be a light and a
blessing.
. Such, in a few brief sentence,s z are our
aspirations. The gracious providence of
God seems just now to be opening the way
toward their realization. Devoted, intelli
gent, and liberal friends in the East "arc en
couraging our feeble and oppressed hands.
Shall we not, brethren and friends, rise up
and accept of the trust laid upon us ?
In considering the initiatory steps toward
the establishment of the proposed Institu
tion, it has seemed best to the , above mem
bers of the Assembly, in conference, to ap
point a GENERAL CONVENTION of the
ministers of the Presbyterian Church in
in the North-west, with such, elders, intel
ligent members, and other gentlemen as
desire to promote the object, which shall
meet in the City ofCiicago, on 'Wednes
day, the Ha day o". August, at 10 o'clock
A. 2. Then the' leading features of the
subject may be fully discassed, t and a prac
ticable scheme matured for'presentation be
fore the several Synods at their, usual Fall
meetings.
There are several reasons why such a
Convention might have been better held
during the Winter. But on the whole '
it
has been considered wiser that it should be
previous to.the Synodical meetings. The
time is not far off. It is a season compara
tively favorable for the absence from home
of brethren and friends both from town` and
country. Let us now make to you, respect
ed brethren in the ministry and Church,
and to all who can feel the great import
ance of the subject, and can be moved by
the weighty incentives to which we have
alluded, a most earnest appeal to be present.
WILLIAM M'CANDLISH, Chairman.
William Speer,. Secretary.
MESSRS. EDITORS ::—Several communi
cations have appeared in the Banner on the
subject of the Colleges. It is
-certainly very desirable Iffirsoniething on
this important matter could be ;effected
and - 'effected shortly—for a reason which
ought to be stated. The offer to donate
fifty thousand dollars on the condition of a
Union, was for a limited time, not longer
than a year; and that period will soon ex
pire. When the proposition terminates,
some other disposal will be made of the
means for that offer,
so that it neither will
nor can be renewed. This should be dis
tinctly and fully understood by such as are
desirous of availing themselves of this
proposition, that they may accept promptly.
There are, no doubt, serious difficulties
in the way of a Union, but not such as are
unsurmountable if the magnitude and im
portance of the object is considered, and a
liberal and conciliatory spirit could be in
fused into the parties that - are to act. The
respective Commencements will soon take
place, and might be proper seasons to dis
cuss the matter, and see if any thing can
be effected. The Alumni might express
their views, and submit their plans, and
other friends might cooperate in this way,
but the - final and decisive action can only
be effected by the Boards of Trustees. On
them devolves the responsibility. B.
:=
The next Philadelphia Book Trade Sale
will begin on Tuesday, the 27th of Septem
ber. Booksellers wishing catalogues should
send their names to Thomas k Sons, auc
tioneers.,-Fourth Street, Philadelphia.
SOMfiteS, the pirate, is to become an au
thor again, a London firm announcing
" The Cruise of the Alabama and the
Sumpter; from the Private Journals, &c.,
of Captain Semmes, C. S. N., and= other
officers." The .surrender and sinking of
the Alabama will make a fine closing chap
ter. The Appletons will republish the
book in this country.
The great attention paid of late to Hym
nology will receive a further impetus in
the publication of two works announced by
D. Appleton & Co.—" Lyra Anglieana,"
and "Lyra Americana "—two volumes of
hymns, and sacred songs, by Rev. George
T. Rider. The same firm announces Miss
Yonge's new novels, "The Clever Woman
of the Family," and " The Trial ;" and
General Dix's Speeches and Addresses.
Among the books announced by Carleton
are Edmund Kirke's new book : "Down in
Tennessee," and new novels entitled:
" Wylder's Hand," " Recommended to
Mercy," " Quest" and ' Viotoire."
- The removal of M. Renan from his pro
fessor's chair in the College of France will
not affect him personally, as he has already
gained a large fortune- by the sale of his
" Life of Jesus." He will also soon pub
lish a "Life of the Virgin Mary." He
will be succeeded as professor by M. Munk,
a' Jew, selected that Renan's removal-may
not be attributed to - the influenCe of the
priests.
Henry Richards' "Life of Joseph Stur
go," lately published in Loudon, is a large
volume of over six handred pages, and
cloaca with Whitfie,r's memorial lines of
Sturge s beginning
"By lone Egbarton's side
It elicits much criticism both as a literary
work and from the eceeqtricities of the
subject—the really amusing mistakes some
tipies made by Alr. Sturge, notwithstand
ing his really eminent philanthropy.
The proprietors of the London National
Review announce a new series of that pe
riodical, to be begun in November next.
Dr. Newman, the eminent Catholic cler
gyivan—a proselyte from Protestantism—
has ' published a pamphlet about himself
called "Apologia pro vitd Sue l" In this
work he uses many arguments "in favor of
the dogma of thelzumaculate Conception,
and tho liquefaction of St. Januaritts'
blood., As a specimen of his strong stylp
of writing, we extract .the follOWitig sett;
tenoe
"The Catholic Ohuroh hal& it'betrei. for
the Bon and Noon to droi ,from heairen,
For thePresbyterien Banner
The Union of the Colleges.
Literary;
for the earth to fall, and for all th e e , at
millions on it to die of starvation in l.
tremest agony, as far as temporal afili eti e oa
goes, than that one soul, 1. will not AI,
should i be lost, but should commit o ne
gle venial sin, should tell ono witi t d
truth, or
without excuse should steal one Poor farthinr,
Florentine, the lately deceased art er i t i e
received $5,200 a year for contributing ;
weekly art feuilleton, to the Con2titwionne?
He also received the same salary for a. r i t i e ;
for the Moniteur. His estate, real and p e t
sonal, amounted to $ 15 0,000. rr i eft.
says the Paris correspondent of the .8,6,
Usher's Circular, his Crass of the Legion
of Honor to M. Alexander, the orm
builder. His disease was gout,' which s e t,
tied on his heart.
The Continental Monthly, for August,
a superior number of a Magazine
policy,
has already taken high rank in its liters.
tare and discussions of national
The present number is enriched with an
article from Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff, on tha
First Christian Emperor.
• The Eclectic, Magazine f or
Aug,Ußtis ew.
bellisbed with a steel engraving of rh o
capture of Ports Jackson :lad St, Phili p,
at New Orleans, April 24, 1802. Th e
leading articles in this number are rather
severe reviews of Speke's Journal of Dia
covery, and Kirk's Charles the Bold. Oth.
er articles, well selected, make up the usual
trcat•of valuable matter which the Eclectic
is sure to possess. Published by T. ff,
Bidwell, No. 5, Beckman Street, New `York.
For the Preebyterian BAMier .
Beaver Female Seminary,
This Institution is situated in the town
of Beaver, Pa., and is under the care of
Prof. Mercer, a graduate of Jefferson
College and an accomplished scholar and
teacher.
The location of the Seminary building is
a very desirable one, and the rooms are
large, well furnished and well ventilated.
The surrounding scenery is very fine in
deed, whilst the seminary is easy cl access
from every direction, being situated on the
Ohio river, and near the junction of the
Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh,
Fort Wayne and Chicago Railways. In
regard to the healthfulness of the place,
eminent physicians have given their deci
ded testimony that it is not sulloassed by
any other location in Western Pennsyl
vania.
The teachers employed in this Institu•
tion are amply sufficient in number to do
justice to the classes, and well qualified for
their respective duties. The constant aim
of the Superintendent and Teachers is, to
educate the physical, intellectual and moral
nature of those entrusted to their care.
In the sehoole daily religious influenca
is exerted, and the immediate community
affords abundant opportunity for attending
religious services in the different churches,
according to the preference of the pupils
or the direction of their parents and gear.
dians.
The school year closed on the 28th and
29th days of June last. The examinations
and closing exercises were witnessed by
a largo number of the friends and patrons
of the school, and wero highly creditable
both to the teachers and pupils.
Parents wishing to give their daughter,
a liberal education, cannot do better than
to send them to this school. The next
term will commence on the 29th day of
August, 1864. B.L.S.
Rochester, Pa.
Personal.
General Kilpatrick, the dashing cavalry
leader, is on his way to his old command in
Gen. Sherman's army.
A brother of Gen. Grant, who recently
visited the g eneral at his headquarters,
asked him, "Ulysses, how many men have
you ?" " I have a good many!" replied
the wise man.'
The Atlanta (Ga.) Register gives an aa
count of the death of Gen. Bishop Poll- of
the rebel army. He died instantly. Gee.
Polk had in his coat-pocket iwhen killed,
his prayer-book and three copies of the
Rev. Dr. Quintard's little work, entitled,
"Balm for the Weary and Wounded,"
which were intended as presents for Gene.
Johnston, Hardee and Hood, as their
names were inscribed on the fly-leaves:
"with the compliments of Lieut. General
Leonidas Polk, June 12, 1864," They
were all stained with the blood Void
flowed from his wound.
Our Revolutionary Heroes,—Only twelve
survivors of the Revolutionary straggle
have as yet been found to receive the
thanks and the additional pension voted
some time since by. Congress, viz : Amaziah
Goodwin, born at Summersworth, N. 11.,
aged 105; John Goodnow, Sudbury, Maas.,
102 ; Adam Lisk, Washington county, Pa.,
102; Rev. D. Waldo, Windham ' Conn.,
101; Wm. Hutchings, York, Me. 103; Jas.
Burnham, Southampton county, Va., 99;
Benjamin Miller, Springfield, Mass., 100;
John Pettingill, Windham, Conn., 97;
Alexander Maroney, Lake George, N. Y.,
94; Samuel Downing, no birthplace or age
given; Lemuel Cook, no birthplace or age
given; James Gates, no birthplace or age
given.
Major General James B. McPherson, who
was killed in the late battle at Atlanta, Ga.,
was born in , Sandusky County, Ohio, in
November, 1828. He graduated at West
Point, first, in his class, in 1853. Shortly
afterward in the same year he was assistant
instructor of practical military engineering
at. West Point, and was_ engaged on the de
fenses of New-York harbor and the im
provements of the Hudson lifer from 1851
to 1857. He was next charged with the
construction of Fort Delaware in the early
part of 1857, and with that of the fortifi
cations in San Francisco Bay, together
with military surveys from January, 1855
till August, 1861. In 1861 he was put in
.charge, of the defences of Boston harbor.
He was appointed aid-de.camp to Gen.
Halleck, Nov. 12, 1861, and was chief en
gineer of the Army of the Tennessee in the
expeditions against Forts Henry and Don
elson, in the operations up the Tennessee
river, and in the battle of Shiloh. In 1862
he was again appointed Aid-de-camp to
Gen. Halleck,' with the rank of Colonel,
and was on his staff during the operations
near Corinth. In October he was promo
ted to the position of Major General of
volunteers, and with his troops reached
Corinth on the 4th of October. Ho sub
sequently served in Grant's campaign SS
corps commander with distinction, in the
operations against Vicksburg. When Gen.
Grant became commander of the District
of Mississippi; he commanded at Vicks
burg. His command was afterwards joined
to Gen. Sherman's department, when ho
distinguished himself once more. He
stood in the highest favor with Gen. Grant,
teeing to his soundness of judgment, and
energy of action. With Sherman he was
not second to any one, but might be deem
ed his most reliable general both in advice
and execution.
Gen. McPherson was killed on Friday
=min i ...o., before the attack of the enemy
on his lines, his forces holding the lisp Of
railroad from. Irecatur. He had g ono for
ward to reconnoiter, and was some distance
in front of his faces—in fact was in ad
mice of his staff=whon he fell by a bgl
from a rebel sharpshootor.