The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-05-17

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CHuRcHEs.-Publc attention has been considerably
excited by the recent movements in the Baptist and
Methodist Churches on the subject of slavery The
Southern Baptiss have been holding a Convention
at Augusta which has resulted in the secession of the
Southern clergy and people of that denomination
from their brethren in the North Although this
Convention was very hastily summoned. large
number OF delegates were in attendance and the
ieeiing expressed was very warm ana decided This
movement was occasoned by resolution Of the
boston Board of Missions that no one who held
slave property could be appointed as missionary
The result has been the formation of the "Southem
Baptist Convention" The Methodsts have been
also holding Convention at Louisville, Kentucky,
with a similar object of dissolving all connection
with the Northern branch of the Church. A great
number OF delegates were in attendance, and there
can be no doubt OF an independent organization be-
| ing effected.
The ground of the differences and divisions is fri
volous and unsubstantial in the extreme. That
clergyman is altogether untitled for the duties of his
office because he happens possess slave property,
is only one of the ridiculous ideas of a fanaticism
that uniformly counter to common sense and
common decency. Why, according to this mode of
reasoning, the Northern expounders Of the word.
who purchase the cotton productions'of the South,
or the sugar raised on the plantations must also be
regarded disqualified for the exercise oftheir func-
tons They certainly encourage slavery. They
patronise IT. They support it. They sustain slave
| labor. How can they reconcile such conduct with
their professions Verify, in this matter they ought
to give heed to the scripural admonition, and first
remove the beam out Of their own eye, before they
undertake to operate the optics their brethren
Some unrefecting journalists and others affect to
regard these ecclesiastical movements with much
| alarm. They supposed TO threaten the integrity
of the Union. They represented as fearful
omens of coming danger and disunion These
fears every sensible knows full well are utterly
groundess. The clergy of this country have, happ-
ly, very little influence in the business of the world
virtually none the great practical masses of the
peope-masses who are governed and directed by
common sense and sober reason. 1t is on the broad
and solid foundation Of the common sense and intel
ligent patriotism of the middle classes-the farmers
the mechanics, the plain active, busy millons-tha
the glorious superstructure of this republic reposes
If the clergy, what called the higher classes
were possessed of any influence on the popular
movements of this country, the consequences would
indeed be disastrous. We would soon be plunged
| into confusion. But the sober, calm, thoughtful,
common sense mlddling classes exercise a conser-
vative influence which will always preserve the re-
public from suffering by the excuses Of fanaticism
| either in politics or religion.
FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE HoBoKEN MURDER
SUICIDE AND INSANITY OF Mrs. PENNoYER-We
have cleaned further particulars of this strange
and melancholy affair, which, if correct, places
the supposed murderess in somewhat different
light before the public. This unfortunate woman
until recently, had been employed as domestic
in the family Of Mr.. A C. Van Eppe, who
states that she had invariably shown the most
kind and amiable disposition,--that she was
member of the Presbyterian Church, and the
| mother of large and interesting family, for
whom she always manifested the deepest maternal
regard, and invariably impaired to them instructions
becoming mother and christian. Mr. Van Epps
also says that for some time previous to her leaving
his family, he had observed strange and singular
manner apparent in all her actions, and he was led
to remark his conviction of her insanity. Her chill
dren, also, are of the same opinion We have also
heard that Mrs. Pennoyer had attended her brother
in previous sickness with much care and attention.
Her youngest child an intelligent girl of about IL
years Of age, is at the house of Mr.. Van Epps,
and the which took place when her mothers
| agonzing in the extreme. The child was horror
struck-the fountain OF tears was unsealed, and she
roamed over the house, waing for her "dear mo-
ther-her manner is very affecting, and she refuses
all consolation in her distress. Mrs. Pennoyer, du-
ring her confinement in prison, manifested but little
fcelng-refusing partake of food, and resolutely
declaring her innocence to the last She was buried
on Wednesday on Bergen Hill.
i Tb.n
arrested on Thursday, on suspicion Of being con-
cerned in the murder of Scudder, were yesterday
examined and discharged, as nothing could be found
against them. We also learn that the statement in
relation to Pennoyer having carpet bag, and being
about to leave the city, is incorrect.
SMALL Pox.-We advise every one who has not
been vaccinated, not to lose any time in having it
done. 1t is known to be preventive against the
small pox, which is now SO prevalent. DR.. Bost-
wick, 75 Chambers street, has fresh supply of heal
| thy matter.
PosT OFFcE.-Rober H. Morris takes possession
of the post office this day. He has sixty.five ap
pointments under him, ranging in salaries from 800
| to $1,000.
THE STEAMER SWALLOW has been raised and
towed on the flats. Two bodies, man and boy,
were taken out of the river near Hudson, Thurs
day afternoon, supposed to have been two of the
passengers who were on board the Swallow; one Of
them is believed to be the son of General Mather.
ANOTHER PACKET SHIP LAuNcH.-A beautiful
ship, called the Prince de Joinvile of 600 tons bur-
them built for the line of Marseilles packets to be
commanded by Captain w. w. Lawrence, will be
launched from the ship yard of Westervelt and
Mackay, foot of 9TH street, East River, at half past
five O'Clock this afternoon.
| CHANGE IN THE WEATHER.-There was change
of more than thirty degrees in the weather on Thurs
day night On Wednesday summer clothing was
hardly thin or cool enough, and yesterday great
coats and fire scarcely warm enough. In Albany the
change was IS degrees. Thus we CO.