Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-08-15
ALEXANDRIA.
Correspondence Of The STAY.

ALEXANDRIA, August Is, 1859.
Owing to the unavoidable closing OF some Of
our places Of worship yesterday, the others were
filled 10 overlooking. At the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, the pastor, Rev. w. q. Edwards
preached a very eloquent discourse in the morn
Ing from his text, James LIST chapter and 2Ist
verse, Wherefore lay aside all ilthiness,, &C.
The aim Of the Apostle, said the Reverend gen.
teman, seems to be to give the mind an adequate
comprehension Of the foulness and aggravated
character Of sin. Some reflections upon the ma
ture OF sin. as thus portrayed were then INDUCED
in The leading sentiment Of the text il. that a
corrupt mind 10 unfavorable to the reception Of
the truth: This, he argued, would hold good az
a general remark, applied to the acquisition of
all knowledge. Sin in the heart cripples the
mind, disqualifying 1t for its high functions.
But the proposition Is momentously true in It's
bearing upon religious truth, in which all are
now profoundly interested. Men acquire spiritu-
al characters by cordially embracing the truth OF
the gospel, faith in this divine system procuring
in their behalf supernatural influences that revive
the expiring embers Of virtue in the human bo-
som, and give to man la his extremity perfect
and permanent relief. But, he said, a sinful
mind precludes the truth from reaching aud
saving the heart. LIST. IL diminishes and finally
destroys the senstiveness of men, 30 that they be-
come unfeeling and reckless. I'd. The appetite
for sin increases. as il is encouraged thus accu-
mulatlng difficulties in number and magnitude
which the truth must encounter; sinners are thus
enchanting themselves Sd But the most eslami-
tous result where sin ID cherished is that the soul
is deprived Of divine influence or becomes irwin
chile by them. Several other points were ably
argued, but want of space prevents US giving .
more extended notice Of this very excellent ser.
mon.
We dropped in during the afternoon at the room.
of the Young Mems Christian Association, where
nearly hundred children Were receiving Bible
instruction by the members Of the Assoc iatfon nd
others. This school is at present in fourishing
condition, and numbers generally upwards of q
hundred and fifty children. These are divided
OF into convenient classes. and competent her
appointed to conduct each class The mode OF
instruction is this: The superintendent selects a
chapter IN the Bible which each scholar is e1-
pected to read aud the teacher 10 explain; the su.
perntendent then questions the whole school with
regard to what they have read. The scholars arc
also taught vocal music by Mr.. 8. III. Devaughn;
and their singing yesterday was alike creditahle
10 themselves and their instructor.
In another column of to- days Star will be- found
the advertisement Of Messrs. Herring and Evans
manufacturers Of brooRs and willow ware and
dealers in all kinds Of wooden ware Messrs III
r.. are practical broom makers, and drive an
extensive trade in their line. Their brooms are
said to be Of superior quality, and their prices
range below those II Baltimore manufacturers
As We surmised, the Odd Fellows have a large
crowd at Columbia springs to-day, and are enjoy
Ing fine time, which is increasing every hour
The picnic lasts until 10 O'Clock Tonight