davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08
The Author of just as I Am, With
out one Plea"

Ga the southern slopes of England, and
in tre beautiful county Of 'Devonshire, nes-
ties, amidst myrtles and rose trees, the little
village of Torquay. 1t sits like q queen
upon picturesque terraces, which descend to
the bluest waves of the Channel. From
it's sheltered position, it has climate Of
genial spripg, while other portions Of Eng
land are enveloped in raw, chilly winter
Here the flowers never cease to bloom, and
before the sunny side of every house can
be seen bright patches of crocuses. yiOleta,
primroses, and hepaticas, while, only few
miles further on, the snow hides the surface
of the eartb. II is the fsvorite resort Of
inyalids, and, a. you walk along the pretty
lanes and hedge bordered avenues, you are
saddened with the sight Of many who come
from le8s favored parts of Britain in the
hope-alas too often vain--of finding the
health which they have lost.
Near this lovely spot, two centuries ago,
the Prince of Orange landed with that force
which insured to England a wise, polite,
and Protestant ruler. Here still some of
the atanchest Protestant worthless of Eng
land reside.
At the foot of a gently slopiDg hill, covered
with variety of eyergreeus, is the country
seat of Sir Culling Eardley, so widely
known for his efforts, through the Foreign
Evangelical Alliance, to secure to the wne-
slippers of the Reformed religion, in all
parts of the earth, that freedom which is SO
eminently characteristic Of the Augle-SaxOn
race.
Ga the top of the same hill, and com
handing a view of the smiling bay, is the
cottage of Miss Charlotte Elliott, the au-
thor of the sweet and we'll known hymn
commence g 'Just as l an, without one
plea" That lady has resided at Torquay
for many years, and during all that time
has employed her wealth of leisure and
means in doing good. She calls her pretty
villa "Mornex Lodge" in remembrance of
another picturesque spot. hidden on the
southern slope of Mount Saleve, in Savoy,
not far from the city Of Geneva. In this
latter place Miss Elliott spent many months.
and during that time formed warm friend
ships with such men as DR.. Malan, Dr.
Merle D'Aubigne, and other eminent di
vines of that Rome of Professionalism.
Miss Elliott IS thtFo6gh1y etorg@lical
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08

She has written and published several poe
teal religions elfIsions, amongst others a
delightful little volume Of devotional hymns
for every day of the week. They ell
breathe the ss'ae child ike spirit and
Christian feeling. and feg homes there are
in England where this little volume is rot
found. In the Ua;ted States we know her
best by the touching verses commencing
vita the Inca slresdy qnoted. Thousands
Of sin-sick and weary souls have baen coru-
fOrted and consoled By them, and doubt
less, Che last day will reveal the feet that
many, through the instumentality OF this
hymn, have been brought to everlasting
peace. Il is found in most of our hooks of
church music, but think that no tune so
Hweetlv blends with its spirit IS Federal
Street." composed by one Of our own Amer
,o.% ,o,.so.ons II L 0'fvar
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08
q Life of Faith,

well. how do You get slong these hard
times T. said an individual who, during the
pas; winter, had enjoyed Che benefS a
''good situation" TO friend who had moth
ing to do" Very veil vas the reply, 81
have lived by faith a life Of faith" re-
i3ined the FIRST speaker, "is very well to
talk about; | tried it once, many years
ago and never wish to try it again. Actually
| went from home one morning determined,
If failed to obtain employment, to procure
something for tny family to ea! by stealing. "
What a mistake A life of faith does
not consist in rot knowing where the next
meal is TO come from but in trusting tha:
God shall supply all your need"
A poor simple man once said Il have lost
all nay property have lost oil my pro-
perry have lost all my relations; my
last son is deaf. save lost my hearing
Ond nv eyesight; am all alone, old and
poor; but i makes no difference. Christ
rever grows old Christ never is poor |;
Christ never dies, and Christ never will
fcrsake me-" How beautiful has the poet
LongfeIlow written:
The day is cold. and dark aud drearyi
1t rains, aud the wind is never weary,
The vine still cliDgs t. the mouderiug wall,
But at every gust he deid leaves fall,
Aud the dsy is dark aud dresry.
"My life Is cold, End dark ed dreary,
IT rsins and the wind is never weary,
My thoughts still ciog to the Wondering past,
Bu the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,
AID the days are dark and drea-y.
q Be still ssS heart and cease repining,
Behind the ol'ui5 is the sun stil shining,
90, f.'a j. .he vpiu-pou ate Oi all,
INTO esch nfe some rain mustf1ll,
Some days must be dark aud drearY."
1--WE walk by faith, Tot by sight" NOW
faith ia the substance of things hoped for,
the eYidence Of things not seen"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08

show him their adaptation to his own case.
His mind seized hold of the truth, and he
appeared to exercise faiih in Christi
Now, said L, why can yon not look to Je-
sus lifted up in tue, gospels The efficacy
of the brazen serpent lay in he dune ap.
p1intmlm. A took Of faith would save the
body. So in your ease. look of faith will
save your soul. Look unto me, and b? ne
saped. jor am God is the language Of Je.
hovah. kept this thought before his mind,
and proposed, as we .kpelt in prayer, that
le should look to Christ. When | called
again, found him INDUCING hope that
he had given his heart to the Saviour
From that time to the present, he has been
Gaining strength his health is better, and
he gives to his friends pleasing evidence
inst he has passed from death uuto life
Hisanxiety to recover is NOS to be ssfs, but
t5at he may elorify God. He appears hum
bic and chidlike
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08
What Improvement may Christians
Make of the War

Il is the privilege of the Christian to
turn to account not only for his own spiritual
benefit, bnt for the advancement of his
Masters cause, the most untoward circum-
stances with which he may be surrounded.
Nay. more, it is the duty Of the Christian
in diversity, as well as prosperity, to keep
prominent before his mind as the great OBJ
oct to which all others are made to bend.
the glory of God and the salvation of men.
And yet still nsore, until the Christian
mind in the South is thoroughly imbued with
the feeling that in the war now in progress
We are battling for religion. and true ChlN-
tianity, as well as national independence,
aud thereby keep prominently in view oar
dependence on God, we may rest assured
our armies will be defeated.
Let Christians then Improve the present
state Of things.
l. By striving for on increase Of faith in
God Never did state Of things exist bet
ter calculated to impress the mind with the
utter futility of all mere earthly sources of
dependencies. Without the help of God, we
shall no; only be subjugated, but become
the most abject slaves on earth.
We do not underyhlue the valor and PROV
esa of our people, nor the wisdom and skill
Of our rulers and generals, but God alone
can scatter the armed legions that ore
brought against US, and he alone can make
"wars to cease" Then Christians should
strive for a faith that will engrOss their
whole souls in unbOunded trust in God.
2 By humblipg themselves under the
mighty hand Of God" "Affl ctions do not
arise. out Of the ground" We may rest as-
sured that our present troubles have been
sent upon US for a purpose. We have been
too proud and vain glorious. Hence wise
and merciful God has permitted the wicked
and treacherous invader to come that we
may be taught lesson as speedily as posi-
bic. Let Christians, then, bow down in
the dust before God, confess their sins, and
he may remove his Christening hand.
8. By laboring diligently for the saliva
ton of souls, especially among our soldiers
Let each Christian ask himself, what am
doing for the propagation of the gospel in
the armyP Never, perhaps, 10 the history
of the present generation will so favorable
an opportunity be offered Christians of &C
CONF lishing good in the dissemination of the
gospel of Christ Congregations, not by
Rondreds, but by tens Of thousands, are
waiting for their services. The work is not
for the minister alone, but for every one
who can speak a word for his Master, or
hind q BILE or tract 20 the poor soldier
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08
SOLDIERS PORTION.
A Characteristic Incident.

a gentleman who was in the train from
this city to Petersburg, very cold morning
not. long ago, tells US his attention was at
trscted by the efforts of young soldier,
with his arm in sling, to get his overcoat
on. His teeth as well as his sound hand
we're brought intO'use to eff ct the object /;
but in the midst If his efforts, an Cfi3er
rose from bis seat, advanced to him draw
ing the coat gently over his wounded arm
and bu'toning it up comfortably, then with
a few kind and pleasant words returning to
his seat.
Now, the officer in question was not clad
in gorgeous uniform, with a brilliant wreath
upon the col ar and multitude of gilt lines
upon the sleeves, resembling the famous
labyrinth of Crete, bnt he was clad in "a
simply suit of gray" distinguished from
the garb of civilian only by the three
stars which every Confederate Colonel in
the service, by the regulations, is entitled
70 wear. And yet he was no other than our
Chief General, Robert E. Lee, who is not
drawer and greater than he is good and
modest. On General Grants recent return
from New Jersey to the Army of the Poto-
mac and James, by the detention OF the
train he was forced to stop in Philadelphia.
Being recognized by q soldier, he was SO
crowded by the gaping multitude, ever
ready in Northern latitudes to lionize every
military hero of the hour, be he Mcclellan,
! Hooker, B1rusi99, Fors cr GreNf, that he
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08
Forgive Quickly.

FNsny q true hssrt, thaS would have
come back ike dove to the ark, after ita
first transgressi0n, has been frightened be-
Iond recall by the angry .look and msaace
the taunt, the savage charity Of an IN,
forgwing spirit"
These are strong words, and many 9 read
er may think they do not toaGh him or her,
as one VINO has ever erred in refasipg to
forgive penitent sinner Perhaps not, and
then again perhspA- yos have.
Are. you parent ny Dur child has bsfEen
yerr cofnuapament, incurred your aigs'rssS
sure, and hiss been living Cor ssEo aoqra
under your fr0gn. Have you hailed fie
first riggs of sorrow, encouraged his1 TO
Gene bask and confess ais fault, while your
own tears fell fast on lis head, those silent
witnesses Of your grief aud Willingness to
forgive o. have you kept him ct dis
tahce, repelled his rising sobs OF contrition,
that he might be altogether broken dom.
befnre he becomes penitent at your feet :
Are you friend 7 And when one whom
you have loved and trusted has grieved and
wounded you, do you surround yourself
with coat Of mail aud even harden your
heart against him, lest he ahoald discover to
him the weakness of being anxious to for
give apd forget. o., it ia like man to
sin, "to forgive is divine"
Read that story of the prodigel son that
wondrOus epitOme Of the gospel (; that in
spired drama in which the sinner and Sa-
viour are seen, and alp the ways of mercy
towards the erring and the lost are painted
SIS On q canvass, TO the life. While he Yves
yet great way off, the father saw him, and
had compassion, and ran and fell on his
neck and kissed him. The father did not
wait till the son was at his feet, in the dust,
before him Bat while he was yet in the
far distance, he saw him. So God the Sa
viour saw the returning sinner the first
emotion Of struggling sorrow, be not only
saw, but he planted there And with what
Joy be hastens to welcome prodigal sinners:
not the righteou7, but sinners hs came to
cell and save.
oLet US be in haste to forgive. Along the
path even of our enemy, let the sweet wa
ters Of our kindness fl w; he will StoOp,t
drink, and it will do him good as O med
cine. 1T is godlike to overcome evil g
good to pfltfsr forgiveness before there
are signs of repentance, that the offer may
stir the soul of the erring, and shcs him
the way of return ie open, and the Joy of
forgiveness is even greater than that of IN
interrupted love.
Such spirit would shed balm on the
household where discard often reigus.-
The whole family of man, would be the
happier and better for remembering, that
he who is swift to forgive is more like the
Saviour than he who never gives up.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08
The Little Accidents; or Gods Par,
ticular Providence.

1t is a remarkable fact, that so many of
the recent revolutions in Europe came BY
chance. That in France seemed to have
been caused by an accidental shot, The
people in vast throngs. demanding change
of government, stood face to facs with the
army and the army was every momentsex-
pectng the word to fire. " bile that word
was delayed, some unknown person in the
crowd discharged shot aud killed the com
mander Of the Regiment; when the soldiers
without orders, il a spirit OF revenge, COM
meneed firing upon tha people. This was
the sigual for an uprising, bffore which
thrones and armies were poTerless,
A ike accident brought on the revolution
in Prussia. A mass Of the people Friendly
TO the Government, had collected around
the palace to join in cheering, in expression
Of gratitude for reforms which had just been
conceded. A secret conspiracy had chosen
this time to Introduce confusion and revolu-
ton. The mob which moved at their bid
ding pressed in upon the crowd about the
palace, till the dragons advanced to clear
the way and prepare the troops. At'this
moment q musket vas discharged by one
unknown, then two Others went off into the
air, wholly by accident "a it was said. In
an instant the word went through the city
"We are betrayed The blood of citizens
has been she'd" TWAS enough-confusion
and revolution eusued.
So, it was in Naples. The psople had
become deeply excited. Barricades had been
erected troops were drawn up around the
palace. A this instant mnsket was fred
by one Of the people, and grenadier was
killed. From that bloody contest eDsued.
So, in the opening of the revolution in Aus
tria; the army aud people stood face to face
around the palace When, by On accident,
one Of the palace windows vas broken, and
this became signal for the onset.
Now, in these accidents, so called, none
but an atheist can failNto see the hand of
God. As Abeh vas slain and tha previous
u declared purpose Of God upon him WAS
executed by an arrow shot at venture;
so the broad destinies of kingdoms are made
TO turn on a minute casual occurrence
Here, we have o clear illustration Of the
falsity of the notion of many that God has
a general Suparntendence of the world,
withsut particular care and providence in
minute affairs. For here the malless &C
cidents are seen to be shaking empires. 1t
is d fiji, ut to see on what principles men
reason, when they allow Providence to take
care Of the world, but not of things in the
wOrld-to take care of the human race,
but not of the men which compose the race.
And it is more diff ,ult to see with what
eyes they read the Bible, which everywhere
asserts it, and is everywhere luminous with
historical illustrations Of it, What is more
beneath regard than the single hairs of
our head, which are all numbered with
God What is more Insignificant than a
sparrow yet not sparrow falls without
our Father. He feeds the fowls, hears the
ravens cry, and clothes the grass of the
fields He enlists and trains the frogs, and
flies, and locusts in his armies and with
such troops he was too much for Pharaoh
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08

was forced to take refage in the Mayors
office.
Well General Lee comes to Richuon /,
visits the War Department aud the Presi-
dent, attends divine worship at St. PaulS
almost every week, aud thoogh oar people
love bin as our fathers did George ,Wash-
ington-yet ne is never subjected TO any IN
noyauce, save a look from each passer BY
which silently says, may God protect and
bless you.-Whg
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08
WHOLE NO. 4G6.
RICHMOND, VA, DECR.8 1864.

= Nov is our time, brethren. Let ug one
and all GO to work. and mighty hosts may
ariaein coming day to sail Us blessed
LOniSi0na BanGSt.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08

CHRISTIAN hearts are like iron; if made
hot with the love of God, they will the more
readily be Joined to each other in Christian
love
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08

WAR, PESTILENCE AND FAMINE.-Of
the three great pcriptural scOurges, war,
pestilence, and famine, the last is palPably
the most fitted to enforce on people the
necessity of moral change. War Is
whirlwind sf sl the hereer passions, a tu-
mutt of fear and fight, Of hot revenge and
mad e&ultatiOn, fever and phreu7y OF
the land. Pestilence sweeps the soil with
such tremendous rapidity, that it leaves no
room for thought, or no thought but of ter
rOr; or even generates in the survivors q
reckless licentiOusness from mere despair
Let u. eat and drink, for TO morrow we
die" But famine, slow, searching. and ter
rible, while it wIiDgs every sense, gives the
heart time to feel,
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08

Little drops Of rain brighten the mead
ows, and little acts of kindness brighten
the vvglJv-AEtg G2~s.',
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08

CHURCH DISClPLINE.-rhe Confederate
Baptist says: 10, discipline member is
to teach him, in order to make him more
pious, consistent and useful and as the
discipline OF the Church is confined to its
members, exclusion places the disciple be-
yond its reach. T, discipline member by
turning him ont of the Church, involves o
contradiction Of TERMS"
There are two great errors in this. Dis
cipline is not solely for the reformation of
the eff4uder. That is the radical mistake
with which the advocates for abOlishing
capital punishment set ont. Punishment is
chiefly for the viudicatiOn of justice.
The second error is that it is contrary to
the plainest teachings of Scripture. See
Matt. xviii: Cor. Y: IL. The practice of
every pure church under heaven proceeds
upon this authority in ex communication.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1864-12-08
POETRY.
Ny ships

ny EulpS'
I Rave ships upon the seq;
1t Ia long since they went forth,
East and west and south and north, q
Ard know not where they be
Though watch still patiently
For the hour Of their return
From some vague aud distant bourne
For my ships TO come from sea.
None may know at what a cost
/ have sent my ventures forth.
They we're all my worldly worth;
If they perish all is lost
/ shall never more be free
For | still must waiting stand
Watching on lonely strand,
For my ships TO come from sea.
They have borne to some far mart
All the treasure of my truth,
All the freshness of my heart,
All the glory of my youth.
They have taken away from me
All the beauty of my life;
1t is but q weary strife
Till my ships come home from sea-.
They were freighted deep with faith,
They were richly stored with trust,
Consistency that clings till death,
And love beyond the "dust to dust.
They have ta'en my gayety
And the blossoms of my hope
All the wheels Of life must stop
Till my ships come home from sea.
When my ships come home from sea,
They will bring me faithful friends,
With no base and selfish ends
In their tender love Of me-
Oae. tSs far. more dear
And hear. ), bnt s,aosFe, ~
That which smoothed my trust last year
When my ships come home from sea.
When nv ships come home from sea,
If they do not bring to me
All my worldly wealth and need,
/ am bankrupt-lost, indeed;
Therefore by this treacherOus wave
Daily DO bend the knee,
Saving, "They are all have,
Father, send NJ ships from sea !"
Sometimes watching, I am sure
That see an angel stand,
With q lily IN his hand,
In the shadow of the door
Saving. Not till thou be pure
As these stainless blossoms be,
Shalt thou reach the happy shore
Where the ships come home from SCI! =
Ah, I know it l am glad
That my watch is nearly past
That the shadow cOmeth fast,
Stealing on with nOiseless steps;
And cannot know it sad,
For it brings me near my ships!
Near that haven fair and free,
Where the ships come home from sea
Though come there beggared-pOOr-
Bitter ashes on my head;
Though the many tears | she'd
Have not made me heavenly pure,
Surely for my sOrrOwing past,
Plying and psrdOning me,
They will let me find at last,
If my ships are come from sea.
Eyes long dimned with bitter tears,
There shall softly shine again;
Hearts weighed down by anxious pain,
Tighten through eternal years
There our errors are forgiven;
There our sunken treasures be
For it only is in heaven
That our ships come home from sea
Wan pFSTITENCE AND FAMINE.-O
Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1864-07-08

RB-The general situation of military affairs is
improving. Grant has demanded the surrender
ofPetersburg. lift is not surrendered he viii
shell and destroy the city Heavy firing was
heard on Tuesday at Fortress Monroe in the direc
ton Of Petersburg Wilson'S cavalry, sent out
to cut and destroy the railroads south and west Of
Richmond and Petersburg, has returned, after
utterly destroying seventy miles OF the three most
important railroads to the enemy in Virginia
The Danyille ard Richmond, the Lynehburg and
Petersburg, and the Petersburg and Weldon rail
roads All Of the supplies for Richmond had
been brought over these roads Tneir destruction
is severe injury to the failing cause of the rebels
There are various rumors Of a rebel rebel raid
through Maryland into the Cumberland Valley
The enemy was in considerable force at Hagers-
town on Wednesday afternoon Great alarm and
excitement prevails in Fr4nklncounty. The roads
are filed with cattle and horses from Maryland and
the valley, moving north in the direction Of Har
risburg We do not think the rebels are in large
force. Though no doubt there are enough of them
to commit great havoc wherever they go. Gen
Sherman has been successful in his operations a.
gainst Johnson's Rebel Army on Kenesaw Noun
tain, causing him to evacuate that position, and
giving the Union troops the possession of Marietta
Ca (which only about twenty miles from.
The enemy was in full retreat when the dispatch
from Gen. Sherman was written, and his army
was in rapid pursuit. Dispatches from Memphis
announce the defeat of the Rebels under Gen
Shelly at St Charles, Ar lsas. We took two
hundred prisoners reoaptured the guns taken
from tho gunboat Ocean Queen, and also four
mountain howitzers. Shelby and Marmaduke's 5
forces are said to be retreating, and White river
is again unobstructed
The Baltimore Aateriean says Of the destruc-
tion ofthe Alabama: Scarcely an event except
that of decisive victory won in the field by one
ofour great armies, could have brought more
pleasure to the loyal heart of the nation than that
which our foreign adyces this morning record
the destruction of the Rebel pirate steamer Ala
bana by the United States gunboat Kearsage
The point of regret in this brilliant affair is that
the destruction Of the entire pirate crew was not
as complete that ofthe ship, and especially that
Semmes, through a despicable trick on the part
cf the commander of the British yacht Deerhound,
was enabled to obtain the protection of the Eng
glish flag.