The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-05-27
CENTRAL PRESB T E r A N {.

University of Edinburgh. There is consider
able interest felt as to who shall be the ney
principal of the University of Edinburgh, il
the room of the late DIR. Lee The appoint
ment has attached to it salary of thirty-fv
thousand dollars year, and it is likely to b,
increased. The Office is one of great impor
lance, and men of high distinction in science
in literature, or any Of the learned professions
may naturally aspire to it. Moreover, {
Scotchman, if qualified, ought to receive the
appointment. Sir Alexander Grant, who i:
talked of, is an Oxford scholar, and scarcely
known beyond Oxford circles. The Weekl,
Reuieao points to Sir James Simpson, the emf.
nent physician and surgeon, and who is versed
in the University system. Hehas been great
medical discoverer, and has European repu-
tation. Some are assailing him as an enemy
to classical learning. But this is unjust
He may surely advocate the necessity of pay
ing more attention to science and modern Ian.
guages, without being set down as opposed to
the study of Greek and Latin
Sir Alexander Grant will be the Principal of
the University at Edinburgh in place of Sir
David David Brewster. Sir Alexander will
also be appointed Professor of Moral Philos.
ophy.
The Synod of the English Presbyterian Church,
at its sitting on April 23d, appointed DR.. VIM.
Chalmers of Marylebone, London, to the
Chair of Systematic Theology and Church
History, left vacant by the resignation of Mr..
NJ erie.
1t is said that Messrs. Strahan aud Co. have
parted with their property in Good Words to
Messrs. Virtue and Co., the publishers Of
SAINT PduPs.
spurgeon on the Dis-Endowment Question:
The following pungent letter sufficiently ex-
plains itself:
1.-THE one point about which the Disscnters
of England have any fear is one which | trust
share of the church property should be given
to the Papists. To a man we should deprecate
this. Bad as the present evil is, we would
sooner see tlet alone than see Popery endowed
with the national property. Not one single
receive, and the whole matter will be imperilled
if those in power are not quite clear as to any
douceurS to the Pope. We are not agitated
by the dead horse of No Popery, which
knaves would raise that fools may be their in
never shall be said that, under guise Of remov-
ing the grievances of Ireland, we made an ex-
change Of endowed churches and put down
the Anglican to set up the Roman image.
May you, dear sir, be sustained as the
champion of the people, and as you have al
ready lived to see many Of the dreams of your
youth become realities, so may you survive to
see the matters in question enrolled in history
he Of hn IL tha h
Yours, with profound respect :,
"To JOHN BRIGHT ESQ.,"
Amonument commemorative of the struggles
of Poland for national independence is to be
erected in the neighborhood of Lake Zurich,
Switzerland. 1t will consist of a column of
black marble, surmounted by an eagle with
outspread wings.
The Church Of India-Dr. Macleod, at a
gathering recently held in India, is reported
to have said, that he did not claim to have the
power of prophecy, nor yet the second sight, "
but he could not doubt that whoever came to
India before the century was out, would see,
not a native Church, but the Church OF
India. That Indian Church will not be a
reproduction of the forms and arrangements
of the past, but rejecting all that was excellent
in present organizations, it should yet exhibit
a newness of life and individuality of its own:
it would be structure on the plain. of Bengal,
selecting goodly stones from all our European
Churches In it shall be gathered men SO
marvelously gifted as the subtle Bengal, the
strong man Of of. the North the aeeei
being wasted in the service of Satan and in
which no paid European missionary would be
required IF such a Church should come,
what a blessed influence for good! 1t would
be the centre of influence over the East-aye,
would reflect back upon the churches of Eng.
land and America, which had given it birth
Independent of outside charity, self support.
ing, safeguarding, being aided from without
not as master aids servant, it would create
what never yet had any real existence in India,
a nation. And thus, should we be enabled to
contribute to a movement like this, the West
would repay some of the debt it owed to the
East, from which it had received all its pre-
cious treasures.
Recent Discoveries in Australia. Aus,
tralian exploring steamer Eagle has recently
visited the northern portion OF Australia,
known as Arnhern's Land, situated between
the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cambridge Gulf,
ABOUT Ill ldllIuue ulleeH uegTecs duu lOuuu III
to be well watered and entirely habitable, with
fertile soil and plenty of good harbors 1t is
probable that steps will soon be taken to col
onize it, and that before long new nation will
spring up there.
The Luther Monument at Worms.-The com
mittee of the Luther Monument at Worms in
forms the Protestants in foreign countries that
the grand monument which is to be erected to
the German reformer Dr. Luther in that city,
is nearly completed, and that the ceremony OF
the uncovering and conservation of this monu-
ment will take place June "a, %, and 26, 1868.
The city of Worms is making the greatest ex.
ertions to render this ceremony national fes-
tival for Germany. All the neighboring cities
and villages situated at the railway lines will
kindly offer their hospitality to the great num-
Der of visitors who are expected from distant
countries.
Magdala was burned to the ground by Sir
Robert Napier, after the victory over Theo.
dore, and this act is severely commented upon
in the English newspapers, as conduct I'M
worthy of general, commanding the army Of
a civilized nation. The Army and Nary Ga
zette however, says that Sir R. Napier was
actuated by polite motives and was in no way
influenced by any desire for vengence on a
harmless populace. Magdala was not city.
There were no houses Of permanent charac-
ter, no trades, no industry, no markets to suf-
fer from confagration. 1t was a mere fort
ress-a stronghold where savage chief con-
centrated his forces, displayed his power, and
exercised his capricious cruelties.