davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29
whom it was presented by the Doctor
himself.
Books.

Books were never more plenty than
now, and never was care in the selection
of them more necessary. Choice books
are to the mind what food and raiment
are to the body; and parents should no
sooner allow bad books to be read by
their children, than allow their children
to eat what is poisonous, or to put on an
infected garment. Get books for your
children; money expended therefor is a
judicious investment, but take care that
these be choice books.
DR.. James w. Alexander attributes
his love for the British classics to the set
ne well remembers often climbing the
bookshelf to reach-for the sake of the
pictures at frst-but afterward he be-
came familiar with their more solid con-
tents. He says the daily converse of a
child with such works, even if he finds
many things above his apprehension, is
more profitable and far more delightful
than tse perpetual dawdling over penny
volumes, written on the plan of making
everything level to the meanest capacity.
These first tastes of good letters diffuse
their SAVIOR through lifetime. Hence
it mist be clear to every parent, that he
cannot be too careful in the choice of
books; meaning not merely such as are
given to his children as their own, but
such also as form part of the family
stock.
AS to novels, says Henry Rogers:
"Read any novel, Hebrew-fashion, that
is, backward; go at once to the end of
the third volume-and marry off the hero
and heroine, or drown them, or hang the
one, and break the heart of the other, as
may be most meet to you and the writer,
If after having thus secured your catas-
trophe, you cannot find heart to 'plod
your weary way through the intervening
desert of words, depend upon it you will
lose nothing by throwing the book aside
at once. And further, you may take
this also for rule; if you do not feel, as
you read on, that what you read is worth
reading for ats own sake, that you could
read it over again with pleasure, be sure
the book is not worth sixpence.'
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29

Bella, what verse did you learn last Sun
day."
"In my Fathers house are many man
sions; if it we're not so, 1 would have
told you. go to prepare a place for
you" was reverently repeated by the
child.
"Well, dear children, if you all love
the precious Saviour who spoke those
words, you will have one Of those man
sions in heaven. Jesus Christ has laid
the foundation; He has made it firm and
sure, and you are to build upon it. Every
good thing you do adds an ornament to
your house. Every gentle word, every
effort to do right, makes the mansion
more beautiful. You are building every
day, and you may make the house in
heaven a glorious one. Do you not think
it is better to build for eternity than build
here? The pleasantest home, whether
it be quiet cottage, an old castle, or a
city palace, can be yours for only little
while. But if you build a mansion in
heaven, having the dear Saviour who
died for You your corner stone, you have
home which you shall enjoy for ever.
William, do you remember where the BIZ
bic speaks of Jesus Christ as the founda-
ton on which we are to build?"
g Is it not the text, '0ther foundation
can no man lay than that is laid, which
is Jesus Christi"
eyes: and then, you know, it says,
Now if any man build upon this foun-
dation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood,
hay, stubble, every mans work shall be
manifest Now, Mary, how may We
build our heavenly house of gold, silver,
precious stones?'
"Do you not mean that we do so when
trying to be good every day, to please
our parents, and our heavenly Father?"
eyes, my dear; and now will you not
all remember this when you are tempted
to do wrong, to speak quickly, to act un-
kindly; will you not stop and ask your
selves if this will not prevent your house
in heaven from growing more beautiful;
and will you not resolve so to live that
your mansion above shall be glorious
within" -Pictore Magazine.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29
CENTRAL ESBYT E r [ A N

The robin said: "My song would have
stuck fast in my dry throat, but for the
rain-drop."
81 should have sunk into the earth had
not the acOrn-cup received me- said the
rain-drop."
81 had not been there to receive you,
but for the angry blast, said the acorn
cup.
And so they that were comforted prais-
ed the blast; but the blast replied:
"Praise Him at whose world the storm
ariseth, and who from darkness can bring
light, making his mercies oftentimes to
pass through unseen, and unsupported
channels, and bringing in due time, by
His own way, the grateful chant from the
angry storm cloud"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29
Gu BIS.

A discount of tIoenty per cent. will be allowed
to clubs of four or more persons. Thus four CO.
pies of Blackwood, or of one Review, will be
sent to one address for 80. Four copies of
the four Reviews and Blackwood, for S4S, and
so on.
POSTAGE.
Subscribers should re-pay by the quarter, at
the office of delivery. The Postage to any part
of the United States is Two CENTS a number
This rate only applies to current subscriptions.
For back numbers the postage is double.
Premiums to New Subscribers.
New Subscribers to any two of the above Pc
riodicals for 1868 will be entitled TO receive,
gratis, any one of the four Reviews for 1861
New Subscribers to all FIVE of the Periodicals for
1868 may receive gratis, Blackwood or any two
Of the "Four Reviews" for 1867.
Subscribers may also obtain back numbers at
the following reduced rates. viz:
The North British from January, 1868, to De.
cember, 1867, inclusive; the Edinburgh and the
Westminster from April, 1864, to December,
1867, inclusive, and the London Quarterly for
the years 1865, 1866 and 1867, at the rate of
$1.50 year for each or any Review; also Black
wood for 1866 and 1867, for 50. 80 year, or the
two years together for 81.
Basn Neither premiums to Subscribers, nor
discount to Clubs nor reduced prices for back
numbers can be allowed, unless the money is
RENTED direct to the publishers.
No premiums can be given to Clubs.
LEONARD SCOTT PUBLISHING co.
40 Fulton street, New York.
no 13-2m
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29
Iceland.

In the cold North Sea, little below
the Arctic circle, lies the island called
Iceland. Presenting somewhat the form
of an irregular ellipse, it occupies an area
of about $1,000 square miles, affording
the dull diversity of valleys without yer
dure, and mountains without trees. Desc
lation has here fixed its abode. 1t broods
among the del]s, and looks down upon
the fiords. The rocks and hillsides are
sculptured with signs of an igneous
origin, while the whole island is still the
sport of convulsion. The ground trem-
bles with the throes of the earthquake;
the Geyser spouts scalding water; the
plain belches mud; while the great Jokull,
clad in robes of eternal snow-true priest
of Ormuzd-brandishes aloft its volcanic
torch, and threatens to become the incen-
diary of the sky.
The interior of the island is traversed
with difficulty even during the summer.
Here may be seen peaks that the Alpine
club dare not climb. The scanty popula-
ton dwell in thinly-settled hamlets along
the banks of the fords and streams,
leaving the greater portion of the terrific
ry to the fox, the reindeer, and the occa-
sional Greenland bear that floats over on
the berg.
Only two quadrupedS, the mouse and
the fox, are indigenous. So sterile is the
soil, and so brief the summer sun, that
life is supported only by struggle. In
deed, the neighboring ocean is more hos
pitable than the dry land; for of the
thirty-four species of mammalia, twenty
four draw their food from the roaring
main. The same is true of the birds, fifty
four of the ninety species being water
fowl. Here and there may be seen patch
es of meadow, few pastures, and tracts
of arabic land; yet so poor is the soil
that man, like the lower orders, must exc
out his subsistence by resorting to the
sea.-Round Table.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29
Committees of Education and Publication.

The General Assembly resolved that the Chair
man of the Presbyterial Committees on Educa-
ton and Publication should be regarded as
corresponding member of the Assembys Com
mittees on these subjects. We give below the
names of such members as have been appointed
by the Presbyteries.
EDUCATION.
East Hdnorer Presbytery-E. d. Rutherford,
Petersburg, Va.
MONTGOMERY" j. D. Mitchell, Lynchburg, Va.
RappahanHock-Jo ohm w Pugh, Warrenton, Va.
Tuscaloosa-D. d. Sanderson, Eutaw, Ala:
Florida-W. J. Mccormick, Gainesville, Flor.
Macon-W. H. Hall, Columbus, Ga.
Roanoke. Il. Davis, Charlotte c. b., Va.
Cherokee-Dr. N. A. Pratt, Roswell, Ga.
Concord-G. Wilson McPhail, Davidson COL
lege, N. C.
Charleston-W. E. Boggs, Columbia, S. G.
South Cdrolina-D. Mcneil Turner, Abbevllle,
S. Carolina.
Bethel-William Banks, Lakewood, S. C.
South Alabama-James Watson, Selma, Ala.
East Alabana-G. R. Foster, Wetumpka, Ala.
Tuscumbia-W. H. Mitchell, Florence, Ala.
Georqia-D. l.. Buttolph, Marietta, Ga.
Rnorviue-- James Park, Knoxville, Tenn.
Memphis-D. H. Cummns, Covington, Tenn.
NashviUe-J. W.Neil, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Mssissippi-T. II. Cleland, Fayette, Miss.
NWW MtSStSStppt- Hi' A'iSnoiooo"i NASA~
da, Miss.
New Orleans-R. Q. Mallard, New Orleans.
Red Rirer-J. F. Ford, Shreveport, La.
Western Teras-J +. Martin, San Antonio, Tex.
Arkansas-I. j. Long, Batesville, Arkansas.
Ouachita--A. L. Crawford, Arkadelphia, Ark.
Indian-C. G. Copeland, Wheelock, c. Nation.
PUBLICATION.
E. Hanover Resbytery-W. A. Campbell, Pow
hatan C. H., Va.
West Hanorer-E. Woods, Charlottesville, Va.
Montqomery-J. P. Smith, Big Lick, Va.
Rodnoke-J. B. Shearer, Black Walnut, Va.
Rappahannock - James L. Leftwich, Alexan
ria, Va.
Forida-W. j. Mccormick, Gainesville. Flor.
South Alabanaa-Dr. j. H. Rice, Mobile, Ala.
East Alabama-J. K. Hazen, Prattsville, Ala.
Tuscaloosa-C. NJ Hutton, Pleasant Ridge, Ala.
Concord-G. d. Parks, Charlotte, N. c.
Fayetteville Mcdonald, Fayetteville, O.
ORANGE. II. Smith, Greensboro N. c.
Cherokee--Dr. N. A. Pratt, Roswell, Ga.
KnoxriHe-T. II. McCallie, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Memphis-Wm. A. Sempe, Memphis. Tenn.
Nashville W. Neil, Murtreesboro, Tenn.
Mississippi-T. H. Cleland, Fayette, Miss.
North Mississippi-E. NJ. Richardson, Grena-
da, Miss.
s. Carolina--A. A. Porter, Spartanburg, S. G.
Charleston-W 81. Adams, Charleston, S. c.
Bethel-James H. Sage, Lewisville, S. c.
New Orleans-R. G. More, New Orleans.
Red Rirer-J. F. Ford, Shreveport, La.
Western Teras-G. G. Moore, Victoria, Texas.
Arkansas-S. W. Davies, Augusta, Ark.
Ouachita-E McNar, Pine Bluff, Ark.
India,,-E. Hotchkin, Doaksville, c. Nation.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29
Stated Clerks of Synods and Presbyteries.

SYNOD OF ALABAMA.
Rev. R. Nall, Tuskegee, Ala.
Rresbyte,y of East Alabama-Rev. G. R. Foster,
Wetumpka, Ala.
South Alabama-Rev. h. r. Raymond, Mari
on, Ala,
Tuscaloosa-Rev. c. A. Stillman, Gainesville,
Ala.
SYNOD OF ARKANSAS.
Presbytery of Arkansas-Rev. 7. R. WEIGH,
Little Rock, Ark.
Indian
Ouactita-Rev. NJ. j. Wallace, Marlbrook, Ark.
SYNOD OF GEORGIA.
Rev. Dr. j. S. Wilson, Atlanta, Ga.
Presbytery of Cherokee-Rev. j. W. Baker,
Augusta, Ga.
Aaanta-Rev. James Stacy, Newman, Ga.
Macon Rev. j. l.. King, Geneva Ga.
Florida-Rev. A. w. Clisby, Townsville, Ga.
Hopeuell-Rev. VIM. Finn, Milledgeville, Ga
SYNOD OF MEMPHIS.
Rev. r. r. Evans, Germantown, Tenn.
Presbytery of ChickasaW-
Memphis--Rev. r. r. Evans, Germantown,
Tenn.
North Msstssippi-Rev. 81. H. Paine, Holl!
Springs, Miss.
Tuscun.6ia- W. H. Mitchell, Florence, Ala.
Western District-Rev. E. s. Campbell, Hum.
boldt, Tenn.
SYNOD OF MISSISSIPPI.
Rev. R. McInnis, Newton Station, Miss.
Presbyte,y of Central Mssissippi-Rev j. s.
Montgomery, Yazoo City, Miss.
Louisiana-Rev. j. E. c. Doremus, New Or
leans, La.
Mississippi-Rev. r. Price, Port Gibson, Miss.
N. Orleans-Rev. FL. NJ. Smith, N. Orleans, La.
Red Rirer-Rev. j. f. Ford, Shreveport, La.
Tombeckbee-Rev. j. N. Carothers, Houston,
Miss.
SYNOD OF NASHVILLE.
Rev. James Park, Knoxville, Tenn.
Presbyte,y of Holston--Rev. j. d. Tadlock.
Bristol, Tenn.
KnorUiUe-Rey Jas. Park, Knoxville, Tenn.
NaShciUe-Rev. R. f. Bunting, Nashville, Tenn.
North Alabama-Rev. W. Il. Vernon, Lewis
burg, Tenn.
SYNOD OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Rev. j. Doll, Yanceyville, N. G.
Presbytery Of COncord-Rev. j. Rumple, Sails
bury, n. c.
Fayetteville J. P. Mcpherson, Shoe Heel,
n. Carolina.
Orange--Rev. j. Doll, Yanceyville, N. e.
SYNOD OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Rev. VIM. Banks, Lakewood, s. c.
Rresbytery Of Bethel-Rev. VIM. Banks, Halle
wood, 5. {.
Charleston-Rev D. Mcneil Turner, Abbeville,
S. Carolina.
Harmony-Rev. j. b. Mack, Mayesville, S. C.
S. Carolina Rev. c. S. Vedder Charleston, S. C.
SYNOD OF TEXAS.
Rev. l.. Tenney, Carolina, Texas.
PeSbytery of BRACES
Central Ieras-Rev. l.. Tenney, Carolina, Texas.
East Texas
Western Teras-Rev. n Chevalier, Gonzales,
Texas
SYNOD OF VIRGINIA.
Rev. F. Mcfarland, Mint Spring, Va, and
Rev. L. 81. Blanton, Salem, Va.
Presbyte,y Of Abingdon-Rev. d. B. Ewing,
Dublin Depot, Va.
Presbytery Of East HanOrer-Rev. P. B. Price,
Richmond, Va.
j. c. Barr, Lewisburg, West
Virginia.
S. Brown, Kerr's Creek, Va
j. p. Smith, Big Lick, Va.
j. W. Pugh, Warrenton,
Virginia.
NJ. L. Lacy, Charlotte c. H., Va.
Vest Hanorer-Rev. VIM. Dinwiddie, Green
wood Depot, Va.
j. R. Graham, Winchester, Va.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29

every thing that can injure the fruit-trees
in the shapes of bugs, worms, or other in
sects, and lay large number of eggs,
which are a cash article, to say nothing
of the chickens, which pay well for rails
ing at the present time. | have tried it,
and | know it is so. | have about one
hundred fowls which have worked admira-
bly, among my trees, keeping the ground
in good condition, keeping off the insects,
and promoting the growth of the orchard.
| am satisfied that we have yet to learn
the full benefits which may be derived
from the proper management of fowls,
and it is quite possible that the method
1 have suggested may offer the best way
of getting our apple-orchard into bearing
condition again.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29
INSTITUTIONS AND OFFICERS
FTHE
Presbyterian Church in the United States.
CLERKS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

CLERKS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D. D., Stated Gers.
Augusta, Georgia.
Rev. VIM. Brown, d. D., Permanent Clerk,
Richmond, Virginia.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF sUSTEYTATIoN.
Rev. j. Leighton Wilson, D. D., Secretary
Columbia, South Carolina.
Rev. Prof. James Woodrow, Treasurer, Co.
lumbia, South Carolina.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN MISSIONS.
Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., Secretary,
Columbia South Carolina
Rev. Prof. James Woodrow, Treasurer, Co
lumbia, South Carolina.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.
Rev. E. Thompson Baird, D. D., Secretary,
Richmond, Virginia.
c. Gennet, Esq, Treasurer, Richmond, Va.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF EDUCATION.
Rev. E. Thompson Baird, D. D., Secretary,
Richmond, Virginia.
c. Gennet, Esq, Treasurer, Richmond, Va.
TRUSTEES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Hon. Thomas G. Perrin, Chairman. Rev. B.
NJ Palmer, d. D., Secretary. Joseph Fl. Will
son, Esq, Jesse H. Lindsay, ESQ.,, Robert AID
ger. Esq, J. A. Ansley, Esq, John A. Craw-
ford, Esq, Dr. James B. Walker, Hon. j. A.
Inglis, John Whiting, ESQ.,, Hon. R. NJ. Patton,
Rev. DR.. George Howe, Rev. DR.. J. l.. Kirkpa-
trick, W. l. Mitchell, Esq.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29
Original Manuscript of Franklin's Auto
Biography.

LippincOtt's Magazine contains the fol,
lowing:
Among the trophies of an enlightened
zeal for American interests, brought
home by Mr.. Bigelow, our late minister
to France, was the original manuscript
of Franklin's autobiography. The fate
of that manuscript has, for more than a
century, been mystery. Sir Samuel
Romilly, during his first visit to France,
in 1902, speaks of having seen it, but
since then its fate has left no trace that
we are aware of, upon the literature of
any country. Mr.. Bigelow found it, we
are told, in the hands of a family through
whose courtesy it was exhibited to Rom
illy-the very family to whom it was pre-
sented by its author.
Interesting as must necessarily be the
original draft of perhaps the most uni
versally popular book ever written by an
American, a collation. of the manuscript
has disclosed in it new value, which no
one could have been prepared to antici-
pate. For some reason, which it will re-
main for the historical quidnuncs to as
certain, the world, it now appears, has
never yet seen the autobiography which
franklin wrote. The manuscript dis
closes the fact that great liberties were
taken with the text by the editor of the
original edition of 1917; that numerous
changes, several hundred in number, were
introduced; and fact still more remark
able that all the Doctor wrote during the
last year of his life, embracing many
foolscap pages, was entirely omitted. -
One of the most considerable omissions
embraces a full description of his first
visit to England, as agent for the colony
of Pennsylvania, to sustain the right to
tax the proprietaries, who foolishly and
perversely contested that right. All
that, including most graphic account
of his negotiations with Lord Grenville
and Lord Mansfield, was apparently over
looked by VIM. Temple Franklin, or who
ever superintendent the edition issued in
his name
We understand that Mr.. Bigelow has
portion of the leisure pur-
chased by his withdrawal from official life,
to procure a correct and complete edition
of the Memoirs, as they originally came
from the pen and brain of their illustri-
Gus author.
1t is curious literary fact that a pos
thumous publication like this, which has
been printed in nearly every written Ian
guage, and which, in booksellers phrase,
always in stock" should have had
for more than half a century
without being once verified, though the
manuscript was designed for publication,
md has been at least that length of time
n the hands of the family at whose spe-
,ial instigation it was written, and to
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29
AmsbaMatp.
Beware of Cotton.

Many of the papers in the South are
running to extremes on the cotton-grow-
ing subject. The true policy doubtless
is to put in enough food, raise enough
pork, have plenty of milk and eggs, then
cotton may be put in with safety. If it
pay well, so much gained; if not there
is no distress on that account, though
there may be disappointment. Taken
with this allowance, the following caution
from the Vicksburg Herald is worth
attention:
Do not be deluded by this little "spurt"
in the price of cotton. 1t may be that
it is simply bid to induce Southern
planters to raise cotton again, and still
further involve them in debt. We can
not raise cotton proftably any more,
therefore drop the cultivation fit. There
are thousands in the South who are re-
duced almost to AFFECT poverty by persist
ing in raising cotton to the exclusion of
everything else Plant the ramie, flax,
castor bean-anything but cotton. Be
sure, however, to plant plenty of corn,
potatoes, wheat and all similar articles
of food. But let cotton alone. This rise
in cotton is only temporary.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29
The Two Neighbors.

There were two men who were neigh
bors, and each of them had wife and
several little children who depended upon
them for support.
Now, one of the men was greatly trou-
bled, saying, eff die, or even if [ fall
sick, what will become of my wife and
children?"
The same thought came also 10 the
other father, but he let it go again, whis-
pering to himself, "God, who knows all
his creatures, and who watches over them,
will watch over me also, and over my wife
and children" And this man lived in
peace, while the other knew neither rest
nor joy.
One day when the latter, sad and cast
down by reason of this fear, was working
in the fields, he saw some birds fly into a
bush, come out, and then soon return
thither He approached it, and saw two
nests, side by side, and in each were
several little birds newly Matched, and
still featherless. When he had returned
to his work, he raised his eyes from time
to time, and looked at the old birds going
backward and forward, carrying food to
their young ones. Presently, just as one
of the mother birds was returning with
something in her beak, a hawk seized her
and carried her away, in spite of her
struggles and piteous cries. At this sight
the man felt more troubled than before,
for he thought, "The death of the mother
is the death of the little ones. Mine have
only me, what will become of them if |
fail them. All the day he was very
sad, and when night came, it brought him
no relief.
The next day, on returning to the field,
he said, Il will see how these poor little
birds are; doubtless several Of them have
already persisted" So he went towards
the bush, and looked into the nest; there
he saw the birds, and not one of them
seemed to have suffered from the loss of
its mother.
He was exceedingly astonished, and
hid himself to see what would happen.
After little while he heard faint cry,
and perceived the bird of the other nest
bringing with haste the food she had found,
and this she divided between her own and
the motherless little ones. There was
enough for all; and the poor orphaned
birds were not abandoned in their misery.
The man who had miStrusted God, told
to his neighbor what he had seen, and
the latter answered him,-"Why art thou
troubled? God never forsakes his chill
dren. His love has secrets that we know
not of. Let US believe, hope, and love,
then we may go on our journey in peace.
If l die before you, you will be father
to my children; if you die before me, 1
will be father to yours. Or if we both
die while they are of tender age, their
Father will be our Father, who is in
heaven. From the French Of Lamme-
Mas.