davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
Synod of Texas

The Synod of Texas met at Columbus, Nov.
5th. There were present eleven ministers, of
about forty belonging to the Synod, and of
seventy five churches. six were represented by
elders. R. H. Byers, D. D was elected Mod
orator and Rev. j. F. Martin, Temporary
Clerk.
Not much business of general interest was
transacted. The Synodical committee Of Mis-
sions. appointed last year, rendered a report
which was approved, and the committee was
discharged. r.r
A letter was received from the Secretary of
Sustentation, introducing Rev A. A. Porter,
d. D., who made an animated address upon
the subject of Sustentation. The following
resolutions on the subject were adopted.
1st The Synod expresses its deep interest
and sympathy in the objects embraced in the
work of the Committee of Sustentation, and
its hearty approval of the plans and methods
by which that work is carried on.
I'd. The Synod believing the plan recon.
mended by the General Assembly and adopted
in other parts of the church, to be the best
also for Texas, will not continue the Synodica
committee appointed at its last meeting, to
cooperate with the committees of the General
Assembly, but refers the whole matter to the
Presbyteries, and recommends to them to ap-
point committees within their own bounds to
have charge Of the work, which, during the
past year, has been entrusted to the committee
of the Synod
Sd. The Synod earnestly recommends and
requests of all its Presbyteries, ministers and
churches, to cooperate zealously and actively
with the executive committees of the General
Assembly, and to sustain and encourage them
by earnest and frequent prayer and by practi-
cal efforts and liberal contributions for their
support.
4th. In particular. the Synod enjoins it upon
the Presbyteries, to take such measures as
will secure contribution from every one of
their churches in aid of each of the four ex.
ecutive committees Of the General Assembly.
The following report of a committee in re.
ference to resolutions Of the General Assembly
upon the subjects mentioned, was adopted:
LIST. With regard to the resolution upon the
subject Of the pastoral relation, We are unable
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Tribute of Affection to the Memory of
Mrs Susan M. Hoge.

At meeting of the Ladies of the Sewing
Circle and of the congregation Of the Second
Presbyterian church, Richmond, held in the
Lecture-room on Thursday the Sd of Decem'
Der, 1868, the following minute was unani-
mously adopted:
Unused, in our quiet and unpretending or
ganization, to the regular proceedings of de-
Lucrative bodies, we will not attempt to ex
press in formal resolutions our grief tor the
death of our beloved sister and friend, Mrs.
SUSAN NJ. HoeE. our sense of her virtues, or
our sympathy with her bereaved family. But
we cannot deny to ourselves the sad privilege
Of bearing testimonyto her worth and to the
great loss we have sustained.
Mrs. Hoge was for years the President OF
our Sewing Circle, and was always one of It's
most active, jealous, and discriminating mem
bers. By her example, her encouraging
words, and her personal appeals, she kept
alive, from year to year. the spirit of the or
ganization, and infused into it her own cheer
full and self denying temper.
The poor and humble of our church and
congregation loved her for her sympathy. and
her untiring labors for their relief. Without
ostentation or any of the mere forms Of dis
play, she was able, by her zeal, her prudence,
and the genial glow of heart warm with hui
man sympathy and Christian love to accom-
plish results which will long be remembered
among us. She was alike beloved by old and
young. We mourn her loss as we would that
of cherished and loving visitant who for
more than twenty years moved among us to
rejoice in our seasons of happiness, to shed
tears with us in our sorrows, to comfort and
sustain us in affection, to seek and to be CRATE
full for our sympathy when she was herself
stricken by the loss OF her children, and at
last to leave us in the peaceful assurance that
she was about 70 enter that Heaven to which
she had so often pointed the way for US.
We feel for our loved pastor and his sorrow
ing family sympathy which would urge us
to renewed exertions for the prosperity of our
church and the advancement Of the cause OF
Christ among us. For these our departed
sister lived and died, and her happy life and
peaceful death alike encourage us to ego and
do likewise. F"
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing be
sent to the family of the deceased and be fur
nished to the Central Presbyterian and Chris.
tan Observer for publication.
NJ w. WOODS, President.
ANNA Nj. ALLAN, Secretary.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
The Bible is still Trumpet to their Fears

DR.. Kerr of Charlottesville. who has been
dead many years. was at the time when | was
acquainted with him, jealous member of the
Episcopal Church. He had the reputation of
being sincerely and truly pious, and his inteli-
gence and upright department commanded the
respect CT the whole community in which he
lived. At an early period of his life he un-
fortunately imbibed infdel sentiments 1t is
indeed much to be lamented that at the COM
mencement Of the present century, it.was such
a common thing in the Old Dominion for our
most distinguished citizens to be inclined to be
sceptical in their views. French inGdelity had
then well nigh corrupted the whole nation
But gradually its influence died away, and af-
ter awhile almost entirely disappeared.
Dr. Kerr on certain occasion informed me,
that he was convinced of the folly of in6deli-
ty and of the truth of the Christian religion,
by reading few lines in one of Cowper' S
poems. After describing scene of mirth and
revelry, in which wicked men were making
light of divine things, and scofing at the doc
trines Oh the Christian religion, the poet made
use of the following remarkable language:
" The Bible is still trumpet to their fears
What none can prove forgery may be true;
What none but bad men wish abolished must. I"
The argument contained in these simple
lines seemed to him to be convincing and over
whelming. He kept repeating them to him.
self wherever he went. His own observation
taught him that all good men were in favor of
the Bible, while all the VIGOROUSLY wicked and
immoral were opposed to it. Its Divine orr
gin was therefore apparent, for corrupt tree
cannot bring forth good fruit A book written
by imposters and deceivers who had no respect
for the truth, no fear of God before their eyes,
could not have tendency to make men virtu-
Gus, truthful, pure and holy. Of this he felt
fully convinced.
He determined at once to lay aside his inf
deity and devote himself to the service of his
Maker In after life he had profound vene.
ration for the Scriptures. and drew from them
all his consolation and all his joy.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
geligiatls gntelligenee.
FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES.
Synod of Mississippi.
ORGANIZATION.

ORGANIZATION.
The Synod of Mississippi, which met in
Vicksburg, November 4th, was opened with q
sermon by the Rev. G. NJ. Atkinson, from
John l6: I'll.
Seventy nine members were present. The
Rev. j. Franklin Ford, of Shreveport, La,
was elected Moderator, and the Rev. Il. NJ.
Smith, ID. D., of New Orleans Clerk.
DIVISION OF THE SYNOD.
The Presbyteries generally answered the
overture sent down to them, proposing divi
sion of the Synod, adversely The PROPOSE
ton to transfer the Presbytery of Red River
to the Synod of Arkansas, was deferred until
next year.
. SUsTENTATIoN AND FOREIGN MISSIONS.
The Committee to whom was assigned the
duty of preparing minute expressive of the
sense of Synod in reference to the subjects
presented by DR.. Wilson, recommend the
adoption of the following resolutions:
Resolued, That Synod appreciate greatly the
benefit which has been conferred on the church
in this region, in the way of refreshing the
hearts and stirring up the minds of Gods
people, by the statements and exhortations of
DIR. Wilson in reference to the great interests
of Sustentation and Missions.
RESOLVED, That the manifest blessing of God
which has attended the efforts of the Church
to sustain its operations at home, and to ex-
tend them to the heather world in its "day of
small things" encourages the hope that self
denial and perseverance in the future will de-
velope power in our Church, to become an
important and prominent co,laborer in the
work of evangelizing the word.
Resolred. That Synod promises to the Com
mittee of Sustentation and Missions its hearty
support in the effort to carry out its present
scheme for sustaining the Church at home,
and sending the Gospel to the heather
RESOLVED, That the Synod recognizes with
profound thankfulness the grace bestowed upon
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
Recent Missionary Intelligence.-From the
December number of Missionary:

Recent Missionary Intelligence.-From the
December number Of Missionary:
mo letters have been received since our
last issue, except one from Miss Ronzone, of
October 18th, and one from Mr. Inslee of
September 9th. We have also had one from
Mr.. Byington. of October 10th. We are sorry
to learn that Mr.. Byington has had a severe
attack of sickness, which has greatly shattered
his physical constitution, and from which, it
is feared he will never be fully recovered
He is employing his remaining strength in re-
vising the proofsheets of several Choctaw
books which are passing through the press,
and seems DESTROYS of the continuance of life
only that he may complete the work in hand.
We trust that this feeble and aged servant of
the Lord will be remembered at throne of
grace by all who love the cause of Christ
Miss Ronzone was at Florence in the family
Of DIR. Revel, but was ready to proceed to
Naples to resume the schools she had been
tea hing there, or to engage in any other mis-
sionary work that might be assigned her by
the Committee.
Mr. Insee and family were we'll, and were
prosecuting their work with encouraging pros.
poets. The school for girls had been opened
with fou. pupils; but fifteen more were ex
pected in the course of few days. Hereto.
fore the Chinese have been very reluctant to
give up their daughters for the purpose of
education; but the prejudice is passing away,
and Mr.. Inslee had no doubt about getting as
many into the school as he had the means to
support The applications. for boys already
exceeded the number that could be received.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
Candidates for the Ministry in Davidson
College.

One of the most effective addresses on the
subject of Education, delivered at the Synod
in Wilmington, was that of the Rev. DR.. Nc
Phail, President of Davidson College 1t re.
lated chiefly to the candidates for the minis
try in that institution. There are now some
thing oUer one hundred students in the Col.
lege, and about One-thnd of these are in acourse
Of preparation for the ministry. Many Of
these have been and still are very much strait
ened in means to maintain themselves at the
College; so much so, that nothing but the de.
sire to preach the gospel Of Gods grace to
sinners, could induce them to submit to such
trials and privations. 1t is earnestly hoped
that the worst of such things is already past,
and that in future the Church will make bet.
ter provision for these young men.
We wish, however, to call special attention
to one point in DR.. McPhail's address. He
stated that when young man enters College,
he must incur the expense necessary to the
fitting up of his room, costing him twenty FIVE
or thirty dollars, at the very lowest calcula.
ton This, out of the amount furnished can
didates under the care of the Assembly's Com
mittee of Education is a very considerable
item, and adds much to the difficulties with
which they have to contend during their year
at College. This outlay might very easily be
avoided. If the friends of the College would
provide the necessary furniture for a number
of rooms, to be occupied by such students, it
would relieve them from this expense, and
thus be permanent contribution to the cause
of Education. A congregation might fit up
room, to be occupied by any young man that
the pastor or session should designate,-or in
case no one should be thus appointed, the
faculty of the College could fill it with some
worthy person. A small amount annually
would replace the wear and tear of such fur
niture, and enable these young men to live in
comfort without mourning any expense of this
kind.
We are pleased to state, that some half
dozen, perhaps more, churches responded at
once to DIR. McPhaips suggestion, and through
their representatives on the floor of Synod,
pledged themselves each to furnish room in
Davidson College, to be occupied by candi-
date for the ministry. 1t is hoped that others
will follow the example, until there shall be
rooms enough furnished to meet the demands
of'these young MENU c. Presbyterian.
-
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
CENTRAL PRES BY T E r A n

The strongest arguments produced little or no
effect upon his own mind. He was the crea
ture of impulse, and leaped to his conclusions
on all subjects. He never arrived at them by
any patient process of reasoning. And this
very trait of character kept him in close con-
tact and sympathy with the great majority OF
every community in which he ever lived. and
was no doubt one great secret of his usefulness
both as man and minister. He had no &c
centricities about him; no strong convictions
of duty, compelling him to pursue course
contrary to the wishes of his best friends; no
fiery zeal urging him on to the adoption OF
rash and imprudent measures, no desire to be
a reformer even on limited scale, and conse-
quently was always found upon the popular
side of every question that agitated the public
mind He never went foremost In any enter
prize, but never suffered himself to be left far
behind He therefore never met with any
thing to impair his usefulness, or to detract
from his popularity in any of the stormy and
exciting scenes through which in the provi
dence of God, he was called upon to pass
He could decide every perplexing question. so
as not TO give offence, without doing violence
to his own convictions Of what was right or
wrong, true or false.
He was always open to conviction, and like
a skilful General, never took position from
which he could not retreat, when 1t became
necessary to do So He was wise, like the
serpent, and harmless as the dove. Watch
full and cautious in little matters, as well as
great he was never off his guard. He was
careful not to give offence to any person. de
acted the part of universal peace maker,
and when two of the members of his congre-
CATION had fallen out, and bitter feeling OF
hostility had been excited in their breasts, he
never wearied in his efforts to bring about a
reconciliation between them, and never rested
satisfied until they had at least in appearance
become friends.
With such adaptations for usefulness, is II
wonderful that his success in the ministry was
far greater than that of many of his brethren,
who surpassed him in intellectual ability and
literary attainments? His talents we're in
reality of very superior kind, seldom to DC
met with in the common walks of life, and
the sources of his strength we're durable and
lasting. They proved in the end to be sufii
cient for every emergency. They brought hin
off victorious in every conflict.
1t is wrong to underrate the abilities OF such
men. The most enviable gifts have been be-
slowed upon them, the want of which creates
a deficiency, that no amount Of study car
easily make amends for. Their natural tai
ents, their genuine piety, their largeness o.
heart, and sympathy with distress in all it'
varied forms, unite in giving to them pecu
liar fitness for the Gospel ministry. None o.
their brethren should be discouraged by theil
success, but should rejoice that the great Head
of the Church has given such variety Of
gifts to his ministering servants.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09

Now, my dear little friends, don't you think
we can do it? We children in THIS house have
not much money for ourselves, but we are 60
ing to take part of whatever we have on
Christmas and New Years day, and put it in
paper, and send it to our GOOD minister, and
ask him to send it to DR.. Wilson, to help tell
join us in it? Yes, erey boy and girl IN the
Presbyterian Church, will you not give five
cents, or ten. or twenty, or more, if you can,
of your Christmas money to help, too?
Send it, in paper, to your minister, and ask
him to send it to Rev. j. l.. Wilson, d D.,
Secretary of Foreign Missions, Columbia, S.
c.. for the heather.
| asked my mother if much OF this small mo-
ney would not get lost on the way, and she
said, "You need not be afraid of that; for the
moment it is out of your hands it is in the
Lord, and he is able to take care Of his own
Yours, etc., A BAPTIZED CHILD.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
A Kind Welcome. The Rev. Mr.. Bow

A Kind Welcome. Rev. Mr.. Bow
man and family left Virginia about month
ago for their new home in Memphis which
place they reached after safe and pleasant
journey. Upon their arrival they met with a
most cordial and delightful reception. A del
egation of gentlemen from the First Presbyte-
rian Church, met them at the depot to con-
duct them to the house provided for their ac-
commodation, where they found large num-
Der of ladies and gentlemen to bid them wei
come. The house had been elegantly furnish
ed, and supplied with every comfort Tor house
keeping SO they had only to enter, take
possession and make themselves at home.
Its pleasant to record such acts of kindness.
They give graceful expression to the friend
ly feelings with which congregation would
wish to receive one whom they have chosen as
their pastor; and, apart from the intrinsic
value OF the gift, they greatly help both him
and his family to feel, that they are not in a
land of strangers
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
From the Southern Presbyterian.
Revival at 0livet Church.

Mr. Editor: Hoping that it may interest
the readers Of your valuable paper, and en-
courage others to seek like blessing, | am
induced to communicate to you and TO Gods
people through you, that he has remarkably
revived the people of Oivet church in Bethel
Presbytery with the outpourings Of the Holy
Spirit.
According to previous appointment, the
Lords Supper was administered on Sabbath
the lst inst Services commenced on Friday
previous, and contrary to all expectation con-
tinued for twelve days and nights in succession.
During this time [ preached twenty four SER
mons, without any assistance, except one ser.
mon preached by brother Bailey on the second
Monday night Of the occasion. The service
was protracted each day and night usually,
for about three hours in succession, yet the
congregation never seemed wearied, but all
gave earnest heed to the things which we're
spoken. Day after day, the Sun of righteous.
ness seemed to arise with new power in his
beams The whole church is revived Old
things have passed away. A thrill of joy aud
life and light has reached the hearts of Chris.
tians This precious season was entirely free
from all animal excitement. Not the least de-
monstration Of such feeling was manifested
during the entire services.
ms du CFluGuCC vi JUG OpIN ptCcCuCC ou0
power. over forty we're hopefully converted;
forty of whom united with the church on pro.
fession of their faith. Seven we're added by
letter. aud eight we're restored to church mem
bership-total number of additions fifty fve
On the second Sabbath the communion was
again administered for the benefit of the young
converts. Never can we forget that solemn
hour. It was a precious day when so many
for the first time came to the Lords table,
both old young. 1t was tender and melting
season. All present were deeply aud solemnly
affected, the silence that reigned on this coca
sion, reminded US of the stiffness of the house
of death.
As you are probably aware, Olivet church
was organised on the first day of last August
by committee of Bethel Presbytery appointed
for that purpose have been supplying this
people once month since the first of February
of the present year. We organised with TWEEN
ty.ive members our membership is now near
eighty. We hope still to receive many more
to our number, and that we will not only grow
in number, but in grace and in the knowl-
edge of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may
be people of whom none need be ashamed.
Yours fraternaly. r.
CASTOR county, N. c., Nov. 10Th, 1855
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
OFFERS FOR 1869.

1. For every fve names of new sub
scribers deemed responsible, the agent
shall be entitled to- copy of the Central
Presbyterian for one year.
2. Any person sending the names OF
new subscribers, together with payment
for one gear, may retain for compensation
seveRty,fre cents upon each.
Or, if preferred, for every three such
paid subscriptions, the agent shall receive
a copy of the Central Presbyterian with
out charge for one year.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

FORTUNES OF NIGEL.
REDGAUNTLET AND ST. Romans WELL.
Two additional volumes of Appleton cheap
and very neat cherry colored reprint of the
"Waverly" novels.
KINGS Own and JAPHET IN SEARCH OF A
FATHER Of Appleton's cheap reprint of
Maryatt's novels.
WAvERLY, Guy MANNERING, KENILwoRTH,
AND IvANHoE. In one volume.
Here are four novels in one volume, ele-
gantly bound. Each novel has beautifully
engraved likeness of the leading character in
the story
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
To the Children of the Presbyterian Church

Nh dear Little Friends am little girl
ten years old My neither was talking to me
and my sister this morning about letter that
good DIR. Wilson has written to 1.-The Chris
tan Women of the Presbyterian Church,
telling them how much money he needs, this
very minute, to send the Gospel to the hea-
then, and to others, and she said 6 do not see
how dear DR.. Wilson is to get all this money,
unless children of the church help, toe" And
my father said, IF every boy and girl in the
Presbyterian Church were to give a part of
their Christmas and New Year money to DR..
Wilson. he would have almost all that he
needs"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
The Rev. Thomas v. Moore, D. D., with

The Rev. Thomas " Moore, D. D., with
his family, left this city on last Thursday for
the city of Baltimore, where he expects to re-
main for few days, en- route to the city of
Nashville, to enter on his duties there as pas
tor of the LIST Church of that city.
The people of his late charge in this city, as
a memorial of their affection for him, just on
the eve of his departure presented him beau
tiiul and expensive silver tea service, consist
ing of five pieces, of the antique pattern,
richly chased and ornamented, and bearing
the following inscription:
Presented by the Congregation
of the
First Presbyterian Church,
Richmond, Va,
to their beloved pastor,
Rev. T. V. Moore, ID. d.
The testimonial was sent to DR.. Moore's res
idence with note in these words:
"Will DR.. and Mrs. Moore please accept
this small token of love from their people p
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
REV WILLIAM BROWN, D. D., Editor.

A REASONABLE Enthusiastically
to an animation given some time ago, at
is oar purpose to enlarge the CENTRAL
PRESBYTERIAN an a fen a0eeks. THIS
cannot be accomplished '0ithout consider
able expense. Is 1t not reasonable to re-
quest those wao knoW themselves to be an
arrears-many for long time 6aek-tO
make payment at an early date 2