davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Faiths Battles and Victories ; or, Thoughts
for Troublous Times. BY Rev. John S.
Grasty, Shelbyville, Ky.

This duodecimo of some 2S5 pages, in the beau
tiful style of Randolph & Co., has interested us
greatly. Not that such themes IS Abraham and
BALKAN, and Samson & Co., can have in them
selves the interest Of novelty. But as Coleridge
has somewhere suggested, it is the province of
real genius to seize hold of the old truths laid away
in the store-house of memory andmake them be-
come living and germinal truths to our conscious
ness In this popularity, Mr.. Grsty is plainly
man of genius. No one, however, familiar with
the sacred story and generally with the lessons
taught therein, can read Mr.. Grassy brief refec-
tons on each character passed in reiew-all bear
ing upon the great subject Of Gods providential
care of His peope-without beingimpressd with
the freshness and vigor of the thoughts, and
moved by the deep spirit of faith and earnestness
which characterizes them. We speak with the
more confidence from having minel in the same
quarry and become familiar with the results of the
labors of other miners before us. Of course, in
essays so bricf-averaging II Of these small pages
each-little room is found for exposition, or for
doctrnal augmentation. But the author touches
with such skill the tops of thoughts as he passes,
and weaves into the story so ingeiiously the in
depreciation thereof as he states the case, that the
general impression of the lesson is sngulary clear
and vivid. To those familiar with "Kitto's Daily
Bible Readings" book that we have always read
with pleasure, we may convey some notion OF Mr..
Grasty's method by saying that his Bible lessons
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
HARMONY PresbYterY

Met in the Cheraw church, S. g., October 9th.
The opening sermon preached by the last
Moderator, the Rev. John R. Dow, from Rev. VIII
Is, IA.
Sixteen ministers and twenty five ruling elders
were present
The Rev. j. Douglass Brown was elected Mod.
orator, and the Rev. w. B. Corbett, Temporary
Clerk.
Candidate j. i. Martin was licensed to preach
the gospel
Licentiate n. w. Edmunds was ordained to the
full work Of the gospel ministry aud arrangements
were made for bis installation as pastor of Aim
well church on Saturday before the first Sabbath
in November-the Rev. w. B. Corbett to preside,
preach the sermon, and PROFOUND the constitution
al questions; the Rev. j. G. Richards to deliver
the charge to the pastor, and the Rev. G. r.
Bracket the charge to the people. The Rev. w.
W. Mills alternate for either who may be absent.
The Rev. b. II. Buist was regularly installed
pastor of the Cheraw church.
The Rev. James Mcdowell was invited to act as
evangelist within the bounds of Harmony Presby
terry.
The pastoral relation existing between the Rev.
d. McDufie and the Pine Tree and Psgah church
es was dissolved.
A petition for the organisation Of church for
the cOOred people within the bounds of the con-
gregation Of Salem church a. R. after full dis
cussion, was postponed to the next meeting Of
Presbytery.
The recommendation of the General Assembly
in reference to the Form Of Government, etc., was
postponed to the next regular meeting Of Presby.
terry.
Mr.. w. I. Thompson was taken under the care
of Presbytery as candidate for the gospel ministry
The Rev. John r. Dow was added to the Exec
utive Committee of Harmony Presbytery.
Scion church, Winnsboro', was chosen as the
place of the next stated meeting of Presbytery
W. A. GREGG, Stated Clerk.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
PresbyterY Of Nashville

Met at Murfreesboro Tenn, October nth, and
was opened with sermon by Rev. J. H. Bryson.
Rev. w. L. Rosser was elected Moderator and ell
der George B. Guild, of Gallatin, Temporary Clerk.
There were present during the meeting, sixteen
ministers and twenty ruling elders. four ministers
absent and but two churches not represented
Two churches reported organized since last meet
ing One at HendersonvilIe in Sumner county,
and one at McMinnville, one with twenty and the
other sixteen members. A petition was presented
and the prayer granted, for the organization Of a
church at Sneedsville on the NJ. Il n. w. Rail-
road, the petition signed by twentyseven persons
All the churches answer favorably to the effort
made by Presbytery to raise money for EvaHgelis-
tic labor The report of the Committee on Domes-
tic Missions, is very encouraging and the results Of
efficient labors is already seen.
The Commissioners to the General Assembly re-
ported and were approved.
Pastoral relation existing between Rev. w. L.
ROsser and the Franklin church was dissolved and
DR.. Cunningham appointed to preach and declare
the pulpit vacant.
The Narrative shows gradual progress by almost
all the churches; that our churches are now wax
ing up to the realities of their great work
The attention of Presbytery was called to the
special Circular of Committee on Foreign Missions
The Book of Church Order was taken up and
alter adopting the First Chapter, was post
poned until next meeting.
The churches have nearly all responded to the,
call for Steloart College and are glad the College
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
Synod Of Memphis

Met at Water Valley Miss, and was opened
with a sermon by the retiring Moderator, Rev. DR..
W. II. Mitchell, President of the Synodical Fe.
male College, at Florence, Ala.
Rev. ID. HI. Cummins, of the Presbytery of
Memphis, was chosen Moderator, and Rev. E. Ca.
ter, Temporary Clerk
In the absence of the Rev. f. T. Baird, D. D.,
who intended to meet with the Synod and urge the
claims of the causes of Education and Publication,
that duty was very acceptably and faithfully per
formed by Rev. DR.. Waddell, Of the University of
Mississippi.
An overture was received from the Synod of
Nashville proposing to the Synod to unite with
them in the care and government of Stewart Col
lege, but this for the present was declined.
A communication was received from the Profess
sors OF the Theological Seminary at Columbia S.
g., asking the Synod to take some measures to in
terest their churches in the support of the young
men who have repaired to that school of the pro-
phets. The Synod of Memphis expressed their
deep sympathy and cordial affection for that vene
rable school, and resolved to call upon their church
es to aid in sustaining it. The several Presbyte
ries we're assessed, and a minister in each one APP
pointed to take charge of the funds and forward
them
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03

this action affects. to the decision of the General
Assembly; and the Rev. DR.. Howe, the Oldest
member present was appointed a committee to
communicate with them.
Official notice was given of the organisation of
Zion Colored Presbyterian church, and the name
Of the said church was placed upon the roll of
Presbytery.
A committee was appointed to ascertain the
amount of assessments on the churches of this
Presbytery for the Theological Seminary which has
been realised, and to report at an adjourned meet
ing. to be held during the sessions of Synod.
Columbia was appointed the place of the next
regular meeting of Presbytery, on Wednesday be-
fore the second Sabbath of April next, at hafpast
7 o'c clock P NJ.
The consideration of the Canons of Discipline,
as contained in the Book of Church Order was
postponed until the next stated meeting.
Presbytery then adjourned, with prayer and the
apostolic benedicton, to meet at Chester during
the sessions of Synod, at the call Of the Moderator
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
The Presbytery of Orange

Met at Pittsboro, n c., on the 18th ult. There
were present ten ministers, and twelve were alb
sent Ten ruling elders were present, and forty
churches were not represented.
Hillsboro' and Fairfield churches obtained per-
mission to employ Mr.. w. Cuttino Smith as stated
supply.
1t was resolved to ordain Mr.. A. Kirkland as an
evangelist at the next stated meeting, if the way
be clear. Mr. X. was directed to divide his time
between the churches Of Chapel Hill, New Hope,
and Pittsboro'
The Committee on Systematic Benevolence re-
ported that the churches of the Presbytery had
made the following contributions during the year
ending April l Sustentation, S727.49; Foreign
Missions, S445 90; Education, 81, 1874 II; Publica
ton, S249 20; Miscellaneous, 81, 4Sl &c.
The next stated meeting is to be held at Shiloh
church, April 18th, 1870, at II A. N.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
SYNOD OF VIRGINIA.

The meeting Of this venerable judicatory was
closed on Saturday ught. The number attending
was the largest in the history Of the Synod, the
whole being about two hundred Had all been
present it would have been about four hundred.
The deliberations of the body were conducted
with that brothery kindness aud charity which
have marked its history. Its Moderator, the Rev.
Richard MeIlwaine, presided in manner which
elected much commentator, and to his prompt
ness and efficiency the Synod was much indebted
for the dispatch Of Its business.
A special report of some Of the discussions
would be useful and interesting to our people, but
the engagements Of the Editor were such as to
place it entirely beyond his power to undergo the
labor of making it. From the daily papers Of
this city, especially from the Dispatch and the Ia
Cn,iaer, such an account is made up as will give
general idea of what was done. The chief sub
jeets Of interest were Sabbath Schools, PaJlica-
ton, Home and Foreign Ni$sioaS, and the Diri
sion of The Synod All these matters, except the
last, were connected with extended remarks, which
were listened to with deep interest The paper in
regard to division Of the Synod was adopted with
entire unanimity.
The general tone Of this meeting was excellent, and
there is reason to believe it has done good to those
who came, and has LETT blessing with the church
es in the place where it was held. The preaching,
so far as We know, was plain, practical and earnest,
The Communion Of the Lords Supper in the af
ternOon, was attended by so many that every part
of the church was crowded, and the spacious new
Lecture Room was also filed. Twenty-Five per
sons were publicly welcomed by the pastor as mem
bers of the 2nd church, six of them on profession.
The Introductory address was made by the Rev,
Dr. Plumer, who also administered the bread. He
was followed by the Rev. DR.. Riddle in the distri-
button Of the cup-the Moderator being prevented
(by indispOsition from a cold from taking the
part assigned The communion season at OuI
SynodS is the most interesting of all Its services
and never in period Of more than thirty year,
have we seen one which seemed more edifying, ant
where every part was conducted with more thai
was comforting to all present 1t was broughtwithir
the space Of one hour and twenty minutes, and al
departed, feeling that it was good to be there
Perhaps we may gather up materials for more
extended notice next week of various points which
might be topics of profitable remark.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03

are after the fashion of Kittos best Sunday
reading, though more vigorous and of greater
depth of thought than Kitto's
We have frequently expressed our high appreci
alton OF the work that Messrs Randolph & Co.
are doing for the cause of evangelical truth, in the
excellent judgment with which they select, and the
attractive form in which they present valuable re.
ligious books They have but exhibited their
usual good judgment in selecting such book as
Mr.. Grasty's to bring before the Christian public
and their usual good taste in presenting it. We
trust it will have a wide circulation.
STUART ROBINSON.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
FOR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Roanoke Presbytery-A Correction.

Mr.. Editor-Your correspondent IN. P.,' in
your paper of the 9th Octobe,, mentions Roa-
noke Presbytery as one of the ZEN largest in our
Church, in regard to number Of ministers and
churches and states its average contributions per
church member to be but tweny-six (26) cents,
cents. This is still bad enough, and leaves Roa
noke the lowest in average contributions of the ten
The number of contributing chuphes in Roanoke
does not show so uufavoraby amcng the ten, but it
is to be hoped that her ministers ind members will
note the low average per member Of even II cents,
and endeavor to raise it higher in future collec.
tons. STATED CLERK.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03

Disseminating Papers.-An unusually large
number Of subscribers are dscontinuing their pa
pers The following note received from an esti-
mable friend of the Central Presbyterian, explains
the general feelings of those who terminate their
connection with US. The writer says:
"Rev and Dear Brother Brown hope to
make a collection soon, and will make some re.
mittance for your valuable paper, and after awhile
| can pay all the arrearage Try and not be i'm
patient Times are changed with me, and feel
no longer able to pay for IT. and must with great
reluctance ask you to discontinue It. l have de-
rived great pleasure and profit from its columns
indeed it has been a household good with us for
years. But we must be content to forego all this
when we are no longer able to pay for it. Please
accept my warmest wishes for your happiness and
success.
This is a specimen of many others They are
always read with much sympathy for those who
feel placed by Providence in the circumstances
described. If it were in our power we would glad
ly place the paper in all such households as a free
will Offering, and indeed, have done so to the ex-
tent of our ability As the Central Presbyterian
needs all the aid of itsriends which it is practical
bic to obtain, it Is not pretended that self interest
does not come into the matter. But 1t ought to be
viewed in other and more important relations
These households have not purchased books for
years. If cut off from their religious newspaper,
they are deprived Of al fresh religious reqdag.-
The effect of this need not be dwelt upon. For
their sakes-for the comfort of parents and chill
dren, who really value the weekly visits of their
paper, bringing as it does so much original and Sc
lected matter to instruct and ediiy ALL we venture
kindly to urge upon them not to order discontin-
uaHoe if they can help it. And as all pastors
know the value OF help of this kind among their
people, especially in keeping their knowledge
abreast with the operations of the Church, few
words Of counsel and encouragement might be pro
duetive Of great good.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
Greenhrier PresbYterv

Met at Spring Creek church, October 2lst 1862
at II o'clock a. NJ.
The opening sermon was preached by the last
Moderator, Rev. S. R. Houston, from Ezekiel
xxxiii: 10. After sermon, Presbytery was con
stituted with prayer.
Present, ministers. and IA elders.
Rev. NJ. i. Lacy was chosen Moderator, and
Rev. James Haynes and j. n. Montgomery, Clerks
Rev. j. d. McClintock, Of Ebenezer Presbytery
Kentucky, was invited to sit as corresponding
member
The report of the committee to sell the property
of the Presbyterial High School was received, the
sale confirmed, and Samuel Price, Esq, appointed
commissioner to receive and collect the bonds, pay
the debts, and make title to the property.
Rev. NJ. L. Lacy and Rev. j. II, Leps, with ell
ders James Withrow and John Stewart, were APP
pointed committee to examine the proposed Book
of Order, to receive suggestions from all the ses
sions, and make report to Presbytery
A letter was read from Rev. }, @. Barr, resign
ing his office as Stated Clerk. His resignation was
accepted, and vote of thanks made for his faith
fulness to the duties of that Office
Rev. NJ. l.. Lacy was then chosen Stated Clerk.
The committee appointed for the purpose re-
ported that on the 23d of August they organized
the church of Richards and ordained elders and
deacons. Reports were heard from all the minis
ters as to the missionary labors performed, and
other appointments made for the coming year.
Rev. S. R. Houston was appointed delegate to
the General Assembly, and Rev. NJ. H. Bittenger
his alternate. From the eldership Thomas Mann
was appointed, and George ii. Peck his alternate
Rev. Edward Eels was granted permission to
labor in our bounds, and aid asked for his support
at Coles Mouth.
Itwas determined to ask aid of the Central Com.
mittee to assist in liquidating the debt of Baxter
church.
Rev B. B. Blair made report as commissioner
to last General Assembly
Mr.. K. 9. Wright was examined and AIKEN I'M
der care of Presbytery as a candidate for the min
istry, and recommended to the Board of Education
for assistance
Rev. s. R. Houston, the Treasurer OF Presby-
terry, resigned, and Rev. j. H. Leps was chosen in
his room.
A call from the Kanawha Salines church for the
services Of Rev. j. G. Brown was heard, and being
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
Ordination.

The Presbytery Of East Hanover met in the Sd
Presbyterian church, Richmond Monday, Novem-
Der LIST, and ordained Mr.. William E. Hill to the
Gospel ministry. The Rev. j. G. Shepperson, by
invitation, preached the sermon, on Psalm xey L,
"The Lord reigueth, let the earth rejoice" Rev.
I. L. Preston the Moderator, presided and offered
the Ordaining prayer By the laying on of the hands
Of the Presbytery, Mr. Hill was ordained to the
Gospel ministry.
The installation viii take place next Sunday
night, Rev Chas. H. Read, D. D., to deliver the
charge to the pastor, and the Rev. E. r Baird,
d. D., to charge the people.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03

accepted by Mr., Brown the proper steps were taken
for his ordination, and Messrs. Barr, Blair, and
Haynes We're appointed to take part In the services.
Rev. 5. K. Houston was appointed to assign the
parts OF trial to Mr. Jacob FL. Lewis, candidate
under the care of Presbytery.
Presbytery then adjourned to meet at western west
Up. NJ.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03

Iloooye0hy VI "J So'SfAiS'
Adjourned meeting at Morganton, N. c., Octo-
Der 18th.
Presbytery met at the call of Rev. b. G. Hill,
the last Moderator present. Opened with prayer
Six ministers present.
The Committee on Systematic Benevolence pre-
sented their report, which was accepted and copy
ordered to be laid before Synod
Rev. N. Mckay, d. d., rendered the resignation
of his pastoral charge of Buffalo church, n c.
Whereupon Presbytery resolved to hold an ad-
journed meeting at said church, the first Wednes
day in January 1870, at II o'clock NJ, and or.
dered the Stated Clerk to cite the congregation of
Buffalo to appear by their commissioners at said
time and place, to show cause, if any they have,
why the of their pastor should not be granted
Presbytery adjourned to meet at Buffalo church,
Moore county N. c., ON the first Wednesday in
January, 1870, at II o'clock NJ
j. p. MCPHERSON, Stated Clerk.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03

Rev. D. B. Ewing.-At a meeting of the
Presbytery of Lexington, held in Richmond dur
ing the meeting of the Synod, Mr.. Ewing was re-
ceived from the Presbytery of Abingdon, and an
appointment made for his installation as pastor Of
Hebron church, on the 4th Saturday Of November,
1869.
Rev. James Murray will preside, preach the
Sermon and propose the constitutional questions
Rev. P Fletcher will deliver the charge to the pas
tor, and Rev. W. Z. Baker charge the people,
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03

Rev. Alexander Martins Post office is changed
from Aspinwal, Va, to Danville, Va.
Rev. Edward Eeus has accepted an invitation to
supply the church at Coalsmouth, in the Presby-
terry Of Greenbrier. His address Is Coalsmouth,
kanaWha county, West Virginia.
Rev. Walter W Pharrs Post office address is
changed from StateSvile to Charlotte, n C. Mr.
Pharr has entered upon the labors Of his new pas
tOral charge Mallard Greek and Ramah.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

American Edition of DR.. William Smiths Die
TIoNARY OF THE BIBLE Revised and edited by
Professor H. B. Hackett, D. D. Parts IS and 10.
New York: Published by Hurd & Houghton.
Through Bates & Waddy Brothers, Richmond.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03

IN. P."-The author Of these pieces requests
US to say that there are few mistakes in his last
article. 1t may be in the types But criticisms
will only serve to attract more notice to the i'm
portance of these matters.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
THE LAND We LOVE AND THE New ECLECTIC

MAGAZINE for November Turnbu & Muir
doch, "a Lexington ST., Baltimore Contents
|. Life from a Patchwork Point of View. q
Kindness: a simple tale. 3. Laus Iracundie H.
Patience. 5 Confederate losses in the late War
s. A story of Eulenburg. g. The original Drama
in America. TO- Dukesborough Tales II. Under
the Palms. u The Knights of the Golden
Horse shoe - Women Faces. IA. Dance, my
Children Is. The city of Brass. l6. The Cor
CONS secret. II. Tennessee's partner. lS South
ern literature and the New Eclectic 49, Mosaic
90 The Haversack 81 Reviews, &C.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
East Hanover presbvtery.-Additional

A schedule of contributions in the Presbytery Of
East Hanover, showing the whole amount con-
tributed to all causes by each church, the number
of communicates in, each church. and the average
amount contributed by the members of each
Oh,
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03

IT. S."-The scribe who is employed by our
respected brother having been disabled for service
the two remaining articles have been delayed
They viii, however, be ready in a short time.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
Total Number of
Presbytery of Fayetteville.

The pastoral relation between the Rev. +.
Woods and HARDWOOD church was dissolved.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03

Rev. ]. s. Legree. and ]. Leighton Wilson, Of
South Carolina; j. D. McCintock, of the Synod
of Kentucky; Jacob H. Smith, J. Rumple, j. NJ.
Atkinson, E. Hines S. A. Stan6eld, and L.
Johnston, of the Synod of North Carolina; J. NJ.
Cochran, of Texas; and j. L. Burrows, D. D., Of
the Baptist Church, were invited to seats as cor
rasnnndinr memhers