davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
The Elixir of Youth.

A medical magazine in England announces
a new remedy for the infrmities of old age
Thus far it gives report of only one case,
but the publication of this will probably
make ether smelling bottles common among
persons Of advanced age, particularly if they
are also irritable and cross. The account of
it is as follows:
"Sir Frederick Pollock, best known to his
countrymen as the late Chief Baron of the
Exchequer, has long been remarkable for
great mental and physical energy. He is
now eighty,six years of age, and to the great
wonder and joy of his friends his strength
scarcely in any way fails him. Still some
years ago he suffered from the indefnable
nervous malaise which is incident to old age
and which sometimes makes itself known in
painful spasms more or less connected with
the digestive system. 1t was necessary to
find some drug that would be at once stimu-
liant and narcotic in its effect, such as tobacco
or opium. These drugs, if taken in moder
alton, are often found of great benefit in old
age, as soothers of its nervous troubles; but
unfortunately they failed to suit Sir Freder-
lex Pollock or they did not produce the de-
sired effect. He therefore tried ether-the
best rectifed ether-which he inhaled from
an ordinary bottle applied to one nostril (;
and let US state, in passing, that the safety
of the experiment to some extent depends
on the inhalation of the spirit through only
one nostril.
GA few whifs taken in this way removed
spasm and pain, and induced general tran
guilty of the nervous system. Sir Freder-
lex goes on with the inhalations every day,
and enjoysin consequence magnificent health.
The quantity of ether which he uses is va
riable; sometimes it amounts to several
ounces day; but how much of this escapes
and how much of it is absorbed into the sys-
TEN it would be difficult to estimate. 1t is
supposed that but very small quantities of
ether can enter the system in such inhala-
tions as we have described, since not only
does much escape at once into the air, but
also of that which is actually inhaled large
proportion is again exhaled. Never in any
caseis so much of the vapor absorbed as to
disturb consciousness or to cloud the intel
lect. Nor is sleep in any way at all COM
PEELED, although by the removal of nervous
irritability it is favored.
"Sir Frederick Pollock is, we observe,
able to sleep for as many as eleven hours out
of the twenty-four-but this includes a reg
ular midday siesta. Whether the remedy
which he has found so happy in its effects on
himself will suit others who may suffer from
the irritability of advancing years is ques'
ton in which London medical men are just
now much interested"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
Central Qresbptatian,
Office No. 1015 Main street. nearly opposite
the Post Office.
TIE r M s.

Three Dollars year, payable in adrance. Pay
ments made within the first f,co months from date
of subscription, will be considered in advance.
-Four Dollars year, if payment is not made with.
in two months.
All subscribers who do not give express notice to
the contrary will be regarded as wishing to continue
their subscription and the paper will be sent TO
them accordingly.
No paper will be discontinued until arrearages
are paid except in special cases at the discretion of
the Editor.
PosTAGE.-Twenty cents year-to be paid at the
Office where the paper is received.
The BEST MODES OF MAKING PAYMENTS are here
put down according to the order in which they are
preferred:
l. To local agents wherever practicable; all min
listers of our Church are authorised to act as such
2. BANK CHECK, or Posi- OFFICE MONEY ORDER
may be sent by mail without risk of loss
3. Where neither of these can be procured, send
in a registered letter. Under the new regulations
this mode is ordinarily safe.
The cost of the money order or registered letter
may be deducted from the amount transmitted.
Money sent according to the directions above is
at OUR RISK. If transmitted simply by mail IT
MUST BE THE RISK OF THE PARTY SENDING IT.
MARRIAGES AND DEATEs.-Notices inserted with
out charge.
OBITUARIES. Charged at ten cents line. The
party sending can make the estimate By counting
eight words to a line. Payment Invariably in ad
rance.
COMMUNICATIONS AND LETTERS ON BUSINESS should
be addressed to Central Presbyterian, Box IL,
Richmond, Va.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
From the Missouri Presbyterian.
Sick Bed and Death Bed Repentance.

Mr.. Editor: Many yearslago, was spend
ing the night at the hospitable home of Rev.
Thomas Cleland, D. D., of Kentucky. He
was man of rare conversational powers,
as well as of great pulpit talent. Few left
his house without feeling regret that their
stay was so short. DR.. G. had great tact
for giving religious turn to any topic of
conversation that might be introduced
During the evening some one spoke of per-
son who had lately died, who had lived a
wicked life, but professed to have expe-
rienced a change of heart during his sick
ness, and died happy. DIR. G. remarked, he
had very little confidence in sick-bed re-
pentance; and then related the following sad
case: A young man, member of his con-
gregation, and near relative, had grown
up under his preaching, had often been under
deep conviction, had passed through many
precious revivals of religion, and had again
and again seemed almost persuaded to be a
Christian. While many of his youthful
companions, and many of his kindred &C.
cording to the flesh gave their hearts to God,
and made public profession of their faith
in Christ, he refused and at times made light
of religion. He grew holder in wickedness,
and sat sin the seat of the scorner." Dur
ing a season of much fatal sickness, this
young man was violently attacked with the
prevailing epidemic. From the very begin,
ming of his sickness, he became fearfully
alarmed, tossed in agony of mind upon his
bed, and entreated Christians as they en-
tered his room to pray for him, crying out
" 1 am lost, am lost" At the time, there
was young man living with DR.. c., a stu
dent of theology, James G. Barnes, after
wards Rev. James c. Barnes, D. D., whose
memory is still fondly cherished by thous-
ands of good men and women, for his work s
sake. Mr.. B. took great interest in this
young man, visited him day and night, prayed
often with him, repeated the precious prom
ises of the Gospel which gave encourage
ment to the chief of sinners to come to
Christ and be saved. For while there
seemed to be no hope for the sick young man.
He must die and be lost. His physician
told him he could not recover, that few
days would terminate his existence here
DR.. G.. visited him often, prayed with him
and endeavored to direct him to Christ, the
sinners Friend. After his sickness had
continued for three weeks, all at once an
entire change seemed to have come over him.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
For rHE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
CHRISTMAS EVE.

Christmas eve was a cold and cherries
day, and Charlie B. felt it to be so as he
rode to the c. H. village for the mail, but
he whistled and sung and endeayored not to
think of the west wind which was pinching
his face. He soon reached the Post Office,
the master gave him his mail and then said,
SECT down, Charlie, l have something to
show you" Charlie politely thanked him,
and said, that he did not have time, that
"Pawas in hurry for the papers. " But
you mast come; l have something really nice
to show you" Over persuaded, he at last
went in, and there was large bowl of egg
nogg, some men were drinking, and all be-
gan at once to beg him to join. them. But
Charlie was brave, good boy, and he firmly
resisted AS he went out, he heard man
say, II would have given ten dollars to make
that boy drunk; l should like to haYe seen
the old DIR. when he got home" Charlie
thought of his gray-haired father, and tears
rose to his eyes, and he silently thanked God
that he had had strength to resist; for he
did not know till then, the danger he had
been inf he had drank one glass. have
a doubt that he would have left that place a
sober bog.
Dear boys, who read this story, 6eseech
you, Be 5ravs;, resist the first glass. Would
you dread to dishonOr yourselves and bring
grief and shame to all that love you? Then
avoid the dram shop. AS we look around
us and see the men who should be the COM
fort of their families and the pride of their
country, giving way to this beastly temp
tation, our hearts sink within US, and we
often ask, is there any hope for the future
generation, when the bad example is at
home, and begins with the infancy of the
child? With God all things are possible,
and OH Christians, let us watch over and
pray more earnestly for our children, and
perhaps he will spare US this great calamity
in our old age. G.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16

and their attention is easily attracted to
other objects. When all heads are bent for.
ward in an eager circle around the teacher,
and silence reigns in the class, broken only
by the low, but earnest tones of the teacher,
one can be sure that he has not come unpre-
pared to his work.
But it is not enough for the teacher to be
regular and punctual and prepared to teach.
He must have definite aim in his teaching.
And here many teachers fail sadly in their
work They are satisfied if they succeed in
securing the attention of their classes by the
attractiveness of their words or thoughts
Now it is well to be attractive, but if this is
all, no good may result from the teachers
efforts. A play, a novel are attractive, but
injurious to the mind and heart. The teacher
should attract only in order to benefit. Nor
is instruction the highest end of Sabbath
school teaching, although this is important.
The truth is Gods means for enlightening
the soil and preparing it for usefulness, but
after all, it is only the instrument and not
the end. The I'D which every teacher
should set BEE f and endeavor to
secure, is Il 81 com
mitted to hi
with regularS
LA 8.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
The Sunday School Teacher.

The Sunday school must have a good su.
perintendent in order to success, but the su,
perintendent needs good teachers to second
his efforts, and be to their classes all that he
endeavOrs to be to them and to the school
The good teacher will be regular in his at,
tendance upon the school. Stormy weather
viii not keep the teacher at home, nor any
slight indisposition or inconvenience. The
steady attendance of pupils depends much
upon whether they are sure of meeting their
teacher. Whose classes are usually full,
even on the rainy Sabbaths! Are they not
those of the regular teachers? The same is
true of punctuality. A punctual teacher
will have a punetual class. The boys or
girls will be ashamed to come dropping in
one by one after the exercises have begun, if
the teacher is always in his place when the
bell rings for opening the school. There is
a class. of six little girls in this city who re-
ported, all together, only eighteen absences
last year; and class of seven boys, six of
whom have not been absent or late in the
same period. There were a good many
stormy Sundays in the year, but the teacher
was always in his place, or if that was i'm
possible, competent substitute was on hand.
But there is more needed than regularity
and punctuality. These are only the be-
ginning of teachers qualifications for Sun
day School work. lie must be prepared to
teach, and for this preparation there is no
good substitute for the teachers meeting :"
The bright and animated discussion of the
lesson in a well-eonducted teachers meeting
is stimulating to the mind; the questions
which are stated are not unlike those which
will occur to the members of the classes /;
the pastor can be present often, and solve
difficulties or settle questions easily, and the
private study Of the lesson afterwards will
be easier and pleasantsr than if no help had
been gained by the interchange of thought
with other teachers. A teacher may be reg
ular and punetual, but if he is not prepared
by previous study and conversation upon the
lesson, to teach it, his pupils will be istless
and inattentive. Children's minds are active
and eager, and if teacher is indoIent, neg
hgent and unprepared, they soon diseOverit
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
Sabbath School Literature.

The literature of the Sabbath School may
not be, in respect to quality, all that could
be desired; but it may be doubted whether
there is any other department of literature
that is exerting as much influence on the
destinies of mankind. Infdelity, Moham-
mechanism, and Buddhism have no peculiar
literature for the young, nor have they any
peculiar institution where to inculcate their
sentiments on the young. Science, with
great difficulty, prepares books for the young,
but its literature in astronomy, botany,
chemistry, designed to guide the young, as
compared with the literature of the Sabbath
School, is meager in the extreme. The Sab
bath School and the Sabbath School library,
stand by themselves. Both capable, un.
doubtedly, of great Improvement, they are,
nevertheless, exerting vast power on the
coming generation, and it is difficult to see
how a religion that has such an agency as
the Sabbath School could be exterminated
from the world. One day during each week
of every month in the year the children of
this nation o brought directly under Chris
tian instr all the advantages, in
theory into the service
the bes 90, the
vsrrnas a.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16

Now he is so happy, so joyful, ready and
anxious to depart and be with Christ his
dear Saviour. He exhorted Christians to
live nearer to God, that soon their tolls and
labor would be over, and he would meet them
in heaven. A relative entering the room at
this time he said, "Uncle W, yesterday
I would have given worlds to have been in
your stead, but now would not be for
worlds. I shall soon be with Christ which
is far better" He exhorted his ungodly
friends who visited him to prepare to meet
him in heaven. DIR. G. said such scene of
transporting joy he had scarcely ever wit
messed, yet he could rejoice with but fear
and doubt. Contrary to all expectations the
young man recovered. At the first Sacra-
mental meeting everybody expected young
A. would connect himself with the peo-
pie of God, and make public profession of
his faith in Christ. But he did not. An
other sacramental meeting came and passed,
but A was not present. His outward
conduct was irreproachable for more than
twelve months. And then he manifested
restlessness under religious influence, avoided
the society of his Christian friends, and
showed plainly his delight was with the
wicked. In a few years he became more
wicked than before his sickness. Sudden
destruction came upon him-he fell dead
without moments warning, while engaged
in a convivial feast with wicked associates.
81 have very little faith, said DR.. c., Gin
death-bed or sick-bed repentance.
I think it was good John Newton, who
said, when called out of his parish to preach
a funeral sermon, and a friend Of the de-
ceased began to tell how happy the man was
in view of death, "Stop, sir, tell me how he
lived"
I once heard an aged minister remark that
every few of the many sick-bed conversions
of which he had personal knowledge, stood
the test of returning health" suppose
this is the experience of all whose attention
has been turned to this subject
Reader, is it your intention to get all from
the world it can give to you, and when you
have to leave it, set about preparing for
heaven? You should fear, lest, like thous-
ands who followed the course you are mark
ing out for yourself, you find, when too late,
that your hope is as the hope of the hypo'
critic. w. w. R.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
BY THE REV. A. H. BUCKINGHAM, D. D.

We mean "Christian work" Of thereal
article we can not have too much. 1t is by
work, the Christian exercise of physical,
mental, and spiritual powers, that men are
benefited and the religion of Jesus advanced
Such efforts, with Gods blessing, are the
ordained precursors of spiritual good to man.
He who brings all his abilities under the
sway of the Christian spirit, and marshals
them in the interest of human welfare, chal-
lenges our profoundest regard. He alone is
achieving the true end of life. Would that
our churches abounded in such conservation
and activity Of that activity and demon
stration which rests upon and are the Ian
guage of love to God and man, there cannot
be too many exhibitions, nor can their mer-
its be too loudly applauded. But is there
not an activity called Christian, business-ike
and brusque, more current at the present
day than ever before, which often overlies a
shallow, fippant character, and has little or
no root in Christian conviction or expert
ence? A certain smartness and blitheness
characterize many of these "Christian
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
Peabody.

Scipio said, in reply to a suggestion to
make a desperate assault: 81 had rather
save the life of one citizen than destroy a
thousand enemies" If greatness were
measured by power to save rather than by
power to destroy, then no one would wonder
at the honors paid to the remains of George
Peabody. Great generals aud great states
men often confer great blessings on their
country, but such man as Peabody confers
benefit on the world. Spain will have less
difficulty in securing a successor for the
throne of CASTLE and Arragon than the world
in obtaining another Peabody. His life did
not consist in the abundance which he pos
sessed, but in the wisdom of and nobleness
with which he dispensed his treasures. And
yet what more natural and sensible occupa-
ton for man of vast wealth than the suit
able disposition of his property while yet in
the full possession of his powers? What
higher qualification can there be for sue
cessful man than to witness the laying of the
earthly foundation on which his treasures are
to be built up, and with which they are to be
preserved for generations? Posthumous lib
crafty, however munifcent, can never be
the same in fact or feeling with the works of
Peabody. AS far as the giver is concerned,
posthumous beneficence is on a par with the
deathbed forgiveness of enemies, that is not
to hold good in case the forgiven RECEIVERS
sufficiently to give his enemies their deserts.
We honor the memory of Peabody because
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
Annual Collections.

Our General Assembly has appointed the fol-
lowing as the times for the annual collections for
its benevolent schemes:
For Sustentation: On the first Sabbath in Jan
uary.
For Publication: On the first Sabbath in March.
For Foreign Missions: On the first Sabbath in
May.
For Education On the first Sabbath in No
vember.
For the Relief of Disabled Ministers, and the
Widows and Orphans of Deceased Minister'S
On the first Sabbath in July.
In cases where it is highly inconvenient to take
up collections on these days, the Assembly enjoins
that they shall be taken up as soon as possible
thereafter
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
Synod of Memphis.


Chickasaw-J. H. Gailard Coonewa, Miss.
Memphis-Geo A. Russell, Somerville, Tenn.
North Mississippi-E. NJ. Richardson, Grenada,
Tuscumbia-W. Fl. Mitchell, Florence, Ala
Western District.-J o. Sullivan, Humboldt, Tenn.
Synod of Mississippi.
Central MisSissippi-J. Hunter, Jackson, Miss.
Louisiand-A r. Graves, Baton Rouge La.
Nississippi-R Price, Port Gibson, Miss.
Nep Orieans-H. NJ. Smith, New Orleans, La.
Red Rirer-J. F. Ford Shreveport, La.
Tombeck5ee-A. Il. Barley Charlottesville, Miss
Synod of Nashville.
Holston-S B. Campbell Leesburg, Tenn
KnorriHe-J. K Hitner, Cleveland, Tenn.
NashUiUe-J. w. Neil Murfreesboro, Tenn. -
North Alabama-W. II. Vernon, Cornersville, Tenn
Synod of North Carolina
Concord-J. D. Parks, Charlotte, n. c.
Fdyetteriue-D. Farley, Manchester, 9.
Ordnoe-J. Fl. Smith, Greensboro n. y.
WiIminqton-H. A. Monroe, Brown Marsh, n. G.
Synod of South Carolina.
S. Carolina-A. A. Porter, Spartanburg,, s. q.
Charleston-W. 81. Adams, Charleston, 5. y.
Bethel-James Il. Sage, Lewisvile, S. Q.
Harmony-D. Z. Frierson, Mars Bluff, 5. Y.
Synod of Texas.
Brazos-R F. Bunting D. D., Galveston, Texas.
Central Teras-S A. King, Waco, Texas.
Eastern Tears.
WeStern TerdS.
Synod of Virginia.
Abinqdon-J. N. Naf, Dublin Depot, Va.
Chesapeake
East Hanooer-W. A. Campbell, Powhatan c. H.,
Va.
Greenbrier. II. Leps, Frankfort, West Va.
Lexington
MONTGOMERY j. d. Mitchell Lynchburg, Va.
Roanoke. B. Shearer, Black Walnut, Va.
West Hanorer-E. Woods, Charlottesville, Va.
vt.chester>-M. W. Woodwork, Burlington, W. We.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
NSTITU TIr


Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D. .stsd c7srE' Au-
gusta, Ga.
Rev. William Brown, D. D., Permanent Clerk,
Richmond, Va.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF sUsTENTATIoN.
Rev. ]. Leighton Wilson, D. D., Secretary, Col
umbia, S. G.
Rev. Prof James Woodrow, Treasurer, Column
bia s. G.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN MISSIONS
Rev. j. Leighton Wilson, D. D., Secretary, Col
umbia, S. c.
Rev. Prof. James Woodrow, Treasurer, Column
bia, S. c.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.
Rev. E. Thompson Baird, D. D., Secretary, Rich
mond, Va.
c. Gennet, Esq, Treasurer, Richmond, Va.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF EDUCATION.
Rev. E. Thompson Baird, D. D., Secretary, Rich
mond, Va.
G. Gennet, ESQ.,, Treasurer, Richmond, Va.
TRUSTEES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Thomas C. Perrin, President
Joseph H. Wilson, Vice President.
Jesse Lindsay, Secretary and Treasurer.
FOR ONE YEAR.
Robert Adger, Charleston, S. c.
Hon. ]. A. Inglis, Cheraw, S. C.
j. A. Ansley, Augusta, Ga.
John Whiting, Montgomery, Ala.
Rev. B. NJ. Palmer, D. D., New Orleans, La.
FOR TWO YEARS
J. Hartman Brown, Baltimore, Nd.
II. j. Kirkpatrick, Lynchburg, Va.
D. N. Kennedy, GAINESVILLE, Tenn.
John Handy, Canton, Miss.
Rev. Samuel Mckinney, D. D., Austin, Texas.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16
III Il s b and w.

A LARGE farm near Norfolk, Va, has
been purchased by company with the de-
sign of extracting the pulp from the cane
which abounds in the adjacent swamps. This
pulp will make when compressed admirable
material for building houses and ships, as
we'll as buckets, &C., which are now made Of
wood
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-16

by grand example he has taught the ma
tions how to employ wealth, while living, for
the good of others. So to do did not de
mand from him any such personal sacrifice
as that made by the widow, when Jesus sat
over against the treasury. But lit did require
the greatest of sacrifices and the greatest OF
triumphs that are made and Won by him who
rules his own spirit, and in so doing is great
err than he that taketh a city. In some
countries the last horse in the funeral pro-
cession of prince is gaily dressed for his
successor. Is there millionaire in England
or America who will continue the line of this
glorious succession?