davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
A Wonderful Prize Essay.

Prize essays are so common that they ex-
cite little interest nova. days. Particularly
is this true of medical prize essays; but one
has recently been written which deserves
mention at least 1t seems that some time
ago, the Massachusetts, Medical Society Of
fered prize of fifty dollars for the best dis
sertation on ventilating Sickrooms at the
least expense, with the least difficulty, and
at the moment needed. Whereupon some
body writes as follows: "PuH DOM the
upper windOw sash, and Leave the fireplace
open." This is all there is of it, Wequery
whether there has ever been medical essay
written which was more pointed and practi
cable. If this paper does not win the fifty
dollars, we propose to raise that sum from
private sources, and pay it over to the au-
thor. Sometimes it does great deal of
good to tell people, in plain English, what
they already know so thoroughly that they
hardly know it at all.-Herald Of Health.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
Central 4resbptuian.
Office No. 1015 Main street, nearly opposite
the Post Office

Three Dollars year, payable in adcance Pay.
ments made within the first t,oo months from date
OF subscription, will be considered in advance.
-Four Dollars a 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 at the discretion of
the Editor.
PosTAGE-Twenty cents yesr-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 PosT OFFICE MONEY ORDER
may be sent by mail without risk of loss.
g. Where neither Of these can be procured. send
in 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 1T
MUST BE AT THE RISK OF THE PARTY SENDING 1T.
MARRIAGES AND DEATHs.-Notices inserted with
out charge.
OBITUARIES. Charged at ten cents line. The
party sending can make the estimate b, counting
eight words to line. Payment Invariably in ad.
rance.
CONVERSATIONS AND LETTERS on BUSINESS should
be addressed to Central Presbyterian, Box II,
Richmond, Va.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
Aunsehuld aFptas.
Faith of Children.

This story is told by correspondent OF
the Chicago Advance:
"Here was a helpless little brood indeed;
but He who hears the young ravens when
they cry, spreads over them his shielding
wings. Among these four little boys there
was one whose infant trust in the love and
goodness of his heavenly Father shone like
a fixed star. When his mothers heart was
ready to break with the weight and want Of
woe, his little voice was always ready to
soOthe and cheer her with the lessons Of
faith learned from her own lips. He seemed
a little comforter sent from heaven to bid
her keep up heart and hope. Sore was her
need of one. As the meal would 60 down
in the barrel, down would go the mothers
heart-sinking, sinking. But this little
cherub, with his clear, bright faith, took
note of the fact that the barrel was no soon
er emptied than, by some means or other, it
was supplied again.
One day he sat and pondered over this,
until thought flashed into his mind like
ray of light from heaven. "Mamma," said
the slttle one, with face all aglow, Il
think God hears when we scrape the bottom
of the barrel
do not know how this childish utterance
may effect others; but cannot write it
without tears-not tears of compassion, sim
ply, for such pitiful poverty, but tears Of
gratitude for such beautiful faith, tears of
delight in the tender poetry of the uncon-
sciOus babe.
When all the streams of comfort seem to
fail, think not, o fainting pilgrim that you
are forgotten in your need; for, as there is
a God in heaven, he will hear when you
"scrape the bottom of the barrel.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
The Bird with a Knapsack.

The pelican is large African bird, which
has one popularity quite different from all
of its cousins. 1t has very oddly-shaped
bill, and below it a great sack Of skin, in
which to carry its provisions. Peicans might
answer for soldier-birdS, they are so com
fortably supplied with ,knapsacks. These
pouches are said to be large enough to hold
fifteen quarts of water. When the bird
goes fishing, it always fills this sack, and
then it returns to digest its food at its leisure.
Some writer says that pouch can hide hsh
enough to feed sixty hungry men. Probably
they would require something else to help
piece out the meal; but certainly this curl
Gus contrivance might hold enough to last
its owner day or two, if he was not so
voracious As it is, he hears the "hungry
call" early in the morning, and lazily moves
his sluggish form preparatory to flight. 1t
seems as hard as the movements of the slug
gard and food must be had. So he mounts
to the height of twenty or thirty feet, keep
ing one eye turned towards the water. AS
soon as he sees a fish near enough to the
surface, he darts down upon him like an
arrow, and quickly drops him into the KNAPP.
sack. So, very laboriously he travels and
fishes until his supply is obtained. Then he
flies to shore, and rests in ease and content
ment. Before night, however, the hungry
call is heard again in his greedy stomach,
and he is forced to make another sally for
his supper.
All his spare time he spends in dismal,
solemn quiet-hiS head resting on his prec-
Gus magazine of fish, DOING away the bright
hours.
The flesh is too rancid for even a savage's
feast; but they are killed in great numbers
for their silken pouches, which serve great
many useful purposes. They are even dressed
and embroidered by the Spanish ladies, and
made into handsome satchels.
These birds are sometimes tanned, and
taught to fish for their masters. They are
said to live to the age of fifty, and even
eighty years.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
"Out Of the Mouth of Babes"

The manner in which God sometimes uses
little child as the vehicle of His ministra-
ton among men is very instructive, and
ought to encourage teachers and all to whom
the care and culture of the little ones is en-
trusted. Here is an incident in point:
".NIrs. Ross, may Luther go home with
me and stay tonight" said little Alice Bell
to the minister's wife, who was visiting, with
her husband and children, among the men,
bers of his congregation.
The family of which Alice was the young
est made no profession of religion. Mr.. Bell
was a good man IN his Vay; that-is, he was
honest and. kind; but he had never become
child of God.
Luther went home with Alice, and pleas
ant romp they had. At last the children's
bedtime came. Now Luther had been taught
to kneel down by his papa's knee, and re-
peat his prayer before going to bed. So the
artless child, in absence of his parents,
walked confidently up to Mr.. Bell, and knelt
down, folded his little hands, and in clear
voice repeated:
''Now l lay me down to sleep,
| pray the Lord my soul to keep;
If l should die before 1 wake
pray the Lord my soul to takei
And this ask for Jesus sake Amen"
So quietly did the child act, that the old
man was not aware of his intention until
saying "Amen." He arose, and going to
each, he kissed them good night.
Little Alice stood in childish astonishment,
wondering what thestrangep rOceedingmeant.
When the children were asleep, the family
sat long and thOught'ully. Each seemed to
be pursuing an absorbing train of thought.
At length Mrs. Bell broke the silence, as a
tear sparkled on her cheek, saying, "What
a sweet child!'
Mr.. Bell took no part in the conversation
thus started, but leaving the family circle,
retired to his bedroom.
He passed restless night, and to the oft
repeated question of his wife, "if he were
unwell?'' he only replied, mo"
Morning came, and while breakfast was
being prepared, the cheerful "good morn
in" of the children, and their playfulness,
seemed to drive away the singular gloom of
kind Mr.. Bell The chairs were placed, and
they sat down to breakfast
Luther, wondering why they did not have
worship, looked from one to the other as
they began to eat without the "grace" they
always had at home. Thinking, no doubt,
that they forgot, he turned his eyes to Mr..
Bell, and said, almost in whisper, eve
didn't pray" 1t was too much. The old
man left the table. Going to his room, he
fell upon his knees, and wept and prayed.
Mr.. Bell and most of his family now stand
at the Lords table with their neighbors,
showing how God "out of the mouth of
babes and stockings hath perfected praise.
Luther did what many sermons and exhorta-
tons failed to do, and now he and Alice may
both repeat their little prayers by Mr.. Bells
knees, while, with his hand upon their heads,
he smiles and echoes heartily the amen;
and the family altar is erected and loved.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
Amsbamdrp.
The Wages of Machinery.

"There are in the United States about
thirteen millions of laboring men, women,
and children. There are also very large
number of laboring machines. 1t is estimat-
ed that there is steam machinery in the
United States equal to two million horse
power, or more than fourteen millions of
full grown men. A large portion of this
machinery works day and nig ht. 1t is never
sick, never idle, never goes on sprees, never
strikes. 1t always works, when required,
up to its full capacity, and never tires. 1t
is not unreasonable to estimate the work of
the machinery as equal to that of twenty
eight millions of full grown Industrious men,
1t is evident, therefore, that only one third
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30

it is likely to be associated with The con-
sequence of this is, that moving water has
at least seven times less power over it-less
power to move it along, either suspended in
the water or rolling along its bed. When
the drift, therefore, was formed, vast guam
titles of stone might be removed to great
distances, while the gold was left behind,
not far from its native site. All the large
Jumps of gold will certainly be but little re-
moved, as also all the large Jumps of quartz,
heavily freighted with gold. Grains of gold
and small Jumps may be carried further,
while scale-gold and fine dust, especially if
fiat and thin, may be carried to very consid-
cradle distances,-Morgan's British Trade
Journal.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
Running in Debt.

A young man running in debt is painful
sight The disposition to do this is the fore
runner and exponent of all evil, Apostolic
authority says: "The love of money is the
root of all evil" But when young man
loves money so we'll as to get it while know
ing he cannot repay, or be willing to take it
before he has honestly earned it, there is, in
most cases, lying behind this, some passion
so strong as to thus overbear his moral prin
cples in clamoring for its indulgence
Pleasure, especially unlawful pleasure, is
perilous and exhaustive thing. Lawful, ne
cessary, and healthful pleasure, like the pure
mountain air, and the gushing waters of the
mountain spring, has been made accessible
by our Creator, at comparatively little trou,
bic and expense. Any indulgence may be
known as unlawful when it can be reached
only by running in debt. The highway Of
sin is an expensive road to travel. The fare,
the charges, are all high, And they have to
be paid twice over, not only in currency, but
also in something more precious than gold,
quarried from the depths and springs of our
being. No person ever travelled on that
highway, so attractive in prospect, without
becoming bankrupt and pawning his own
peace and life long happiness before he gets
to the end of his journey.
Whenever young man, of moderate sal
airy, is seen always cramped for money, and
ready to borrow of his friends, he is surely
on the downward grade of respectability.-
Willingness to run in debt is in itself a great
vice. 1t is caused by the wish to crafty
unlawful cravings lying behind, as yet per-
haps undisclosed to the eyes of the world
Experienced men really judge what this
want of money indicates; and, however fair
your character may seem in other respects,
they will be satisfied, from this alone, that
there is some hidden faint and unsoundness.
However small your income, always live
within your means. There is less unhappi-
ness in doing without necessary things, than
there is in the consciousness of being in debt.
Herodotus says that, among the ancient Per-
slams, "To tell lie is considered by them
the greatest disgrace; next to that, to be in
debt; and this, for many reasons, but, espe-
cially, because they think that one who runs
in debt must, of necessity, tell lies" Does
your experience, your conscience, tell you
this is true?
Always keep an unspent and unpawned
dime in the bottom pocket. Its touch will
always be invigorating: and, with talismanic
power, send through your soul an energy
making you carry countenance flushed
with honorable frankness. This simple dime
is invaluable, as the symbol of manly indepen-
dence. The consciousness of debt, in young
man, begets incpient meanness of character,
and when continued DEVELOPS this into con-
firmed habit, tainting the whole nature. A
man yet in his prime, who has accumulated
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30

QUALITIES OF A GENTLEMAN.-Mr Thack-
cray, who is credited by one as being the
gentlest of critics, tenderest of satirsts, sharp
est of cynics, hardest of moralists, just as
the mood takes him. has the following on
the qualities of a gentleman:
''What is it to be gentleman? Is it to
have lofty aims, to lead pure life, to keep
your honor virgin, to have the esteem Of
YOUR fellow citizens, and the love of your
freside, to bear good fortune meekly, to
suffer evil with constancy, and through evil
or good to maintain truth always? Show me
the happy man whose life exhibits these
qualities, and him we will salute as gentle
man, whatever his rank may be; show me
the prince who possesses them, and he may
be sure of our love and loyalty"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
The Sea Serpent.

Professor O. G. Marsh, who has for some
time past been investigating the character of
the vertebre remains found in the Tertiary
green sand of New Jersey, describes in the
November number Of the american Journal
Of Science, new and gigantic fossil SER
pent, to which on account of its size, he has
given the name DinophiS grandis This re-
markable animal is represented by a single
dorsal vertebra, now in the College museum.
From this specimen Professor Marsh con-
cludes that the animal must have been no
less than thirty feet in length, and was prob
ably sea serpent, allied to the boa constric-
tor of modern times. The vertebra was 'found
in the Eocene green sand, near Shark river,
Monmouth county, N. j., and was presented
to the museum by Dr. W. S. Kimball, of Ea-
tontown.
More wonderful still, however, are the re-
mains of several new species of that most re-
markable of all the ancient reptiles, the
Mosasaurus, discovered by Professor Cope as
sslong slender reptile, with a powerful pair
of paddles in front, moderately long neck
and fat pointed head. The very long tail
was fat and deep like that of great eel,
forming powerful propeller" A view of
one species of this formidable animal is given
in plate in the american Naturalist for
April. 1t is the animal seen on the right,
having a forked tongue, rearing from, the
water. One of the new species discovered
by Professor Marsh, to judge from an almost
complete skeleton in his possession, was
probably not less than seventy five feet in
length Its head measured five feet, and its
Jaws we're set with enormous teeth.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
The Chinese as Servants.

The Rev. A. L. Stone, in letter from
California to the Boston COngregatiOnalst,
has the following:
81 have now for many months employed
the Chinese as house-servants. 1 would not
90 back to the old style of domestic service
for any consideration. The new servants do
their work nimbly and noiselessly. The
quiet of the kitchen department is very
noticeable. Its increased economy is equally
a matter of surprise and joy. All mysteri-
Gus leaks seem somehow to be stopped
Sugars and teas and spices and butter and
lard, and all the small household stores, 90
farther than once. All odds and ends
are saved. Roasted joints and half turkeys
come back upon the table as they were dis
missed the day before, only garnished anew
and made presentabe. There is no demand
for evenings out, or half-days for private
sewing and mending. There is no answer
ing back only cheerful all right There
is no complaint of large washings, or festal
cookery, or irregular meals. There is no
entertaining of company, making high life
below stairs. Though many of these SER
wants have but few words of English, it is
easy to make them understand. Once shown
how to do thing whose method is novel to
them, they never forget. Their ingenuity
in the variation of table dishes is quite sur
prising and gratifying. Their patient steadi-
ness and good temper under all their tasks,
and their strict fidelity to their employer s
interests, make house keeping strange
luxury. And, on the other side, there is
positively scarcely one disadvantage to be
urged as an Offset to this manifold gain"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
Synod of Kentucky.
Central Ohio-Robert Bell.

Central Ohio-Robert Bell.
Synod of Memphis.
CEickasaw-J. 81. Gaillard, Coonewa, Miss.
MemDhis-Geo. A. Russell, Somerville, Tenn.
North Mississippi-Edwin Cater, Oxford, Miss
Western District.-J. o. Sullivan, Humboldt, Tenn.
Synod of Mississippi.
Central Mississippi-J. Hunter, Jackson, Miss.
Louisiana-A. r. Graves, Baton Rouge, La.
Mississippi-R. Price, Port Gibson, Miss.
Nep Orleans-H. NJ. Smith, New Orleans, La.
T0mbeck6ee-A. q. Barkley Charlottesville Miss.
Synod of Nashville.
HoLston-S. B. Campbell, Leesburg, Tenn.
KnorriUe-J. K. Hitner, Cleveland, Tenn.
W. Neil Murfreesboro, Tenn.
North Alabanna-W. a. Vernon, Cornersville, Tenn.
Synod of North Carolina.
Concord-J. D. Parks Charlotte, N. C.
FayettsriUe-D. Farley, Manchester, c.
Mecklenburq-W. A. Mcdonald, Charlotte, n.
Orange-J. 81. Smith, Greensboro N. G.
Wilmington-H A. Monroe Brown Marsh, N. G.
Synod of South Carolina.
s. Carolina-John McLees Greenwood, S. G.
CharlestOn-W. d. Adams, Charleston, s. c.
Bethel-James a. Sage, Lewisyille, s. G.
HarmOny-D Mcqueen, Sumter, 5. Z.
Synod Of Texas.
Brazos-R. F. Bunting, D. D.. Galveston, Texas.
Central TeraS-S. A. King, Waco, Texas.
Eastern Teras-C. NJ Shepperson.
Western Teras-J. F. Martin, San Antonio, Texas.
Synod of Virginia.
Abingdon-J. N. Naff, Dublin Depot, Va.
Chesapeake
Greenbrier- n Leps, Frankfort West Va,
Lerinqton-W Z. Baker, Stanton, Fs.
Aontgomery-W W. Houston, Salem, Va 60
R0caoke--J. B. Shesrer, Black Walnut, w
West iYanocer-E. Woods, ca 6 tesyIE
FinchsssS; - W oo4worth, Buslin gtop, w. Ys.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
INSTITUTIONS AND OFFICERS
OFTHE
Presbyterian Church in the United States.

CLERKS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D. D., Stated Clerk Au.
gusta, Ga.
Rev. William Brown, D. D., Permanent Clerk,
Richmond, Va.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF sUsTENTATIoN.
Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., Secretary, Col
umbia, s. G.
Rev. Prof James Woodrow, Treasurer, Colum-
bia, s. G.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN MISSIONS.
Rev. j. Leighton Wilson, d. D., Secretary, Col
umbis, s. G.
Rev. Prof James Woodrow, Treasurer, Colum.
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.
C. Gennet, Esq, Treasurer, Richmond, Va.
TRUSTEES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Thomas C. Perrin, President.
Joseph a. Wilson, Vice President.
Jesse Lindsay, Secretary and Treasurer.
FOR ONE YEAR.
Robert Adger, Charleston, s. G.
Hon. j. A. Inglis, Cheraw, S. G.
]. A. Ansley, Augusta, Ca
John Whiting, Montgomery, Ala.
Rev. B. NJ. Palmer, d. D., New Orleans, La.
FOR TWO YEARS.
j. Hartman Brown, Baltimore, Nd
T. j. Kirkpatrick, Lynchburg, Va.
D. N. Kennedy, GAINESVILLE, Tenn.
John Handy, Canton Miss.
Rev Samuel Mckinney, D. D., Austin, Texas.
FOR THREE YEARS.
Hon. Thomas G. Perrin, Abbeville, S. c.
Joseph II. Wilson. Charlotte, N. c.
Jesse H. Lindsay, Greensboro n. G.
James Hemphill, Chester, S. c.
Rev. George Howe, D. D., Columbia, s. G.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30

a fortune of two millions by honest industry,
said, 81 began with determination to keep
within my wages. When getting only twenty
FIVE cents day. always saved something
This principle has carried him, and will carry
you, to high elevation of character, to great
influence, and to independent fortune.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-30
Annual Collections.

Our General Assembly has appointed the fol-
lowing as the times for the annual collections for
It's 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 enjolns
that they shall be taken up as soon as possible
thereafter