davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
Reaching the Heart.

A teacher, now in the First Presbyterian
church of Elmira, had years ago the follow
ing interesting experience:
A child came into her class for Sabbath,
whose father was a welrknown infdel. He
had carefully kept her from all religious
reading and instruction, but had at length
yielded to her request to go for once to the
Sunday School. The teacher resolved to
make the most of one opportunity, and lay
ing aside the usual lessons, went over the life
of Jesus. The child listened more eagerly
than to romance. And when, at the close
the teacher asked if people ought not to love
such Saviour as that, the little pupil an
swered, "Yes; they all would if they knew
of it; and why don't you tell everybody of
it?"
Full of the narrative, which, from the
moment of hearing it, seemed to have won
her to al implicit faith, she went home to
tell her father and friends of what she had
heard. No audience could resist such
preacher. The father no longer objected to
her attendance at Sunday School, but when
necessary, carried her in his arms to religi-
Gus services. Jesus was to her the nearest
and dearest of friends, to whom she went
with every interest and anxiety, as if he was
dweller in the house, as once he was in
Bethany. She and her mother are now
members of the Church, Sunday School
Times.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11

THE Costumes OF IDoLATRY.-Many
persons cavil at the costliness of our church
es and religious observances. But those of
the unchristianized nations are found to be
far more expensive. A missionary in China
took pains 10 collect statistics as to the cost
of idolatrous worship in that country. He
reported that in one district of Shanghai at
least $4,000 are expended annually to ap
pease the souls of the dead As there are
1920 districts in the empire, some spending
more, some less, the average would give
nearly 100000 spent for the Hen gods.
In the same manner it is estimated that &C.,
$50 400 are expended annually for the Foo
gods. Add to this the amounts spent in
each family for the worship of its ancestors,
equal to about dollar and half to each
family. With 100000 families of FIVE
persons each, the aggregate is $40, 100000.
Is there anything like such sum contributed
to all the Christian objects of this country ?
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
Two, Curious Needles.

The King of Prussia recently visited q
needle mandatory in his kingdom, In orde'
60 see what machinery, combined with tn,
uuman hand, could produce. He was show
number of superfne needles, thousands Of
Shich, together, did not weigh half an ounce,
and marveled how such minute objects coul,i
oe pierced with an eye. But he was to see
in this respect even something still finer and
more perfect could be created. The borer-
that is, the workman whose business it is to
bore the eyes in these needles-asked for a
hair from the monarch's head. it was read
lily given, and with a smile. He placed it
at once under the boring-machine, turned a
hole in it with the greatest care, furnished i
with thread and then handed the singular
needle to the astonished King.
The second curious needle is in the pos
session of Queen Victoria. 1t was made at
the celebrated needle mandatory at Bed
ditch, and represents the column of Ira AN
in miniature. This well known Roman COL
umn is adorned with numerous scenes in
sculpture, which immortallze Trajan's heroic
actions in war. Ga this dlminutive needle,
scenes in the life of Queen Victoria are rep
resented in relief. but so finely cut and SO
small, that it requires magnifying glass to
see them. The Victoria needle can, more
over, be opened; it contains a number Of
needles of smaller size, which are equally
adorned with scenes in relief.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
The Biggest Beehive in the World

The following is from the San Francisco
Commercial Herald: "In Los Angeles
county, on the eastern slope of the San Fer
uando range of mountains, and in the i'm
mediate vicinity of the Leaning Petroleum
Compauy's oil region, there is the most won
derful collection of wild honey in existence.
The hive is located in a rift, which pene
trates the rock to the depth of probably 100
feet. The orifce is thirty feet long and
seventeen feet wide-four passages. This
rift was discovered to be the abiding place
Of a swarm Of bees, that is represented as
coming out in nearly solid column one foot
in diameter. Certain parties have endeav-
ored to descend to the immense store of
honey collected by these bees, but were in
variably driven back. and one man lost his
life in the effort. Others have, at the ex
pense of much labor and money, built
scaffold 125 feet high, in the hope of reach
ing place whence they could run drift
into the rock, and extract its we'll boarded
sweets, but finally ceased their work. With
in four years the bees have added not less
than fifteen feet of depth to their treasure,
as ascertained by actual measurement, and
it is thought that at the present time there
cannot be less than eight or ten tons of
honey in the rock. A man named B. Bro,
ply lives in a cabin not far from the spot,
and obtained from the melting of the honey
by the suns heat more than enoug for his
family requirements All through that re-
gion immense stores of wild honey are found
in trees, in the rocks, in nearly every place
where its Industrious manufacturers think
for bees seem to think-that it will be Be-
cure. They consume very small proper
ton, as the climate enables them to keep up
operations nearly every day in the year, and
flowers of some sort are always in bloom.
1t must be very severe season indeed when
the little fellows are not seen abroad in vast
numbers, busily engaged in their melllauous
work"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
Make Your Will.

Examples are frequently coming to the
light of the grand results of charitable tesla
ments. Some of the most useful and graci-
Gus institutions in the land have, within
short time, sprung from such testamentary
provisions. Sumo wave Of benefaction has
oeen set in motion that has spread and rolled
on without ceasing. A course of merciful
illustrations has been started that will com
fort and cheer generations when the testator
uas gone. HIS name is held in a fragrant,
grateful memory, and is spoken with respect,
If not with reverence, by countless tongues
La some cases the author of the will, out OF
mis- own observations and ingenuity, con-
structs an original plan for his iberalty, or
devises a new channel of bene6cence. In
others, established and proved systems are
strengthened, enlarged, perpetuated, or JOY
FULLY relieved in day of need, houses of
mercy, hospitals, orphanages, parishes,
schools, colleges, the charitable societies of
the Church. What brighter or happier pur-
pose, save that of personal conservation to
the Saviour, can visit the mind of any good
man or woman, looking backward to what is
gone, or forward to what is to come, than
the execution of design fraught with bless
ing8 like this?
It happens, however, zoo often, that the
design so wen conserved fails, or its thwarted,
from defect in, the instrument, or want
of thorough and minute compliance with all
the technicalitiess the law. Tedious and
wasteful litigation, and, perhaps, final
forfeiture of the intended benefit, is the
penalty of carelessness or ignorance in the
drawing, signing, or witnessing of the will.
We venture to set down few practical
points, very important to be marked and
weighed.
l. Have you, reader, made your will?
2 If not, make it, not byeand bye, not
"at any time" not in season of leisure
life, reason, health, are altogether too IN
certain to allow any such venture. Go abou'
t at once. Think Of the difference to the
object you intend to benefit By yOur legacy
whether you make 1t or not.
3. Consult competent legal authority
Few acts require more judicious and &C
curate lawyer, fully informed of all the
recent legislation.
f. Before the object of which your legacy
is designated in the testament, take care tc
learn, from some sure source, its proper
name or title; if it is an institution or char
ity of the Church, apply to your minister
or the journal of the Church.
5. Remember that while you can bequeath
property to any individual, in trust, specify
ing the object and naming the individual, OF
to any existing corporation, you cannot, al
least in some of the States, make bequest
to charitable or public object by simply
designating as trustee some officer, to acI
er otfcio, like clergyman, without naming
him as a person.
6. When the will is legally and properly
drawn, sign it, and take the utmost care to
have it securely preserved, where it can be
found. Gospel Messenger.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11

AGENT OF CONVICTION OF SIN.-No hu-
man teacher can do it. Conscience cannot
do it. Law in none of its forms, human or
divine can do it. Although the Word of
God is the sword of the Spirit, yet, unless
the Spirit of God draws forth that sword, it
lies powerless in its sheath. Only when the
Spirit of God yields it, is it quick and pow
erful, and sharper than two-edged sword,
piercing to the dividing asunder of the soul
aud spirit, dscerner of the thoughts and
purposes of the heart. Therefore, as the
work of convincing the world of sin is one
which nothing less than the Spirit of God
can effect; and which yet must be effected
thoroughly, if sin is to be driven out from
the world; our Saviour was mercifully pleased
to send the Comforter to produce this con-
viction in NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Hare.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
The Compulsory Settlement of the Bedouin
arabs in Northern Syria.

A new feature in Syrian work is the pros.
pect we have OF being able 10 evangelize the
Bedomn Arabs IN villages. range as this
nay EN-, 1t Is not too strange to expect,
AID that at no very distant day. Already
The Mo~al tribe of Arabs have been forced
by the Turkish Government to settle in one
hundred small villages between Klamath and
Aleppo. Tney have plowed. sown and
reaptd their first harvest. Recently the
chiefs of small tribe of the Aniz Arabs
we're captured by the 6 ,vernment Of Syria,
because Of depredations committed by tnem
They were punished by being Obliged TO take
two Of the large ruined towns east of Klamath,
build houses, and settle down there under
promise of good behaviour in future. 1t is
evident that this northeastern part of Syria
is to berepopuIated 1t lis a rich grain coun-
try, and once was crowded with towns and
cities, whose magnificent ruins are at hand.
and may easily be rebuilt. Aleppo sits at
the head of this region. 1t is on the great
caravan route from B4gdad to the Mediter.
ranean. 1t has population of about 100,
000 It is the capitol of Northern Syria,
as Damascus is of Central and Southern
Syria.
A project is now on foot to build the
Euphrates Valley Railroad, and there are
reasons to believe it vi certainly be done.
This road will probably start from Tripoli,
aod cross the low ground at the north end
Of Lebanon, and follow the table lands from
HUNS to Aleppo, and thence by short cut
to the EupHrates river. This will make
AIeppo more important than ever before.
1t will be more than the trading point of the
Arabs, and will be the station for work among
them. There is already small Protestant
community at Idlib-a large town thirty
miles southwest of Aleppo 1t is important
to keep the work alive there. Much seed
has been sown in Aleppo, and we may con-
idently expect to reap what others have
sown, if we occupy the city in force, and the
people understand that We are in earnest
To do this we ought to have two married
missionaries-one of them physician; two
young ladies to teach seminary for girls !;
also good high school for boys, is needed.
We can then feel sure of success, not only
in Aleppo and the surrounding towns, but
in the new Arab villages, and even among
the wandering tribes who come there to
trade, and who ere long will all be settled
IN this "great east" of the Turkish Empire.
The Moslems will send their Sheikhs to teach
their own religion. The Jesuits will exert
superhuman efforts in order to supplant us
in any of. these points. Let the Church be
ready at once to occupy this large, impor-
tant, central Northern city, and to carry
the Gospel in advance of the railroads and
telegraphs, feeling sure that they will, as
they ever have done, speedily follow.
1t will greatly encourage the missionaries
now in Syria, to know that the Presbyterian
Board of Missions has decided to occupy
Aeppo as soon as the proper men can be
found.-New York Evangelist.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11

The RIGHT SplRIT.-After the great fire
which swept away the wealth of many in
New York, in 1885. the pastor of venera-
bic sufferer, who used to give one hundred
dollars year to foreign missions, omitted
to ask him for contribution. But the good
nan asked his minister if it was not time
for the collection.
"Yes, '' ssa5 he 81 s.e#e made it already;
but knowing that you had been great loser
this year, did not think it proper to call
upon you for your usual donation"
"My dear sir" replied the gentleman,
cit is very true that have suffered great
losses, and must be prudent in my expendi-
lures; but retrenchment must not begin at
the house of God"
That very day he sent to his pastor a
check for two hundred dollars, and the same
for every succeeding year to the time of his
death.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
Central 4resbgtrrlan,
Come. thou Fount of every Blessing.

The London "NOtes and Queries some years
ago spoke of this well known hymn as having been
found among the papers Of the Countess OF Hunt
ingdon 10 her handwriting, and for this reason con-
siders her as the author. The general consent Of
other authorities however aSeribes it to Robinson
Of Cambridge. When FIRST published it had these
two additional stanzas, now usually omitted:
o, on that day when freed from SHINING,
L shall see thy lovely facet
Clothed upon in blood washed linen,
Now III sing thy sovereign grace.
Come dear Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my raptured soul away
Send thy angels now to carry
Ne to realms Of endless day.
If thou ever dds discover
To my faith the promised land,
Bid me now the stream pass over,
On that heavenly border stand.
Now surmount Whate'e opposes
Into thy embrace fly;
Speak the word thou didst to Moses,
Bid me, get me up and die.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
~ u 3 b an dru.
Premiums at Agricultural Fairs.

There is a very general complaint through
out the country that the Agricultural Fairs
have degenerated into mere horse racing
At one Of the recent Fairs out of premium
list amounting to some 81, 200 the fast horses
received nearly $500 This is all wrong.
The object of an Agricultural Fair being to
encourage agriculture, the premiums should
be so distributed as to best accomplish that
purpose. We think that no premium should
be given to encourage horse racing, but if
those who have fine horses desire to exhibit
them and test their speed, why. let them do
1t, but don't pay them for it, A good move
was made by the members of the Lynchburg
Agricultural and Mechanical Society at the
annual meeting here during the late Fair.
A resolution was unanimously adopted re-
questing the Executive Committee, in the
distribution of premiums, as far as practical
bic, to substitute one or more Agricultural
Journals for money premiums. A few dol
lars given to an exhibitor for fine bull, or
the best crop of corn, or tobacco, would be
Of no consideration with him, but the regu-
lar reading of one or two good agricultural
papers for year might be of great beneft
TO him and would certainly afford good
deal of rational enjoyment.
If the premiums are to be considered as
having any influence on the success or failure
of our Fairs, then let the managers SO regu
late them as to secure the greatest benefit
from the expenditure. Let them give the
farmer something which will be of permanent
value to him, and also source of pride. A
fine sheep or COW, or an improved improve.
ment of husbandry would be far more at
tractive than the value of the same in money.
We throw out these suggestions with the
hope that the managers of our Agricultural
Societies next year may give the. subject
their attention.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
THE SOUTHERN PLANTER AND FARMER
THE OLDEST AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL
PUBLISHED IN VIRGINIA.

A ND second in point of age. in the United States,
IA having been estabs he'd since January LIST, 1871
The best talents OF the State have been engpg d
upon its pages Editors and Contributors and our
aim shall be to make it general mediu OF commu
nication among the Farmers and Planters of every
section Of the country
THE Southern Planter and Farmer has gained
the reputation of being one OF the best Agricultural
Journals OF the country. We earnestly
advise patrons subscribe to this Journal which
is devoted exclusively to the farming interest OF the
country.-Religious Herald
1t will be nailed to subscribers the first of each
month at 81 per annum. in advance
Specimen copies sent on receipt Of % cents.
Address JOHN W. RISON,
Editor and Proprietor,
No. 2, Columbian block, Richmond, Va.
t6y- AGENTS WANTED. au TT
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
Central Qresbgteriar,
Office No. 1915 Main street, nearly opposite
the Post Office.
r E r n s .

Three Dollars year, paid in Advance. If not
paid within the first tioo months. 81.
PosTAGE.-Twenty cents year-to be paid at
the office where the paper is received.
PAYMENTS may be made to local agents wherever
practicable; all ministers of our Church are author.
ised to act as SUCH Or by checks, Post-o6ce money
orders, or letters Registered BY Postmaster Other.
wise IT MUST BE AT THE RISK or TIE PARTY SEND.
ING 1T.
oBIrUARIEs.-Charged at ten cents line. The
party sending can make the estimate by counting
eight words to line. Payment Invariably in adj.
vance.
CoMMUYIoATIoNs AND LETrERs on BUSINESS
should be addressed to Central Presbyterian, Box
Y, Richmond, Va
Terms of Advertising Payable in Advance.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
/ edmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac
LII Route
CHANGE OF SCHEDULE.

CHANGE OF SCHEDULE.
UP DAY MAIL leaves Byrd.Sreet station
p. m.
UP NIGHT MAIL leaves Byrd Street station,
$40 m, Except on Sundays
UP ACCOMMODATIONS leaves Broad Street
station 5 p m Iexcept on ,Sundays.)
DOWN DAY MALL arrives at Byrd-Street sta
tion 33 p. m
DOWN NIGHT MAIL arrives at Byrd.Street
station. $3.50 p. IN Except on Mondays)
DOWN ACCOMMODATION TRAIN arrives at
Broad-Street station S:37 IN Except Sundays.)
Accommodation Train runs to Milford only.
Travellers bound west ria Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad will by taking the l2.20 p. m. mail hence
connect with the II tran at Relay House,
the Baltimore and Ohio railroad By the p.
m. they will connect with the 20 a. m, at Relay
House, on the same road-the former being the
quicker line for points west
RICHMOND, May l, 1872.
NOTICE.
THE DAY MAIL TRAINS ria the above route
now run to QUANfIC0 in lieu OF Aqua Creek.
The schedule will otherwise remain unchanged until
further notice. Passengers breakfast and dine on
boat. Ed. L. ID. MYERS,
my2 General superintendent.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
GOING EAST.

Train No. 2, Through Mail and Express) leaves
Greensboro daily at a. m; leaves Danyie daily
at 4:40 a. M; arrives at Richmond daily at l245
p.
Train No. 7, Through Pessengerr leaves Green's
boro' daily Except Sundays) at ll:lO a m; leaves
Danville at l52 p. M; arrives at Richmond at $3.50
p.
Train No. 0, Uynchburg Pessenger) leaves Lynch.
burg daily at . a. M; leaves Burkeyille at 1906
p. N. arrives at Richmond at 3:45 p.
Trains Nos. and 10 connect at Greensboro with
Trains on n. Carolina Ralro I'd for ali points South.
Train No 10 connects at Greensboro with train
for Ralegh arrives there at 1905 a. m Passengers
leaving raleigh at 7l5 m connect at Greens
boro' with train No. TOR Richmond
Train No 8 connects at Burkeyille with Train on
the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Ohio Railroad tor all
points Southwest and South
Lynchburg Accommodation Train leaves Rich
mond at 4o5 m daily except Sundays, arriving
at Lynchburg IN time TO connect with the Morning
Passenger lr.in on the Atlantic, Mississippi and
Ohio railroad for the southwest.
Passengers coming east leave Lynchburg after the
arrival OF the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Pas.
senger Train from Bristol, and arrive at Richmond
al 1913 a. m.
THROUGH TICKETS to all points South and
South west can be procured at the ticket Office in
Richmond, and of Il. +. WALKER, Agent OF At.
lantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad, M. 1926
Main street, Richmond.
JOHN r. MACMURDO,
General Freight and Ticket Agent.
T. NJ. R. TALC0TT. tng'r and Supt. au 10
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
BIBLE SOCIETY,

Bible House 10l1 Main St, Richmond, Va
This Society will furnish Bibles and restaments in
great variety, to all Auxiliary or County Bible so
ciees and friends, at the same price for which they
can be purchased at the Bible House in New York
NJ. " STAPLES,
de 6-tf Secretary and General Agent
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11

CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO RAILR0 AID -0n
v and after stPTEMBER SOh, PASSENGER
IR6IN> leave Richmond AS follows:
$3.50 A. M.-MAlL TRAIN Sundays excepted)
Tor the White sulphur Springs, connecting at Cor
louisville with thu Orange Alexandria and Manassas
train for Washington and North, and Lynchburg
and South.
Abs P. ACCOMMODATIONS TRAIN lex.
cept Sunday for GordonsgiIle arriving at g. 2.
NJ. This tram connects at Gordopsvle with the
nj hit trains on the Orange, Alexandria and Manas.
sas Railroad for LYNCHBURG and WASHING
TON.
Through tickets, at low rates, sold to all points
North wes and Southwest
Steerage tickets from Liverpool, Queenstown,
Ans erdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Havre, Rotter-
dam Bergen, Copenhagen, aud Gothenburg, to all
points OH this road can be bought of the General
Ticket Agent at Rich nond or can be ordered
through any station agent the road.
Further information may be obtained at the com.
pany Offices A. ii. PERRY,
General superintendent.
j. F. NErHERLASD, General Ticket Agent.
oc
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
PR E MIU MS.

TO SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL AGRICULTURE.
By HENRY STEPHENS, F. R. s., Edinburgh, and
the late j. P. NORTON, Professor Of Scientific Agri.
culture in Yale College, New Haven.
Two vols Royal Octave. 1000 pages and numer-
Gus engrsvings. Price, 81; by mall post paid So.
de- l3-u
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-12-11
THE CHILDREN'S FRIEND.
This is Sabbath School journal, published by the
Presbyterian Committee of Publication,

RICHMOND, Va.
1t is designed to make it instructive and enter
tanning paper, for general circulation in Sabbath
schools, and contains nothing offensive to any
evangelical Church. In each Issue is published
WEEKLY LESSON, on the graded system making
1t convenient means for family and Sabbath school
instruction.
TERMs-One subscriber, one year......."".....S 90
Eight subscribers, to one address...... w
Larger packages at same rates.
A MONTHLY EDITION is published, at one
half these prices. Subscriptions must be paid in
advance.
Communications should be addressed to Rev. E.
T. BAIRD, ID. d, Editor, and orders for the paper
to j. D. K. SLEIGHT, Business Agent.
no 23-tf