The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-03-15

seventeenth portion of the world remaining
unknown. If Maury could utilize the mer-
chant seamen the Geographical Society should
be able to utilize the merchant traveller.
Condensed Religious Press Opinions.
The Christian Union INDUCES in a homily
for Lent and then with due gravity passes to
the consideration of question of the day
the SIN OF being funny, as it has been illus
trated by DR.. Porteous and the two bishops
Nothing could be more out of character in q
clergyman, the Union sarcastically remarks
than wit and humor. If DR.. Porteous had
been dull he might have found very ancient
precedent to justify him and many modern
examples to keep him company No clergy
man ever had his license revoked because he
was dull. Such men are sssafe' in any de-
nomination But it is grievous sin to be in
teresting, and to be funny is dreadful, as Dr.
Porteous has discovered by this time.
The Independent is absorbed in the temper
ance crusade in Ohio, which has demonstrated
one truth above all others-namely, that moral
forces are the mightest. Every successful
popular movement, it says. develops more or
less Of fanaticism, and it expects as much
from this movement But so, too, is every
great awakening of public sentiment sure to
be followed by reaction, and it anticipates
nothing less from this. But the net results of
the campaign will be large and good. The
sentiment of the community with regard to
liquor selling will be elevated, and this, the
Independent thinks, is no small result of itself
The Evangelist comes out Enthusiastically in
favor OF the passage of the Compulsory Educa-
ton bill, now before the Legislature of this
State. The State is bound to repress crime,
therefore the imperative duty of the State not
only to provide it's children and youth with
the means and opportunities for education,
but to see also that they avail themselves of
these facilities The proposed union between
the Presbyterians and the Reformed and also
between the former and the Cumberland
branch Of the family receives attention from
the Evangelist and from others Of our religious
exchanges
The Methodist takes pleasure in the steps
already taken towards consumnating such
an important union. It also has some
reflections on ''Ths Tichborne Case" which
presented so many strange features for Court
and jury, Bench and Bar; and it groups
some of Mr.. Beechers thoughts in his Yale
lectures on the substance of preaching from
which it deduces the belief that Mr.. Beecher
is thoroughly orthodox in his religious faith.
The Observer says "Amen" to the almost
completed union of the Presbyterian and Re-
formed churches, and heartily commends re-
duction in the machinery Of church and other
charities. The efficiency with which any
work is done will depend largely upon the
energy of the head of the department. Where
the work is divided up among many the
responsibility is diminished, the service rem
dered is enfeebled and the directness of opera
ton scattered. 1t therefore favors concen-
tration of power and Of effort.
The Christian at Work has some sensible and
practical thoughts on family religion and
minding ones own affairs. It opposes the
scheme to put God in the constitution, deem
ing it of much greater value to place the truth
of Christ in the hearts and souls of men, and
the legislating of Christianity may with safety
then be left to the habitual constitution
tinkers.
The Christian Inteuigencer rejoices in the
work of the conference committees which met
here lately to prepare platform upon which
Southern and Northern Presbyterians may
come together.
The Baptist Weelc'y reviews the religious
field and exults over the extent and thorough
ness of the revival spirit which is sweeping
over the land And the Examiner and Chronicle
steps in with some timely advice ''To Those
Now Putting on Christ. " Consistency in seeking
the truth, humility in receiving it and perse-
verance in obeying it are necessities in a
Christian life because it is life, and as such
must have nourishment and expression.
One of the boldest and most fearless edi-
torial comments on the Potter-Porteous cor
respondence that have yet appeared we find in
The Working Church, evidently written by
Dr.. Tying, Jr., who once felt the force of High
Church authority on his Low Church head
This journal declares that Bishop Potter can
not be permitted to strike a blow at the Low
Church clergy Of the Protestant Episcopal
Church over the shoulders of DR.. Porteous
that he has taken a position on this matter
which is absolutely without foundation and
opposed to the universal usage of the Church,
and which he must sustain or recede from
either by pastoral letter OF an ecclesiastical
trial. This savors of fight by the Low Church
clergy and party.
The Tablet looks over the ground Of ''The
Religious Orders and Their Work." and takes
pleasure in the position of Catholic Ireland
to-day, 80 like the Ireland of st. Patrick's
time that, should he come to earth next Tues
day and join in TIE procession, he could hardly