davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17
The Clerical Profession.

"We have before US comfortable collection Of
cut from the newspapers, in which
clergynen are spoken of in cavalier style. We are
free TO say that we consider this even from Secu
lar point of view, as in exceedingly bad taste. No
doubt the time has gone by in which the priestly
office was treated with popular veneration well
nigh superstitious nor should We care to bring
that time back again if we could. But we can not
be unmindful of the fact that the pulpit is still OF
immense Importance tn the peace, happiness. and
progress Of society. Even where it does not con-
vert it cultivates it imparts thoughtful and COM
paratvely elevated tone to the popular mind 1t is
always in speech, at least, and in doctrine. the
champion of good morals and whatever may have
been the sins of the few, the mass OF religious min
listers are beyond controversy, pure. true, honest
we.meaning, and well educated. intent upon do
ing good work, and actually doing it, by guiding
the young, by confirming the virtuous and By re-
claiming the erring We do not think that men
occupying such position of difficulty and respon.
sibiity should be lightly criticised disrespectfuly
spoken Of carelessly judged, or generally con-
demned as body, because here and there one of
them falters or fails II We might venture to point
out the moral OF clerical misfortunes which have
become too common, We should say that they are
full of warning to those who undertake the duties
Of the pulpit recklessly, in spirit merely merce.
nary aud economical. A Bachelor OF Arts who
becomes clergyman principally because he does
not wish to be lawyer, or physician, or school
teacher, may get through his life, BY the sheer
force of prudence, without breaking down, but he
runs heavy risk of the most frightful failure
which can overtake mortal. We are not aston.
shed that there are SO many clerical mishaps of q
kind which we need not particularly describe; it
would astonish us if they were fewer. At the
same time. considering the weakness of human
nature and the peculiar perils of the priesty Office
we desire to record our deliberate opinion that the
general moral character of the clergy as class is
not only higher than that of any other class, but
that it affords an example of exemplary living
which society could not spare at all. Mao York
Tribune
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
What is the Motive?

In the last Neso York Observer the editor asserts
that I" all persons friendly to the National Union
are in favor of the union of the churches North,
and South, and all who are unfriendly to the Ma.
tional Union. are opposed to the union OF the
churches" The statement confirms the opinion L
have long entertained, that desire to extend the
political influence of the Presbyterian Church was
motive with many persons for seeking union of
the two Assemblies. The Observer is not de-
nominational paper. but circulates among various
denominations, aud therefore cannot be expected
to attach much importance to doctrinal differences
yet even this editor strongly dSsents from the doc
trinal views of President Fairchild, of Oberlin
Seminary, and does not accord with the glazing
errors of Professor SWING of Chicago.
In the union of the Old and New School Assem-
bles, it was distinctly understood that the latter
should continue to hold and teach the very doc
trines for which they separated from the Old
School thirty years before the late union of the two
bodies +. Dr. Hodge viewed this union so seriously
that he said on the floor of the Assembly, 10 ,0oud
be sacrifice ofhe Truth. and If the truth was lost,
all was lost This grand old Theologian was Joined
the union.
Has it never entered the head of the MeD York
Observer that the latitudinous doctrines taught by
a large number of the preachers of the Northern
Assembly, without rebuke, might be an obstacle
to the union of the two Assemblies. There are
many ministers in the Northern Church, besides
the protesters, who would be glad to have the aid
of the South to make head against the advance of
unsound doctrine in the North, but the addition of
a hundred members to the Assembly would be i'm
portant against the vast numbers of the Northern
Assembly.
To sum up the whole matter, the Northern AS
semby is large enough, SO large that they are al
ready deysing measures to reduce the representa-
ton because of the unwieldiness of the body. For
ourselves, in the South, We have compact body
Of about hundred thousand communicates and |
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17
FoE THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Is There any Harm in It?

How often do the words forming the title OF this
article fall from the lips Of some protesting to be
followers of Christ. And hope they are His fol-
lowers, and His true children but ,oty do they
make use of this sentence?
When you gave your heart to God did you not
make promise to Him, secretly, to try aotth all
your might to do His will, and obey His command
ments? How are you to learn Gods will? is it not
by searching His holy word, 10Th earnestness and
care? How are you to obey Gods commandments
except by trying NTH all your might, praying God
to give you aoisdoms to understand His holy law,
and grace and strength to obey it2 And having
given your heart to God, will noty our constant
prayer be, Lord, teach me thy holy aoiu, and will
you not be evg trying to learn Gods will, and,
praying God to help you, will you not be always
trying to do His holy WILL
And having determined to do Gods will, ask
yourself each day, Am | doing the Lords will,
pray, Lord, teach me thy holy will? Search HIS
hoh soord to find His will, and try to obey the in
structions you read there praying God to help you
obey them.
And when you are asked to ,partake of some
thing that you have in the past asked, Is there dnl
harm, IN a.? Go to God and in earnest prayer
ask Him to be with you and bless you while par
taking of this and if it is such that you cannot IL
earnest PRAYER ask God to be with you and bles
you, don't partake of 1t, for whatever you canno
ask Gods blessing upon is, most certainly, sinful
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17
THE ONLY HOPE.

When one of the Dukes of Kent was
about to die, he manifested great anxiety
concerning the salvation of his soul. There
are often those who, having themselves no
right experience of the malady of sin, are
ready to quiet the troubled conscience of 9TH
ers with false peace. Some one tried in
this instance to calm this nobleman's fears
by reminding hin that his station in life
was eminently digni6ed, and that his course
of life also had been elevated and upright.
But the awakened soul of a sinner knows
not voice like this. He hushed his mis-
cradle comforter by the remark, "No; re-
member that if | am saved, it is not as a
Prince, but as sinner"
God is no respecter of persons; and at
the foot of the cross the rich and the poor
meet together, the heirs of a common ma
ture, common ruin, and common redemp-
ton &" the Lord is the maker of them all. F"
All are tainted with the same original corrup-
ton. All, like sheep, have personally
gone astray. All need alike the same re-
generation to give them life, the same pre-
cious blood to cleanse them, the same robe
of righteousness to cover them. All the
riches and glory of earth are as nothing be-
fore God, and are utterly powerless to help
a troubled spirit to obtain that peace for
which it longs. Let US never forget that
our salvation is wholly of grace, purchased
by the Saviour, to the exclusion of all hu-
man merit, and applied by the Holy Spirit,
to the exclusion of all human power. As it
is offered freely to all, and upon the same
terms, so it must be accepted in the same
way by every human being. 1t is saliva
ton from siq, and is therefore for sinners;
a salvation for this life, and for a dying
hour. Blessed are they who embrace it now,
that it may be with them then.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17
Henry Marley of London.

This we'll known English EVANGELIST commenced
his labors in New York city, Sabbath evening,
February 14th by preaching, or rather, as he
styles it, giving Bible Reading" in the hall of
the Y. NJ. G. A., corner 4th Ave. and 22d Street.
The large hall and galleries we're filled, and it is
hoped that the same wonderful blessing may for
low his labors here as elsewhere, both in England
and, for the past two months in the chief cities of
Canada, where thousands have been converted and
the cities turned upside down. Most of this
work was done by walking and talking 10 the
Streets aided by brother ministers in street preach
ing.
Mr. Marley is the pastor and founder of the
F" West London Tabernacle" on Noting Hill,
London, second only to Surgeons. Such is his
power as preacher, that he has been chosen to
fill Surgeons pulpit in his absence. Eleven years
ago he commenced his Christian labor as lay
worker, or teacher, by organising ragged school
of twelve children and seven adults, among the
men of his own class, the butchers, of London.
First the "slaughters," afterwards among the
''Jobbers." His work grew rapidly in importance
and power, and he held large tea meetings"
where he invited the butchers with their wives, as
many as thousand being, present sometimes, and
the meetings we're greatly blessed. Four years
ago he was ordained as gospel minister, and he
receives scores of letters weekly to 20 to various
parts of England to labor as an Evangelist. He
is familarly known as the London Butcher" but
his appearance and manner are the very reverse Of
what you would expect from man of such origin.
About fifty years Of age, of tall and dgni6ed pre-
sence, winning voice and manner, and with chaste
and powerful diction and a rare magnetism over
his audience he brings the simplest truths OF the
gospel in such direct and simple style as to be
irresistible. But the great secret of his power is
his mighty faith. His method of Bible Read
ing is to bring all collateral texts to bear on the
theme of discussion, SO that all the light Of the
Bible is focalised at. single point. The impress
sion is powerful and lasting Congregationalist.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17
THINKING ABOUT IT.

Some one says that "thinking IS bat an
idle aOaste of thought" Yet is not the think
ing which is objected to; it is because so
many 20 no farther, and therefore think to
no purpose. On a certain occasion when
DIR. Chalmers proposed some of his benevO-
lent plans to one of the ministers of Glss
Cow, the reply was made" Your sugges-
ton is not new; we have been thinking of
something of this kind for many years past. "
Yes 7" exclaimed Chalmers, "YOu have
been thinking of it, but now the thing need
ed is that you should be doing it" He re-
cognized the truth that the thought without
the deed was of no practical value. The
tree may be covered with blossoms, but such
only are worth anything as produce fruit.
How many think about their souls saliva
tiOn-abOut their sinfalness, their helpless
ness-their need of Saviour, the excellence
and suficiency of the redemption purchased
by the blood of the Son of God, yet they
never act, never truly repent and renOunce
their sins never exercise faith in the Lord
Jesus, never come to Hin with full conSe-
Grafton and sincere profession. The null
titudes who perish in their sins are lost, not
because they have no good thoughts, but be-
cause they never carried them out in sppro-
pirate action.
Thus, too, is it that SO many well con-
ceiyed plans of usefulness come to no good
result. The thinking is excellent, but the
doing is all a0ind. A right thing if perform
ed even very imperfec;y, is better than what
is imagined most happily, but ends in the i'm
ayination. This man thinks he may some
time or another contribute liberal amount
for some benevolent purpose; but goes no
farther than thinking about it. Another
man thinks he will give sum that is really
small but then he actually girSs it. Which
one helps the most f? One man thinks he
will do some good sometime, BY his personal
labOrs; but he only thinks it; his neighbor,
who purposes, it may be, far less, goes to
work. And he is the man who, in the great
day, will hear from the lips of the Master,
swell done good and faithful servant; en-
ter thou into the JOY of thy Lord"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17
THE letter below is a private one from minis

The letter below is private one from minis
ter of the gospel in the Northwest further par
ticulars need not be given. 1t could not be ex-
pected that all our members or ministers IN the
South would be satisfied with the action OF their
Committee in the late Conference.at Baltimore-lt
was almost certain before hand that few-a very
few-would not. At the same time it is found that
public opinion at the North is by no means unanl-
nous in sustaining the position of the other Com
mittee. This is true in the Presbyterian Church
there. And it is also true of many there who are
in other communions, as recent editorial article
in the Christian Intellgencer reformed Dutch
church, plainly declared.
The views and feelings expressed in this letter
will be gratifying to our readers
"March 10Th, 1875.
Rev, William, Bro,on, d. D.:
Dear Sir,-To-day happened to find copy OF
your paper of January 9th, and for the trst time
had an opportunity to read the correspondence IN
full. of the Baltimore Conference. This matter
is one in which | have taken much interest; and
inclosed find small sum, for which please send
me as many copies of said correspondence In pam
phlet form, as you may deem proper.
AS dlslnterested outsider, or ratner an Impair
tial one, as hope, permit me to say, that care
full perusal and study of oil that passed between
the two Committees has convinced me, that the
vantage ground, in both fact and discussion, re-
mains decidedly with the Southern Presbyterian
Church. 1t is most desirable, in these times Oh
conflict for truth, that all those who love Christ
and the truth should unite either organically, OF
in close fraternal relations and have been one
of those, who longed to see your denomination anc
ours, and all other branches of the Presbyterian
Zion, forming practically one grand army OF th.
| Lord.
But at the same time. there is nothing val
liable in any plan or work. ecclesiastical or other,
wise, without due regard to principle, to right
think the Northern Assembly must and will recall
those unjust aspersions against their Southern
brethren, and even repent according to the COS
pei If not, the acts of both parties pass into his
tory, and to the judgment bar of public opinion
now aud hereafter
| see notice of DR.. B. M. Palmer's eloquen
preaching at Baltimore. This recalls sermon
which | heard him preach about % years ago, in
small village of South Carolina, and which, in m.
memory, has only been once surpassed, and tina
was by Dr. Bethune. 1t made deeper impress
sion, because DR.. Thornwell had preceded by tw
fine discourses, and was accustomed to good foo
from DR.. Smythe and others. Being converted b.
such men, may be rather disposed to stand b.
their Christian character.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17
wILBERFORCE AND THE SABBATH.

In looking over the two volumes contain
ing the correspondence of this eminent and
pious statesman, We came across passage
which deserves record, giving as it does an
interesting view of his value of the holy Sab
bath. He elsewhere ascribes mis- continuance
for so long time, under such pressure OF
cares, and labors, and with but delicate
constitution, in no small degree to the con-
scientious and habitual observance of this
day of sacred rest. He says:
ooh what blessed de- IS the Sabbath,
which allows US precious interval wherein
to pause, to come out from the thickets OF
worldly concerns, and give ourselves up to
heavenly and spiritual objects. Observation
and my own experience have convinced me
that there is special blessing on the right
employment of these intervals" In another
place:
some of their prime objects, in my judg-
ment, is to strengthen our impressions of IN
visible things, and to induce habit of living
under their Influences. Oh what blessed
thing is Sunday, interposed between the
waves of worldly business, like the divine
path of the Israelites through Jordan
Blessed be God who hath appointed the Sab
bath, and interposed this season for recollec-
ton. 1t is blessed thing to have the Sab
bath devoted to God. There is nothing in
which l would recommend you to be more
strictly conscientious than in keeping the
Sabbath holy"
1t is sad thing to see some who are act
ing as if purposely to set at naught this grea'
ordinance of God-one as old as his work Of
creation. 1t becomes Christians at this time
to be faithfully on their guard, lest former
good habits be laid waste, and their piety re
ceive a fearful shock This country coulC
not long survive the extinction of the Sab
bath day. "If the foundations be destroyed
what shall the righteous do" There never
was time when it was more important tol
"great plainness of speech" to come from the
pulpit, and consistent example from al
who name the name of Christ. And wher,
it is known that members of the Church, b.
needless travel, or other practices, dishono
this holy day, and hishonor their solemn pro
fession, they should be dealt with in solemn
remonssrance aud sdmonition, and If neet
be in higher forms of discipline. The pOwe
of rebuke in the hands of individual Chris
tians, as well as in the hands of Church Ses
siona, is, when rightly used, one of immens
effect; and it is diapleasing to the " Lord
the Sabbath" that it should be neglected.
Happy will be that day when the Who'll
land and the whole earth shall say" Thi
a is the day which the Lord hath made; W
a will rejoice and be glad in it"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17
CENTRAL PRESBY TERIA N

too conspicuously manifested, after the time and
for correction may have passed away.
5. OF the advantage to weak churches, to scat
tered Presbyterian families &c., this is not the
place to speak. And yet these are not matters
without important relations to that in hand
What better quickener Of zeal in every preparatory
effort. than knowledge by the candidate, that
God had blessed his labors
6. The question of cost is not irrevelant; but
must be left with one remark. The amount raised
among the people to whom the candidate might be
sent, would be generally adequate to meet the ex-
cess of his wages above the amount he would cost
the church as beneficiary, or that the same work
(f not beneficiary would entitle him to receive
as missionary. B. NJ. S.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17
DEATH OF REV. WV. PIEKERTON.

The intelligence conveyed in the note pub
lished below, will fill many hearts with sin
cere sorrow. 1t is but short time two or
three years ago. since the church of Messy
Greek was called to mourn over the loss Of
its beloved pastor, the Rev. John Pinkerton,
called away in the prime of his life and in
the midst of his usefulness. And now in
the same Presbytery and in the same county,
his brother equally beloved and useful, is
called to follow him.
These excellent brethren came to Virginia
from their native State, Pennsylvania, more
than thirty years ago, and their first services
in preaching the gospel, and as successful
conductors of private schools, were in the
county of Albemarle. The Cove and Rock
fish churches we're served by them. Their
next field of labor was in the county of Mon
roe, and afterwards in the county of Angus
ts. Such is our recollection perhaps it may
not be in all particulars entirely correct.
The brother whose death is now recorded
had been long the pastor of Mount Carmel
church, where his ministry was much blessed
and where he was recognized by the people
and by his brethren in the Presbytery Of
Lexington, as a man worthy of the highes
esteem and election. He leaves family O
children now beresved of both father anC
mother, but with the rich blessing of tina
" covenant ordered in all things and sure
1t is a sad affection for them to lose such
father, and for the church to lose such
minister. But the Lords ways are highe
than ours, because his thoughts are and /
is an infinite consolation to know that they
are all "mercy and truth. These few line
are written Immediately after receiving thu
information here stated. Some of his breth
rem in the Valley, tits presumed, will give
more full and appropriate notice.
MIDWAY, VA, March 18th, 1875.
Dear Dr.. Brown.-Brother William Pinkerto
died this morning at l2& O'clock after very short
but severe sickness he was sick only eight o.
nine days, with Pneumonia. | came here yester
day at noon, and found him sinking, but pertect6
calm, lCiihOUt doubt or fear having, as %
said, no will but the will Of the Lord. his enc
was perfect peace no triumphing rather TIT
calm trust in the triumph of his Redeemer HI
viii be buried tomorrow. His people will folloV
him with broken hearts to his grave, for he wa
greatly beloved Yours truly in Christ,
T. d. JUNKIN."
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17

Interesting Narrative.-A large vo., pam
phlet of l2O pages has been published by A. D. f.
Randolph & Co. 1t is entitled, Narrative Of
Massfs. Moody and Sankey's Labors in Scotland
and Ireland also in Manchester, Sheffield. and
Birmingham, England" 1t will be followed soon
By another in continuation of this narrative, and
will include, we suppose, their laborS just begin
ming in London. 1t is prepared by iudicious Sc
lectious from various journals, and abounds in in
cidents which will not fail to be interesting
The fact that the impression made by these men
is one of the most extraordinary known in any age,
cannot be denied. Il is not less wonderful than
that BY Whtefeld, aud the vast assemblies drawn
together are fully equal. Whatever opinions any
may be inclined to form, one way or the other,
movement of such character should be Impair
italy studied aud judged from the best sources Of
information.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17

BIACKwooD's MAGAZINE for February, repub
Eshed by the Leonard Scott Publishing Co., of New
York, completes two of its serials Mrs. ELEPHANTS
fine tale, "The Story of Valentine and His Broth
err" and the sad Italian romance, "Giannetto"
DR.. Blackmore's novel, "Alice of Lorraine" is con.
tinued and there are articles on The Payment of
the Five Millards," "The Abode OF the Snow"
and Politics at Home and Abroad"
We wish to call particular attention to the article
on "The Payment of the Five Milliards." 1t is a
condensed account of the report of NJ. Leon Say,
with explanations that render perfectly Ineligible
to English readers; and those who do not under.
stand how France managed the payment of $780,,
900 600 in two years and three months, will find the
whole matter placed clearly before them.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-17

some nine hundred ministers, who are homogene-
Gus in doctrine, and msnbrs habits, and opinions
in religion, With no bone Of contention among u.s.
and though poor in THE worlds goods, we are
working along harmoniouiy, and hopefully.
Whenever there shall cyst sincere fraterna feel-
ing between the two bodies, there may and ought
to be fraternal intercourse, but the day is tar dis
tant, if it should ever Gene, when organic union
would be for the edfcatice of the body of Christ.
The two Churches can york better in their re-
spective spheres y Z. ID.