davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25
The Baxter Statue.

Rev. DR.. Sohaff writes to the Neao York Exam
geIjst:
The 2Sth of July was the first sunny day which
England had for several weeks, and the most me.
morable day for the quaint old English town of
Kidderminster, famous for its carpets and its
memories of Baxter, who spent here the happiest
and most useful years of life and made his con-
gregation burning and shining light throughout
the Christian world Msrepvesented and a9saled
in his lifetime by all parties aud sects and expelled
from the Church which he honored, because he
was no party man and would not sacrifice his con-
scientious convictions, he yet so deeply impressed
his pure image upon the pages of history, that rep
resentatiVe men of different creeds aud parties
sembled to day to honor his memory around the
noble marble.statue which will hereafter be the
chief ornament of Kidderminster l. stands on
the Bull Ring near Bakers house, and represents
the tall figure of the great divine In long puri-
tanical gown, preaching with intense earnestness,
"as dying man 10 dying men, his lett hand rest
ing on the Bible, his right hand raised up, and
pointing heavenward to the saints everlasting rest.
The statue was admirabl executed by young
modest artist, Mr.. T. Brook, pupil Of j. II. Foley,
after contemporary pictures, especially the portrait
of Baxter, in Dr. Williams Library IN London
(which was originally Presbyterian, and is now in
the hands Of Unitarians. Beneath it is the follow
ing lnSCrlptlOQ. D5lNGeu Ju6 years lOtl duu 1OOOi
this town was the scene of the labors Of Richard
Baxter renowned equally for his Christian learning
and his pastoral ideiily. In a stormy and divided
age he advocated unity and comprehension, point
Ing the way to everlasting rest. ChurchmeD and
NOnconformists united to raise this Memorial A.
D. 1875"
The visitors and subscribers met in the Musical
Hall about noon, and preceded in procession to
the Bull Ring in the heart Of the town, not far
from the parish church of St. Mary's in which
Baxter preached All traffic was suspended many
houses were decorated with flags, and the whole
population of twenty thousand, or more, seemed
to throng the windows and streets, to do homage
to the memory of the Puritan preacher and saint.
Many strangers had come from different parts OF
England. The statue was unveiled by Mrs. Phil
pot, wife of the Bishop Of Worcester, to whose
diocese Kidderminster belongs. As that lady pull.
ed the string, and the drapery fell away, a loud
cheer rose from the spectators. Then followed the
inaugural address Of Dean Stanley of Westminster,
and DIR. John Stoughton, now Professor of Church
History in New College, London. They were de-
livered in the open air and could hardly be under
stood, owing to the noise Of the crowd around the
platform. They we're exceedingly appropriate, and
full of information. The delicate task could not
have been assigned to better hauds-the one rep
resenting the Church of England, the other the
Independents, both with equal ability and liberal
appreciation of the antagOnlstc interests Of Eog
land during the age OF Baxter.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25
Old Catholic Conference

The old Catholic Conference called by DR.. Dol
liuger to assemble at Bonn, met on the 18th inst,
about Thirty English and American clergymen, and
several bishops and other eccessstics Of the East
ern Church being present Among the American
clergy were the Rev. Drs Laugdon, Nevin, Potter
and Parry, The fplloying were proposed in the
call as the objects CT the meeting. '. ,l
''Thc first object Of the Conference is to promote
renewal and general recognition Of those great
Christian truths which form the substance OF the
definitions set forth 10 the creeds of the primitive
undivided church, and to which the larger religious
communities of Christendom by perseverance In
their loyalty to the faith and organization OF the
early church, still profess to cling.
Upon this preliminary mutual recognition of
Primitive truth, the Conference will endeavOr to
base confederation and intercommunlon among
the separated churches. 1t is hoped that recp-
rocal recognition is not impossible which, without
going so far as actual fusion or sacrificing nation
al or traditional peculiarites OF doctrina phraseo
ogy, church constitution, ritual may yet enable
each church to admit the members OF other CON-
mu1ons to those privileges in respect of Divine
worship and the Christian sacraments that are Sc
cured to its own.
"The Conference is not designed to create an
apparent unity by means of ambiguous phrases,
which its several members might construe in wide
ly different senses. Rather would it endesVor, by
vtred and thorough inquiry and discussion, to es-
tabsh the truth OF propositions which shall simply
express the substance OF Christian Doctrine and
Practice as taught by the Bible and the Fathers
of the Ancient Church and so form a real bond OF
that IN ion which is so much to be desired.
Upon the assembling of the Conference after an
address from Dolinger on the relation Of the dog
matte controversy between the Latin and Greek
churches to ecclesiastical history, the Conference
considered the plan OF confederation and inter COM
munion. Tho next day the Cd Catholic Confer
ence was occupied in discussing the question of the
procession of the Holy Ghost. DR.. Dolinger an
nounced to the Conference, on Monday, that, in
the Committee, an agreement as to the doctrine OF
the Procession Of the Holy Ghost had been attain
ed on the essential points. The communication
was received with rejoicing by the members-N
T. Observer.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25

gates of the city of God, as the good man
nears the dark river, and goes down into the
valley of the shadow of death. Millions
have achieved that greatness, earned those
honOrs, worn those garlands, heard those
songs, and died like conquerors, whose lives
were as modest as the daises and buttercups
of the lowly wales in which they dwelt Be,
then, true to yourselves, to your age and
country, and to your God; true to the col
lege wherein you have been nurtured, and
to the obligations imposed by the intellectual
and moral culture and power that you have
here received"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25

ResolUed, That when the Presbytery adjourns 1t
shall adjourn to meet on Ridgeway plantation on
the Monday after the second Sabbath OF Septem
Der, to ordain the said Abel Davis az minister OF
the gospel to said congregation if the way be found
to be clear.
TIE Committee to examine the Minutes OF the
General Assembly called the attention OF the Pres
bytery to the action Of the Assembly upon
the duties of Presbytery in tie premlses-on bap-
tized nor. commandments, E7angelistic Labor, Sus-
tentation, the Evangezstion of the Colored Peo-
pie, Education, Commissioners Fund, systematic
Benefcence, Publication, and Sabbath Schools.
The resolution recommended and adopted IN re
gard to Systematic Bene6cence has already been
given above. In regard to Publication it was
ReSolUed, That the attention of the churches be
called to the report OF the Assembly that at the
next annual collection FOR this object 10 March
next the particular direction which the collection
is desired to take shall be stated-whether tor the
benevolent fund OF the Committee, Its endowment
fund, or for the publishing house-with the recon-.
nlendation that the collections be devoted to the
last. named object
Ga Saturday morning Rev. DR.. Atkinson, Of
Hampden Sidney was heard in behalf Of that
time-honored useful, and beloved institution set
ting forth in forcible terms its present prosperity,
its wants, and the claims which it has upon the
liberal support Of the people; whereupon it was
ReSolred That this Presbytery takes pleasure IN
most earnestly recommending to the members oil
this (UIarkesvilIe) and other congregations and
communities within its bounds the claims OF
Hampden Sidney College for immediate and libe-
raj aid in prosecuting the very necessary repairs
and improvements in immediate contemplation,
preparatory to proceeding with the proposed en-.
largement OF the endowment.
Notwithstanding the daily rains the house was
full night and day in attendance upon the preach
ing of the gospel. The writer preached on Sab
bath morning to the Mt. Zion (coored) congrega
ton, and was pleased to find them in possession
through their own efforts and contributions he was
told, Of house of worship second to none in the
village in size commodiousness neatness, and taste
of finish When fully painted ii will be- inside
and cut, beautiful church. FL. A. b,
Stated Clerk
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25
lVoratius Bonar and Mr.. Pearsall Smith

Mr.. Pearsall Smith, of Philadelphia, has
made an unwonted excitement in Germany
and Great Britain by his fervent expostions
of the doctrines of what is known as the
"Higher Life" At late meeting held in
Brighton, England, great company came
together to listen to his addresses, and to the
Bible readings of his wife, Mrs Hannah W.
Smith. There were present at that gathering
ministers from England and Scotland and
from the Continental States, and the enthu.
siasm manifested was great, and continued
to increase until the close Of the meetings.
But some of the good men of the churches
have been looking sharply into the doctrines
which Mr.. Smith, and those who sympathise
with him, are holding forth to the people
A letter from D.. Horatius Bonar has ap-
peared, which is distinct and faithful pro.
test against the "Perfectiouism which has
been avowed by Mr.. Smith-avowed, as we
think, with more boldness on the other side
of the water than at hJme. We have always
heard it said here that Mr.. Smiths declara-
tions in regard to perfection 10 holiness in
the present life were hesitating aud indefinite,
as if he were not fully persuaded in bis own
mind concerning the precise truth, and was
not prepared to speak with his usual per
emptoriness But DR.. Bonar speaks of hin
throughout this letter as one who had de-
clared himself "freed from all internal op
position" and no longer conscious of sin.
DIR. Bonar's criticism, however, is chiefly
directed against book published by Mr.
Smith, which contained an exposition of the
seventh chapter of Romans. We have no
seen this book, but DR.. B omar tells US how
he was brought into personal relation witt
it, which yielded him but little satisfaction
1t seems that about year ago or more Mr.
Smith proposed to set about the revisal o.
chis book. Previous to this a circular was
issued, asking the prayers Of Christian peo
pie for divine aid in the revsal of the work
A copy of this circular was given to DR.
Bonar by friend, TO whom he very point
eddy replied that he could only pray tina
the work might be totally suppressed, as it
errors were of far more serious and per
vading kind than was generally believed.
In the hook on Romans, chapter vii, Mr.
Smith afirms the Apostle Paul "to hav
been backslider to have lost commun
ion with Christ, and victory, through faith
over sin" DR.. Bonar says that this bool
has reappeared, with some tridr g changes
but with all its " erroneous theology" "Of
fences will come" adds DR.. Bonar, "bu
woe to him by whom the offence cometh. =
The readiness and high mindedness of tn
last days seem specially developing them
selves. Theology is decried because
stands in the way of mysticism. Roman
vii is perverted, and St Paul pronounced
backslider in writing it, because that solem
chapter gives the death-b blow to the theor
! &C pnrfnntinrian u pro sh,.fasan,a
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25
New Plan for EvangeIizipg Africa

A new nstrumentality for the CHARACTERIZATION Of
Central Africa, and in especial, as the preliminary
step to that end for the breaking up of the int
rior slave trade, is proposed in England, At a
meeting held al the Mansion House, on the second
of August, at which the Lord Mayor of London
presided, he stated that an influential deputation
had suggested to him that in view of the partial
stoppage of the slave trade by the Zanzibar treaty,
its headquarters were more towards the centre
of Africa, in the neghborhood of Timbuctoo
which point it was most important to reach with
greater facility than is possible at present. With
that object in view it is proposed to let the waves
of the Atlantic into the Great Desert of Sahara by
removing comparatively small barrier of sand
which now alone separates the low.ly lands of
the desert from the sea near Cape JUDY and oppo-
site geographically speaking Canary Islands.
The distances from Iimbuctoo across the desert was
eight hundred miles, and IN the event OF the sand
barrier-fye or six miles IN extent-being removed,
there would be uninterrupted access into the heart
of Africa, and the commerce of Europe and Amer
lea would be largely developed, besides effecting
what was more important, the abolition of the
slave trade, and opening way to the introduction
of Christianity among the African tribes.
Referring to the project and its feasibility, the
Lord Mayor stated that he thought it was well
worthy Of the consideration of every civilized ma
ton. There could be no doubt that If the pro-
posal was carried out the people Of Africa would
be largely benefited; and very much would be
gained in the interests of humanity religion, and
Commerce by obtaining reader and easier access to
the centre Of Africa After the Lord Mayor had
concluded his remarks DR.. Donald Mackenzie read
a paper showing the advantage of opening up
North West Central Africa to commerce and civili-
cation, and il was determined that deputaton
should wait on the Earl of Carvon on the subject
Christian IatelHgencer.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25
For TIE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
A Letter From the Rev. DR.. Girardeau

The fact that DR.. Girardesu has declined the
professorsbip of Didactic and Polemic Theology IN
the Columbia SEMINARY has already been commu-
nicated to the public. Elrly in July ne informed
the Board of Directors of his decision, but as yet
I'believe, there has been no official announce
ment of it. The subjoined letter contains state
ment of the views and feelings Of DR.. Girardesu
in reference to the appointment made by the As
sembly, and of course is to be presented to that
body. But as it relates to a subject in which the
entire Church represented by our Assembly is IN
terested, have thought it we'll, with DR.. Girar-
deau's consent, to publish this letter, that his
friends and the friends Of the Seminary may see
the explanatory statement which accompanies the
announcement of his decision.
No one who knows DR., Girardeau will doubt
that he has been impelled only by the strongest
convictions of duty to decline chair which was
unanimously rendered him by the General Assem-
bly,, and indeed urged upon him in the most I'M
pressive manner. But while all must acquiesce in
decision which he was constrained to make after
the most prayerfu and conscientious consideration,
it will nevertheless be cause of general and pro
found regret that the Seminary fails to secure a
professor so emiuenty qualified for the position to
which he was called by the united voice Of the As
semby. MOSES D. HoGE.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25
Elders and Deacons' Convention.

The representatives. of the silent members Of
Mecklenburg Presbyterv met in the Presbyterian
Church at Lincolnton, N. G., on the 10 h inst, and
adjourned after delightful session OF two days
General W. l. T. Prince vas chosen chairman
and elders T. Price and f. Scarf were elected
Secretaries. According to appointment, written
addresses we're read by elders T. B. Price, W. L
T. Prince and d II Hill Oral addresses were
delivered by elders w. j. Martin, d. Schenck aud
S. II. Walkup. The eight subjects assigned for
discussion occupied the most OF the time of the
meeting. Several Of them were continued over to
the next annual meeting, which is to be at Sugar
Greek Church, beginning on the first Tuesday in
August 1876 Steps were taken to get up synod
ica meeting of the lay officers of the Church some
time this Fall Mr.. H. X. Reid was elected Per-
manent Secretary and Treasurer, vice j II. Gouger.
resigned. No particular Bank was designated to
receive the deposits of he'Treasury.
The sui jects selected for the next meeting were,
Ist. What proportion Of his income should Chris
tan devote to religious and charitable objects. h.
O. Kuy kendall, rs ,ayist; 3D. Lay Preaching, Gen.
Prince; 4. Congregational Meetings, Captain A.
g. Neal; Ali. Support of the Evangelist, DR..
Hutchinson 9Th. Sabbath Schools Prof. Martin {;
6 b. Public Prayer by L,ymen, II K Reid, Esq
7th The o 1stacles to the Prosperity OF the Church
and how to remove them, VIM. IDLY, Jr. Sth.
RISE and Progress of the Presbyterian Church 10
Lipcolnand CASTOR counties, @. l.. Hunter
Sixteen churches we're represented by thlrtytwo
delegates, and the meeting was as pleasant and as
successful as the most sanguine hoped it would be.
Some of the first speakers and debaters in the
church were there. and the discussions were able
and instructive. Deacon NJ w Caldwell, Good
Tempar and Master of Grange No. 81 enlivened
the dizziness by his humor, and was unanimously
voted Life Member
The kind spirit of brotherly love pervadiDg the
assembly, the high order of the discussions and the
generous hospitality Of the good people OF Lincoln
ton, made it an occasion long to be remembered
Every delegate spoke of it as one of the most
charming episodes in his life. Each returned
with new zeal to work in the Masters vineyard. -
Southern Home
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25

No AnsWer.-S0me OF our people are lnqurng
what has become of Drs. Hays and Cleaud -
They offered to prove that the same accusations OF
- schism," with sundry epithets) heresy, and
''basphemy' made against the Southern Presby-
terrain Church, have been made BY it against the
Northern. This we denied, and challenged the
proof DR.. Hays published a Card, few weeks
ago, in the Herald and Rres5yter, stating that he
had sent reply to the Katuchy Presbyterian
This paper, for reasons stated, did not publish it
As DR.. Hays indicated readiness to make good
his assertion, as soon as a way could be provided
for laying his article before the public we suggest
ed the plan Of publication, together with our re-
ply, in the columns Of the IfesJyter, and Central
PesIuertan. A copy OF the paper containing this
was sent to DR.. Hays. Nothing las been heard
either from him or from DR.. MOnlOrt II the
PresJyter thinks it could not spare room enough to
print the offered proof BY two Of It's prominent
ministers it is the first time 1t has been thus strait
ened. 1t has certainly found space very readily
these many years for anything which proposed to
put the Southern Church before the world as in
the wrong That it should be now suddenly visit
cd with the cramps is unaccoU0table.
Well, it would be pity for that document a.
ready prepared, to be lost So We conclude to
make another proposal Let Drs. Hays and Gle
land send it to the Central Presbyterian, and it
shall be carefully and correctly published, and all
who read may judge fer themselves whether their
assertion Is sustained by proof
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25
FROM THE NORTHERN STATES.

Rev. H Clay Trumbull has retired from bis con-
necon with the American Sunday School Union,
10 order to devote himself to the editorshp of the
Sunday School Times, which he assumes Septem-
Der lst
Sarah Scott, lady of Beverly n j., recently
deceased, has btq1ea he'd all of her property for
the establishment of a Reformed Episcopaan
Church.
The body of Rev. James Richards, D. D., whose
sudden death p Elinburg we noticed recently, will
arrive in the ELisin which was expected on the
l7th He will be buried by the side of his honored
father, the late Rev. DR.. Richards, of Auburn
Seminary, in Auburn, New York
The General Synod of the Reformed (Dutcb)
Church reports Synods, CPS ministers, l 342 con-
gregstions, and l42 lis communicates. The in
crease in membership during twelve years is fifty
per cent.
The venerable Prof Tholuck, of Halle, is very
feeble One who recently visited him writes =
At twelve o'clock | walked with him in his gar
den, but it was impossible for him to keep his mind
fixed upon any one train of thought. He lectures
no more at the University, but, when well enough
delivers criticisms upon the Gospels in Latin on
Sundays at the Seminary. He asked me to dev.
er to you his greetings. They are. perhaps. the
last that will ever pass his lips. ~. York EUdn,
geliSt.
large number of missionaries have just left, or
are about leaving this country, for their various
fields of labor. On Saturday, the 7th inst. Rev.
MIR. Larabee and party for the Presbyterian Board
and five ladies, Miss Celtic and Miss Spencer to
Marash and Misses Proctor, HOLSTER, and Pierce
to Aintab, for the American Board, left in the
steamship Egypt. On Wednesday of last week
another party, sent by the American Board sailed
for India, consisting of Mr.. H j. Bruce and wife,
returning to the Mahratta Mission, Mr.. Edward
D. Hume and wife, (nee LOttie d. Chandler) ac-
companying them. Qlite number more are soon
to 60 for the American Board Rev. O. G. Stearns
and wife; Rev. j. X Browne and Miss Powers to
Turkey; Rev. Mr. Peck and wife, and Miss Miner
to India-all start in September; and Professor
Learned and wife, recently of Thayer College No.,
and Rev. MIR. Doane, to start for Japan in Octo-
ber Rev. William Imbrie, SOD of the pastor of
the First Presbyterian church of Jersey City, is
expecting to start for Japan, accompanied by his
wife, this week. They go out expecting to prose-
cute the work of missions in Japan. Mr.. Imbrie
began and completed his education at Princeton.
They expect to take the steamer of the first of
September for San Francisco.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25
Educational.

President Batemen closed his address to
the graduating class of Knox College, with
the following beautiful words: "You have
laid few foundations in science and learn
ing-only that But am sure they are good
foundations and well laid. The superstruc
ture is yet 70 be ressed thereon, and it doth
not appear what that shall be. 1t will de.
pend upon you. You can make it strong
and beautiful. Let me entreat you to build
thereon goodly temple, even the fabric OF
manly, sympathetical Christian character
the fairest, most enduring moral struct-
ure beneath the stars. The world is waiting
for you. 1t has need of you-sore need of
you, every one, and for all your gifts and
culture and power. 1t has place, too, for
each of you. 1t may not be an exalted or a
conspicuous place; the acclaim and plaud-
it's of men may not await you; not name
in this dear class of rs may ever be known
to fame, or live on the historic page; nSt
one of you may ever achieve what men call
greatness. 1t is simply the greatness of a
good and true Efe-a life that the poorest
and humblest may live; life that bravely
and patiently stands in its lot, be it lofty or
lowly; that gratefully accepts and wisely
uses whatever of earthly good Providence
bestows that makes the most and the best
of passing opportunities, and finds its sure
and sufficient reward in the consciousness Of
useful burdens cheerfully borne, and daily
duties faithfully performed-they are the
houors that crown and glorify the memory
of him who has helped to make the world
sweeter and purer and better; they are the
garlands which encircle with immortal green
the head Of him who has remembered the
poor, lifted up the fallen, and borne the cup
of cold water TO the little ones who were
ready to perish; and the songs are they that
are heard floating out from the walls and