davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
The Sacred River.
BY REV, 7. W. CHAMBERS, D. D

The Nile was long held sacred river IN
Egypt as the Ganges still is in India, but the
Jordan, though a ripping rivulet compared
to these mighty streams, has far stronger
claim to that title. If Palestine, because OF
its association with holy men and holy things
is called the Holy Land, surely its chief river
has something of the same character. Ply
sically, it is most remarkable. Starting at
an elevation of seventeen hundred feet above,
it terminates at depression of thirteen
hundred below the level of the sea. In a
space of sixty miles of latitude, it runs
tortuous course of two hundred miles, in
which Lynch counted twenty-seven threat
ening rapids. 1t is river that never pos
sessed fishery, never had town of emil
nence on it's banks, never was Davlgable to
any extent, and it disappears in lake which
has no outlet and never knew port. 1t
therefore is, and always has been, entirely
des tute of commercial Importance.
The New Testament associations OF the
river are all of happy character. Here
John performed his great Office of baptizing
for the remission of sins, and recognized,
among the thousands who throDged to re
ceive the ordinance, One who he felt at once
was far more fitted to administer than to re-
ceive such rite. But his reluctance and
his scruples were removed by the authorize
tive voice of the Master, Suffer at to be so
now. Jesus must submit to the conditions
of His Office and be coDsecrated to His work.
This was accomplished by the approving
words of the Father and the descent of the
Holy Ghost-both received by Him as he
came from the sacred stream. The only oc
casion when He went up near the sources Of
the Jordan, -" the coasts of Cesarea Philip.
nj" where He could scarcely ever be out Of
sight or hearing Of one or other of the gurg
ling fountains which furnish its waters, wa:
distinguished by the most remarkable of His
conversations with Simon Peter-that in
which he drew from the disciple his noble
confession, and in return made to him the
glorious assurance, Thou art Peter, and on
this rock. etc.-the precise force of which is
still eontroverted even among Protestants
Rome makes it mean not only that Peter
should have supreme authority in the church
but that this should be transmissible to nj:
successors in Office, and to them as bishops Of
Rome, of all of which there is not trace II
the text. But however this may be, the
promise of the perpetuity Of the church
which the words as all admit contain, has
been abuudantly fulfilled. AS the Jordan
still continues the same, Notwithstanding al
the changes the country has undergone, 81
the church founded on or near its banks ha
survived all the revolutions of human affairs
and remains the one abiding depository o.
Gods truth and grace, the sole hope for the
family of man.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03

CHRIsT's FAITHFULNEss.-It was "when
much people were gathered together from
various parts, that be took occasion to preach
his most searching sermons We see in this
an indirect evidence of bis honesty as pub
lie teacher. He was so far from speaking
smooth things to procure applause, that his
most pungent sermons were preached when
the crowd of hearers was greatest. Faith
full ministers should denounce Sin most plain
ly when their congregations are full; not
fatter those that are full and scold those
that are thin.
We should spare no pains to make all,
who in any way look up to us, acquainted
with Christ. Happy are those ministers and
parents whose consciences can testify on
their death-beds, that they have told their
hearers and children to go to Jesus and fol-
low him.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
Guard Your Conversation.

If you say anything about neighbor or
friend, or even stranger, say nothing ill.
1t is a Christian and brotherly charity to
suppress our knowledge of evil of one anoth-
er unless higher public duty compels us to
bear accusing witness; and if it be true char
ity to keep cur knowledge of such evils to
ourselves, much more should we refuse to
spread evil reports of another. Discredita-
bic as the fact is, it is by far the commonest
tendency to suppress the good we know of
our neighbors and friends We act in their
matters as though we felt that by pushing
our fellows down or back a peg, we were
putting ourselves up orsforward. We are
Jealous of commentator unless we get the
larger share.
Social conversation, as known to every
observer, is largely made up of what is un-
derstood by the term scandal. 1t would be
difficult to find talkatiye group, of either
sex, who could spend an hour together with
out evil speech ofsscmebody. "Blessed are
the peacemakers, is not the maxim by which
we are chiefly governed in our treatment of
personalities. Better thousand times to
stand or sit dumb than open our lips ever so
eloquently in the disparagement of others.
What we should do in this, as in all other
human relations, is to practice the golden
rule. If we would do unto others as we
would that others should do unto US, We
should be exceedingly careful not to volun-
teer i'll words about them. Where other
than good word is to be spoken, let it be
spoken to the person concerned, that he may
know that your motive is not idle, cowardly
and sinister, and that he may have chance
to defend himself. -Selected.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
The Use of Enemies.

When man complains of his enemies, it
not only shows that his heart is filled with
bitterness, and that he would not hesitate to
retaliate if opportunity should offer, but also
that he lacks wisdom as well as charity in
not considering how useful an enemy could
be to him. A wise and faithful friend once
spoke to his acquaintance upon this subject,
as follows:
"You are ever complaining of the wrong
and annoyance you suffer from your enemy,
but you forget that more than half your
trouble and fears come from your own heart.
Guard more against yourself, and you will
have less reason to fear other enemies, for
open enemies are far less dangerous than
secret ones. The man is an enemy to him
self who INDUCES in hatred to his fellow man,
and meditstes revenge against those of whose
hostility he complains; for by cherishing
such temper of mind be makes himself an
enemy of the God who condemns all impla-
cability and malevolence of disposition
Now consider the matter calmly, and you
will soon see how much good you may derive
from an enemy, and thank God that so much
good can come of evil. :"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
High Pressure Education.

The Christian InteUigencer has some
timely thoughts upon this subject, occasioned
by the report of the retiring Superintendent
of the Boston public schools, which might
well be pondered by teachers of public and
private schools, too, throughout the land.
1t says:
In the course of this final report, which Is
also review of what has been effected by
the Boston public schools since his accession
to office in 1857, Mr.. Philbrick calls atten.
ton to one of the defects of our system OF
education, in some remarks which have a
general application. Referring to the high
pressure of excessive tasks, excessive stimu-
ation or other means, and the excessive ner-
Svous excitements which are specially preva-
lent in the higher grades of our public
schools, Mr. PhIlbrick gives it as his delibe-
rate judgment that they are grave evils,
which affect all the scholars injuriously, but
a.e particularly calamitous to girls.
There can be little doubt that these are
very serious operating to produce de-
stuctive results both upon the minds and the
bodies of the pupils who are subjected to
them. The studies that are forced upon
young children in our public schools are SO
numerous and extensive as to make their
digestion and assimilation impossible; and
the result of this process of examining is
degree eff superfciality that is only less
alarming than the physical prostration con-
seqlent upon the reaction from nervous ex-
citement which it causes. 1t is impossible to
keep up the high pressure educational me-
thods which are now 30 much in vogue, and
not have something break. The weak part
of the machine will be surely found, and will
give way under the strain.
| As education is now too commonly con-
Quoted in our public schools, the children
have no time to think or to reason. They
learn by rote and recte like parrots. The
daily drudgery to which they are condemned
of committing to memory vast variety OF
lessons, much of which they cannot compre-
bend, and which would be useless if they
could, has the effect to stunt their intellects
and to SOW the seed of lifelong physical
ailments, that will not only affect them but
their children after them, perhaps for gene
rations.
Overlooking and over stimulating the
mind is at least as dangerous as overlooking
and over stimulating the body; and the dan
ger in both instances is increased with the
immaturity of those who are subjected to the
process. Simple and plain food, and not a
jumbled and confused variety is what is
needed both by the mind and the body, if the
object in view is to minister to elasticity and
endurance, to health and vigor.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
KwE.DAy1N CH1NA.-Kite- Day in China,

K1rE.DAY IN CHINA.-Kite-D Day in China,
writes a traveller, occurs on the ninth day OF
the ninth moon, when the inhabitants of the
cities go out upon the hills and spend the
day in flying kites. Sometimes thirty or
forty thousand people are assembled together
on one hill, where they engage all day in
this beautiful amusement. All classes take
part in it, we believe, from the emperor down
to the actor. All manner of birds, insects,
and fish are represented by these gay kites.
On fine day, when the air is full Of them,
the effect is very pleasing. Some are adorn-
ed with the heads of dragons and tigers
The spectator sees in the air what appears
to be an immense bird or group of hawks
The Chinese show great skill in keeping half
dozen paper kites going on one string
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
Central 4rcsbptrrIan,
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
what Manner of Child Shall This Be

| sat and looked at my baby
Lying asleep on my knee,
And thought on the old Hebrew question,
"What manner of child shall this be2''
1 tried to picture the future,
Till my spirit grew sick with dread,
Thinking of possible pathways
These little pink feet may tread.
Rosy, and chubby, and dimpled;
Too weak yet to walk or to stand,
So small that her mother can hold them,
And hide them-thus-one in each hand.
Shall flowers or thorns strew their pathway?
Must they stagger, and stumble, and bleed?
All little pink feet, in the darkness,
Who knows where thy wanderiugs may lead
Still we know that our Father in Heaven
Hath ever our ways in His hold,
And the tenderest care of the Shepherd
Is aye for the lambs of the fold.
Then do Thou be her guide, blessed Saviour,
And lead her to Heaven asd Thee
So all shall be well with my darling
Whatever her Hfe-path may be.
Mrs. NJ. P. HANDY.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03

NHESAPEAKE AND OHIO RAILROAD.-O
" and after JANUARY Sd, 1876, passenger
trains will run as follows
FROM RICHMOND.
s:15 A. NJ. MAIL TRAIN.-For Gordonsyille,
Charlottesville, Staunton, Coyington, and all later
mediate stations daily Except Sundsy,) arriving at
Covington at 7:3O P. M. This train connects at
Gordonsvie for Orange, Culpeper, Warrenton,
Manassas, Alexandra, Washington, and the North,
and at Charlottesville for Lynchburg Bristol, Knox
vile, Chattanooga, and the South.
Ais P. M. ACCOMMODATIONS Gordons-
vile and all intermediate stations daily Except Sun.
day,) arriving at Gordonsvills at 8:l5 P. M.
8:20 P. M. CINCINNATI EXPRESS.-For Cor.
louisville, Charlottesville, Staunton, Goshen, Mill.
boro,' Covington, White Sulphur, and all stations
west of White Sulphur daily Except Saturday, ar
irving at Huntington at 5:25 P. M. This train con-
meets at Gordonsve for Washington, Baltimore,
and the North, and for Lynchburg, Bristol and the
South, and at Huntington with steamers Bostons
and Fleetwood for Cincinnati and all points West
and Southwest, arriving at Cincinnati at 6 A. M.
Baggage checked through.
For through tickets, rates, and information apply
at 1926 Main street, Ballard snd Exchange Hotel, or
at the companys Office, Broad street near Sixteenth.
G. W. MACFARLANE,
Assistant General Ticket Agent.
THos. DoDAMEAD, Gen'l Sapt Transportation.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
edmond AND DANvILLE RAILROAD.
h, On and after OCTOBER H. 1874, the trains
on this road will run daily as follows:

n, On and after OCTUBEh IL, 1874, the trains
on this road will run daily as iolows
CHARLOTTE EXPRESS, Westwsrd-Leave ictmond
at II p. M. leave Burkeville at 2:07 a. m; leave
Dundee at TAO a. M; leave Danvie at 7:44 a. m
leave Greensboro at IL m; arrive at Charlotte
$3.50 p. m.
New YORK EXPRESS, Eastward-Leave Charlotte
at 1885 a. m leave Greensboro at l:l5 p. m; leave
Danvle at 1886 p. m; leave Dundee at S:4s p. M;
leave Burkeville at 800 p M, and arrive at klch-
mond at 11:O9 p. m. This train connects at Rich
mond with trains on the Richmond, Fredericksburg
& Potomac railroad for Washington, Baltimore,
Philadelphia New York, and all eastern points.
THRd UGH MAIL, Westward--Leave Richmond at
1:3S o. M; leave Burkeve at AL p. M. leave
Dundee at 1926 p. m; leave Danvie at 9:29 p. M;
leave Greensboro at 1920 m: arrive at Charlotte
at % g. m. This train connects at Charlotte with
trains on the Atlanta and Richmond Air Lisa rail.
road and Charlotte, Columbia, Atlanta railroad for
Atlanta, Montgomery, Mobile, New Orleans, Co.
lumbia, Augusta Savannah, Charleston, and all.
| Southern and South western points.
TuHouoH MAIL, Eastward-Leave Charlotte at
7:45 o. M; leave Greensboro at 2:15 a. M; leave
Danvle at 5:13 a. M; leave Dundee at 6.26 a. mi
leave Burkevie at 11:30 q. M; arrive at Richmond
at 2:22 p. m. This train connects at Burkeville
with trains on the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio
railroad from Chattanooga, Knoxville, Lyn.hburg,
and all South western points; and OF Richmond with
the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac railroad
and Richmond, YORK River and Chesapeake railroad
for all northern points.
| LYNcHBURG PASSENGER, Westward-Leave Rich.
mond at a. m; leave Burkegile at LIS p. m; ar
rive at Lynchburg at 425 p. m.
| BURKEvILLE AcCoMMoDATIcN.-Leave Burkeville
at 4s5 a.. M; arrive at Richmond at 1853 q. m.
All through trains connect at Dundee with trains
on the W. G., V. NJ. and G. 3. railroad to and from
Washington, Baltimore, and all eastern points.
| THROTJGH TICKETS To all nonta South and
| West, and baggage checked through.
! T. N. r. TALCOTT,
| Engineer and Superintendent.
| q. T. DOUGLAS, Master Transportation.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03

ID edmond, Fredericksbarg and Potomac
IL Route.
ON AND AFTER OCTOBER 18th, 1878, mail
trains on this road will run as follows:
UP DAY MAIL, via rail, and steamer, leaves
Byrd-Street station, p. m.
UP NIGHT MAIL, via rail alone, leaves Byrd.
Street station, II p. M, Except on Sundays,)
UP ACCOMMODATION leaves Broad-Street
station, Q p. m. Except on Sundays.)
DOWN DAY MAIL, via rail and steamer, ar.
rives at Byrd.Street station at lao p. m.
DOWN NIGHT MAIL via rail alone arrives at
Byrd Street station 400 m. Except Mondays.)
DOWN ACCOMMODATION TRAIN arrives at
Broad.Street station. 1897 a. m. Except Sundays)
FREIGHT TRAINS leave Broad. street station
on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7.25 a. m,
connecting at Quantico with the Alexandra and
Fredericksburg railway. Returning, arrive at Broad
street station on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Satur-
days at p. m. j. b. GENTRY,
General Ticket and Freight Agent
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
IRECTORY
OF THE
Presbyterian Church in the United States.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
The General Assembly will meet at St. Louis Mo-,
on the third Thursday of May, 1876, at IL A. NJ.
CLERKS.
REV. JOSEPH r. WILSON, ID. D., STATED CLERK,
RH HVAv WILLIAM BROWN. b. D.. PERMANENT CLERK,
Va.
The Stated Clerk the Treasurer of the
General Assembly.
TRUSTEES.
HoS. JAMES HEMPHILL, President, Chester, s. @.
JOS. H. WILSON, VICE.. President, Charlotte, N. y.
JESSE H. LINDSAY, Esq, SECRETARY and TREAsuRER'
Greensboro, N. O.
sUsTENTATION.
REV. J. LEIGHTON WILSON, D. d. SECRETARY,
REV REV. RICHARD MoILwAINE, Coordinate sEcRE-
rARY and TREASURER, Columbia, S. O.
FOREIGN MISSIONS.
RRv. ]. LEIGHTON WILSON, D. D., SECRETARY,
RIv. RICHARD McILwAINE, Coordinate sEcRErA-
RY and TREASURER, Columbia, s. q.
PUBLICATION.
REV E. THOMPSON BAIRD, D. D., SECRETARY, Rich
G. GENNET, Esq, TREASURER, Richmond. Va.
EDUCATION
Rev. JNo. N. wADDELL, u. D., sKcRrrARr,I Mem
JAMES ELDER, TREASURES, Memphis, Tenn.
Applications to the Executive Committee for aid are
utive Committees their approval and be for
warded by them the Assembly's Committees.
COLLECTIONS.
The General Assembly has appointed the following COL
lections to be taken up annually in all the churches
For Sustentation On the first Sabbath In January.
For Publication On the first Sabbath in March
For Foreign Missions On the first Sabbath in May.
For the Relief of Disabled Ministers and the Widows
Orphans Deceased Ministers On the first Sabbath
In July.
For Evangeistic Work: On the first Sabbath in Sep
TENDER.
For Education On the first Sabbath in November.
In 1t is highly announcement to take up col
lectons these days. they shall be taken up as soon as
possible thereafter
The Assembly recommends to the churches that they
adopt the apostolic plan of taking up weekly collections
and that the amounts thus collected be appropriated to
the named Objects when necessary TO local OBJ
jects In proportion the church session decide
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
Ansbanarg.
From the Shenandoah Herald.
Profit of Sheep Raising.
SOUTH BEND, Shenandoah Co., Va,
December is, 1874. (

SOUTH BEND, Shenandoah Co., Va,
December is, 1874.
Messrs. Editors,--As the subject of sheep
culture is now attracting the attention of the
farmers of our county, have determined to
send you short communication embracing
facts in nay own personal experience in this
business. While l have kept sheep for a
number of years, l will con6ne myself to the
record of the last two years, although my
profits during these years have been less than
those of any one of the six or seven years
previous. The causes of which were that
sheep were higher, the prices of lambs and
wool about the same, and the seasons less
propitious.
On the 7th of September, 1872, pur-
chased rs common stock ewes for So. 35 per
head. From December Oath to May LIST,
1873, l fed so bushels of corn at cost of
so cents per bushel. On the 2lst Of April
| sold 6S lambs at $50 per head. On the
5th of June 1 sold my wool-4129 lbs. at
49, cents per h., which gives total yield
of $379.5S.
First cost of sheep, s25l Us
Nine months interest, ii 30
Fifty bushels of corn, rs 90
Leaving me net balance of 500 03, af
ter paying principal, interest and cost of
corn. Estimating the ewes at what they
cost, my profit by the one years transaction
was $343.2S, very good per cent. upon an
investment of $287.55.
On the Odd of September, 1873, pur-
chased lot of 35 at cost of $11S.59, in
Guiding oaignal lot, my flock of ITO sheep
cost me S36S75. April 18th, 1874, l sold
81 lambs, the proceeds of 80 ewes, for So SIS
per head. About June 1st 1 sold 5573 lbs.
of wool at 80 cents. Total yield $43975.
The total cost was:
Twelve months interest on the first pur-
chase, $40 VI
Second purchase and interest, 1852 rs
Sixty bushels of corn at 60 cents, sc 90
$173 SO
Leaving balance of, $265 SO
Profit of 1872, W Us
Net profit 1858 90
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
IMPROVED INSTRUMENT FOR LAND
SURVEYING.
INVENTED BIT
III.L.EY stanntnn. Yirrin;a.

j. M. LILLEY, staunton, Virginia.
THIS INSTRUMENT has been adopted at the
United States Military Academy, West Point; Wash
ington College, Va, and many of the leading lnst'
tutions of learning of the country, and is recon-
mended by the Professors of Mathematics and En-
cheering, and by Practical Surveyors who have
used it, as superior to any instrument now in use for
the purposes for which it is designed.
Send for Circular containing description OF In
strument, price list and recommendations.
Orders filed promptly.
3taunton, Virginia.
Or the following Agents: Messrs. staekpole 4
Bro, Al Fulton Street, New York; &. W. Carroll
& Co., Cincinnati, Ohio; J. P. Morton Co., Lou.
isville, Ky, A. 8. Aloe, St. Louis, Mo-
feb 2-E
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03

CHRISTMAS AppLEs.-A New York horti-
culturist sells Baldwin apples at $40 a bar
rel. Here is the secret: Take slip of pa
per and cut out children names; then place
the paper around the apples when they begin
to color, and in week or two, Mamie, Ja-
mic, Johnnie, or Susie appears on the ap.
Piles in large red letters. These picked and
barreled by themselves, bring fancy prices
for the New York Christmas market.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
Central 4rssbgtuian.
Office Ho. 1915 Main street, nearly opposite
tho Post Office.
TIE r ms

Three Dollars year, payable in adcancs.
PAYMENTS may be made to local agents wherever
practicable; all ministers of our Church are author
ised to act as SUCH Or by checks, POsto6ics money
orders, letters Registered by Postmaster Other.
wise IT MUST BE AT TEE RISK or THE PARTY sEsI
ING IT.
OBITUARIES. Charged at ten cents line. The
party sending can make the estimate by counting
eight words to line. Payment In a, vance.
CoNnUHI0ATIoNs AND LErrEks on BUSHES
should be addressed to Central Presbyterian, Boz
IL, Richmond, We.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03

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