davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18
What Can I Do for Your Paper?

We invite the attention of our readers to
the following article from the Canadian
Murchman:;
In reply to the many inquiries, "What
can l do for your paper p will our friends
allow US to answer this demand for orce and
all, and so that it may reach every one wish
ing to aid US.
1. Subscribe yourself. Subscription con-
sists Of two parts-the one the giving your
name, the other renting the amount you
desire to pay.
2. Find out how many Of your friends or
neighborS are without church paper, urge
them to subscribe, and having obtained their
names, stir them up to begin, amongst their
various circles, the work of obtaining sub
scribers, and let them send us speedily the
result of their lsbors.
8. Let those who can do so send us arti-
cles on religious topics. Do not wait until
the time arrives which so seldom comes, when
you can sit down and write an elaborate es-
say for the paper, but send that which you
can without delay short, pointed paper,
dealing with some matter which you have
solved, or on which you want light.
4. Take the trouble of sending US short
account of any church news from your neigh
borhood, so that all may be stirred up to
greater exertion by the account presented of
what may be doing throughout the land for
the cause of Christ. Try and give such prac-
teal suggestions as will enable others to fol-
low out the course which has proved benef-
cial in graduating some evil, awakening re-
ligious feeling, or Strengthening those that
stand
5 Remember that church newspaper
worthy of the name will, if distributed, give
you an opportunity through its columns of
presenting the gospel to absent friends and
relatives, in whose breasts you desire to kin
die or keep alive sense of the spiritual life
you desire them to live.
6. Ask God daily to bless this newspaper
enterprise, and to en]ighten the understand
ing and strengthen the hands of those en-
gagged in it, thatit may be conducted in pro-
per spirit, and to the glory of Him whose
great name it is intended to honor.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18
THE EASTERN QUESTION.

Our papers, religious and secular, have
abounded in discussions and predictions about
affairs in Turkey. Herzegovina, Bulgaria,
and Servia, have rebelled against long and
grievous misrule; war has followed and ragged
under some of its most aggravated forms
atrocities have marked the progress of the
Turkish army much more cruel and revolving
than those experienced in our Southern
country at the hands of Federal rspacity.-
What is to be the end of these troubles p
WhereuntO will they grow? Really We have
as little ability to foretell as those who an
swer with so much confidence. One thing
among others is remarkable; all the great
European powers are in fear of complications
which threaten war, and seem to be trying to
avoid that result; yet the danger of terrible
conflict which will probably exceed any thing
known during the present century, and may
greatly change the political condition of
Europe, is at this moment regarded as great
er than ever. All know the sick man is
sick unto death all wish him to die but the
question of administering upon his estate, and
making satisfactory diVisiOn-that is the
trouble. A few weeks, possibly few days,
may decide one of the most momentous ques-
tions of this age. Has the time come when
the Euphrates of prophecy as to be dried upg
If so, we are on the eve of great move
ment in the wheels of Providence.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18
Close Co mmunion.

The Baptist Union is after its close COM
munion brethren as will be seen
Should good man like DR.. Charles Hodge
be excluded from our communion table?
Most assuredly.
Is he heretioal in respect to any of the
great doctrines of Christianity
On the contrary, he is remarkably ortho-
dox.
Is he deficient in respect to outward walk,
or as to the evidence he gives of heartfelt
experience of religion?
No, he is pattern worthy of all imitation.
Is he lacking in intellectual acumen or in
sound learning?
He has the advantage of most men in these
respects.
Why then should he, or any intelligent,
devout child of God, be excluded from the
Lords table? What is the extent of his Of
Tending?
He has according to our judgmcnt,) erred
in has judgment, in respect to the matter of
baptism.
Has he violated the law of baptism as to
its spait9
No, he has done all that he understands
that law requires.
Well (aside from the symbolism" of bap.
tism, has he failed to accomplish the grand
design of baptism, in making public profes.
sion of faith in Christ?
By no means. He has been outdone by no
one in this.
Does he appear to lack the spirit of ODE
dience
Nothing of this sort can be alleged.
Wherein then, exactly, has he failed, and
so given US justifable reason for excluding
him from communion?
To sum it all up: 1. He has, in our opin-
ion, erred in his judgment. 2 This erro-
neous judgment relates simply to an OUTWARD
form. s, He lacks not the spiritual sub
stance of the ordinance, but only the letter.
Therefore We conclude that if the most devout
child of God errs however innocently) in his
judgment, in respect even to the manner in
which he performs even the letter of even an
outward rite, he must be objected to the se-
verest penalty that the great Head of the
Church has authorized even in the case of
the worst offenders. He must be carefully
excluded from all Church privileges, even that
of concentrating the Lords death. Such is
the boasted logic of close communion
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18
The SYNOD of Nashville

Met in Shelbyville. Tenn. and was organized by
the election Of Rev. George Caldwell as Moderator,
and Rev. Alexander Cowan and Rev. s. r. Pres
ton. Clerks.
Thirty-eight ministers and twenty-five elders
were present during its sessions
The greater part of the time was taken up in dis
cussing the question of the diaconate.
Rev. DR.. g. s. Savage of Kentucky. represent
ing the American Bible Society, made an earnest
appeal, in stating its objects and claims. Synod
societies, for the spread Of the printed gospel
The Rev. DR.. McIlwaine presented the claims Of
the Sustentation scheme, together with the evan
gelisc cause as the basis for the spread Of Divine
truth 1t is to be hoped, that the churches will be
stirred up by his earnest appeals for the home aud
foreign fields. On Sabbath night, he presented
the claims of foreign missions
After the usual routine of business, adjourned to
meet in Cleveland, East Teun., II P. NJ, October
18th, 1877.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18
FRATERNAL RELATIONS.

We are glad to be a6le to note the fact that here
and there bold voice is heard in behalf of frster.
nal relations with the Northern Presbyterian
Church, on the basis which was substantially lsid
down by the Savannah Assembly At quarterly
congregational meeting of the First Presbyterian
church at Lexington, Ky, the following resolu-
tons were unanimously adopted;
Resolved By the congregation of the First Pres
byterian church. Lexington, KY, that they heartily
approve Of the action Of the General Assembly, at
their late meeting 10 Savannah. In expressing a
willingness to establish fraterna relations with
their brethren OF the Presbyterian Church in the
North.
Resoloed, That while looking to the record Of
the past and penetrating the future as lar as we
are able BY experience, and By the tendency of the
present, We DO not see our way clear for closer
union between the two bodies OF the Church than
that which they bear 60 Churches of other denOmi.
nations still il is matter Of qualification TO this
congregation 20 know OF any steps being taken
which will bring the Christian people OF PTesbyte-
ran organization into that unity for which Christ
prayed so earnestly in his last solemn prayer with
his disciples, leaving it to the Judgment Of our
Church jndieatOries, IN which We have confidence,
to determine in what mode this can best be done.
-NOTth Carolina Presbyterian
The article suggests few comments :
1. The resolutions Of the Church referred
to do not seem TO be uttered at all in ga bold
voice. Nothing could be milder or more
moderate in its tone and meaning.
2. We agree With the " G. Presbyterian
that " the basis" for IS fraternal relations vito
the Northern Presbyterian Church was in.
deed very substantially laid dorm by the
Savannah Assembly," and the most substsn'
tial part of it was that which referred to the
paper which (hsVing been carefully and wise
ly drawn up by the Rev, Joseph R. Wilson,
d. d. was unanimously adopted by the St.
Louis Assembly. What the basis of that
paper was all our readers know. By the &C
ton of two successive Assemblies our Church
is fully committed to that basis; and We IN
derstand the paper adopted by the First
Church of Lexington, KY, as being in har-
mony with it. And just IS soon as the
Northern Assembly agrees to it, what is
called " fraternal relations" will certainly
be established.
g. If, therefore, that is all our respected
cOtemporary means by this "6old voiee, it
is far more than IS here and there" it is every
where. But if that is not what is meant, we
earnestly hope it will be found next Spring,
neither "here, nor "there, nor any where
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18
AN INTERESTING SERVICE.


Ga Sunday afternoon the new chapel of
the % Presbyterian church in this city, was
dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. The
services were conducted by the Rev. DR..
Hoge, assisted by the Rev. Dr.. Bennett, of
the Christian Advocate, and by the editor of
this paper.
The sermon was preached BY DR.. Hoge,
the text being taken from the epistle to the
Philippians, Sd chapter and 8 verse: For
We are the circumcision, which worship God
in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and
have no confidence in the flesh" It was
one highly interesting and edifying to all
who heard it.
The occasion was one of peculiar pleasure
to the Presbyserians of Richmond, as we'll as
to members of other denominations, who
gave evidence of their interest in this new
enterprise By the large numbers from differ
ens churches in attendance at the dedication
service. Although notice had been given
that the exercises would not commence till
o'clock, long before that hour every part
of the hoase where sitting or standing room
could be obtained was occupied, aud hun
dreds went away without being able to OBJ
tain admittance.
The situation of the chapel is an admira
bic one, near the west end of Grace street,
in the most rapidly improving part of the
city. In appearance it. is attractive within
and without, rejecting credit on the taste Of
the building committee aud the architect -
The dimensions are sc by 40 fee, aud the
COSTS about $4,000.
In the course of his sermon DR.. Hoge al
luded to the fact that the expense incurred
in erecting the building had fallen lightly Oh
the people of his church, large proportion
of it having been betrayed by one not resid
ing in Richmond, and whose libsrslity had
been as unostentatious as it had been gener,
Gus. He also stated that in due time it was
intended to organize new church there,
and thai in the meantime the building would
be used by the Mission Sabbath School of
the Second Presbyterian church, and for
occasional and perhaps regular religious SER
vices during the week.
Il vas evident that good spirit pervaded
the congregation at this first meeting in the
new chapel, and at the conclusion of the ex-
ercises many kind greetings were exchanged
among those who felt that it had been sea
son of refreshment and spiritual profit.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18
TIE UNFINISHED FIGHT.

The CoRgregatiOaahst, of Boston, is per-
hsps the leading journal in that communion,
and its editor, DR.. Dexter, is commonly rec
ognized as high authority in questions of &C.
clesiastical polisy. The paper, however,
though professedly devoted to the interests
of religion, is as much prOstituted to the pur-
poses of party politics as those other Congre-
gationaliss journals. the Christian Union,
edited By Henry Ward Beecher, and the
Eadepsadsnt edited by II. @. Bowen, one
of Bescher's chief prosecutors. The simple
fact that such partisan course is tolerated
aud 50 generally patrOnized by COngrega-
tionalist churches, is one of the clesrest
proofs of the character of their religion
Certain is is that there is not a journal in
our Church, or, so far as known, in any re-
spectacle denomination among US, where
such degradation would be endured q
month.
But to come back to the CongregatiOnahst:
Commenting in its last issue upon the state
of political matters in South Carolina, and
after some very complimentary remarks con-
corning Governor Chamberlain, las being,
among other good things, Massachusetts,
man in whom the utmost confidence may be
reposed) the article concludes with the fol-
lowing:
eff he has erred at all. he will, we are confident,
be found to be on the side Of caution and under
statement, and IN the interests OF peace and oour-
tesy. But if we are to put confidence in what he
says-aud dOes-uothiug can De palmer than that
so called - Democratic ascendenoy at the Novem-
Der elections means the rehuenee of the subsidized
wave of rebel terOcity and policy, if not even the
compelling Of the nation to fight over again the old
fight that never was finished as it ought to have
been I"
We make no comment upon that closing
sentence, except to say that there is all over
the North class of as finished hypocrites as
were ever masked under the name of Phar-
isee. At other times, when it suits pur-
pose, these same men are full of words pro-
Tossing extraordinary affection for US, which
are " smoother than butter" Such sheep.
skin Christianity all honest men are obliged
to despise The old fight that neusr was
finished as It ought to hare been %
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18
PresbYterY of Tuscaloosa

Met at Springville, Ala, Sept. 2lst. A CORES
pendent of the ~. G. Presbyterian says:
Nearly half of the territory is new ground to
this Presbytery, but though beginning with very
few members two years ago, they are making de.
cided progress in building up churches in this in.
teresting and promising region. This fact will
draw valuable element to this section, as all ad-
NIT the intelligence and moral worth Of this de-
nomination. As yet, this Presbytery has only
twenty-eight churches and thirteen ministers. But
nearly all these churches have the regular means Of
grace and nearly all contribute to the various be.
nevolent schemes of the Church.
The ministers and churches were urged to do all
in their power to secure preaching to the colored
people, and the Presbytery gave its hearty en-
dorsement to the action Of the General Assembly
in establishing at Tuscaloosa institution for the
education of colored ministry, and thus carrying
out the plan for the organization of separate A-
ricsn Presbyterian Church.
A plan was begun for sending out colporteur to
sell and give away books and tracts, including BIZ.
bles and Testaments.
The next stated meeting of this body is to be
held at Livingstone, on the first of May"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18
Presbytery of Upper Missouri

Met at Lawson, September 2Sth, and was opened
with a sermon by Rev. r. s. Campbell, D. D.
from Luke xix 5.
Five ministers and seven elders present.
Rev. r. s. Campbell was elected Moderator
and Rev. j. P. Foreman, Clerk.
Rev. James Morton Was dismissed to Presbytery
of st. Louis.
The committee appointed to install Rev. R. 8
Campbell pastor of First Church at St. Joseph
reported performance of said duty
Rev. R. s. Campbell and Elder B. B. Frazer
were appointed committee to correspond with the
Church in Richmond as to their reasons for non
representation in Presbytery.
Book of Church Order-All members of Pres
bytery were directed to carefully read and consider
said book, and to express their opinion in writing
to the Moderator REV. r. s. CampbelD, previous
to the next stated spring meeting in order that he
may present thereupon distinct report
Papers were adopted. approving the action Of
the two Assemblies on Fraternal Correspondence
urging the claims of Westminster College on the
two Synods of Missouri, and deploring the evil
consequences and increasing prevalence of intem.
perance.
The subject of Foreign Missions was especially
commended to the pastors, sessions, and church
members.
: Rev. j. P Foreman was elected Stated Clerk.
Adjourned to meet in Plattsburg, March 80, u
P. Nj.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18

THE CHRISTIAN SUN.-The Rev. Dr.. W.
G. Wellons, who has been the proprietor and
editor of that religious journal in Suffolk,
Va, since 1849 has transferred the paper
into other hands. This is owing to long
sickness, the result of which is still doubtful.
DE-. Wellons has been the acknowledged lead
er of the denomination called Christians, and
has always been recognized by those who
know him as a jealous and faithful minister
o; the gospel. His theology, We believe, Is
very much in conformity with that held in the
Methodist Church. The scheme of ecclesias-
tieal poEty established by his denomination
may be described as Broad CHUreh-and so
extremely broad that other Christian church.
es generally consider it as resting upon foqn-
dations so uncertain as to make it liable to
future agitations. Much sympathy is felt
for DR.. WellOns, and We trust kind prOvi-
dence may soon restore him to health and the
work Of the ministry.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18

WALNUT STREET CHURCH, ST. LOUIS
From the Interior (Chicago) and the st.
Louis Presbyterian we learn that there is q
movement at last in the Walnut Street
church which will fix it's ecclesiastical posi-
ton. Since 1874, when DR.. Brookes, the
pastor, appeared in the Northern Assembly,
which met in St. Louis, the church has been
independent in its relations. This resulted
from the fact that the congregation was di'
vided in its preferences.
The Interior says:
About the first of September. this year, after
DR.. Brookes' return from his summer vacation, 8
petition from about one hundred and thirty
members of the church was presented to the ses-
sion, asking them to take such action as would re-
suit in the transfer of the church into connection
with the Southern Assembly. The time had evil
IDENTIFY now come for some decisive action as to
where they should in future be allied, aud within
few days preceding last Sabbath the session, con
sisting OF nine members, had voted as follows: SIX
to 90 into the Northern Church, and three OPP
posed but the three had agreed after some sharp
discussion In Christian spirit to coincide with
the decision of the majority for Ohrists sake At
the close of the services, Sabbath morning. Mr..
Alexander, who had been member of session in
former years. but had ceased to act ian old gentle.
mani, arose in the congregation and protested
against the action of session, and invited all who
sympathized with him to meet at his house Mon
day evening"
The result has not reached US, but from
the above itappears that DR.. BrOOkeS, and at
least majority, if not all his session, have
gone over to the Northerp Church.
The congregation, we presume, will be
divided, formally, as it has been really, on
this question. This separation is only wha!
has been looked for, and so far as DR.. BrOOkes
is concerned, it was thought rather strange
it was not effected in 1874, Immediately after
his substantial adhesion to the Northern As,
sembly.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18

To Emigrants. following good advice from
the Tenas Presbyterian, should be appropriated by
all intending to emigrate:
And here let me say to our Presbyterian people,
who contemplate moving to Texas, numbers have
made the mistake of isolating themselves from their
Church and people, and they and their children
have been lost to the Church their children grow
ing up, either without religious training, or under
the influence of other denominations; in many
cases deprving them of all church, school and even
social advantages in order to own quantities Of
cheap land. which in many instances has proved an
incubus. The most prosperous farmers in Texas
have been those who have bought small farms, Gull
tivated we'll, and lived within themselves.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18

Rev. Charles Chiniquy has been doing very
effective work in behalf of the truth among the
French Catholics of Montreal and other cities Of
the Maritime Provinces now for several years.
He has at times met with opposition, even to mob
violence, but this has not deferred him, or made
him afraid, or embittered his spirit. The work
now begins to assume tangible form, and we OBJ
the erection of church for Mr.. Chinieuy, in the
western part of Montreal to be seated for six hun
dred persons and to be ready for occupation before
the present year expires. A second congregation
worship in another part of the city.--Ne,0 York
Evangelist.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18

The Yellow Fever at Savannah is abatiDg at
last and may be expected to die out in few days.
Its ravages have been fearful Sympathy and help
have been abundantly rendered, and the authorities
of the city now advise the public that the funds on
hand are enough for their wants.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18

Dr. Stuart Robinson says, and we agree with him
that earnest zeal for ones own system, if it is an
intelligent zeal, tends to promote, rather than tC
hinder broad, catholic spirit toward other church
es. Does not every days observation show US that
men are better Christians just in proportion as they
are better Presbyerians better Methodists, better
Baptists, better Episcopalians
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18

Southern Presbyterian Review.-The contents
Of the number for October are published in another
place Having Just received it there is only room
to say that It IS one Of uncommon interest and
ability. The articles on the Philosophy of Dr.
BledsOe and Recently Discovered Memoranda
Of the Westminster Assembly" are alone richly
worth year. subscription.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18
RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

EPOoHs OF ANCIENT HISTORY Uniform with Epochs
of Modern History.
The volume just published by ScEibner, Armstrong
& Co., New York, and received through West q
Johnston of this city, is devoted to the early history
of the Roman Empire, from the ASSASSINATION OF
julius Cesar to that of Domitsn. 1t has been com
piled by W. ". Capes, of Oxford University, has
several valuable maps and Genealogical Tables and
at the low price of 81
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18

The MEETING OF THE SYNOD OF VIR.
GINA will be held in Norfolk this week, and
it is, of course, our expectation to give such
an account as will put our readers in posses.
zion of the purpOrt and spirit of its proceed
ipgs.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18

Rev. Thomas B. welch, D. D., of Little Rock, Ark
and former moderator of the General Assembly,
passed successfully through severe surgical opera
ton several weeks ago in Philadelphia. His com.
plete recovery is confidently expected
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18

The August number of the La PRENsA EvANGELI
CA, published in Spanish at Bucsramanga, by Rev
b. B. Pratt, has just reached US. We are gratife'
to notice that he has drawn from the columns OF tn
Central Presbyterian some items considered worth.
of translation for that missionary field. We wis
La PrsnsG may have wide circulation, and be
power for good