davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16
FoR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
MEXICO.

1t will be gratifying to those interested in this
the church and schools. The latter, day and Sun
day Schools, are instruments Of very great power
in interesting parents and bringing those to hear
the gospel who would not otherwise come within
its il huenoe. An extract from recent letter OF
Rev. A. T. Graybi says: " | visited family,
whose daughter 10 years of age attends both
schools Ia conversation the father said to me-
/ have stopped working on Sunday because hear
that the Bible says We must work but SIX days, and
keep the seventh holy. This is but one OF many
instances in which good has been accomplished by
the recitation Of the commandments by the chill
dren Of the family. Our work is not confined to
Matamoras. In addition to three services he'd
there, and two in Brownsville every Sabbath the
two assistants teach in Ranches few miles from
Matamoras. Lsandro's preaching in one, Santa
Rosaie, has stirred up the priests to make an ef
fort to build Romish church. L,andro breaches
in rude hut, scarcely large enough to accOmmo-
date the family, yet he has,as many as thirty per-
sons who hear the Word gladly. They propose
erecting plain chapel at cost OF 5000. OF which
they have raised all except $75. Are there not
three or more persons in Richmond who would
like to send the needed SIS, thus making these
Mexicans feel that those who have had the Gospel
for generations are in earnest about sending it to
others? | think if we could have this chapel that
in few months we could call this entire village to
the Gospel The willingness to help themselves
in building house of worship for their use is an
encouraging feature of this mission field. The pc
cuniary embarrassment Of the Committee precludes
all hope of assistance from itherefore | hope
that the Lord will put it into the hearts of some of
our people to respond to this call. "
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16
For THE CENTRAL PREsBYTERIAs.

Dear DR.. Brown,-Allow me to acknowledge
through the columns of the Central the receipt of
number of valuable presents from the good peo
pie of the congregations Of n W Dublin, Newbern,
and Laurel Hill, consisting Of variety Of articles
Of domestic use. which find a place in every de-
partment of the household, from the chamber to
the larder and which, whether for ornament or
convenience, by every considerate housewife are
regarded as indispensable. 10 addition to these
gratifying expressions Of coed will and affection,
would also acknowledge the gift Of very hand
some and valuable Jersey carriage, which, as
promoter of locOmotion, to one on the shady slope
Of ftty, cannot but be regarded as both thoughtful
and significant. Such acts of kindness on the part
of people towards their pastor are always most
gratefully appreciated and felt by him. They
greatly contribute to strengthen the pastoral rela
ton, and bless both those who give ard him who
receives. }. NJ. X.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16
The Eastern Question The NeD York Methodist

The Eastern Question The NeD York Methodist
says
1.-THE best informed English journals regard
the Eisern question as on the eve of a crisis 1t
has been there for some time but as long as Tur-
key could pay interest, though it were by making
new loans, the other parts IF the problem we're safe
enough in the hands of diplomacy. The danger of
bankruptcy has become very threatening, and that
would force the hands Of diplomats when fifty
Herzegovina Instructions would not. Turkey
seems to be nearly exhausted the signs Of dissolu-
ton are more startling than ever before. But ore
form Of vitality -MahOmmedan religious
zeal, and it would make even dying Turkey dan
gerous enemy. Hitherto, DO one Of the six Powers
has been quite ready to face the question, nor is il
certain that any are ready now. There are. how
ever, hints that Germany may be ready in the
spring If Bismarck should abandon temporz
ing policy, and assume an active role, events would
march rapidly and there is not much room to
doubt what his policy would be. His theory of
the new adjustment OF Turkish territory is simple
one enough, and he probably has power to reduce
it to working reality. He would give Austria
practical sovereignty over the Danube, so as to re.
move her from Germany, and rule the rest of Eu-
ropean Turkey by local governments under the pro-
lection Of the great Powers. This policy might be
carried out by detaching successfully the rebelipg
provinces and erecting them into protected princi-
palites; and the Bosphorus might for some time
yet remain in Turkish hands.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16
From the Missionary for February.
hereby send you translation of notice OF
our Christmas Tree, as it appeared in the FL Pro
80. - IooJ;no ,.o,l.r M ,or ~ Motamor.a

| hereby send you translation Of notice OF
our Christmas Tree, as it appeared in the FL Pro
gresso, the leading secular paper Of Matamoras
THE CHRISTMAS FEAST
was held in the Presbyterian church, 10 this city,
on the evening of the "a h, CONN encipg at six
and a. half o'clock. There was large conccurse OF
people, in which we noticed f!ty or Sky children,
members of the Sunday school of that church.
The service began with religious hymn sung by
al the congregation, followed with Irsver by Rev:
A. T Graylil. Alter which twenty Fl 'e boys and
glr's of the Sunday School rected various che
tiers and verses of the B ble and Christian poetry
suitable to the OCCASION HSmns were sung at in-
tervas between the reci'atlons.
This service being ended d, all the audience rassed
into the )ining room where we had the rleasore
for the irst time of seeing the Christina. Tee. 1t
was tastefuly arranged with many gifts for the
children suspended such as books, toys and can
dies, all of which were distributed among the chill
dreu.
The Fject Of this is the celebration of the birth
of the Redeemer CT the word and TO afford the
children diversion, which ia no way cffends mo-
rality, but tends to promote it.
The effects are that the children 10 the morning
of life becoming interested in morality. in virtue
and religion, when grown will be Useful TO their
families to society aud to their country they will
be aft ctionate brothers, vrtuOus fathers. law abid
ing citizens, and Christians Who will not desecrae
the name Of their Master. A SPECTATOR
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16
Study of the Shorter Catechis n.

A correspondent of the ~ Y. Evangelist
says that several of the late meetings of the
Mini iterial Association of Pliladel phia have
been taken up with the subject OF revival
effort to promote instruction in the West
minister Assembly's Shorter Catecbism. 1t
was started by paper read by Dr.. 81. A.
Boardman, proposing that the Association
recommend to the Board of Publication to
prepare and send out monthly Lesson Sheets
with helps, &c, on the plan of their present
weekly issue, adapted to the International
Bible Lessons, with the view of having the
former once month substituted for the lat
ter in the instruction of the Sabbath Schools,
Bible classes and home circle. The only
point of question was, whether, as proposed,
to make the monthly displacement of the In
ternational Lesson, or to secure more dis
tinctness for the one question and answer
each week now appended to the sheet as is
sued by our Board. The discussion has
awakened very serious interest, and
brought to knowledge some facts concerning
the existence Of the practice of catechetical
instruction, which are decidedly encourag
ing. 1t was closed on the 3lst ult., with the
adoption of the following resolutions pre-
pared by DR.. J. w. Dale:
RESOLVED, That the paper presented to the
Presbyterian Ministerial Association by Rev.
DR.. Boardman be placed in the hands of the
Board of Publication, accompanied with the
earnest desire of this association, that it may
receive their thoughtful consideration, in
order to the attainment, if possible, of ends
so eminently desirable.
RESOLVED, That We regard with great sat.
isfaction the introduction of one question of
the Shorter Catechism into each Sunday
School lesson, and We suggest that hereafter
the joint arrangement, which We most cor.
d ally make with the other evangelical
churches, for the system of International
Sunday School lessons one Sabbath in each
month, be reserved for the thorough study
of the Shorter Cstechism under the direction
of the pastor alao that it might in many
cases be connected with family worship, and
seasons be secured by pastors for such study
and instruction independent of the Sunday
Schools.
RESOLVED, That this association would in
any case commend to the consideration of
the Board the preparation of series of les
sons on the Shorter Catechism, such as sug
gested in the paper of DR.. Boardman, by
parties well qualified for such work as were
the great authors of the Catechism qualified
for their work.
ResOlved. That we regard with great sat
isfaction the fact that, during the last five
or six years, more than 800 600 copies of
the Shorter Catechsm have been circulated
by the Board among our churches, and that
the distribution continues at the rate of about
90 600 copies yearly.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16
A DAY OF SALVATION.

The day of salvation will, in a general
sense, last through the whole dispeneatiOn Of
the gospel, and will not end till all of
Christ's redeemed people are gathered in BY
the angels from the four quarters of the
earth. But there are seasons Of special
blessing. God is indeed "Tai'iDg to be
gracious" at all times, and for any minister
or any church to sit down in slOthful indiE
ference, looking for some more convenient
season." is an abuse of the riches Of Gods
goodness and long-sufaring.
Yet there are, in point of fact, seasons which
may be emphatically called times Of re-
freshing from the presence Of the Lord. =
The Spirit of God comes down "as rain
upon the mown grass" the prayers and
praises of the churches are going up to the
throne as clouds Of incense; sinners are
converted unto God in great numbers. and
Christians are brought nearer to the cross.
Such times are times of blessing-harvest
days when many who had gone forth weep
ing, bearing precious seed, now come again
rejoicing, bringing their sheaVes with them.
Such times are in a special sense a " day OF
salvation" In human point of view it is
easier then for souls to be saved; outside
influences are most prOpitiOus; the sermons
of ministers, prayers and admoOitiOns and
lives of the people of God, are more suited
to help the soul on to grace. As the faith
full, watchful pastor thinks Of this, his heart
trembles over many for whose salvation he
has long labored, and in the tender spirit OF
his Master over the devoted city, ne is ready
to say" o that thou didst know, at least
in this thy day the things that belong to thy
peace /" Is it not indeed solemn day
"the day of visitation" AID which may soon
pass away?
Such reflections are suggested By the fact,
of which there can be no doubt, that the
Lord is at this time remembering mercy
wonderfully over this land. The intelligence
comes from the East and from the West,
from the North and from the South. Is 1T
not a call for prayer, and for labor? a'time
to arise and gather in great and precious
harvest for the glory of Him who has given
it? There is nothing that can save this land
or this world but the prevalence Of true rel-
gion. There are great political questions
pending, whose magnitude We would say
nothing to diminish. But when we "speak
of the things touching the King, they all
sink down out of sight; for what are they all
compared with 'the far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory?' There is no hope
or help in man, but there is an abundance
in the mercy of the Lord, which is from
everlasting to everlasting, and in the {" ex-
ceeding great and precious promises s.
the Lord shall comfort z on; He will comfort
all her waste places; and He will make her
wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the
garden of the Lord. joy aud gladness shall
be found therein thanksgiving, and the
voice of melody"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16
Moody and Sankey Meeting 10 Baltimore.
BALTIMORE Fah. 6. 1916.


A remarkable meeting WIS held Cd Tuesday
evening, January 25 b, In the Brown Memorial
cbuych, to hear reports from the delegates to the
Christian convention held in Philadelphia under
the direction of the two EVangests, Messrs.
Moody and Sankey, Oh the - b and 20 b OF jan
uary.
The large building was gil cd to its utmost capae-
ity with representatives from all the evangelical
denominations of our fair city.
The services were opened with prayer by the
pastor, Rev. j. S. jones, when the admirable
choir sang Held the Fort, the large audience
uniting in the chorus
The Rev. j hi i yturu, d., gave highly
interesting account OF all the arrangements for the
successful carrying on Of the meetings. DR.. Hidden
then sang 1.-THE Ninety and Nine" with great
effect moving many of the congregation to tears.
The Rev. DR.. Julius Grammar, r. 4 followed
with an excellent address as to what be conceived
to be the secret Of Mr.. Moody's wonderful fervor
as preacher, VIZ : his simple aud perfect reliance
upon the Word of G d and the il fueDces of the
Holy S rit. The choir sang Jesus of Nazareth
passetb by
The Rev j T. Craig of The High street Baptist
church then spoke with reference to the earnest
ness of Mr.. Moody as preacher, and the marvel
lous Influence of the songs of Mr.. Saukey
Mr.. Alexander NJ. Carte (9n elder in the Brown
Memorial church, made the concluding address. in
which he alluded to the intense earnestDess of Mr..
Moody and his close adherence to he Bible-his
plainDess and simplicity of speech and manner.
Also the telling feet OF the Scriptural singing Of
Mr.. SsLksy. He considered here was an immense
power for good in the lain, simple style of sing
ing; and that our churches needed great awak
eniDg upon this subj ct. He also gave brief &C..
count, illustrated by some telling incidents. CT the
widespread ben, fetal fleets of the gre at revival in
Philadelphia, closing with an earnest appeal to the
Christian people of our city to 90 to work and pre-
pare the way for the coming OF the Evangelist.
The choir then sang What shall the Harvest
hep when the benediction was pronounced by
Rev. Mr.. Craig 10 York OJSrrr
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16
The Meetings at the Hippodrome. N Y.

The arrangements fer the meetings to be cor
Quoted by Messrs. Moody ard SaDkey seem to be
in all respects as complete as human foresight can
make them.
The Hippodrome occupies the entire square
bounded by Madison aud Fourth avenues. and
Twentyfix and Twenty seventh streets. 10 is
reached directly by the Madison avenue stages and
Fourth avenue cars, and within convenient dis
lance by the Third avenue and Twenty third street
and other lines OF street cars
The interior has been remodelled throughout -
Two large halls have been constructed, one seating
above 6 600. and The other 900 the former OPEN
ing on Madison and the other on Fourth avenue,
and called by the names OF these streets The
seats, which are comfortable chairs, are arranged
so as to bring the audience near the speaker.
The two large irqniry rooms, and about fix
smaller ones, all accessible from the halls are SO
spacious and convenient Il at it is confidently hoped
that all confusion in this part OF the work will be
avoided
A large room opening on Tseo y.seveoth street
is provided TOR cergymen. and another for the pri
vate use Of Mr.. Moody. A convenient room is also
constructed for holding the Bible ella ses and spe-
cial meetings
The building is warmed By fourteen furnaces -
to provide against FIRE, four hydrsnts have been
made and twenty e re .bcock FIRE Exiuguishers
have been placed In convenient positions. A spe.
cial force of police have also been detailed for coz
slant attendance.
The organized working force embraces choir
of from 200 10 400 persons 600 Christian help
ers, counsellers for the inquirers. and about 600
ushers. These have been accepted only on the re-
commentator Of the city pastors, and their terms
of service are arranged that it is expected that
500 singers, 200 helpers, and 200 ushers will be in
attendance each evening.
+ oh room has superintendent for ushers, and
each Inquiry room superintendent. and for each
class in turn general superintendent has been pro.
vided Telegraphic communication has been in-
troduced into all parts of the building by the Wes-
tern Union without any charge. The superb ten
dent of ushers seated on the platform, can at any
moment send large force to any point at which
confusion exists.
IL is hoped to avoid all use of ckets except those
for cergymen. and for the force OF workers here
described. Christian Weekly
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
WAYNEsBoRo,' Va, Feb. IA b, 1876

WAYNESB0R0,' VA Feb. IA b, 1876
REV. DR.. BRowN,-I take great pleasure in
making brief mention of our Waynesboro church,
struggles are so familiar to you that dare venture
to say, that in joy or in sorrow, in clouds or sun
shine, we would partake equally of your Astounding
sympathy Within the past few weeks sixteen
members have been added to our church, many Of
them on examination, and much promise is thus
given us that a new era is dawning on our future.
These accessons, we trust, are but the harbinger
of brighter days. The faithful dispensation of
God s blessed word is the only agency employed.
A series of meetings were held and the pastor of
the church, Rev. Flank McCutchen, was aided
by visiting brethrel-Revs. Messrs Rosebro, pas.
tor of Messy Greek, and Stricken from Thinking
Spring church.
The work Of church erection has engaged the at
tention of our people, and the handsome edi6ce
which has sprung up, on the street, denotes activity
and energy as we'll as self sacrifice. The audience
room remains to be finished, except the handsome
front door and stained glass windows, which are
already in position. The basement fitted up in
good style, forms snug present accommodation,
and the neat befry with its sweet toned bell, (pur
chased and paid for By the Sabbath School chill
dren, at cost of $l551 gives the structure the out
side finish. All that remains is the auditorium
and gallery which will require about 81, 500. The
expenditures thus far amount to about 81, 500 and
when complete will be near Sc 600. The funds
have been received mainly within the bounds OF
the congregation and the principle adopted was,
pay as you go, which has been so rgdly observed
as to leave debt of less than $50. on the build
ing and grounds at the present stage of the work.
Seldom comes Joy without commingling of sorrow.
0 lr very valuable citizen, elder, and efficient Sab
bath School superintendent, George A, Bruce,
Esq, has an appointment under the Governor of
the State which will neCessitste his absence
this is very much to be regretted, in view of his
usefulness here. He will be located in your city.
w
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16

Lottery Swindles -Thousands of good citi-
zens in Virginia are now locking to the Legislature
to put an end to such swindles as the Southern
Association for widows and orphans OF deceased
soldiers - and the Piedmont Association. 1t
was grievous mistake ever to give them leglsla-
tive sanction. That in their operation they have
been dens of iniquity. is now known and read OF all
men. Are they to be still tolerated and allowed to
do their work Of corruption and all manner OF evil
in the land? Can it be possible that our legisla-
tors will continue to frame mischief by law p
Do the people Of Virginia expect this at their
hsnds2 We do not believe these plaques will be
long endured, and if not taken from the body poll
tic by the political doctors this winter, the good
people of the Commonwealth will think it time to
send others who will attend to the case. This
whole matter is public disgrace We are glad to
find that this Southern Association has been In
dicted in the Hastings Court of Richmond, as a
thing contrary to Law, and it is hoped the question
will be fairly and fully tested
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16
Revival in Princeton.

Correspondents of the Philadelphia Pres
6yterian give deeply interesting account of
a work of grace which appears in the Col
lege. Among all the objects of prayer is
there auy more important than for our Col
leges and other schools? What incalculable
good would result from true revival in
every College over the land. Let parents
and others fervently pray for it. The fol
lowing extracts will show the nature of the
work at Princeton:
This seems to Us one of the most proui'.
ing features Of the revival-the fact that
thus far 1t has affected mainly the protested
followers of Christ. When they are thor
oughly aroused and quickened, then we may
look to zee the uuconverted brought into the
fold. The meeting was continued nearly two
hours, and then with difficulty closed The
leader would rise to close the meeting, and
some one would interrupt him, and say that
he must say word, and would state his case,
and ask for prayer.
GAS we went out of that meeting our
hearts were all aglow with the presence of
God, and many were the hearty handshak.
ings, eye speaking to eye when voice failed
to utter the feelings of the heart.
Goa Sunday and Monday evenings the
different classes have prayer-meetings, and
in these the harvest is greatest. Those who
are seeking salvation are numbered, not by
ones and two, but by dozens and scores
Some who have been most openly wicked and
profane; some who have openly Sc fled, have
been brought to the foot Of the crcss.
"The whole College is moved to is very
depths. The subject of salvation is the talk
on the street and in the study-room; pray
er meetings are held at all hours; lips &C
cus.omed to utter curses, are singing Gods
praisep. Of course a great responsibility
rests upon the professed followers of Christ
at this zine, and we wish the earnest prayers
of Gods people, that He may bless US, for
lie alone can give the increase"
"Frcm another correspondent we learn that
this gracious work in the College has been
marked specially by the return of young
men who had wandered from their duties as
Christians, and whose influence had been
against the cause of Christ, and not for it
1t is said that more than fifty of those who
had grown Indifferent to their religious sbli
cations we're brought back. Almost al
many, it is hoped, of the irreligious students
have been converted"