davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

SO the matter stands: modern civil
zatlon meets face to face with Christian
ity, and each strives to hold the road.
Proud Science, with the votaries of
Pleasure following in its train, says: do
you tell me that man is miserable and
lost sinner, condemned to hell? L refuse
to accept any such doctrine If you will
strike out all your medieval superstitions
about human depravity and eternal pun
ishment and all your nonsense about mir
acles having been performed, and the
grand course of nature interrupted, 1
may compromise with you; but your dog
mas | absolutely reject"
The groundGngs throw up their caps,
and say, Long live Science
1t is thus that the human race as it
were Gas already remarked) for the first
time intelligently and over wide area
of awakened thought, takes in clearly
that if Christianity is true, the earth is
inhabited by an accursed and ruined race
that is being swept off by death to ter
rible doom. Christianity afirms that
such is the fact, and that there is only
one possible line of retreat" neither is
there salvation in any other; for there is
none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved.
Science and Culture and Wealth and
Pleasure reply: 1--WE will not have this
man to reign over usl' 1.-THE whole
thing is false" they exclaim; eve have
better opinion of humanity and of hui
man life; and in fact we don't believe
that there is any God, or if there is, we
know nothing about him, and in any case
it does violence to every just conception
of benevolent deity to believe that he
will send millions of his creatures to
hell"
This is the attitude of the world to-
wards the Church to-day, and it is going
to be terrible struggle. 1t is Human
Pride against the invincible standard of
the crucifed Galilean.
Doubtless it would be better if the
Church at this time could be purged by
the fires Of martyrdom, and the hypocrite
and the self-deceiver be sloughed off, in
the hour when the sacramental host
strips for battle.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28
say- EXAMINE YOUR LABEL -s

We request each of our subscribers to examine
the address-label on his paper, and particularly
to observe the date upon it This date shows
the time up to which the paper has been paid
for, We respectfully request all who are in ar
rears to remit to us the amount due. Our ex-
Penses are heavy, and it is important that the
sums due us shall be paid with promptness. 1t
is better for us and for the subscriber.
We closed the first year of our connection with
the CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN on the 18th of June.
We have been encouraged by the additions to
our subscription list, and by the words of APP
proval which have reached us from many quar-
ters. We desire to add one thousand new sub
scribers to our list very soon Who will help us ?
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

us. For his sake, and for the sake of Civ
ing both sides in the discussion full and
sufficient hearing, we cheerfully publish
the article. But we believe that no dis
cussion through the newspapers will be
likely to reconcile any difference of opin-
ion, which may exist, as to the right in
depreciation of the action of the late AS.
sembly, or to settle to the satisfaction of
all the precise authority of IN thesi deliv-
erances.
Moreover, we believe that there is SUBJ
stantial agreement in the Church in re-
gard to the whole matter, and that with
very fen exceptions the differences
which seem to exist are rather apparent
than real. This we think was made man
itest both by the discussion in the last
Assembly and by the action taken.
No doubt there is some difference of
opinion as to the meaning of that action,
but so there is, and ever will be, about
every thing expressed in human language.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

HERE is what is said of Prof. Haeckel
by Charles Sedwick Minot, one of our
best authorities on the subject, in a
Sketch of Comparative Embryology" in
the american Naturalist
:, Prot. Haeckel has written great deal upon
the gGstTuLd and Its significance, and has pub
ilshed several popular works on embroidery
unfortunately, he is inaccurate and untrustwor-
thy to degree surprising any other scientific
writer L can recall, for on almost every page are
mistakes 1T requires little knowledge to detect.
lie Is, therefore, utterly useless to a beginner.
mention this not alone as my personal convic.
ton, but also as the judgment of competent and
distinguished critics some of whom are even
more severe IN their condemnation For these
considerations, l shall not quote Haeckel as an
authority"
There is great deal of this sort of
science abroad now-a-days-mere asser-
taon-like Mr.. Herbert Spencers meta
physics. And those who love darkness
rather than light because, etc. }, applaud
1T, and affect pitying tone towards the
old-fashioned believers in the Bible. The
same thing was seen just a hundred years
ago-in France, when the oracles were
the Encyclopedias. Who confessed Jesus
Christ in Paris one hundred years ago?
Crush the wretch" exclaimed Voltaire.
Did he crush him? Since that day the
gospel has been carried all over the face
of the earth. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and
John still live (the whole New Testament
has just been translated into Japanese),
and the Encyclopedia is entirely valueless.
Now let us make a little prediction
one hundred years from to-day the Bible
will still live; China, India, and Japan
will be Christian countries; and the works
OF Haeckel will be utterly forgotten.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

adjustments. We do not, like the Roman
Catholic see in the tendencies of to-day the
logical Outgrowth of the right of private iudg.
ment. We do not advocate concessive policy
and, seeing that disaster is imminent, advise
men to get ashore as best they may, some on
boards and some on broken pieces of the ship
Nor is it wise to disguise the fact that the storm
is on u.s. and that, like Paul's company, we
sometimes wish for day. But we believe that
God has some great blessing in store. Even
now there are signs of promise in the sky. The
faith of Gods people will be the stronger for tho
strain to which it is subjected We have re-
ceived kingdom that cannot be moved: for
this cause let us serve God acceptabiy and with
godly fear"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

1t IS nearly two generations since
boats crew left their ship to reach the Hervev
Islands One Of the passengers upon that boat
desired to land, but the boats crew feared to do
so, as the cannbals were gathered together on
the shore; but holding up the Bible in his hand
he SAID, " Live or die, put me ashore" They
would not 60 near the land he plunged into
the surf and held high the book. He reached
the land. The cannibals did not kill him but
he won their favor and lived among them. and
for aught know he died among them. Thirty
years afterward another ship reached the
Hervey Islands bringing literally a cargo Of
Bibles. They we're all wanted, and were taken
with the greatest eagerness and paid for bv
these people This was the result Of the labors
Of that heroic young man, who said, " Live or
die put me Ashore l was preaching TO nv
people some time ago on behalf of the Bible
Society l mentioned this circumstance in II.
lustraton of the fact that it is not so long after
all, between the sowing and the reapinp When
came down from the pulpit and was standing
IN the middle aisle there came up to me a tall
manly looking gentleman, a man that looked
as if he might be a descendant of one of the old
Vikings, and said, You will excuse me for
coming up to speak to you and introducing my.
self; l am Captain" so and SOL need not give
you his name" am in command of her Ma.
jestys frigate' so and so, and I take the lib.
erty Of coming TO speak 10 you in reference to
what you said about these Islands I was there
with my ship; saw these people and / saw the
circulation Of the Bible among them. and
never saw such Christianity in all nv life as
among the people Of these Islands" Said he
They remind me Of those people Of whom you
read in the Acts Of tho Apostles. John HaU.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28
PROGRESS or OUR CHURCH..

On page third we publish compare
tive summary of the Southern Presby-
terrain Church for the last five years, fur
nished by the Stated Clerk of the Gen
eral Assembly. From this, our readers
will be able to see what progress we have
made. There. has been a steady growth
in the number Of churches, ministers, and
members, but the work of extension falls
short of what we ought to have accom-
plished
There are 81 more ministers than there
were five years ago; 10Y more churches
and not quite 5000 more members. The
number of candidates for the ministry is
less by A than it was then. The aver
age yearly additions by examination have
been over 5000, and by certificate over
5000. But after counting the losses by
death and otherwise, the actual yearly in
crease has been something less than 1000
per year.
In the matter of contributions for all
religious purposes there has been no pro
gress. The total of contributions for
1880 falling short of that for 1876 by
$4,000 We know that these years
have been period of financial pressure,
especially in the South, and we believe
it is true that no other body Of Christians
(per member) has contributed so much,
but it is also true that we cannot afford
to lose ground in this matter, and there
is no sufficient reason for the falling off.
1t may be thought that the Church has
done well in making even the growth
which it has in the last five years. . Our
Southern States, except Texas, have not
made rapid progress in population, and
it may be that the progress Of the Church
has kept pace with the increase Of popu-
lation. But there is room for the growth
Of the Church where there is no increase
Of population, and the statistics of the
Church will show that in some of the old
est States the most progress has been
made
We have great advantages for extend
ing our Church in every part Of the
country, and in the matter Of planting
new churches and building up feeble
ones, should strive to occupy the foremost
position.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

WE HAVE received a copy of the resolutions
adopted by the Richmond Street Presbyterian
church, Philadelphia, at a congregational meet
ing held on the 9TH inst in regard to the resgna-
ton of the pastor, Rev. MacDuff Simpson. The
resignation which was in consequence of failing
health, was not accepted, and the protest from
the congregation was so strong and earnest that
the pastoral relation will not be dissolved.
Mr.. Simpson was formerly pastor of the Cd
Presbyterian church in Staunton, Va, and ia
well known in this State.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28
ETANGELZzAT1ON IN
FRAMCE

The Rev. H. ]. Wheatcroft, of Orleans,
France, contributes an interesting account
in the July number of the Catholic Pres
6yter5o'a, of Recent Evangelization" in
that country. The present time, the
writer remarks, is more favorable for the
spread of Protestant Christianity in
France than at any period since the first
years Of the Reformation. The course of
political events helps the cause of Pro
testantism. The Government cares moth
ing at all about religion, but from its very
Republican character and temper, it
strongly antagonizes Rome, and gives to
the Protestants almost unlimited freedom
of speech and discussion, which is all the
cause Of truth demands.
Evangelization is carried on by private
endeavors, but these societies are the
great agencies for the spread of the COS
pei in France. l. The oldest of these is
the Soci6t6 Evang6lique, whose Secre-
tary is the Rev. DR.. Fisch, well-known to
many in America. This society was
founded in 1888, and its board of direc-
tors contains nine members of the Re
formed Church, four Lutherans, and seven
members Of the Free Church. 1t has, in
different parts of France, "a missionary
stations and % schools, and its annual
receipts are about $4,000. M. lie Pas
teur Hirsch is the converted son of a
Jewish Rabbi. He travels and breaches
throughout the country. In his journeys
he often meets with curious incidents.
The following will illustrate the moral eff
feet of Popery on the minds of the popu-
lation. He arrived at village, and 90
ing to the inn asked the landlady to
hire him dancing-saloon in order to
give Conference" that evening. She
positively refused Half an hour after
wards he applied to her again. and she
consented to let him have it for twenty
five francs. NJ Hirsch demonstrated at
the price, saying "it was entirely too
much. It may be too much for you.
but not for me, replied the landlady.
A" since I must pay eighteen francs to the
cure for the p6ch6 mortel mortal sin I
I commit in allowing you to hire my
room for a Protestant service" M.
Hirsch hired the room, and taking the
incident for bis text, convinced many of
his hearers. 3, The "Soci6t6 Centrale d.
.Evang6lisation" is a younger sister Of the
foregoing, having been founded in 1916.
It's system Of operation is to map out
France into districts, each Of which is
under the control Of local committee,
which in turn is guided by the Central
Committe in Paris. The special object
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

The interior, referring to the present
religious agtations which prevail in the
Church, concludes an able article land
its editorials are always able) with the
following remarks
We do not look upon the present conflict as
an intimation that all religious faith is on the
wane. We do not read the signs Of the times
as prophetic Of the dissolution Of existing forms
Of belief preparatory to new combinations and
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

Rev. R. R. How1soN preached last
Sunday in the Grace Street Presbyterian
church of this city, CDR. Read's), in the
morning and afternoon.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28
FOR ONE DOLLAR

We will send the CENTRAL PREsBYTERIAN to
any new subscriber until the 1st of January.
This will afford them opportunity to see if
they like it,
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

of this society is to seek out and CONSOLE
date into groups the scattered and dis
organized families of Protestants through
out France, and to reconstruct the de-
cayed churches Its operations are then
extended to the surrounding Papists, and
OF late several municipal councils of pro-
vinclal towns have turned towards Pro-
testantism, and asked for visits and in
struction. The annual income of this
society is about $4,000. 1t supports
ll3 pastors, schoolmasters, and colpor-
tours; and the 800 stations of evangeli-
cation are distributed over 67 depart
ments in France and the colonies. At
Batignolles, a suburb of Paris, there is a
preparatory school for pastors. Last
year church was opened at Montargis
where the gospel has not been preached
for 200 years. A chapel once belonging
to the Carmelites was bought, and while
making some repairs stone was found
which had evidently belonged to the an
Gent " temple DIES Protestants 1t bore
the inscription, "C'est lei la maison de
Dieu; c'est lei Ia porte des cieux." This
is none other but the house of God, and
this is the gate of heaven]. At Troissy
poor girl who had been servant in a
pastors family, brought back Bible to
her native village, Gradually the neigh
bors assembled to read it. Interest was
awakened some of the pastors visited
Troissy; school was opened; then
resident pastor was sent there. Two
years ago fifty communicates assembled
around the Lords table, and last year
church was built and opened. At Mont
lucon, thirty years ago, there were only
one or two Protestant families. Now
there is a population of 1000 Protes-
tants, with resident pastor, church, and
schools. Services are held in twelve or
thirteen of the neighboring communes,
and there are five schools in connection
with the work.
The third Society is reserved to be de-
scribed in a future article.
REFLECTIONS.
Suppose money were poured into
France now, what grand work might
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

The day before yesterday, 1 attended the
funeral and burial of my brother,
Rev. c. R. DICKINSON, M. D.,
of Louisa county, Va. For some months be
had been struggling with an incuralbe maladv
and for weeks we were looking for his departure.
converted In early life, for many years he was
useful private member of the Berea Baptist
church. With an immense practice as a phhvsi-
clan, he managed to take an active part in reli-
glous work. He hesitated when urged to enter
the ministry, thinking that he might be even
more useful as layman especially as for wears
his attention had been given to other pursuits
in which he had achieved decided success Rnt
at last, yielding to the entreaties of the little
church OF which he was a member, he entered
upon the work; and soon his services were
sought by churches in all the region around
For years he has been the pastor of four church
es-Beulah Bethel, Lyles, and County Line
and never have we known a pastor more ten.
derby loved or more thoughtfu1ly cared for.
few days before his death, he said to me. al
am oppressed by the kindness of my churches
and have been wishing that had words with
which L might fifty express to them nv sense
of their goodness to me-" He had been pasto-
OF one of these churches for over twenty year,
OF another of fifteen years and all four prosperei
under his earnest and discreet labors.
He had some striking gifts as an evangelist
and was much blessed in holding protTacted
meetings. While making full proof of his min
lstry he was engaged also in conducting a sue
cessful academy, in which quite number of
young men have been educated.
y
AS we three were sitting together, Rev. Mr.
Jones, pastor of the Methodist church on the
lawn, Joined himself to u.s. and in little while
he was telling how much he had been profted
by
DIR. JOHN A. BRoADUs
two books on preaching, and how much he en-.
Joyed whatever he saw from him in the ReL-
glolts Herald Just then the omnibus came up
from the depot and out stepped DIR. J. A B.
himself. We have never seen him looking bet.
ter, and yet he greatly needs just what the White
Sulphur Springs have often given him. After
week here and few days with his family, now
residing near Goshen Bridge, Va, DR. Broadus
will go to Orange, N. j., and supply for Rev.
Edward Judson one month. He speaks hope
fully as to the Seminary. For it he has made
many sacrifices, and stands ready to make many
more. And yet as he and his associates look
over the South and see the fruits of their labors
IN the spread of intelligence and in the increased
efficiency of pastors and churches, they must
feel somewhat repaid for what they have done.
That feeling of satisfaction at the results &C.
complished by the Seminary we all may share
with them. Let us be encouraged to give it a
large place in our sympathies, prayers and con.
trlouhons. A. E. D.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

ONCE MORE we give our readers an
article on the IN thesj" discussion, which
a much esteemed correspondent has sent
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28

The number Of students in the col
leges of Virginia has fallen from 696 in 1875
70 to l,l87 in l879-8O The University Of Viz
ginia has 328.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28
The late Rev. c. R. Dickinson-The
Rev. DIR. John a. Broadus

We clip the following from the edi-
torial correspondence of the Religious
Herald of this city. 1t was written from
the White Sulphur.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28
REFLECTIONS.

Suppose money were poured into
France now, what a grand work might
be accomplished Would it not be wise
for the Missionary Societies of Great
Britain and the United States, at this
suspicious moment, to make special and
extraordinary exertions for the evangeli-
cation of Francel What asplendid coun-
try France would be if it were truly Pro-
testant and truly religiousl
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28
July Is, 1880.
REV. G. r. DICKINsoN. M. D

The day before yesterday, I attended the
funeral and burial of my brother,
, 1880-05-30
IOWA.

Special D1tpateh to The Chicago Tsibun&.
CEDAR RAPIDS, H., May 2o.-An ex-Con-
gresham from Central Iowa. who is on his
way to the Convention, was interviewed to-
day. He expressed regret that the Republic
an party had within its ranks lnen who were
such political desperadoes rs Logan, Cam
eron, and conkling, and added: ~ would
need little additional evidence to believe that
John A. Logan did once organize n Rebel
company, and less evidence to cause firm
belief that he would organize another if he
thought 1t would benefit him. Logan
Il Co. played Grant around the po-
tentates and crowned heads very nicely,
but he came home by far too soon.
Ills boom Is rapidly falling through. Nearly
every pound of ballast has been thrown out.
The strategies at Springfield, which disfran-
chised majority ut the voters of Illinois.
will be the last straw on the calnel's back. I
believe the true friends OF Gen, Grant will
not allow his name to be presented to the
Convention, and he Is too wise to attempt to
fGaeezs tn n xnoMpg e that sosah wf 9XlsI3n or m t5 %
be elected" LII reply to a question !" How
about Grants majority in Iowa 1t nomi-
natedW
THE Ey-CONGRESS3fAy REPLIED:
s'They might be satisfied to get one, for
tell you there is most formidable opposition
nesS tsS and 80 co 20 Republicans }t ans viii stay away
from the polls If Grant rulls, VIII lle many VIII
openly oppose him II nolnlnRted. Tile Re
publican party. vii! owe its defeat to three Of
the most selfish, dirty-trick ,politiciAns the
Iowa Republicans will give 10000 majority
to any man but Grant, and him they will
bolt. The third term is a precedent that
should not and will not be set"
, 1880-05-30
FOUR CANDIDATES.
WAITING IN WARRINGTON.

Special utspateh to The Chicago Tribune.
WASHINGTON, D. t., May 29.-Washington
City has now two Presidential candidates
and two dark horses, Sherman and Blaine,
and Edmunds and Window. They are all
here closely watching the situation, and In
constant communication by telegraph with
their friends. The two leading candidates,
Blaine and Sherman, are but few minutes
distant from any one in Chicago who wishes
to consult with them. Secretary Sherman
has. had telegraph instrument placed
In lis private room In the Treasury
Department, and is in regular conference
with his managers there. Blaine has tele-
graph instrument in his house connecting
directly with headquarters in Chicago, and
is In constant communication with his MAIL
ngement. Blaine il confident, hopeful,
cheerful. The dark horses, Edmunls and
Window, are here, notat all concerned about
their candidacy, but greatly Interested in
Chicago proceedings.
EDMUNDs IS HERE,
resting at his home on Highland Place, talk
ing no special pains tO place himself III easy
communication with Chicago. lie receives
frequent dispatches. Senator Window, too,
ut his home on Vernon avenue, does not for
get that his own State has done him the
honor to make him the States choice. He
also is watching the COURSE Of events ut Chi
cAgo with Interest.