The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-09-01

and hard that afternoon-and that some
appeared at the service with ball and
chain. Far different was the appearance
of the corresponding institution for girls,
which l visited week later This is
located at Milwaukee in large and hand
some building overlooking Lake Michi-
gan. 1t is also a State foundation, but
is entrusted to the care of certain excel
lent ladies, who supply the unfortunate
children with the blessing of a Christian
home. I was invited to address the in
mates of this school-nearly 100 in num-
ber, and while plying their condition,
rejoiced to observe the bright faces, and
here and there the fearful eyes, which
told that they were not strangers to the
lessons and love of the gospel.
have mentioned this contrast for the
reason that as some of the Southern States
may soon found similar institutions, l
wish to suggest the Importance of pro-
viding for careful religious training. AS
citizens we would be bound to do this,
for thus will the young prodigals be best
reclaimed and prepared for the duties of
life, while as Christians we cannot con-
sent to deprive them of the hopes of sal
walton.
The trouble in Wisconsin is that so
large portion of the people is not Chris
tian, that the efforts of the pious are
thwarted in all public institutions. Ger
man scepticism, and other forms of ire
ligion, both foreign and native in this
heterogeneous population, seriously infect
the body polite. The pastor of large
church in Milwaukee, told me that almost
every young man in his congregation has
passed through the struggle with doubt.
Three-fourths of the inhabitants of that
city are Germans, and whatever they may
be that is good, they are not for the most
part evangelical Christians.
The future of the northwest, with its
large foreign element and widespread
infdelity, exerts grave fears for the
future. Still there are large numbers of
earnest Christian people, and many
churches, both native and foreign, who
are alive to the danger, and trusting in
God, are doing wonders in stemming the
tide of evil An encouraging circum-
stance is that the children Of immigrants
rapidly become Americans-and as they
become absorbed into the political auton-
omy, the hope is that they will be assimi-
lated with us in religion. Not that we
have all the religion, and they none-far
from it-but as the union of two metals
sometimes forms one superior to either
we trust the fusion of spiritual elements
will result in higher product.
One of the most pleasant features o.
our stay here has been an agreeable com.
panionship with numerous ministers who
have visited this health-giving resort
as we'll as those with whom we met in
Chicago, and it would be a pleasure tc
reciprocate their kindness at our home
Some of them, as Drs. Patton and Halsey
| knew and loved before-but others, al
DIR. Kittredge, of Chicago, DIR. Stewart
of Milwaukee, "Bishop" Sanderson, Syn.
odical Superintendent of Missions, Mr.
Watson, Of this place, Mr. Barnard, O
Muscatine, Iowa, DR.. Thompson, of Pitts
burg, Iowa, the venerable Mr.. Todd, O
Fond du Lac, and Mr.. Martin, of Della
feld-I met as strangers and part from
as friends. If blood is thicker than wa
ter, surely Christian sympathy is stronger
than sectional divisions. I have also hac
the pleasure of meeting here two minis
ters from the South-Dr. Mitchell, O
Tennessee, and DR.. Cater, of Mississippi
A.