smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

The correspondent of an exchange has the
following on Sermon making


| have often tried to draw comparison
between the preaching Of the present age
among the Methodis:s and that which L used
to hear fifty or sixty years age; but the
changes which have been going on in the
customs and general features OF society, and
in the usagcs of the Church, and the changes
which time and circumstances have wrought
in me, makes it difficult if not impossible, to
draw just comparison between them. And
then it is common for us old folks to think
that the former days and former things
were better than the present There Is one
thing however in which [ am free to ac-
knowledge that the preachers OF the present
age greatly excel those Of fifty or sixty years
AGO. It is the art OF sermon making and
they have great advantages over them they
are generally better educated, have more
time for study, and have more materials IRON
which to borrow, &c, &c. The preachers CT
those early times had to preach nearly every
day had long rides between appointments =;
very commonly had to preach eat and s;eep
in the same apartment carry their library
with their wardrobe, in their saddle bags and
study among the clatter of children and the
hustle of household affairs hence they made
but few sermons, and those few were greatly
waiting in beauty of style and symmetry In
their proportions Yet this lack was more
than made up by the zeal and holy fervor
with which they often spoke, and by their pa
thetic exhcrtations, and pointed appeals made
to the consciences of their hearers. Ii the
body was lacking in comeliness, it did not
lack the essential part-the living soul the
vital principle without which it could pro-
ducc no salutary effect upon the hearers
Judging from few specimens which l have
heard Of modern manufacture, ] am d'spo-
sed to think that many Of the sermons which
are made with great care and then read from
manuscript, or recied from memory, ho"eVer
beautiful in form, arc lacking IN spirituality
and power. have heard some which forcl,
blv reminded me of anecdote which L heard
related some years ago A little boy VINO
had read or heard some one read, Of the man
nor and materials of which man was orlgl-
n,I,v formed, took it into his head to try his
hand in making men. Accordingly he pro,
cured some soft clay, and from it tashloneo
his mon two or three in number. Thls oelng
done, he got down and tried to breathe into
them the breath of life; but they woulo
uot M show any signs of life. AT length h"
became M impatient and with apparent ager he
Year: 1861

If we expect an answer to our prayers tor
any particular blessing, the word Of Christ
that has respect to that particular thing must
specially abide in us. If we pray that the
kingdom of Christ may come, we must obey
these words of Christ which concern the COM
ing Of His kingdom. We must seek first the
kingdom of God We must make the pro.
gress Of the religion Of Christ the real object
for which we live We must labor, and suf-
fer reproach, and endure cheerfully the scorn
of lnen, and hold our property, and all that
we call our own, subject every moment to the
will of the Master, that SO we may glorily
His name in the conversion OF souls. This
was the type Of primitive piety, and hence it
was that the prayers of the saints then pre-
vailed nightly in the pulling down of strong
holds. Our prayers will never in like manner
prevail, until we follow their example, The
Lold's arm is not shortened, that He cannot
save, nor His car heavy, that He cannot hear.
Our God is living God, as truly as He was
in the days Of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit
is as powerful to bow the heart Of man III
penitencc, as He was of old. But we must
abide in Christ if we expect Him to descend,
as on the day of Pentecost. The real power
Of the Church Of Christ resides 1cithcr In
numbers, nor wealth, nor social position, nor
learning, nor talent, but in holiness. When
the standard of piety in the Church shall
reach the point of sclfsacridcing love, and
simple earnest obedience to all the words OF
Christ, then, and not till then, will the great
ness Of the kingdom be given to the saints OF
the Most High .-Francis Way7and.
Year: 1861

commanded them saying, Be men, then =
but his command was equally Intellectual
his men were nothing but dead clay. So with
some sermons which cost much mental labor.
The preacher would fain breathe life into them
and he substitutes vehemence for holy ervor
and speaks loud, and uses strong expressions
but, after all, his sermon remains dead let
ter, and no one is moved by it-simply be.
cause the preacher does not feel it, and the
Holy Spirit does not accompany it, 1t may
enlighten the understanding but does not move
the affections and unless the soul is stirred
to its depths, and the heart melted into ten
derness, it is hardly possibly to get sinner
to take one step in the way of seeking the
salvation Of his soul. Query. DID the
apostles make sermons or did they not
rather study subjects, and then suit their dis
courses to the time, place, and persons con-.
posing their audiences, relying much on the
aid and influence OF the Holy Spirit TO as.
sist them in speaking and seal the truths on
the hearts of their hearers
Year: 1861

We know a Lieutenant in the I'd New
Hampshire Regiment, who, after much refec-
tion and prayer, enlisted from sense o! duty,
and lett his little family, the Sabbath School
of which he was the superintendent, the choir
OF which he was the leader, and the church
Of which he was a prominent and Influential!
member, and went to the war. We received
a letter from him, written at Ccntreville, on
the day previous to the wicked Sabbath bat
tie, during the writing Of which he received
orders to march at 6 o'clock, ?. NJ. In this
letter he speaks in the highest terms OF Mr.
Parker, the Chaplaio, and of the influence he
is excrting, Of the prayer meeting and Sab
bath school in his regiment, and OF the COM
munion he holds with God. As far as he
becomes acquainted with the soldiers, he says
and gains their confidence, he endeavors to
impress on their minds the lact that there is
a Judgment after death, though one may die
in defense of his country. Of the approach
ing battle, he adds. he has no fears tor him.
self, though he knew it must be a terrible one
He felt a perfect assurance that be should be
protected by his God against all harm, and
should come out unharned, repeating that he
never had clearer sense Of duty in anything
than in his present occupation: He received
according to his faith. Another letter since
the BATTLE brings the intelligence that though
in the thickest Of the fight, where balls oil all
sizes screamed through the air all around
him, and he stood amid the dead and dying
ho was as calm and collected as in prayer
meeting conscious that he was safe il the pro-
tcctpg care of his God, who would either
snare his life or take him to the land Of rest.
Aud though for thirty hours he was without
food, and for sixty hours without sleep, he
was soon recruited again and ready Tor anoth.
er engagement. This is true horolsm.-
Morning Star.
Year: 1861

1t is tru y remarkable that SO much of the
heart may bo read in the face, so that it is
quite easy to tell whether man is Joyous or
sad, pleasant or angry. 1t is not always
necessary for him to say exactly how he feels,
since his true feelings are expressed in his
which usually tells the truth.


His words may be false, and he may say
what is untrue, but this index of the heart in
the face tells no lies. This was all the evil
dence that Jacob had or his uncle Laban's ill.,
will toward him. His uncle had not uttered
word of censure or animosity, but he looked
as if he felt unkipdly. 8 | see, said Jacob to
Rachel and Leah, your fathers countenance
that it is not toward me as before Looks,
not words, convinced him that Laban cherish.
ed hard feelings toward him. He wanted 10
better proof than this--it was enough.


1t is o fact that we judge more Of mems
dispositions by their looks than we do by
their words. If we meet stranger we look
into his face, and make some inference very
soon about his character. 1t is said that ac-
tions speak louder than words;' and it is just
as true that looks speak louder than words
The language of looks is so explicit that even
the little child can read it. The babe in its
mothers arms knows the difference between a
smile and a frown. The former awakens a
smile on its little face, while the latter extort
cry of fear. He makes no mistake here
He can not understand the language that he
hears-it is all an unknown tongue to him ;
but the looks he is able to interpret The
first book that babe studies is its mothers
face Each smile is lesson, and SO is each
shade that passes over her brow Every day
is new leaf turned, with old lessons review.
ed, and new ones learned and, finally, the
child so well understands the maternal hear|
which is carried in the face, that he nestles tc
it as he will to no other heart.


How is it in the family? Does not the
parent know Just how each child feels in the


morning, by glance at his countenance p
How invariably u happy heart srarklcs out
through the eye, and beams in every Inca
ment of the face But the scowl on the
brow what is the import of that? Every
parent knows full we'll its meaning, and he
must tread softly, or he will inAamo passions
that are now surging the heart That cloud
is signal which tho heart hangs out, sort
of Palmetto flag that rebellious spirit filings
to the breeze, in defiant recklessness.


The Christian graces, too, often leave lines
of light in the countenance. Meekness' hu,
milty, who has not traced these and kindred
virtues in the face of the devoted saint Elm
iuent spirituality seldom fails to reveal itself
in this way. He who is frequently in COM
munion with heaven, and sincerely so, carries
another countenance than he would to hoo
intercourse with the opposite realm. Ho"
true, then, that the countcnancc IS tell
tale !! It tells what the heart is.-Congfc
gatiomahst
Year: 1861

Who ARE THE HApPIEsr MEN.--They who
live to benefit others-who are always ready
with kind word to encourage smile to
cheer-a look to persuade, and dollar to
assist. They are never fearful least good
trade or an excellent bargain should fall INTO
the hands of poor neigbbor, but the more
reioices when such an one meets with en-
couragement
Year: 1861

Perhaps the people generally may inquire what is
the matter at CARROWS new store. when, after look


ing around some they find out that this is the
very place to buy cheap Goods. Under the present
crisis such an nducmenl will lead any man, woman
child 10 stop in. without searching further, and
this is where the bargains are. The greatest pains
has been taken by the subscriber to select choice
and desirable stock Of Fancy Dry Goods, including
Cassmeres. Cloths, &c. The greatest and effort
will be made to show the public his assortment,
feeling sure, after a close examination, they will be
ready to buy. The fact is this idea has been suggest
ed by several Come and his cheap lot Of Sugar
for 81 r 8 and 10 cts per III. ap4.4t
Year: 1861

not previously accustomed to the vile
weed. These boys do not attain to their
normal growth by an inch and half in
height, and from twenty-five to fifty
pounds IN weight and are lean, scrawny,
nervous, half-built wrecks. They marry
the daughters, perhaps, OF men OF similar
habits, and these daughters, housed up in
ladyhood without exercise, accustomed to
strong coffee and tea, they are about as
nervous, and nearly as much debilitated
as their tobacco-smoking bridegrooms.-
They have children born to them and
from such parents can healthy children be
expected


1t is said that the Fejee cannibals have
become wiser than to kill tobacco-users
for the purpose of food for Ihey find 1t
impossible to eat them, 50 saturated have
they become with the poisonous drug 1t
a cannibal will not eat a tobacco-user, Is
it not fair to suppose that children will IN
herit the nervous condition and the de-
bilitated state of a parent 81 saturated


Many mother nurses her child after
having drank two or three cups st strong
coffee, and that child from birth is, 10
speak bluntly, drunk on coffee till, from
enlargement OF tho brain, or brain fever,
it is hurried off to a tiny grave.


The use of tobacco produces, on nearly
all who use ii, more or less disease Of the
throat. Who shall say that the prevail
ing epidemic, Diptheria, WAS noe born Of
tobacco Our young men quit tobacco,
or the race will be ruine,l.-Phrenoioqi-
cal J0umu.
Year: 1861

\ DISAPPOINTED WOMAN "A few
months since gentleman had the misfor-
tune to lose his wife, literary lady OF
some reputation. After grieving for a
number Of weeks a bright thought entered
the head of the widower. He thought
that he could do something to lessen his
sorrow, and for that purpose he called up
Oh lady of his acquaintance, and reques-
ted to speak a word with her in private
Thinking that she was about to receive a
proposal, the lady prepared to listen with
becoming resignation.


'Myrrha, said he with downcast eyes,
as he took her hand, you knew my wife =


Certainly


1t is not good for man to be alone 2


Perhaps not


Did you ever reflect upon that part Of
the marriage service which requires cou-
piles to cIeaye unto each other till death
do them part ::


Il have


L have often reflected upon it myself.
Now death has parted me from my wife
and | teel very lonely


/ should think it likely


i think | must do something to restore
to me her kind consultations, and the
memory of her virtues


Ho pressed the lady's hand and sighed.
She returned the pressure, and also suf-
tered a sigh to escape her.


My DEAR he said, after a long pause,
I'll come to the point at once. | have a
proposal to make


a proposal:' She bIushed and covered
her face with her hands.


Yes ; l have concluded to write my
wites biography. Now have but little
skill in literary eqercises, and if you will
correct my manuscript, and write the
headings OF the chapters, will give you
fire doAars.


She sprang from his side and her eyes
flashed with anger.


I'll see you hanged first, and then
won't, you-you'


She left the room, not being able to ex-
press her rage. The widower sighed
took his hat and went home. He has not
yet published.
Year: 1861

The Chicago Tribune gives a minute
account Of the obsequies Of Senator
Douglas, from which we quote:


Everything was done in the finest or
der. The military took up their position
in hollow square, within which they
drew up about the grave the funeral cor
tege. Mrs. Douglas did not leave her
carriage, but the two sons stood with
bowed heads, tearfully looking on while
the bearers removed the burial casket
from the car TO a large enclosure case,
which itself has been arched over with
brickwork, and simple mound of earth
raised over all, awaiting a more perma-
nent and adequate testimonial to the SER
vices and fame of the sleeper beneath.


There was no funeral service or reli'
gious rite. The distinguished Catholic
clergyman who took part was present on
ly to pronounce a euIogy over one with
whom in life he had close and cherished
friendship, whose fame and name were
dear to him. Those of his clergy who
accompanied him were in plain suits, as
reverend spectators. Deceased dying with
out the pale of their church, she has nc
service or rites for such burial. The eu-
lOgy and funeral Oration was eloquent anc
tender, but the utterances were those OF &
friend only-that friend clergyman, bu
by the rules OF his church held back from


professional offices on the occasion.


he Ca>ke WIS not Onpnpd Hft i.'-
Year: 1861

The course of Buchanan's administration
for the past three years, forces us to one Of
two conclusions either that the President
is a traitor to his country or hopeless i'm
beetle. He is either determined to have,
what he may regard as the honor, Of being
the last President of the United States, or
else is bereft of reason, and under the com
plete control of the disunion members Of bis
Cabinet. From the time be repudiated his
instructions TO Gov. Walker, and, SO far as
WAS in his power, made his Kansas policy
test Of Democracy, every act Of bis admin.
istration has apparently been with a view to
bring about the present deplorable state Of
affairs. The secession from the Democratic
National Convention, at Charleston and Bal
timore, was the work of avowed disunion-
lists, who were desirous of electing Lincoln
in order to give the cotton States an excuse
for seeding from the Union. The malig-
nant hate which Buchanan bears against
Douglas might account for The part he took
in dsorganizing the Democracy; but that
cannot account for the subsequent acts of
the administration in faVoring the dsunion-
lists. AS soon as it became evident that
Lincoln would be elected, large quantities
Of government arms were sent to Charles
ton, with the knowledge and consent Of the
President, in order that they might fall into
the hands of the South Carolina militia
whenever the authorities of that State Deem
cd it advisable to take them. The members
Of the Cabinet, who control the acts of the
President, had no other purpose, otherwise
force sufficient to have protected the gov
ernment property would have been sent to
Charleston. in accordance with the recon-
mendations Of Gen. Scott Secretary Cass,
and other union-loving men, who still had
the ear of the President.


BY the assistance of the administration
The disunionists have thus far carried out
their plans. They sucdeeded in dividing the
Democratic party, and by that means eec-
led Lincoln, and the flag Of rebellion hav-
ing been raised in South Carolina, the re-
bols, through the connivance and assistance
Of members of the Cabinet, are supplied with
arms aud ammunition from the government
arsenals


Not long since, Secretary Floyd gave out
notice Of his determination to turn over to
bis successor all the government property
10 his possession. This was undoubtedly
done to allay suspicion, and deceive the
public as to his real designs That he is a
traitor, aud using his position to supply the
disunionists with material aid, there can no
longer be doubt; and during the remain
der of Buchanan's term we may expect that
the disunionists will continue to receive ev-
cry assistance which the executive depart
ment OF the government can furnish.
Year: 1861

THE STATE CAPIToL.-The Union says the
work on the State capitol is progressing as rap
idly as practicable at this season of the year.
The trenches are being filed with concrete,
which appears to be hardening satisfactorily.
As this concrete is composed partially Of stone
broken by hand with the sledge-hammer, the
work in preparation is somewhat tedious.
Year: 1861

MIssING.-Dayid Davis, the owner Of the
ditch at Dead Wood, Placer county, and John
Williams of the same place, left there on the
Oath ult., and have not since been seen nor
heard of. They intended to go to the head Of
the ditch and are supposed to have perished in
the snow
Year: 1861

INDIANAPOLIS, January IA,


The Governor and Lieutenant Governor
elect were inaugurated this afternoon. The
Governors address favors measures for the
purpose of giving greater efficiency to the
present very defective militia laws of the
State. The importance of we'll drilled
military organization cannot be overrated
in the present condition of national affairs.
Treating on national affairs, he says the
alarming and reasonable assumption that
any state has right to secede under the
Constitution, Is q thing unknown to the
Constitution; at war with the principles on
which our government was established, and
destructive to those high and sacred objects
sought to be accomplished by the confeder-
alton.


If the position assumed by the South is
true, that the result of Presidential election
legally and constitutionally conducted, is a
good reason for the dissolution of the Union,
then the Union can only be preserved by a
bare surrender of the right of the majority
to rule, and thus striking down that liberty
which the Constitution guarantees. He
says the immediate cause of the present
crisis was the repeal of the Missouri Com.
promise, and declares that the people of
Indiana, of all parties, are true to the Con-
stitution and loyal to the Union; and they
will be in the future, as they have shown
themselves in the past, willing to yield q
ready obedience to all the requirements of
the Constitution and laws of the United
States, and to maintain and upheld at all
times, and under all circumstances, and at
all hazards, the glorious form of the gov
ernment under which we live.
Year: 1861

"a FOOLISH. Labor:


twill scarcely be in the power Of either
the Times or the Pos. to create the imprcs-
sion that any difference of opinion prevails
among the editors Of the TRIBUNE respect
ing the present crisis, or their duties in
view of it, either as Journalists or: citizens,
for The reason that no such difference Of
opinion exists, and the columns Of this Jour
nal are stnnding refutation of the charge.
4 Aportion Of the resolutions adopted at the
Bryan Hall meeting were Of character 10
obtain our hearty Endorsement. They en-
bodied sentiments to which this paper gives
currency every day. They pledged the meet
ing to the Constitution as it is, themainten
aace Of the Union, and the enforcement Of
the Laws Tint is the only common ground
Of union between Republicans and Demo-
crats; and the mistake Of tie Bryan Hall
meeting, made up as it was Of both parties,
consisted in going beyond this The TACT
that the call was signed By two Of the re-
sponsible editors Of this paper does not
Aa*AA~ AAGAA ~ ,tAt AASA9A4I IL
sponsible for the action of the meet
ing; nor does the fact that one Of
them-not Mre1 asstatcd by the Pas-wes
present at the meeting and addressed it be-
fore the committee on resolutions had
brought in their report, commit him to the
doctrine Of the Objectionable resolution.
Equally removed from the truth is the
statement that there are dissensions among
The: Republicans o.. this city growing cut
of the Bryan Hall meeting Nor is it a
fact that the meeting Of Monday night is
called for the purpose Of dcnouucing
that held at Bryan Hall Those who
assemble on Monday night, will do SO
for the purpose Of giving expression to
their views upon the present state Of the
country, They will undoubtedly do so in
plain, emphatic and unm;stalable Ian
Euage-language in which all patriotic
men who love their country better than
they love Slavery or Party, can. heartily
unite. We have no hope that the editors
Of the Times will place themselves within
this category; but VIC trust our contemro-
rary Of the Post viii.