smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1870

We hear good deal said about 'becom-
ing behavior in the house of God; and we
think there ought to be even more said, but
some of it in different direction.


1t is said that one should be devout and
reverential in church. But will that Justify
a man in keeping his pew-doOr shut when
strangers are without seats? in taking the
best seat in his own pew? in permitting those
who are within his reach to go without a
book while he is devoutly using the best one
in the pew?


If in some cases there were less sobriety
and more politeness, would not the devotions
be more profitable to the soul and more ac-
ceptable to God The last seat in pew is
usually the easiest, and should be reserved
for the aged or the feeble, and not for the
nimblest, who when once in it, suffers his
aged mother, or some feeble lady, to sit
where she can. The gentleman-church-
gentleman, we mean-will take the end seat
next the aisle, and suffer one two, three,
four persons, ladies it may be, to get past
him by climbing over his legs.


The fact is, one may have his mind, so
entirely raised above the world, on Sunday
as to forget great many little duties quite
allied to that benevolence which the Gospel
inculcates. No Christian man has right
to make another person unhappy, OF even to
annoy him, through self-indulgence, careless
ness, or self-devotion.


I'VE beg leave to dissent from one Of these sug-
gestons There is no use, but much noise and dis
order from three or four gentlemen marching out of
pew to let lady in. The best way is to move up
towards the far end.
Year: 1870

Take life just as though it was-as it is
an earnest, vital, essential affair. Take it
just as though you personally were born to
the task of performing merry part iD it
as though the world had waited for your
coming, Take it as if it was grand op-
portunity to do and achieve; to carry for
ward great and good schemes; to help and
cheer suffering, weary, it may be heart
broken brother.


The fact is, life is undervalued by great
majority of mankind. 1t is not made half
as much Of as should be the case. Where
is the man or woman who accomplishes one
tithe of what might be done? Who cannot
look back upon opportunities lost, plans un-
achieved, thoughts crushed, aspirations un-
fulfilled, and all caused by the lack of the
necessary and possible effort? If we knew
better how to take and make the most of
life, it would be far greater than it is. Now
and then a man stands aside from the crowd,
labors earnestly, steadfastly, confidently, aud
Straightway becomes famous for greatness of
some sort. The world wonders, admires,
idolizes; yet it only illustrates what each
may do if he takes hold of life with a pur-
pose. If man but says he wiU, and fol-
lows it up, he may expect to accomplish any
thing reasonable.
Year: 1870

But if we initiate the heather; if we rush
with the ungodly after that which periShes
with the using, or, distract our minds and
distract our waking moments with anxious
thoughts about the future; then to that ex-
tent, at least, we are practically heathens
ourselves. Instead of bearing witness for
Christ and his providence as we are bound
to do, we bear witness, in part at least,
against him. Instead of teaching the unbe-
lever that "we live by faith, and not by
sight" we lead him to suspect that the op'
posite is true; and thus we dishonor our
profession, and betray that cause which
must be dearer to US than life itself. In
stead of repudiating the false maximS of the
ungodly, we sanction them by making them


our own; and thus, unintentionally perhaps,


but still really, we join them in wicked
crusade against our sovereign Lord, and tend
to destroy the very idea Of divine Provi-
dence, and blot it entirely from the minds of
men. CREvY.
Year: 1870

A lady once asked Mr.. Wesley, "Suppos-
ing that you knew that you would die at
twelve o'clock tomorrow night, how would
you spend the intervening time?"


Glow, madam" he replied; "why, just
as intend to spend it now. I Ishould preach
in the evening at Gloucester, and again at
five tomorrow morning; after that l should
ride to Tewkesbury, preach in the afternoon,
and meet the societies in the evening. l
should then repair to friend Martins house,
who expects to entertain me, converse and
pray with the family as usual, retire to my
room at ten o'clock, commend myself to my
heavenly Father, lie down to rest, and wake
up in glory"


The proper method of preparation for
death is life of faith in Christ and hearty
and faithful discharge of every duty. Per.
sons 50 living can not be taken unawares
they have living grace, and they will have
dying grace whenever they shall need it.


GAS thy day, SO shall thy strength be. .
They have strength in life to live to God
and in death to die in him.


"Blessed is that servant whom when hi
Lord cometh he shall find so dOing."-Matt
! xiv. 46.-British Workman.
Year: 1870

be found there, and in the experience of th'
Church in all ages. Hannah was woman
who feared the Lord and loved His temple
1t pleased God to give her great trial
Yet this reproach kept her not from the
house of His glory. 1t was even in the
temple, that "she was in bitterness of soul
and prayed unto the Lord and wept sore. y
The Lord answered her prayer and granted
her son, who was given to the Lord. The
lesson we learn from this incident is, not to
forsake Gods house in time of trouble and
deep reproach, but rather to seek it that we
may meet with Gods blessing.


The other instance is that of David. We
have vivid picture of his touching and
overwhelming grief during the sickness Of
his child in this brief account: "David
therefore besought God for the child; and
David tasted and went in and lay all night
upon the earth. And the elders of his house
arose, and went to him, to raise him up from
the earth but he wou4 not, neither did he
eat bread with them. In few days the
child died. His servants knowing his an
guish of soul during the child's sickness,
feared to tell him of its death, "lest he
might vex" or do violence unto "himself. "
But after he perceived from their conduct
the child's death, he "anointed himself, and
changed his apparel and came into the house
of the Lord and worshipped."


Who can forget too, when banished and
fleeing, his fervid apostrophe: Chow love-
ly are thy dwellings-Jehovah of hosts
Ny soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the
courts of the Lord" Let such be our aspi,
rations, our earnest soul-breathings when
disaster overtakes us, or bereavement befalls
US. Let us be driven by these blows to
cling closer to Gods affairs for protection
Then shall we find calm in turmoil, peace in
conflict, hope in dependency, light in Shad-
ows, comfort in. sorrow, and strength in
weakness.


EYES, soon and forever well see as we're seen,
And learn the deep meaning of things that have


been."
Year: 1870

guard the entrance into the ministry, open
side door for class of men whom, whatever
we may call them, the world will regard as
a class of Presbyterian preachers. And IL
reality, though we should endeavor to con-
ceal it from ourselves, they would be aSsum-
ing one of the functions of the ministry
They publicly address the people on the sub
iect of religion under the authority of the
Presbyteries with which they are connected.
And this will practically place them pretty
much upon footing with fully ordained
ministers before the public.


We thus see points at which this proposed
plan of extending our usefulness as a
Church violates the integrity of our Consti-
tuition.


(To BE CONTINUED.
Year: 1870

ly and faithfully attend on these means shall
be disappointed. They are graciOuSly de-
signed by our heavenly Father to assist us
in the cultivation of Christian temper, and
in preparation for that heavenly state into
which all the Christians will shortly enter.
Although in this world we are favored with
many comforts, it is not the place of our
rest and to convince us of it, Providence
frequently disappoints our schemes and
visits us with many affections; but at the
same time assures us that all things shall
work together for good to them that love
God.


[ doubt not but that much of your atten-
ton is engrossed by your children; this is
quite natural | feel with and for you on
this subject, for l also am a parent. 10
bring them up for God is the grand point,
and in this great business you are not to call
culate upon the assistance of your worldly
Friends. Worldly people never make cal
culations upon Christian principles. Their
views relative to the edueation and, accom-
plishments of their children all terminate
upon this poor world. This is not the case
with mother in Israel. 1t is true we are
bound as Christian Parents to provide for
them, (and we are always in danger of feel
ing too much on this head, but the first, the
highest, the paramount duty Of all is to train
them up for the Mansions of heaven.


1t will always be good rule to 60 by, to
inquire when any accomplishment is contem-
plated for your children, how is this accom-
plishment to aid my grand design; viz: to
fit my children for usefulness here and hap
piuess hereafter.


Dear Madam, let me assure you that l
not only feel affection for you, but that [
ever had friendship for your deceased
Companion. 1t will not therefore be sur
prising to you to hear that feel an Inter-
est in your beloved Orphans.


1t is strongly probable to me, that my
publick usefulness is near termination. |
have such complication of complaints, that
I am daily warned of my approaching Dis
solution. May God prepare me. But 1
trust that while live you will not be for
gotten by him who has had the pleasure Of
Ministering frequently to you the words of
eternal life. Yours, sincerely.


JAMES TURNER.
Year: 1870

We love him because he first loved us, and
we serve him because he, first served for US.
We are Christians now in consequence of
his love and service for us. There are many
reasons why we should obey the will Of God,
but none so potent as that embraced in the
words, ''For Jesus sake" 1t was by the
love of Christ that our hearts were melted,
and We constrained to yield to the ministry
of his grace. 1t was from drinking at the
fountain of his divine fulness that we were
enabled to rejoice with JOY unspeakable and
full of glory.


Why do we love and labor in the cause of
religion if it be not for the love we bear him
who first loved US? 1t is possible that we
may try to be Christians from the lowest
motives. Many an act which to the world
appears fair and good, is, in reality the re-
suit of a selfish purpose Sometimes the
mere habit leads US to the outward perfor-
nance of worship. Some feel that they
must be connected with the Church because
it is respectable. Multitudes travel in the
path of outward duty from the most sordid
and unspiritual motives. The fire never
burns in such hearts, love never sparkles in
their eyes, because they are under law, and
not under grace--under Sinai, and not un-
der Calvary.


To be disciple of the highest style, our
motives must be of the most spiritual order
love for Christ. We call to mind the
mutual love of Damon and Pythias-was
their love for each other as high and pure
as our love of the Saviour? Unless we seek
him by spiritual service we will be unable to
bear the burden of life. Let the soul feel
and believe that "for me the Saviour died."
and there will be a constant joy and sup
port Am | afflicted, and shall not with
the wondrous cross before my eyes, bear it
patiently if not cheerfully? Am prosecuted
fer righteousness sake, and shall l not en-
dure it "for his sake" that endureth such
contradiction OF sinners for my sakeE
Can you, dear disciples, follow the Master?
Can you bear, Christ-like, to be mocked,
prosecuted, and spit upon? Have you learned
how to suffer for him? Has your close ad-
herence to Christ enabled you to see the
fingers of his providence guiding all the
threads of your life? Do you truly feel that
all things works together for good to them
that love God?


This, then, is the key to wind the spring
of our lives with-the love of Christ. With
Paul, then, we may say, "For me to live is
Christ labor in his vineyard, to suffer
his affective dispensations all, all shall be
done or suffered "for Jesus sake"
Year: 1870

Dear Madam,-Captain j informed
me yesterday that you had a great desire to
see me before your removal from this neigh
borhood. l then determined to pay you a
visit to day, but the weather being SO very
cold and myself considerably uneasy with
the Tumor on my neck, has prevented. l
send you therefore few lines, as token of
my Christian affection. Whether you are
likely to be favored with preached Gospel
in the neighborhood of your father, is what
don't know, but hoping that you are Be-
lever in the Lord Jesus Christ makes me
the more willing to trust you in any place
where Divine Providence may call you.


The great duty of Christian, and let me
add, Privilege too, is to keep up daily
communion with God. This communion
cannot be continued without frequent pc
rusal of his holy word, daily secret prayer
accompanied with Watchfulness, Meditation
serious determination. None who honest
Year: 1870

Strange and creditable to our common
nature was the effect of a simple black
board carried down Broadway yesterday
morning by two urchins; for upon it was
written, as revelation, "Let US be kind
to each other" Old men, whose eyes
had not known tear for many, many
year, sobbed aloud, and instantly deter
mined that, from that very hour, they
would lead new life-a life of self-sacri-
lce and love. Young men, fastening
with terrible swiftness to the counting
houses of their employers, there to spend
the day in reckless addition and subtrac-
tion, paused for moment and dashed the
moisture from their eyes, as the thought
of the white cottage and yellow stoop of
childhood came back to them, softening
and purifying their nature. The middle
aged saw the black board and the boys
they once were boys-and turned bitterly
into doorways and sobbed as if their hearts
would break. Who can tell how much
good that simple black board may have
accomplished All ! that black boards are
so short and life so long !-New Korh


World July the 9th.
Year: 1870

The friends of people killed by the In
dians can have the consolation of knowing
what tribe the nurderers belonged to by
observing few simple rules laid down
for scalping by different tribes. The
Cheyennes remove piece not larger than
a silver dollar, from Immediately over the
left ear; the Arapahoes take the same
from over the right ear. Others take
front the crown, forehead or nape of the
neck. The Utes take the entire scalp,
from car to ear, and from forehead to nape
ofthe neck,
Year: 1870

A GENTLEMAN on his way to the CatskiTl
mountains assisted young lady to replace the
the stage and broken open, and was 30 struck
by her manner that he made proposal Of mar
rage on the spot and was accepted. All the
young ladies en- route to Saratoga are now
anxious to have their baggages smashed.
Year: 1870

VICE ADMIRAL PORTER, who left here yes
terday, will during his absence visit the several
navy-yards where vessels are now being fittel
out for sea, in order to give his personal atten-
ton to matters connected with their complete
ness and Ell cency.
Year: 1870

PROTECTING THE FIsHERIEs.-The United
states steamer Guard, which returned to New
York short time since from the Darien ship
canal expedition, is now ready for sea and will
leave New York in few days for the coast OF
Labrador and the fishing grounds to look after
American interests in those waters
Year: 1870

GENERAL SHERMAN cOntradicts the story
that Louis Napoleon had refused to allow Gen
eral Sheridan to come within the French lines
as General Sheridan has not yet made such a
request, and it is not at all improbable that he
will go to Berlin before he does to Paris.
Year: 1870

RETURN OF THE PREsIDENr.-The President
has s'gniiied his intention Of visiting this city
TOMORROW, to consult with members of his
Oaoinet on various matters requiring his atten-
ton. He will remain here but a few hours,
and his time will be devoted to public business
and not to the reception OF visitors
Year: 1870

THE PARDON OF O'NEILL.-Strenuous efforts
are being made TO have the President pardon
General o'Neill, the Fenian leader, VINO was
recently convicted at Windsor, Vt, and among
those working to secure his pardon are several
members OF Congress and prominent persons,
who argue that the law has been fully vindi
Gated by the verdict of guilty, which satisfies
the English government, and therefore no
International question will be involved by his
pardon. Numerous letters have been written
on the subject, as well as weighty personal
influence brought to bear upon the President
and members Of the Cabinet for his release.
Year: 1870

The most magnificent bene6cence
which 1t was ever in the power of any
body Of men to perform, is that to which
Congress is almost driven by the over
flowing treasury of the country, on one
side, and its taxed-oppressed people
on the other that of remitting allsuper-
hous and burdensome taxation. Mr.
Wells has shown that the repeal duties
which now Yield fifty millions Of dollars
will actually relieve the people, by the
to the extent Of one hundred and fifty
amount represents the food Of 4 million
of people or the difference between
biting poverty and comparative comfort
to one tenth Of our population. The act
Of repeal would do more to diminish
future pauperism and crime, and to ele-
vate the standard of material comfort,
and ultimately that of intellectual and
moral life throughout the country, than
gifts of private charity the world ever
saw.


This would be done, even if all tho
taxation remitted were 4 clear loss of
revenue. But nothing is more certain
than the new impulse given by such re-
lief to the industry and trade Of the
country would add greatly to the produc-
tiveness of the taxes retained. The ex-
ample Of England has demonstrated so
clearly as the wonderful elasticity of rev.
enue under successive reductions Of du-
ties. She now receives from ten articles
more money than she was ebie to collect
a generation ago from two thousand.
There is no financial prediction more
certain than this that the present law Of
this countryif continued without change
would yield less revenue in the next ten
years together than law which should
add nine -tenths of the articles now taxed
to the free list. and reduce the duties on
many more.


No one disputes Mr.. Well estimate,
that the surplus revenue for the
fiscal year, under the present law, will
be at least $l24, 100000. 1t is likely to
be much more. But great part Of this
sum is wrung from the past savings of
our now depressed industry and trade
1t is not reasonable that at least two
thirds Of it be left, as General Jackson
used to say, to frustify In the pockets
of the people !" Let taxes now yielding
eighty millions of dollars be repealed,
and the effect will be felt at once in
stimulating the productiveness of other
taxes so hat the surplus for the next
year can hardly fall short of sixty mil
lions, and will rapidly increase with each
succeeding year.


The tribune of Wednesday morning
says: ~


Whenever we can spare forty millions
per annum of our present revenue, we
presume that not less than wo-thirds
of all the articles now subjected to taxa
ton whether internal or by tariff may
be added to The free list at once. This
would greatly reduce the cost and trouble
Of assessing and collecting taxes and rem
der inevitable reduction of the force
now employed in the service,


This is unquestionably true and the
right time for relieving, especially the
raw materials of industry, and the food,
clothing and tools of the people from
every burden. is now.
Year: 1870

1t is sure sign Of the lack of knowledge
among Western members of Congress Of
the true state Of public opinion on the
financial policy of the country-the fail
ure of any of these members to introduce
a series of resolutions which will meet
the appreciation of the Western people,
Tho man who will secure from Congress
"a declaration,


That the currency, by action of law
shall not be increased in volume;


That the currency, by action of law
shall not be decreased in volume


That no further effort shall be made to
pay any portion or principal OF the ma
tional debt; and that the amount now
devoted to such payment shall be remit
ted to the people by the abolition of the
small ond vexatious taxes on business pa
pers, and on small incomes, and by re-
duction, when possible, of the worst ex-
actions Of the tariff.


That the expenses of the army and
navy shall be still further diminished;


That the franking privilege shall be
abolished


That banking under the national system
shall be made free


That an army of officers In the inter
nal revenue service, now necessary to ex-
ecute an almos: inexplicabie law, shall be
discharged by an amendment of the law
10 that the tax now collected on spirits
may be levid on tbe capacity Of the stills
or directly on the grain as it goes into
distillery.


We say that the man who secures from
Congress such declaration as the above,
will not only add immensely to his own
popularity but give confidence 70 capital
lists and business men that will be speedi-
ly and most beneGcially felt in the speedy
and healthy revival of industry and trade
from Maine to Texas. And if to the
above is added law saying that debts
for values in greenbacks may be scaled
and paid in a god equivalent, on the
plan of General Grant and The Chicago
Eceaing Post, the resumption OF specie
may begin as soon as the governmet has
the wherewithal to justify the experiment.
And to this scheme, as whole, where
is the objection Post.
Year: 1870

There is very general impression
among women that the laws are unjust to
them, and that, if they had their rights,
they could, by means of the ballot. so
control legislation as to greatly. improve
their condition. An examination Of the
laws OF New York, however, shows that,
In the most important state of the re-
public, the legal status of wo men is real


y msre favorable than that of men. Un-
married women are on pearfect equality
with unmarried men, with the single ex-
eeption OF political franchises. In two
Important particulars they have the adj
vantage Of the other sex. They can
marry or make wills at an age two years
earlier than that at which men become
compentent to assume similar responsl-
bilities. If a woman marries, the en-
joyment of her property is secured to her,
free from her husbands S control. Her
husband is bound to support her, wheth-
er she has money of her own or not,
while she cannot be compelled to contrib
ute In any way to her husband support,
even if she is very rich and he is utterly
helpless and destitute A husband can
not sell real estate without his wife S con
sent; at least he cannot give clear title
10 III /. HHlfe, IL SHc o"HS ianu' =,
sell it outright without her husband
consent. The husband cannot deprive
the wife of life interest In one,thlrd OF
his real estate after his death, while she
can dispose as she pleases by will of al
her property. She need pot leave hlm
foot of land or a cent of money unless
She chooses to. The husband, also, j.
liable for his wife's misdemeanors. II
She commits an assault or a trespass, the
husband may pay the bill or go to jail. She
cannot be imprisoned in any civil suit
while he has no such exemption, but may
be made to suffer in her stead for hel
misdoings. Such being the actual state
of the law in New York, it is evident
that if any injustice exists in our legisla
ton, it is the men and not the women
who are the subjects of it t--Aibany Ere
Journal.
Year: 1870

"A Michigan paper tells the following:
8 A widow married few months ago.
Upon eight OF ten weeks trial she inform
ed her husband he didn't suit, and he
left unconcernedly, as hired hand not
longer wanted. More lately another left
upon like signi6cation from his better
half, only he snivelled at the loss of a
situation. And still more recently,
another said he would leave if his wife
would raise him seven dollars, and there
upon she mortgaged her cook stove for
the money. He had to sign the mort
gage with her to make it valid. She
then handed him the money and he
eft I"