The Banner of the covenant.

«

THE

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

jFor Christ’s Croton antr Cobenant.

CONDUCTED BY THE SECRETARIES OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS OF THE
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

JULY, 1848.

CONTENTS.

j Anti-St, avert:

! An Expostulation with those Christians

Sand Christian Churches, in the United
States of America, that are implicated

in the sin of Slaveholding, 193

Obituary:

Memoir of Rev. G. T. Ewing, 207

Mrs. Rachel Woodburn,. 240

Poetry:

Turn the Carpet; or, the two Weavers,. 214
Domestic Circle :

Necessity, of Work for Children, 214

Home, 215

Government of Children 215

Early Religious Education, 216

Never begin a thing until you have well

considered the End, 216

Foreign Missions:

The Field and the Labourers 2’ 7

Brief Papers on India — No. III., 221

Extract of a Letter from Rev. J. Cald-
well, 222

Journal of a Native Assistant, 223

Report of a Missionary Tour in the

United States, 227

Report of a Visit to the Irish Reformed

Presbyterian ChuraL 230

Late Meeting of the Erccutive Commit-
tee of the Board of Missions of the
Reformed Presbyterian phurch, .... 232

Ecclesiastical Proceedings:

Northern Reformed. Presbytery, —

New Church in Brooklyn, 224

Reports of Domestic Missionaries, 225

Reception of Rev. A. Clarke, 226

Ordination of Mr. D. J. Patterson, 226

Licensure of Mr. H. Gordon 226

Philadelphia Reformed Presbytery.
Ordination of Mr. j. S. Woodside, .... 227
General Synod of Asso. Ref. Church in

the West, 233

Associate Synod 234

Irish Reformed Presbyterian Church:
Extract from a Letter from Rev.J. Nevin, 235
Report of a V isit to the Irish Reformed

Presbyterian Church, 230

Recent Anniversaries:

American Sunday School Union, 237

American Bible Society, 237

American Tract Society 237

American Home Missionary Society, . 237

Foreign Evangelical Society, 237

Presbyterian Board of Education, 238

Presbyterian Board of Domestic Missions, 238

An interesting Fact, 238

Editorial:

The Reinforcement, 238

Rev. Mr. Campbell 239

Communion Seasons, 239

Travelling 239

Notices of New Publications, 240

i

TERMS--ONE DOLLAR PER ANNUM,

If paid within six months; after which, if unpaid, it will be discontinued.

Eittlabeljjftta:

PUBLISHED FOR THE BOARD, BY GEORGE H. STUART, TREASURER,

Nos. 6 & 8 Church Alley;

To whom remittances are to be made, and communications to be addressed.
william s. young, printer.

Subscriptions for the Outfit. — All persons who have subscribed
for the outfit of the reinforcement to India, and have not, as yet, made
payment, are requested to send forward their remittances as soon as
possible, as the treasurer designs to publish the general list of subscrip-
tions in the next or succeeding number of the Banner. Any who may
still desire to have a share in this good work; are informed that they
have yet time to do so.

Payments for the Banner. — According to our terms, all who
have not yet paid for the current volume of the Banner are liable to
have their copies discontinued. The interesting and valuable informa-
tion contained in the present No. we desire all the friends of the mis-
sionary cause in our church to peruse — and those who have not paid as
yet will receive this No. We trust, however, that they will make no
farther delay in sending on the small amount for which individually
they are indebted. A sense of justice, as well as a desire for the pro-
motion of the work in which we are engaged, should lead all who have
neglected payment to attend to it immediately.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS— BANNER, 1847.

Eden, Illinois — Blair Strahan, C. M'Kelvey, John Alexander, James Craig. Kensington —
K. Stevenson. $5,00

BANNER, FOR 1848.

Rycgate — Eli Perry, Geo. Rhodes, William Buchanan, Robt. Hall, Sr., Robt. Symes, James
M'Clure, William M'Clure, John M‘Clure, Robert Miller, Thomas Smith, David Miller, Eliza-
beth Smith. Ohio, N. Y. — W. Cummins. Schenectady — William Cunningham, Mrs. Dunbar.
Duanesburgh — John Liddle, omitted in acknowledgments for June. Chicago — Wm. Ken-
nedy, Samuel James, Solomon M'Kichen, Margaret Bates, Mrs. Lowe. Eden, III. — Rev. M.
Harshaw, Samuel M'Clure. Bono, Ind. — John Martin, William Loudon. Walnut Hilt —
James Kell. Cedarville — John Stormont, per J. M'Millan. Btllbrook — Joseph White, per J.
M'Millan. Oak Hill, Ga. — Elizabeth Gardiner. Covington, Ga. — Rev. Thomas Ferrier.
Darlington — Thomas Silliman, James Scott Chippewa — William Scott ddamsville —
James Kee. Easton — Mrs. James Hindman. Kensington — William Hogg, William Mont-

gomery, Miss Montgomery, Robert Steenson, Mr. M‘ A lister, R. Woodsidc, Miss R. Stevenson,
A. M'CIintock, W. Johnson, James M‘ Kinney, Robert Anderson, Martin Graham, Elizabeth
Green, Park M‘ Arthur, R. Boak, Catherine L. Horner, James Forgrave, James Miller, Miss M.
J. Armstrong. Fairmount — Rev. William Sterrett, Benj. Ray, Thomas Brown, Geo. Lamb,
Mrs. M. A. Hull, David Ray. Philadelphia — Mary Lowthers, Mrs. Jane Steel, John Caldwell,
A. Graham. $63,00.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FOR SYNOD’S BOARD OF MISSIONS.
Support of Rev. Joseph Caldwell.

To Cash Received from Rev. T. C. Guthrie, in full, balance for his cong. for 1848, 30,00
To Cash Received from J. C. M'Millan,' Treasurer, additional, Xenia congregation, 20,00

To Cash Received from Rev. Samuel Wylie, for Bethel congregation, 20,00 $70,00

Support of Rev. J. R. Campbf.ll.

Cash received from Miss Cathcart, for Female Missionary Society, (Rev. J. A.'

Crawford’s congregation, WashingtonVille,) 7,00

Cash received from Robert M'Coy, of the same congregation, 5,00

Cash received from a Friend at Fairmount, 10,00 $22,00

OUTFIT OF MISSIONARIES.

Cash received from Rev. Geo. Scott, for his congregation 94,8)

Cash received from M. Couch and W. Cunningham for Walnut Hill cong.,. . 44,14
Cash received from Rev. H. M'Millan’s cong., Xenia, per J. C. M'Millan, .... 170,00

Cash received from Rev. G. M'Millan’s cong., per J. C. M'Millan, 1 10,00

Cash received from Rev. S. Wylie’s congregation, Bethel,. 134,00

Cash received from Rev. A.M. Stewart’s congregation, Chicago 100,00

Cash received from Rev. T. C. Guthrie, for his congregation, 260,00

Cash received from Contributions in Schenectady, per W. Cunningham, 41,00

Cash received from a Lady in Jerseytown, per Robert M'Coy 10,00

Cash received from Rev, A. G. Wylie’s congregation, Bloomington, 64,00 $1027,95

f GEORGE H. STUART, Treasurer.

$1119,95

THK

iSantte? of t%)t ©otirnsut*

JULY, 1848.

SUitx=Slatrec2,

AN EXPOSTULATION WITH THOSE CHRISTIANS AND CHRISTIAN CHURCHES,
IN THE UNITED STATES OP AMERICA, THAT ARE IMPLICATED IN THE
SIN OP SLAVEHOLDING, BY A COMMITTEE OP THE SYNOD OP THE
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SCOTLAND.

“ Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them.”— Heb. xiii. I.

[Continued.]

Such, brethren, are some of the ways, in which, as it appears to us, .
you are implicated in the sin of slave-holding. We are not ignorant
of what you are accustomed to advance in your own vindication. We
know well your reasons. We must say, however, the more we examine
them in the light of those tests to which they ought tu be subjected,
we are the more deeply impressed with the conviction that they are
utterly invalid, and afford not the shadow of a sanction to the iniquitous,
inhuman, and impolitic system, in support of which they are alleged.
We crave leave to express ourselves on the following, from among
other allegations equally untenable: —

1. Is it alleged that God permitted the ancient Israelites to bring
some of their fellow-men into servitude? We readily admit that they
were authorized to employ in their service two classes of persons —
native Hebrews, and idolatrous Gentiles. But if any one supposes
that this bears the faintest resemblance, or gives the least sanction to
the slavery practised among you, he shows that he has not yet studied
the benevolent spirit and liberal provisions of the Mosaic code.

With regard to the native Hebrews, who are usually, but very in-
correctly, represented as enslaved, we must say, that their moral, phy-
sical, and political condition was inexpressibly superior to that of the
American slaves in the following particulars. 1st, They were not
slaves at all, in the proper sense of that term. They were not declared
in law, nor treated in practice, as mere property. They were employed
as a kind of “ hired servants” — persons who were engaged by contract,
to serve during a specified period, and who were promised wages, paya-
ble during the whole currency of their engagement. This is the law:

“ If thy brother that dwelleth by thee, be waxen poor, and be sold*
unto thee, thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bond servant, but as
•

* “Sold.” The other provisions of the law show that it was not their persons that
were sold. It was simply their labour. Nor was the act of selling performed by a
third parly who wanted to make gain by an unholy traffic in his fellow-creatures.
The most probable opinion is, that his services were sold either by himself, or by
the civil magistrate.

13

194

banner of the covenant.

an hired servant.”* “Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is
poor and needy: at his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall
the sun go down upon it, for he is poor and setteth his heart upon it —
Jest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee.”f
Where is the analogy between this and the slave code of Carolina?
May not your legislators, when they look at the equity, the humanity,
the God-like benevolence of the Jewish statute, blush for the cruel
spirit in which they have sanctioned the grossest oppressions, by their
unchristian enactments? 2d, The degree of servitude to which their
hired servants were subjected, was of divine appointment. He who
has a right to deal with his fellow-creatures according to his own plea-
sure, in the exercise of moral rectitude, was the author of the law under
which they suffered restrictions. He proclaimed it from the flaming
heights of Sinai. But has the slavery practised among you any such
sanction? Has the voice of God, at any time, announced to you his
permission to make slaves of any class of your fellow-men? Where
is the warrant from Heaven for Americans to enslave Africans ? for
8 he whites to enslave the blacks? Till such order be produced, you
in vain plead the example of the Israelites in your own vindication :
and we must continue to hold that the claim you put forth to reduce
to slavery persons of African descent, is as utterly groundless as it is
grossly presumptuous. 3d, Those Hebrews alone were subjected to
the servitude prescribed, who had been convicted of some moial of-
fence. There were, especially, two crimes that were visited with this
form of punishment — theft, J for which they could not make restitu-
tion, and the contraction of debt,\ which they were unable to pay.
How different the way in which you act! It is not persons who
have been guilty of offences deserving punishment at the hand of the
civil courts, that you are bringing into slavery, or keeping in it. Were
you to sOize upon all the incorrigible thieves, and all the fraudulent
bankrupts that you could find in the Union, and carry them off to the
plantations, to perform the labours you now exact from unoffending
Africans, there would be no ground for a charge of injustice. We
would rather rejoice in your reviving the spirit of that sacred juris-
prudence which was given in the volume of revelation to the Israelites,
and which, we have no doubt, will yet furnish, in its great moral prin-
ciple, the basis of that high judicial code which Christian nations shall
enjoy, when God will “ make their officers peace, and their enactors
righteousness.” 4th, The servitude to which they were subjected was
only of limited duration. It could not, without their own consent,
Hast longer than six years, and, in many cases, it came to an end much
•sooner. That is, on the recurrence of every seventh year, every one
who had been obliged to become a hired servant, from whatever cause,
was at liberty to go forth to the enjoyment of his original freedom.
The law is this: “At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a

release.” “And if tby brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew wo-

man, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years, then in the seventh
year thou shalt let him go free from thee.”|| What a joyful delive-
rance 1 What pleasurable anticipations in the approach of that day
chat should usher in so welcome a release! When, oh when will

* Levit. xxv. 39, 40. ] IDeut. xxiv. 14, 15.

X Exod. xxii. 1 — 4. § Levit. xxv. 39.

)| Beut xv. J, 12.

ANTI-SLAVERY.

195

America proclaim such a deliverance to her injured, wounded, bleed-
ing children ! 5th, When the period of their servitude expired, they
were not to be sent away in a state of actual destitution. The masters,
in whose service they had been spending their strength, and whose
wealth they had been contributing to increase, were to be liberal in
giving them such supplies as were necessary to meet their present
wants, and secure their future welfare ! The law is in the following
terms: — “And when thou sendest him out from thee, thou shalt not
let him go away empty: thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy
flock, and out of thy flour, and out of thy wine-press: of that where-
with the Lord thy God hath blessed thee, thou shalt give unto him.”*
What an improvement would be effected in the condition of the slaves
among you, were such a law obeyed! Not only would they be treated
with much kindness, and emancipated at an early period, but, along
with the restoration of their natural rights, they would receive such
assistance as would be some compensation for the many wrongs they
have suffered, and the many hardships to which they have long been
doomed. In one word, the revival of the Mosaic law would be the
extinction of slavery.

With regard to the other class whom the Israelites were permitted
to employ in their service — we mean heathen idolaters — we admit at
once that they were, in a certain sense, slaves. They are called bond-
men and bond-maids, terms which clearly imply that they were sub-
jected to some degree of bondage. Still the bondage into which they
were brought was very different from that, in which the negroes among
you are still held, in the following particulars. 1, God himself per-
mitted the practice among the Hebrews. It was He who spoke to
them in these very explicit terms: “Both thy bond-men and thy bond-
maids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round
about you: of them shall ye buy bond-men and bond-maids. More-
over of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of
them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they
beget in your land, and they shall be in your possession.” Nor was
this an arbitrary exercise of his will. It was not an enactment at va-
riance with the principles of moral rectitude. It was not a concession
to the selfish passions and the sinful prejudices of a barbarous age. We
can have no doubt that the kind and degree of bondage which He per-
mitted was, in every way, worthy of his character, and conformable to his
express command, which was authenticated by supernatural revelation.
But who gave the modern slave-holder the right which he is pre-
suming to exercise? Who authorized him to seize upon unoffending
Africans, and to make them his mere slaves for life? Could he pro-
duce any thing like an order from heaven authenticated by the seal of
the eternal Sovereign, his procedure, so far as conformable to that order,
could not be challenged. But until he produce such order or permission,
we must hold, which we do most firmly, that he has usurped a pre-
rogative which has not been delegated to any creature, and which can
reside only in Him who doeth according to his will in the army of
heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth. 2, The bondage to
which the heathen were reduced among the Hebrews, was attended
with many signal advantages. If it involved a measure of restriction
on the exercise of their natural rights, it brought along with it a num-
ber of important privileges which otherwise they could not have en-

* Deut. xy. 13, 14.

196

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

joyed. Such of them as were admitted members of the commonwealth
by the prescribed initiatory rite, were entitled to the sacred rest of the
Sabbath, to the reading of the Holy Scriptures, to instruction from the
ministers of the true religion, and to the enjoyment of the solemn
festivals along with the families in whose service they were engaged.
In short, as to religious privileges and civil rights, they were placed,
by divine appointment, on a footing of equality with the chosen peo-
ple. But who will allege that the Africans have been reduced to a
state of slavery ivith a view to their own advantage? That God has
overruled this traffic in such a way as to elevate many of them in the
scale of civilization is not denied. That He has made their residence
among you, though compulsory, the means of promoting the intellec-
tual improvement, the moral culture, and the spiritual welfare of some
of them, we do not question. But on what ground can the least credit
be claimed for those who, by violence, originally imported unoffend-
ing men, and have since, by force, retained them in bondage so incon-
sistent with their just rights, and so galling to their natural feelings?
It was not the good of the negro they had in view, it was not to bring
him under the influence of religion, or to place him within the reach
of salvation. Avarice was the ruling passion. Pecuniary interest was
the primary object. Tyranny has been the grand instrument. Even
at the present moment, whatever be' the advantages which some of
them derive from living among you, are they not subjected to priva-
tions which, as rational and immortal beings, they cannot but feel?
Are they not robbed of their civil rights? Are they not deprived of
the fruits of their industry? Are they not hindered from having the
privileges of the Christian Sabbath, of reading the Holy Scriptures,
and of worshipping in the same sanctuaries in which other classes
assemble? In short, are they not, in the view of the law, mere chat-
tels, which may be sold or bartered, or bequeathed, like the very
horses, and cows, and oxen, that carry your burdens, and minister to
your pleasure ? 3, Those bond-servants among the Israelites were

treated with far greater kindness than the negroes in modern times.
As one instance, it deserves to be remembered, that any one who suf-
fered bodily injury at the hands of his master, was entitled, according
to the law, to his freedom. “ If a man smite the eye of his servant, or
the eye of his maid, that it perish, he shall let him go free for his eye's
sake. And if he smite out his man-servant’s tooth, or his maid-servant’s
tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth’s sake.”* Is there any
provision like this in the laws of the American States? As another
instance, let it be recollected that whenever a servant ran away from
his master, he was not to be delivered up by the party to whom he
might flee. The law is in these words, “ Thou shalt not deliver unto
hi3 master the servant who is escaped from his master unto thee. He
shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall
choose, in one of thy gates where it liketh him best: thou shalt not
oppress him.”t Is there any law approaching this in any one of the
slaveholding states ?J Are slaves who run away from their owners,

* Exod. xxi. 26, 27. f Deut. xxiii. 15, 16.

X What a contrast America presents to Palestine! The Constitution of the United
States declares, — “ No person held to service or labour in one State, under the laws
thereof, escaping into another, shali, in consequence of any law or regulation therein,
be discharged from such service or labour, but shall be delivered up on claim of the
party to whom such service or labour may be due”

ANTI-SLAVERY.

197

in consequence of intolerable oppression, allowed to choose the places
of their future residence, and to enjoy the protection of the civil au-
thorities ? How different the treatment they suffer! In what a spirit
of vindictive malignity they are usually pursued into whatever retreat
they may have hastened, and subjected, when caught, to a succession
of barbarous inflictions, at the very thought of which humanity shud-
ders.* Surely it were prudent in the slave-holders never to allude to
the Mosaic code, which frowns on every part of their cruel proceed-
ings— never to “ come to the light,” in which their evil deeds are held
up to merited reprobation.

2. Is it alleged that slavery, though existing among the Greeks and
Romans in thd primitive ages of Christianity, is no where condemned
in the New Testament ? This is an allegation which, we are aware,
is sometimes hazarded. A countryman of our own, a civilian who
occupies no mean place in the public eye, has ventured to assert, in
presence of a large assembly, “that slavery is a subject on which the
New Testament is altogether silent ,” — that it maintains “ a most ex-
pressive silence .” In this opinion we cannot acquiesce. Even were
it true that the New Testament contains no direct condemnation of
slavery, it would not follow that the thing is in itself innocent. There
were, at the time, other practices which the apostles have not directly
condemned; and yet they are allowed, on all hands, to have been
enormous evils. For example, the gladiatorial shows, which were
exhibitions of shocking cruelty, are not denounced in the epistles; but
who would argue from this that they may innocently be revived in
modern times? No more ought the circumstance that, in the same
epistles, there is no formal denunciation of slavery, to be construed
into evidence that the Lord was not displeased with its existence, or
that it may be adopted in Christian countries without either commit-
ting sin or incurring censure. We trust there are few judges in the
land, and few members in any church, who would commit themselves
to such an unsound principle. But we do not admit the existence of
that “ most expressive silence,” which some have so boldly asserted,
and others have so loudly cheered. Indeed, from the very genius and
tendency of the gospel, we should beforehand have expected that it
would very much foster the love and promote the recovery of civil
liberty. Jesus came “to preach the gospel to the poor , to heal the
broken-hearted , to preach deliverance to the captives, to set at liberty
them that are bruised.” The apostle speaks of freedom in the most
impassioned terms, “The glorious liberty of the children of God;” —
“ False brethren came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have
in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage, to whom we
gave place by subjection, no not for an hour;’* — “ Stand fast in the
liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be notentangled again
with the yoke of bondage;” and, from such statements, is it not ob-
vious that a state of bondage is one of degradation and suffering, and

* Such advertisements as the following are often seen in the newspapers of the
South : — “ One hundred dollars for a negro fellow, Pompey: he is branded on the left
jaw.” — “Run away, a negro woman and two children; a few days before she went off
I burnt her with a hot iron on the left side of her face; I tried to mark the letter M.”
— “Two or three days since, a gentleman in hunting runaway negroes, came upon a
camp of them. He succeeded in arresting two#of them, but the third made fight;
and, being shot in the shoulder, fled to a sluice, where the dogs succeeded in drown-
ing him before assistance could arrive.”

198

BANKER OF THE COVENANT.

that liberty is an inestimable privilege, to which too great importance
cannot be attached, and on which too fervent applauses cannot be be-
stowed? Let it be remembered, also, that all the evils springing out
of slavery are condemned in the New Testament, even in the most ex-
plicit terms. Does Slavery imply the previous commission of theft ?
Were the ancestors of those who are now held in bondage originally
stolen from their country and their kindred, and dragged by violence
into the servitude from which only death released them? There can
be no doubt that this is condemned. “The law is made for man-
stealers.” Does slavery involve the idea of robbery? Have the slaves
been robbed of what God has granted them — their natural rights, and
their Christian privileges ? Surely the New Testament condemns
robbery in ever}7 form. There is not another crime upon which the
Lord has poured the lightning of his anger in more vivid flashes than
this. Do the masters withhold from their slaves the fruits of their in-
dustry? Do they, in many cases, require of them the most exhausting
toils during long hours, and notwithstanding refuse them such an
amount of remuneration as equity demands, and gratitude should offer?
There can be no question that this is condemned in the New Testament,
even in the strongest language: — “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and
howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Behold the hire of
the labourers, who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept
back by fraud, crieth, and the cries of them who have reaped are en-
tered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.” Do the masters also en-
deavour to obstruct the progress of education among the negroes, and to
prevent them obtaining copies of the scriptures, which they may read
for themselves? Surely nothing can be more at variance with the
whole spirit and scope of the New Testament than this. Nothing does
it more clearly reveal than that the good tidings of great joy are to be
preached to “all people;” that those who search the scriptures daily are
accounted more noble than others who do not; that no higher encomium
can be pronounced on any one than that “from his childhood he has
known the holy scriptures which are able to make wise unto salvation.”
In short, every crime, every vice, every, abuse, rising out of this odious
traffic is condemned in the New Testament. How, then, can it be said
that this part of revelation maintains a most expressive silence on the
subject1? The very reverse is the truth. There is not a page but
breathes the spirit of universal liberty. There is not a verse but in-
spires the hatred of every kind of tyranny. There are no denunciations
from the lips of the sacred writers more terrible than those which they
hurl, with such fearless intrepidity, against all forms of oppression,
domestic, ecclesiastical, and political.

3. Is it alleged that slaveholding is the crime of the state, rather
than of the individual ; or that it is so much the sin of the nation as to
render those who own slaves almost innocent? We have seen, with
much surprise, such a notion advanced by some of your zealous apolo-
gists. Indeed, nothing has astonished us more than such assertions, as
the following, from men whose moral perceptions on other matters are
usually very correct: — “ How did Wilberforce and his friends proceed
against the slaveholders of their day? Not in the cruel way of visit-
ing a national sin on individuals who might be innocent. The
sin of slavery is not the sin of individuals so much as it is a na-
tional sin. It was not the sin of the proprietors in the W zst In-

ANTI-SLAVEXST.

199

dies, but the national sin of Great Britain , that slavery teas tole-
rated in our colonies .” Now, to such an opinion we cannot give our
assent. It would be most dangerous to the interest of morality to as-
sume the principle, that the moment a State gives its sanction to any
system confessedly immoral, henceforth nearly all the blame must be
attached to the legislature, the administration, and the general com-
munity; while the individuals who have embarked in that traffic, how-
ever unholy, must be held as not committing much sin, and as not de-
serving much censure. Upon this principle, those who bow to the
supremacy of the crown of England over the church — a flagrant usur-
pation in our view, may plead that they are innocent. They may ar-
gue that it is only the government who have passed the iniquitous
law, and the community who have given it their countenance, that
can be blamed. The individual members of the church, — the very
ministers who fulfil their functions, and receive their emoluments un-
der that law, — and the most devoted adherents who kneel at the altar
and join in the liturgy, are entitled to allege that they are committing
no sin, and that the whole guilt must be accumulated on the head of
that symbolical personage — that supposed surety — the State. We
trust that such notions of national morality will soon be discarded
on both sides of the Atlantic. We submit that the true theory on this
subject is, that any sin which is national under one aspect, is, under
another, personal. Even when it has been so sanctioned by the au-
thority of the government, and so supported by the concurrence of
the people, as to render it a national offence, the individuals who have
allowed themselves to become involved in that offence, are to be con-
sidered as proportionally guilty. For example, — the profanation of
the Lord’s day in our own country is so much countenanced by the laws
of the state, the doings of the government, and the practices of the peo-
ple, as to render it one of our national sins; but who, on that account,
would say that the individuals who engage in any of the desecrations
sanctioned by the state, as carrying the mail, running railway trains,
&c., are innocent? No, they are not innocent. God reckons them
very guilty: and simply on the ground that they are moral agents
placed under his law, and responsible for their own actions, they ought
to feel that they have incurred his righteous displeasure. In the same
way must we estimate the guilt of slaveholding in any country where
the odious traffic still lingers. Much must be imputed to the State
which has passed so many laws for the regulation of the traffic, and
which has hitherto declined taking the necessary measures for its sup-
pression: but much also must be laid at the door of those numerous
individuals who have, in various ways, and in different degrees, given
it their actual support. This, we repeat, is the only sound view that
can be taken of their position, unless it can be shown that they are
denuded of all voluntary agency, and of all moral responsibility. To
speak of them as not guilty because the nation is guilty, is to encou-
rage a most mischievous delusion. It is to make them feel, unless
their own consciences have sufficient sensibility left to resist the im-
pression, that while they are using their fellow-creatures as mere
chattels, selling them, bartering them, scourging them, murdering
them, the criminality attaches chiefly to the nation. Would it not be
showing more true kindness to them, as well as a more enlightened
concern for the interests of morals, to tell them, with all plainness,

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that while the nation has her own account to settle with the righteous
Judge, they will only deceive themselves if they expect to escape his
coming retribution ?

4. No less unsatisfactory is the attempt at palliation which is founded
on the supposed distinction between slaveholding and slavehaving.
This is a modern discovery, and whether it is destined to survive the
occasion that gave it birth, or to sink, like similar abortions, into a
premature grave, the lapse of a few years will tell. Meanwhile, we
must be allowed to declare our thorough conviction, that though as an
object of thought the distinction may be not altogether imaginary, yet
is it utterly insufficient, in general practice, to furnish the least apo-
logy for the continuance of slavery, or for the countenance which it is
receiving from many of the professed followers of the Saviour. 1st,
This distinction will avail only a very small number of the masters.
It is avowedly applied by its inventor only to those who are so kind,
so humane, so generous to their slaves, that they will not treat them,
in any respect, as mere property; that they will neither sell them nor
barter them ; neither withhold from them any one of the temporal
mercies to which they are entitled, nor hinder them from enjoying
any one of the spiritual privileges which the Redeemer has offered
them. These are the only persons who are honoured with the new
name of slave-havers. But is it not certain that these are only a mere
fraction of the class? Is it not as undeniable as the shining of the sun
over your southern heavens, that the great majority persist in looking
upon their slaves as in every sense mere chattels, and treat them as
such whenever this suits their own interests, or gratifies their own in-
clinations? Why then attach any weight to a distinction that extends
the very little relief it can afford only to a very few, and has not the
shadow of a bearing on the conduct of the overwhelming majority ? —
2d, Even those planters whom this distinction avails to a small ex-
tent, cannot feel that they are innocent. They are still identified
in law with the immoral traffic. Let them be as humane and as be-
nevolent— as ready to advance the temporal and eternal well-being of
those under them as their warmest apologists represent, still they can-
not allege that they have detached themselves from the system which
has given them the very position they occupy. They are still con-
stituent members of an unholy confederacy which has been founded
on the ruins of man’s original rights and God’s eternal laws; and
the more conspicuous the moral and religious excellences that adorn
and exalt their character, they will lend the larger amount of influence
to the support and perpetuation of an evil which in their hearts they
abhor, and which their practice should assist in sweeping away. 3d,
We would ask what is to become of the negroes of a slavehaver when
he dies? Allow that they have enjoyed a large share of comfort and
happiness during his life; that under his judicious and humane super-
intendence they have presented a picture, not only of submission and
contentment, but of gratitude and cheerfulness, what is likely to be
their condition when he has been laid in the tomb? They must then
pass into other hands: and it is at least possible that their new masters
*»v be of a character the very reverse of that of him whose career
'■’ped amid their sincere regrets, and over whose grave they shed
Aiavailing tears. What conflicting emotions now rise in their
ns! While on the one hand they desire to revere the memory

ANTI-SLAVERY.

201

and venerate the character of a kind-hearted owner, whose face they
shall see no more, on the other they cannot repress the bitter regret
that he, while living, did not take such measures as might have saved
them from oppression when he should have gone the way of flesh. —
Nor should it be forgotten here, that the remembrance of the superior
treatment and the greater happiness they enjoyed under him, can now
serve only to render them the more miserable from the harsh inflic-
tions and the many privations they suffer under his successor. Is it
not something like puerile trifling to announce, with an air of solem-
nity, and to welcome amid thunders of applause, a distinction which
avails not only a very few, and to a very small extent, but only for a very
short period? 4th, We must add that such a distinction goes to sub-
vert the foundations of sound morality. What would be thought of
a merchant who, on stolen goods being found on his premises, would
attempt to defend himself by saying that he is not holding them as
articles of traffic, but merely having them for his own use? Would
any judge have patience to listen to such a plea? Would any lawyer
have effrontery to bring forward such an argument? Yet what are the
men who now have slaves in their possession but the resetters of sto-
len goods ? Even those who have earned to themselves the new title,
which we believe has the merit of having been originated by an emi-
nent linguist in our own country, slave havers, are morally nothing
belter. They may appeal to their private worth and their public use-
fulness; they may point to the scenes of order and peace, virtue and
happiness that are enacted on their plantations; we would affectionately
warn them that so long as they retain any of their fellow-men in legal
bondage, whatever treatment they may give them, they are accessories
to a gigantic system of theft and robbery which has existed for ages,
and which, unless put down by the wholesome influence of an enlight-
ened public sentiment, is likely to involve your country in trouble
more disastrous, perhaps, than any she has yet passed through.

5. It is sometimes alleged as an excuse for not taking immediate
measures for the removal of slavery, that the moral influence of
Christianity is sufficient to break down the system: that we have
only to wait till this influence has been exerted, and the whole fabric
will crumble into pieces. Now, we entertain not the shadow of a
doubt that the influence of Christianity is as efficacious, when allowed
full scope, as is here represented. Before its triumphant progress in
former times, other evils of no ordinary magnitude have disappeared,
as the mists that hover around the mountains, vanish before the grow-
ing splendour of the rising sun. But is that a reason why the lovers
of freedom in your vast country should in the meantime remain idle
spectators? Are the local legislatures, which have so much in their
power, to do nothing in their proper spheres for meliorating the con-
dition of an oppressed race, and wiping away the foulest stain on the
national escutcheon? Are the executive rulers, who have the reins in
their hands, to sit at their ease, and lie on their soft couches, under the
soothing impression that, independently of them, there is a gradual
process going forward under the liberalizing influence of the gospel,
which will ultimately undermine the foundation and accomplish the
overthrow of the system ? It is not in this way that wise and enlightened
governments are used to proceed in the removal of other evils. War,
for example, is an evil which the influence of religion will yet banish

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from the earth. We can have no doubt that when this shall have lea-
vened the minds of all classes, from the humblest citizens to the highest
magistrates, then peace — that first of blessings to the nations — will
have been secured on the surest grounds. But what wise, humane,
paternal goverment would refuse, in the mean time, the use of every
effort by which misapprehensions may be explained, and grievances
redressed, without an appeal to arms? The nation that would presume
to say, let the influence of Christianity be left to do its own work by
bringing about universal peace, but in the interval we will give way
to the passions from which wars come, and listen to no proposals that
may be made for settling, by negotiation, the quarrels that may arise,
even though much treasure should be expended, and much blood shed,
— such a nation would deserve to be loaded with the bitterest re-
proaches, for pursuing a course so unprincipled and so injurious. And
in like manner we will say that the state which will not adopt active
measures for the removal of an evil so monstrous as slavery, but pro-
fesses to wait till the influence of the gospel has brought about the
change, is acting in a manner utterly inconsistent with a due sense of
the great duties required from it, and the heavy responsibilities lying
upon it, under the eye of Him who is Governor among the nations. —
To what extent the moral influence of Christianity is relied on, while
suitable legislation is neglected, we have not been particularly in-
formed. But there is one thing we cannot help saying, that those
who would leave all to the slow operation of this influence, are espe-
cially bound to see that all hindrances to its full application be speedi-
ly removed. If they can take their ease for a single day while laws
against the erection of schools for the negroes, against putting into
their hands copies of the scriptures, and against the full and unreserved
preaching of the gospel, continue unrepealed, they ought to feel that
they are chargeable with a most lamentable inconsistency. On the
one hand they are professing to look for a most desirable change from
the operation o'f a moral remedy; and yet, on the other, they are sup-
porting barriers which are designed to prevent that remedy from com-
ing into contact with the disease which it is fitted to cure. What
would be thought of the relatives of a patient who, after being offered
the only medicine that is adapted to save his life, would have recourse
to every contrivance they could use to keep that medicine from him !
Would they not be guilty of the basest deeds, and responsible for the
worst consequences? Yet similar are the doings of many in America.
They are fully aware, they tell us, that the only remedy for the many
disorders of the slaveholding states is the influence of Christianity;
and yet this they labour to exclude from every crevice in the social
fabric, with a jealousy that never slumbers, and an earnestness that
never relaxes. No wonder that so little improvement has been ef-
fected in the religious and moral spirit of the inhabitants in the South
for some time back! No wonder that the suspicion exists — a sus-
picion which it is painful to cherish — that notwithstanding the length
of time that has elapsed since Christianity was introduced by the ori-
ginal settlers, scarcely any advancement has been made, during the last
fifty years, in those enlarged and liberal views which would secure
genuine freedom and generous treatment to the poor negroes!

6. Is it alleged that the masters are very kind to their slaves —
that they supply them with food, clothing, shelter, and other conveni-
ences and comforts that render their condition not inferior to that of

ANTI-SLAVERY.

203

thousands of the working classes in this country? We have no wish
to deny that such is the conduct of many of the masters. Indeed, they
would betray a grievous want of regard to their own temporal inte-
rests, not to speak of the higher considerations of humanity and be-
nevolence, if they treated their slaves in a different way, which could
not fail to impair their strength and diminish their value. But allow-
ing they were all treated in the kindest manner possible — and you
know this is not the case, — would they not feel themselves sadly de-
graded, inasmuch as they are denied those rights which their Maker
has conferred upon them, and which no authority on earth can inno-
cently take from them? What American citizen would reckon his
condition tolerable, even under the kindest master, and amid the rich-
est luxuries, if he were placed under a law which doomed him to in-
cessant labour without his own consent, and to arbitrary punishment
without any trial, and if no provision were allowed to be made for secu-
ring to him the blessings of education, religious instruction, and civil
freedom? But is it a fact that slaveholding in any part of your country
is the very harmless thing which its supporters would have us believe?
Where is the spot on which it exists, without leading to evils, moral,
political, and physical, over which every friend of humanity must weep ?
“Slavery,” says your own General Assembly in the year 1S18, “creates
a paradox in the moral system; it exhibits rational, accountable, and
moral beings, in such circumstances as scarcely to leave them the power
of moral action. It exhibits them as dependent on the will of others,
whether they shall receive religious instruction; whether they shall
know and worship the true God; whether they shall enjoy the ordinan-
ces of the gospel; whether they shall perform the duties, and cherish
the endearments of husbands and wives, parents and children, neighbours
and friends; whether they shall preserve their chastity and purity, or
regard the dictates of justice and humanity. Such are some of the con-
sequences of slavery — consequences not imaginary, but which connect
themselves with its very existence. The evils to which the slave is
always exposed often take place in fact, and in their very worst degree
and form: and where all of them do not take place, .... still the
slave is deprived of his natural rights, degraded as a human being, and
exposed to the danger of passing into the hands of a master who may
inflict upon him all the hardships and injuries which inhumanity and
avarice may suggest.” Now, how does it happen that theseevils uniformly
arise wherever the system is carried out, if it is not inherently and es-
sentially wrong? Surely since the streams are always so dark, and so
disastrous, must not the fountain be very polluted ? Since the fruits are
always so bad and so bitter, must not the tree be very corrupt? We
hesitate not to aver, that the principle upon which the system proceeds,
is not only unjust, inhuman, unscriptural, but it is, in all cases where
it is fully developed, the germ of innumerable evils which make millions
mourn in fetters which they cannot break, and under burdens from which
they cannot escape.

7. Is it alleged farther, that the negroes are quite contented with
their condition — that they do not wish any greater portion of liberty
than that which they at present enjoy? If this allegation were true,
the less can be said in palliation of slavery. It would serve to prove
that slavery not only gives to rational beings the condition of brutes, but
impresses on them the character of brutes — that it virtually extinguishes

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the higher powers and the finer sensibilities of the soul. But we do not
admit its truth, save to a limited extent. It may be true in regard to
those who have very indulgent masters, and who, though they are
nominally slaves, are allowed many of the privileges that are usually
accorded to hired servants. But can it be said of all others? What
mean the repeated efforts they make to escape from the hands of their
masters? What mean those fetters with which they are loaded, lest they
should runaway? What mean those bruises and wounds that confine
them to the hospitals, or distress them in the fields? What mean those
groans that pass from their bosoms into the ears of the humane around
them, and are wafted back to the shores of Africa, whence they them-
selves or their ancestors were torn away by ruthless violence? We
cannot believe, and we will not admit, in the face of irresistible evidence
to the contrary, that they feel, in their degraded, depressed, abject con-
dition, any thing like the satisfaction alleged. Nor can we think it at
all credible that they are so devoid of a sense of what is due to them-
selves as to be utterly unconcerned about the recovery of a blessing so
important as their freedom. Where is there a creature, however mean,
that does not prefer freedom? Even the irrational animal that prowls,
in the desert, or soars to the clouds, loves freedom. The finny tribes
that swim in the ocean, and the most abject reptiles that creep upon the
earth, love freedom. We know not in the universe of sentient being,
a single creature that would not burst away from confinement, and roam
at large in its own element, if permitted. And can we suppose that any
race of our fellow-men, even though they possess a darker complexion,
and wear a coarser costume than our own, are indifferent to freedom ?
No; it cannot be. Until they have been reduced to the lowest depths
of intellectual and moral degradation b}' the crushing influence of pro-
tracted oppression, they cannot put from them a boon so congenial to
the instinctive sentiments and the spontaneous aspirations of their own
hearts.

8. Is it alleged that the negroes belong to an inferior race — that they
are naturally very deficient in intellectual power, compared with the
other races in civilized countries? Granting, for a moment, that they
are an inferior race, will it follow that those who are superior are entitled
to assume arbitrary dominion over them? Is it to be maintained that
those who are inferior are for that reason alone to be divested of their
civil rights, denied the various privileges which their Creator has pro-
vided for them, and subjected to the mere will of others who have no
authority except what is founded in their assumed superiority? That
would be a most unsound principle. It would be the very essence of
tyranny. It would be the prolific source of innumerable evils. “Pride,
indeed,” it has been eloquently said by one of your own divines, “ may
contend that these unhappy subjects of our oppression are an inferior race
of beings, and are therefore assigned, by the strictest justice, to a depressed
and servile station in society. But in what does this inferiority consist?
In a difference of complexion and figure? Let the narrow and illiberal
mind who can advance such an argument, recollect whither it will carry
him. In traversing the various regions of the earth, from the equator
to the pole, we find an infinite diversity of shades in the complexion of
men, from the darkest to the fairest hues. If, then, the proper station
of the African is that of servitude and depression, we must also contend
that every Portuguese and Spaniard is, though in a less degree, inferior

ANTI-SLAVERY.

205

to us, and should be subject to a measure of the same degradation. Nay,
if the tints of colour be Considered the test of dignity, we may justly
assume a haughty superiority over our southern brethren of this conti-
nent, and devise their subjugation. In short, upon this principle, where
shall liberty end? and where shall slavery begin?” * But truth will
not allow us to admit that the blacks are originally inferior to the
whites. Make full allowance for the depressing influence of the very
unfavourable circumstances in which they have been placed for succes-
sive ages, and you will at Qnce account for a large share of that intellec-
tual deficiency of which they occasionally give affecting proofs. Cer-
tain it is the natives of Africa were not always liable to this reproach.
Does not history inform us that “this contemned race can, as to intellect,
and genius, exhibit a brighter ancestry than our own; that they are the
offshoots — wild and untrained, it is true, but still the offshoots of a stem
which was proudly luxuriant in the fields of learning and taste,” — that
Africa “has poured forth her heroes on the field, given bishops to the
churcn, and martyrs to the fires. . . . There we see the negro under
cultivation. If he now presents a different aspect, cultivation is wanting.
That solves the whole case; for even now when cultivation has been
expended on the pure and undoubted negro, it has never been expended
in vain. Modern times have witnessed in the persons of African ne-
groes, generals, physicians, philosophers, linguists, poets, mathematicians,
and merchants, all emineut in their attainments, energetic in enterprise,
and honourable in character; and even the mission schools in the West
Indies exhibit a quickness of intellect, and a thirst for learning to which
the schools of this country do not always afford a parallel.” How unjust,
then, to reproach them with an inferiority which would have had no
existence, had they been always treated in the way they deserved ! How-
ungenerous to deny them those rights, for the exercise of which, they
have become, in some measure, disqualified, only through the influence
of a system as impolitic as it is unjust!

9. Is it further alleged that slavery was introduced into America,
and incorporated ivith its laws by Great Britain? We do not deny
the justice of the charge, nor will we palliate the enormity of the crime.
We admit that Britain has much cause to mourn the sinful policy by
which she originated and supported so gigantic an evil in her young
colonies, now become populous states. But her guilt in carrying so
many hundreds of thousands into bondage on territories now yours, will
not warrant you, in the face of every' sacred principle, and of every
generous feeling, to keep their posterity in perpetual servitude. Allege
as you will that “slavery is a black, a vile inheritance left to America
by her royal step-mother,” it will not follow that America is innocent,
if she continues the evil. No daughters are at liberty to tread in the
steps of an erring, immoral mother. They are bound to judge for
themselves. They are responsible for their own actions. As soon as
they are capable of distinguishing truth from error, right from wrong,
and the paths of virtue from the ways of^ profligacy, they are under ob-
ligations to choose a better course than that she pursued, and to aspire
to a higher measure of moral worth than she strove to reach. .Permit
us to say, that similar is the way in which the promising daughters of
this country — the several States — should endeavour to act. Let them
blame, in the strongest manner, the mother for the evil example she set

* Samuel Miller, D. D.

206

banner op the covenant.

them in their younger days; let them heap the bitterest reproaches
upon her for the iniquitous policy she pursued, and the unjust laws she
enacted; let them not cease to remind her, even amid the laurels still
thickening upon her brow, of the large share she had in fixing the yoke
of oppression on that injured race, and of the burning shame which may
well crimson her face with its deepest blushes; but oh! let them not
impose upon themselves the delusion that they are innocent, if they only
retain that “vile legacy” which became exclusively theirs at the era of
their independence. Looking to the solemn account which they must one
day give to the Supreme Judge, and remembering the noble principles
to which they have sworn adherence in presence of the universe, let
them cast from them the evils which they have derived from the old world
and exhibit a picture of public virtue, honour, and happiness, such as no
empire has yet succeeded in furnishing. What a distinction they would
secure to themselves, and what a joy they would pour into many fami-
lies, would they at once and earnestly take measures for breaking the
chains that hold in captivity so many of their sable brethren, exiles from
their father-land, and yet outcasts from the privileges of the one into
which they have been carried!

10. Are any disposed still further to allege, that but a very short
period has elapsed since our own country abolished slavery in her
colonies, and that therefore she cannot with a good grace, reproach the
United States with delay in proceeding to take the same step? We ad-
mit that our own nation was very tardy in doing an act of equity and
humanity to the negroes in her foreign possessions. It was only after
many arguments had been urged in public meetings, and many petitions
had been presented to the imperial parliament, that she was brought to
try the grand experiment. But it cannot be denied that that step was at
last taken in a spirit of generosity that did honour to the British empire.
With the concurrence of all the branches of the legislature, and amid the
applause of all classes of the community, the proclamation w'ent forth
from the throne, that “slavery is henceforth, utterly, and forever abo-
lished and declared unlawful throughout the British colonies, plan-
tations, and possessions abroad.” * Who does not rejoice at the very
announcement, so cheering to every one who could sympathize with an
oppressed people ? What heart is there so cold as not to feel a thrill of
exulting emotion at the very thought that on the morning of the 1st of
August, 1834, “eight hundred thousand fellow-men and fellow-subjects
who, during the previous night, slept bondmen, awoke freemen?” Nor
does the deed of their emancipation possess less of moral grandeur in our
eyes, from the circumstance that the nation was willing to pay so large a
sum as twenty millions sterling, rather than not obtain it. Though, as
we conceive, not bound by any principle of moral right to grant compen-
sation to the owners, we feel that our country “was placed on a higher
pinnacle of moral elevation,” by submitting to this great pecuniary
sacrifice, rather than allow so man}’ immortal beings to continue one
year longer in unmerited bondage. Forgive us when we say what we
feel, that here, amid our many faults, is a precedent worthy of your
serious consideration, if not of actual imitation. Blame us, if you will,
for having so long turned a deaf ear to the cries of our suffering fellow-
men ; but oh ! do not suffer yourselves to fall into the same error, and
incur the same reproach. If we were wrong in our long delay, you
* Terms of the Act of Parliament.

MEMOIR OF REV. GORDON T. EWING.

207

cannot be right in your present procrastination. For the sake of your
own consistency; for the sake of that freedom which you have achieved
for yourselves; for the sake of your own honour, upon which no stain
should any longer be brought with your own hands: for the sake of
that injured race who have natural rights and immortal souls no less
precious than your own ; for the sake of that religion which breathes a
spirit of universal benevolence, and inculcates the principles of universal
justice, we beseech you to outstrip us, if possible, in the alacrity with
which you hasten to break every yoke, and in the generosity, if ne-
cessary, with which you are willing to secure freedom to nearly three
millions of your fellow-men. Never will you repent such a proceeding.
Britain continues to look back with emotions of gratitude and joy to
the memorable day when, by her own hand, the foul blemish was
wiped from her statute book. Ever since, her title to the poet’s
praise has rested on a broader foundation — “slaves cannot breathe in
England and the bitterness of self-reproach no longer mingles with
the joy awakened by the orator’s splendid encomium — “I speak in the
spirit of British law, which makes liberty commensurate with, and
inseparable from British soil ; which proclaims even to the stranger and
sojourner, the moment he sets his foot on British earth, that the ground
on which he treads is holy, and consecrated by the genius of universal
freedom. No matter in what language his doom may have been
pronounced ; no matter what complexion incompatible with freedom, an
Indian or an African sun may have burnt upon him; no matter in what
disastrous battle his liberty may have been cloven down ; no matter with
what solemnities he may have been devoted on the altar of slavery ; the
first moment he touches the sacred soil of Britain, the altar and the idol
sink together in the dust; his soul walks abroad in her own majesty:
his body swells beyond the measure of his chains that burst from around
him; and he stands forth redeemed, regenerated, and disenthralled by
the irresistible genius of universal freedom.”

[To be concluded.]

©Mtuarg.

[For the Banner of the Covenant.]

MEMOIR OF REV. GORDON T. EWING.

The daily periodical press, deeply sympathizing with his bereaved
family, has announced that, on board a steamer, March 21st, 1848, on
his way from Cincinnati to New Orleans, Rev. Gordon T. Ewing, of
Pittsburgh, departed this life. The news, thus circulated, is sufficient
to assure us that a Prince in Israel has fallen, and in his death the
church' has sustained a severe loss. The Pittsburgh Presbytery, of
which for several years he had been a highly esteemed and worthy
member, at its semi-annual meeting, April 6th, being informed of the
mournful event, unanimously passed resolutions of condolence with his
afflicted family in their sore bereavement, and with the congregation
now vacant by the death of their beloved pastor; and, as a token of
respect to the memory of the deceased brother, appointed one of its
members to write and publish his memoir. The church owes it as a
duty to her living head and Lord, to place on record fhe labours, the
acquirements, and the triumphs through faith of her anointed ones. It
is of great importance to those preparing for the holy ministry, to have
set before them examples of patience, of industry, and perseverance.
Every aspirant after distinction in any of the learned professions, ought

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to assure himself that such is attainable only by bringing to the study
of his profession, high intellectual and moral attainments, and constant
application in his own calling.

In recording some reminiscences of the deceased brother, it is not
intended to present a full portrait of his character, but merely to give
such an outline as will be sufficient for the purpose of recognising the
resemblance. To do justice in delineating a character in which, with
rich profusion, clustered the graces of mental and religious refinement,
requires not only an intimate acquaintance with the individual described,
but also powers of discrimination to which few have attained. The
difficulty in description does not arise from the want of harmony be-
tween the Divine original and its image impressed in regeneration and
developed in the work of sanctification, but from imperfection in our
distinctions between the mere incidents and essential properties of
Christian character. On the one hand, the amiableness of natural dis-
position, and suavity of manners, may be mistaken for gracious affec-
tions; and on the other hand the absence of these so eclipses the exercise
of grace, that its existence is often doubted.

The subject of this memoir from early youth was distinguished for
manly, generous, and noble sentiments. In the year 179S, he was born
near Maghera, County Derry, Ireland. His parents were respectable
members of the Anti-bounty Associate church, and from them he re-
ceived such a religious training as laid the foundation of his future
usefulnes and greatness in the church of God. Being the only son of
his fond parents, he was consequently the object of peculiar solicitude.
In boyhood he gave evidence of possessing capabilities of high mental
cultivation, and accordingly he was devoted to literary and scientific
pursuits. Having completed his common school education, he was
placed under the tuition of Rev. Brice, the pastor of the congre-

gation to which his parents belonged. Under this refined and classic
scholar, in his course preparatory to entering college, he spent four
years. In this period, he read an extensive course of classic authors,
both in Latin and Greek. But while employed in acquiring an accu-
rate knowledge of ancient languages, the early religious cultivation of
his mind began to discover its first ripe fruits. In the eighteenth year
of his age, he was brought under strong convictions, by the Spirit of
God, and this work resulted in bringing him to a saving knowledge of
God reconciled in Christ. He professed faith in Christ, and sealed his
covenant in partaking of the sacramental supper. Parental expecta-
tions were high in respect to the only and beloved son, and they were
not doomed to disappointment. In 181S he entered the Belfast acade-
mic institution; and his whole deportment, both religious and moral,
soon attracted the favourable notice of both students and professors.
Having in the dedication of himself to God, renounced the Devil, the
world and the flesh, he walked in youth, as in after life, humbly and
circumspectly in the path of duty. He profiled much in his college
curriculum. In the different departments of science his acquisitions
were respectable, but in moral sciences he excelled; and on finishing
his course he received the highest honours of the institution.

His ethical inquiries necessarily led him to a contemplation of the
different forms of government established for the benefit of the social
compact. Though raised and educated in a land of royalty and high
sounding titles, yet like many others in similar circumstances, he had

MEMOIR OF REV. GORDON T. EWING.

209

a strong desire to see the working of the democratic principle — a nation
governing itself. Before commencing a systematic course of theology,
he determined to spend some time in travelling; and having had many
near relatives in the United States, and having read of the principles
and order of American government, he resolved on making in this
country a temporary abode. His original purpose was not to remain
permanently in this land, but as soon as he had acquired the knowledge
of men and things which he desired, to return to the place of his birth.
But circumstances controlled his subsequent movements, so that for
many years he was a citizen of our beloved country. In 1822 he ar-
rived in Philadelphia; and soon after his landing, became acquainted
with Rev. Samuel Wylie, of south Illinois. At the instance of this
gentleman, he accompanied him from Philadelphia to his home, near
the ancient town of Kaskaskia. There in company, they opened, and
for some time conducted, an extensive classical school. But, alas! the
diseases incident to the climate in a short time made fearful ravages
upon Mr. Ewing’s system, and from their effects he never entirely
recovered. Fever and ague prostrated his body, and being of a full or
plethoric habit, the malaria issuing from the great American bottom,
together with contagious stagnant waters, generated diseases which
afterwards destroyed his constitutional powers.

During the time he was employed in the capacity of teacher, he oc-
cupied himself in a careful inquiry respecting the scriptural character
of the different departments of the household of faith. The church of
his birth had no ecclesiastic connexion in the United States, and he
therefore felt himself the more at liberty to investigate the whole sub-
ject of church communion. His inquiries resulted in a cordial adop-
tion of the principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Calm
deliberation brought him to accede to her communion; and to the prin-
ciples he adopted, and the cause he espoused, he maintained an unwa-
vering attachment through life.

The emoluments of teaching which sometimes turn away from the
path of duty respecting the ministry of reconciliation, had no charms
for our deceased brother. Several offers were presented to him, which
would have caused men of less purity of purpose to have turned aside
from the right, and consulted their ease and indulgence in worldly
things; but still recollecting that by his own voluntary act he had de-
voted himself to the service of God in the gospel of his Son, earthly
considerations could not shake his purposes. In the autumn of 1824
he entered the Theological Seminary under the supervision of Rev. S.
B. Wylie, D. D. To the study of Divinity he brought a highly culti-
vated mind and a heart burning with zeal for the glory of God. His
progress in the proper literature of the institution was both rapid and
solid. Before his entry, he was a rare scholar, and in the gratification
of his religious propensities he had become, by private reading and
study? a sound divine. In the spring of 1825, by the professor he was
certified to the Pittsburgh Presbytery as being prepared to be taken
under trial for license to preach the gospel of the grace of God. The
time spent in the seminary he often spoke of with great delight. For
their mutual benefit, the Theological students formed a religious society.
Its meetings were held on the Friday evening of each week, and a
principal part of the exercises was to detail the religious experiences of
the members. Following the plan of Pike and Hayward, they were
14

210

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

strictly tested by the word of God. Searchings of heart and solemn
prayer abounded in these assemblies. The talents of our beloved
brother had there an appropriate field of exercise. He was an excel-
lent casuist, and deeply versed in the science of mental philosophy;
and to the edification of his brethren, these acquirements enabled him
to resolve cases of conscience, and bring the exercises of Christian affec-
tions to the supreme standard of human action.

0 cruel grave, where is thy loving brotherhood ? One only remains
in the church militant. My dear companions had doubtless the start
of me in sanctification ; and they have entered into the heavenly rest.
As covenant dust, preserve thou their bodies till the judgment of the
great day. Thou hast opened thy devouring jaws, and their manly
forms are for ever hidden from mortal sight. Precious deposite — bodies
redeemed from the curse of the law. They shall one day be raised to
glory, immortality and eternal life.

His pulpit exercises and examinations on Theology, both practical
and systematic, being with great cordiality sustained, he was, on the
9th of May, 1825, in the city of Pittsburgh, licensed to preach the
everlasting gospel. But though his qualifications as a probationer for
the holy ministry, were considered to be of no ordinary kind, yet
having drank deep at the fountains of literature and science, he asked
and obtained leave from Presbytery to spend the winter ensuing his
licensure in the furtherance of his scientific researches. The time
granted was spent in the city of Philadelphia, in attendance on the
Theological lectures of Professor Wylie, and also on the course of lec-
tures delivered in the Medical hall of the University of Pennsylvania.
While thus employed, he preached sometimes by invitation in the
Northern Liberties of Philadelphia. In this quarter of the city a re-
spectable number of families, some of them belonging to the Reformed
Presbyterian and others to the Associate church, all of them his early
acquaintances from the north of Ireland, pressed him hard to remain
in the City — to organize a congregation in connexion with the Re-
formed Presbyterian church and become its pastor. For prudential
reasons he declined the invitation, and in the summer of 1826 returned
to the Pittsburgh Presbytery. He preferred Western Pennsylvania
as his field of labour.

His probation for the ministry was short. Canonsburgh congrega-
tion, then vacant by the resignation of Rev. William Gibson, soon pre-
sented him with a unanimous call. After much deliberation and
wrestling with God in prayer for direction in the matter of settlement,
it was accepted; and on the 22d of October, 1827, by prayer and the
imposition of hands he was ordained to the office of the ministry of
reconciliation, and installed pastor of the congregation. In those solemn
transactions, Dr. Black presided — preached the ordination sermon from
1 Corinthians xii. 28 — offered up the prayer of consecration, and was
first in the imposition of the hands of the presbytery.

During the incumbency of his predecessor many of the members of
this congregation had become alienated from one another. It contained
men of sterling worth, but discord had in some measure paralyzed their
social operations. To restore harmony and Christian co-operation,
taxed the prudence and wisdom of the young minister. This, how-
ever, in a few months was accomplished. Every root of social bitter-
ness was eradicated from this portion of the vineyard of our common

MEMOIR OP REV. GORDON T. EWING.

211

Lord. Between Mr. Ewing and the people of his congregation, mutual
confidence, which is the basis of proper action, exerted a salutary influ-
ence. His labours of love in family visitations, and in attendance on
the bed of sickness and death, gained for him soon the affections and
esteem of a grateful people. His pulpit exhibitions were grave, im-
portant and substantial. In manner, he was scientific and eloquent.
He possessed no talent for loose and noisy declamation, and the appli-
cation of each discourse was pointed, but mild and gentle. The great
success, however, of his ministry, under God, depended on his assidu-
ity in exercising a watchful care over his flock. In order that he might
have time to devote to pastoral duties, in visiting from house to house,
he denied himself of those pleasures and recreations which are often
invigorating to the body; and he often trimmed the midnight lamp in
his preparations for the sanctuary.

About five months after his ordination and settlement at Canons-
burgh, he was happily united in marriage to Miss Margaret, eldest
daughter of Dr. Black. To him this union was truly a blessing. Ami-
able in her disposition, accomplished, yet plain and unaffected in her
manners, and, above all, possessed of deep-toned piety, she was quali-
fied to participate in the joys of her beloved husband, and sympathize
with him in his afflictions. At the ti<e of marriage, and for some
months after, their sun suffered no eclipse, and Providence strewed
their path with the flowers of honour, respect, and happiness. But
the day of adversity is set over against the day of prosperity. The
people of God are destined to suffer afflictions, so that they may be
weaned from the pleasures of earth. The smiles of approbation in the
church and the surrounding community, and the pleasures of the do-
mestic circle, could not from our deceased brother avert the hand of
disease.

The autumn of 1828 witnessed his prostration. Chills and fevers,
his old Illinois complaint of 1*823, re-attacked him, and his tall and
manly form bowed under their pressure. In vain was resort had to
medical prescriptions. With intervals of partial health, his maladies
increased, till in 1S30, he resigned into the hands of Presbytery his
pastoral charge; and, accompanied by his affectionate partner in life,
returned to the enjoyment of his native air. The experiment was
successful. The means were blessed for his recovery. Though in
Ireland the restoration to health was slow, yet in about two years his
health was so improved that he suffered but little during the remainder
of his stay in the Emerald Isle.

As soon as circumstances permitted, he accepted an invitation from
the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Londonderry, then vacant, to oc-
cupy their pulpit. There he remained for the greater part of his so-
journ in his native country. The situation of the city renders it
healthy, and the manners of its inhabitants are hospitable and refined.
Every thing combined to designate this city as the place of his abode,
for the purpose of recovery and the exercise of his ministry; and it is
probable he would have remained longer in Ireland, had not divisions
in the Reformed Presbyterian church there rendered his situation some-
what uncomfortable.

Some time before his arrival, among Covenanters the subject of tole-
ration had been discussed with much warmth and ability. Men emi-
nent for talents and erudition were ranged on each side of the question.

212

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

Those denominated liberal, maintained the doctrine of passive tolera-
tion, and denied magistratical interference in matters purely religious.
On the other hand, those imbued with high notions of the exercise of
royal prerogatives in religious matters, argued that the civil power
ought to restrain, by civil pains, the promulgation of “ errors ” and
“heresies.” With this question in its various bearings, the whole
church became embroiled, and division was the result. Mr. Ewing
endeavoured by every possible means to arrest the dissensions and
reconcile the parties, but he laboured in vain. He deprecated the con-
sequences of discussions which appeared to him rather to seek after
victory than the promotion of the glory of God, and refused to identify
with party discussions. Each side coveted his influence and the exer-
cise of his talents, but his steadfast adherence to original principles,
rejecting new glosses, rendered the disputants on each side jealous of
his position. What could not be accomplished by flattery, some of
them attempted by threats, for the purpose of intimidation. The ex-
citement of parties grieved him much, but did not move him from a
peaceful deportment. He longed to retreat from scenes of strife and
discord among brethren in Christ; and having in his native land, for
some years, enjoyed a state of almost confirmed health, his attention
was again directed to the United States.

In 1841 he was again greeted by his Pittsburgh friends. The climate
of Ireland had greatly improved his appearance, but he often complained
of a want of action on the surface of the body. Coldness of skin and
gastritis often succeed severe attacks of ague, and of these, Mr. Ewing
was never entirely free from his first attack in Illinois, in 1823, till he
finished his course on earth. During his absence from the United States,
on the subject of civil relations, the Reformed Presbyterian church had
been divided. This unhappy division took place in 1833, and was at-
tended with many unpleasant consequences. Since the division, those
who reject the Constitution of the United States as being immoral in its
fundamental principles, and denounce the government as being the ordi-
nance of the Devil, are denominated the Synod of the Reformed Pres-
byterian church; and, on the other hand, those who maintain the Con-
stitution to be moral, and the government to be the ordinance of God,
are called the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Crimination and abuse of their more liberal brethren, strikingly marked
the writings of the men who denounced the government and citizens of
our beloved country. They held up as a model, the civil attainments
of the second reformation in Scotland, and maintained that Covenanters
in every country under heaven were bound by solemn covenant engage-
ments to reject every constitution of government which did not embrace
the attainments of that period. In defence of their position, and to place
the matter in a proper light, writers of the General Synod asserted that
voluntary citizenship in the United States did not involve immorality,
that it was not a breach of covenant engagement — that with all its de-
fects, the Constitution of this confederation is far in advance of the civil
attainments of the second reformation in Britain — that instead of citizen-
ship involving a breach of covenant, on the part of the covenanter, his
engagements in his public profession bind him actively to sustain our
constitution in subserviency to the glory of God — that the Federal con-
stitution is far in advance of any civil organization since the introduction
of the Christian dispensation — that its fundamental principles will fa-

MEMOIR OF REV. GORDON T. EWING.

213

vourably compare with those respecting; civil government asserted in
the symbols of the faith of any of the reformed churches.

On his arrival in Pittsburgh, Mr. Ewing had several interesting inter-
views with prominent men of each Synod; and, after much deliberation,
he presented his testimonials of Christian and official standing from the
Irish church to the Pittsburgh Presbytery, in subordination to the
“ General Synod.” He calmly weighed the arguments of each depart-
ment before he decided the question of adhesion. His previous residence
for many years in the United States — his acquaintance with our civil
order, enabled him to form a correct determination respecting the con-
troversies which had divided the Reformed Presbyterian family in this
land.

About the time of his accession to the Pittsburgh Presbytery, a con-
gregation in the 5th Ward of the city of Pittsburgh, then vacant, pre-
sented through Presbytery, an invitation to Mr. Ewing to statedly sup-
ply their church. The petition was in part granted; and so acceptable
were his labours amongst the people of the congregation, that in a short
time a unanimous call was the result; and on his acceptance thereof, by
Presbytery, he was installed their pastor. There he exercised his mi-
nistry till the connexion was dissolved by death. For some months
before his decease, he was able to perform but little of pastoral duties.
He did not, as in former times, fall under chills and fevers, but coldness
of skin and want of digestion were the primary symptoms of his disease.
Atrophy soon ensued, and presented the body as under its direful ra-
vages. The healing art was laid under contribution to arrest the fell de-
stroyer, but in vain. Remedial agents proved useless in arresting the
wasting of the body, or restoring the tone of its prostrate powers.

In former times, the sea air and change of climate had effected for his
recovery what medicine could not accomplish; and it was the dictate of
duty that he should again try his former experiments. Accordingly, in
the beginning of March, accompanied by his ever loving and faithful
wife, he embarked on board a steamer for New Orleans, thence intending
to make a coasting, voyage to New York. The undertaking was right,
and the design laudable; but the work of his servant was finished. There
was no need of a prolongation of life — he must not any longer be de-
tained in the church militant For some days, on board the steamer, he
appeared rather better than when he left home, but his strength after-
wards yielded to the pressure of disease; and one hundred miles above
New Orleans, the first point of destination, in the arms of his dear, but
afflicted wife, he yielded up the ghost. His latter end was peace. When
he found his strength failed, and was fully aware that his latter end was
at hand, he greatly rejoiced in the prospect of the heavenly inheritance.
Having committed his dear children and wife to the care of their cove-
nant God, in the faith of a blessed resurrection, he slept in Jesus. How
interesting to contemplate the death of the righteous — to contemplate
the life and the death of those who have been employed in turning many
to righteousness, and who in the closing scenes of life, afford ample en-
couragement to follow the ever-blessed Redeemer. In the all-wise pro-
vidence of God, and in the midst of a life of much usefulness, he was
removed from the vale of tears. He died, aged 50 years and some
months.

On the sixth of April, ensuing his death, the widow returned home
with the body of her deceased husband; and, on the day following, from

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THE BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

his late residence, it was borne to the place of interment in the Allegheny
Cemetery. The clergy, the inhabitants in general, and especially the
members of his congregation, manifested great respect to his memory,
and condolence with the bereaved family, in the very large attendance
upon his funeral. The widow has lost a beloved husband; the children
a kind and affectionate father; the congregation a talented, religious, and
elevated pastor; and the church in general one of her brightest orna-
ments. By those who knew him, his name will be had in lasting re-
membrance. The affections of his late congregation have erected a pillar
to the memory of their deceased pastor, more enduring than marble,
more refulgent than brass. Their works of love and affection deservedly
praise them in the gate. “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord,
from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their la-
bours and their works do follow them.” G.

Bakerstown , May 10 Ih, 1848.

iioetrg.

TURN THE CARPET? OR THE TWO WEAVERS.

As at their work two weavers sat,
Beguiling time with friendly chat,

They touched upon the price of meat,

So high, a weaver scarce could eat.

“ What with my children, cares, and wife,”
Quoth Will, “I’m almost tired of life,

So hard my work, so poor my fare,

’Tis more than mortal man can bear !

“ How glorious is the rich man’s state,
His house so fine, his wealth so great,
Heaven is unjust, you must agree,

Why all to him ? Why none to me?

“In spite of all the Scripture teaches,

In spite of all the preacher preaches,

This world (indeed I’ve thought so long,')
Is ruled, methinks, extremely wrong.

“ Howe’er I look, where’er I range,

’Tis all confused, and hard, and strange,
The good are troubled and oppressed,
And ’tis the wicked seem the blest.”
Said John, £‘ Our ignorance is the cause,
Why thus we blame our Maker’s laws;
Part of his ways alone we know,

’Tis all that man can see below.

“ See’st thou that carpet, not half done,
Which thou, dear Will, hast well begun?
Behold the wild confusion there,

So rude the mass, it makes one stare.

“A stranger, ignorant of the trade,

Would say no meaning ’s there conveyed;
For where’s the middle? Where the border?
The carpet now is all disorder.”

Said Will, “ My work is yet in bits,

But still in every part it fits;

Besides your reasoning ’s round-about, 1
Why, man, the carpet’s inside out!”

Says John, “ Thou sayest the thing I mean.
And now I hope to ease thy spleen;

This world, which clouds thy soul with
douht,

Is but a carpet inside out !

“ As when we view these shreds and ends.
We know not what the world intends,

So when on earth, things look but odd,
They’re working still the scheme of God.

“No plan, no pattern, can we trace,

All wants proportion, truth and grace;
The motley mixture we deride,

Nor see the beauteous upper side.

“But when we reach that world of light,
And view the works of God aright,

Then shall we see the whole design,

And own the Worker was divine.

“What now seem random strokes, will
there

All order and design appear,

We shall admire what here we spurned,
For then the carpet shall be turned .”

“ Thou’rt right,” cried Will, “ no more I’ll
grumble,

Or think this world so strange a jumble;
My impious doubts are put to flight,

For my own carpet sets me right.”

©omesttc Circle.

NECESSITY OF WORK FOR CHILDREN.

There is no greater defect in educating children than neglecting' to
accustom them to work. It is an evil that attaches most to large towns
and cities. Our children suffer from it. The parent considers whether

government of children.

215

the child’s work is necessary to him, and does not consider whether
the work is necessary or not to the child. Nothing is more certain
than that their future independence and comfort much depend on being
accustomed to work — accustomed to provide for the thousand constantly
recurring wants that nature entails upon us. If this were not so, still
it preserves them from bad habits; it secures their health; it strengthens
both mind and body; it enables them better to bear the confinement of
the school-room, and it tends more than any thing else to give them
just views of life. It is too often the case that children, provided they
spend half a dozen hours of the day at school, are permitted to spend
the rest as they please. They thus grow up in the world without a
knowledge of its toils and cares. They view it with a false medium.
They cannot appreciate the favours you bestow, as they do not know
the toils they cost. Their bodies and minds are enervated, and they
are constantly exposed to whatever vicious associations are within their
reach. The daughter probably becomes that pitiable, helpless object, a
novel-reading girl. The son, if he surmounts the consequences of your
neglect, does it, most probably, after his plans and station for life are fixed,
and when knowledge of one of its important objects comes too late.
No man or woman is fully educated, if not accustomed to manual labour.
Whatever accomplishments they possess, whatever their mental training,
a deduction must be made for their ignorance of that important chapter
in the world’s great book. — Bangor Whig.

Home. — Make home happy. Study to please and interest your wives and
children. Carry to them some natural curiosity, some agreeable book, some
useful paper, that will interest them for an hour or two every day. It is a pain-
ful sight to witness droves of youths, from the age of fourteen to twenty-one,
standing at the corners of the streets on a pleasant evening, using language, to
say the least, unbecoming to their age, when they might be agreeably em-
ployed at home. Parents do not feel sufficiently interested to make their
children happy, and love the domestic hearth better than the public high-
ways. You will always notice that those young men become the best mem-
bers of society, and are the most useful in the world, who have spent a large
portion of their minority beneath the care and influence of a devoted parent’s
eye. They are preserved from a thousand temptations to which others are
exposed, and early learn to practise those virtues which in after life make
them respected ana beloved.

Make home attractive. Be cheerful, kind and agreeable yourselves. Never
wear a frowning brow or utter a cross or angry word before your children. A
dull face, a crabbed expression, a peevish, fretful disposition, are entirely out
of place, amid the sanctities of home, around the domestic fire-side, in the
presence of the happy looks and smiling cheeks of innocent childhood, or
more sober youth. Some men have a smile for every place but home — they
are mild and gentle every where but among their own household. This is a
very great error — we must call it a heinous sin. If there is a spot under
heaven that should call out the best affections, the warmest love and the
kindest smiles, it is that dear ark, our home.

If parents were more particular to do their duty in this respect, it would have
a glorious influence, and tell nobly on the future character of the rising genera-
tion.

GOVERNMENT of children.

One of the first habits that children form is that of contradicting. This
some parents regard with complacency. They scarcely appear to consider it
any thing more than the outburst of a free and noble spirit. No mistake,
however, could be more perfect. Allow a child at every word or sentence
you speak, to vociferate “ no ! no !” and very soon he will learn to say, “ I

216

BANNER OP THE COVENANT.

wo’n’t !” and “I will!” “I sha’n’t!” “1 shall!” and, in fine, to say and do
just as he pleases. The beginnings of evil are to be resisted. If a child
evince a vicious propensity or disposition, let that at once be attended to. Do
not wait for a more convenient season to correct; nor through a mistaken
lenity, omit to correct him altogether. By the time a child can speak, he can
obey. That is a false and pernicious sentiment, current to some extent at the
present day, which alleges that a child must grow up and be permitted to ex-
ercise his own judgment about matters and things before he is corrected. Give
it no countenance whatever in your government of children.

Guard against a hasty temper. You may have cause of provocation. Be
careful that none discover your anger: especially maintain a firm and quiet
spirit in administering reproof, or inflicting a punishment. If you exhibit tur-
bulence, your attempts at reproof and correction will only aggravate the feel-
ings of the child, and render perfectly ineffective all discipline.

Beware of always assigning a reason for every thing you command. Let
your child understand that he must obey, because it is his duty to obey. If,
after having obeyed, he does not understand, then, probably, it might not be
improper to assign a reason : not, however, until then.* Avoid threatening
also. This has a very injurious effect on yourself and on your child. It
begets recklessness. You will threaten when you do not think what you are
doing, and your child will become so familiar, or rather, so used to your
habit in this particular, that he will care nothing about it.

Cultivate the love of virtue. Explain and enforce the necessity of serving
God. Inculcate the habit of prayer. Pray yourself ; teach your child to pray.

“ Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try;

Prayer the sublimest strains that reach
The Majesty on high.”

EARLY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION.

Some persons contend that the young mind should be left to grow untaught
in religious truth, until it is sufficiently matured to judge for itself. Coleridge
and his friends were once talking upon this very subject; one of them main-
tained that religion should not be instilled into the youthful mind, and Cole-
ridge contended that it should. His friend observed, that the mind should be
left alone upon that subject, and in mature years it would of itself assume
the right direction. After dinner he walked into his garden, and showed him
a spot full of nothing but mustard plants. “There,” said Coleridge, “ is a
fine flower garden.” “ Flower garden !” said his astonished friend, “Why
they are all mustard plants.” “I know that,” said Coleridge, “ but after a
while, some how or other, the mustard will all be rooted out, and we shall
have a splendid variety of cultivated flowers !”

■ «'»»9 ^ ©««**•—

Never begin a thing until you have well considered the end.
As an Eastern prince was riding along with his courtiers, a beggar
presented himself and offered, for a hundred pieces of gold, to give his
majesty a valuable piece of advice. The king commanded the sum to
be presented to him, and received in return the maxim above men-
tioned. The courtiers were exceedingly indignant at what they con-
sidered a barefaced imposition, and desired permission to chastise the
beggar on the spot. But the king declared himself well satisfied with
his purchase, and ordered the sentence to be engraved on all his gold
and silver plate. Some time after, a conspiracy was entered into for
the purpose of destroying the prince; and, as he was at that lime in-
disposed, his surgeon was bribed to despatch him with a poisoned
lancet. Accordingly, on being called to bleed his majesty, he prepared

THE FIELD AND THE LABOURERS.

217

to accomplish his design; but happening to cast his eyes on the sen-
tence inscribed on the silver basin which an attendant held, he was
seized with remorse, dropped the fatal instrument, and prostrating him-
self before his injured master, confessed his crime, and named the in-
stigators of this horrid purpose. The king, turning to his courtiers,
observed, “ Now I hope you will confess that a piece of advice pro-
ductive of so important a consequence, was cheaply purchased at a
hundred pieces of gold.”

How many disastrous events, how many heart-rending catastrophes
would be avoided, were our undertakings well considered at the be-
ginning! were the probable consequences deliberately weighed, and
sage advice attended to! Rashness is more peculiarly the vice of the
young, and many a life is spent in misery and bitter repining, because
due deliberation was not used at its outset, and proper precautions were
not taken to avoid the rocks and quicksands which abound in the ocean
of existence.

iForetcju Jfti'sstous.

THE FIELD AND THE LABOURERS.

The following extracts are taken from an “ appeal from the Missionaries at the
Sandwich Islands on the duty of the present generation to evangelize the world.”
They present the church’s duty in this particular in the most impressive and so-
lemn manner, and we cannot but believe that they will produce a powerful and bene-
ficial effect wherever they are read. It may increase the interest which is con-
nected with them, proceeding from persons on the field, and many of them long
and very successfully engaged in the work, to know that they were written just
before the very great accessions made to the churches in the Sandwich Islands in
1630.

If we look at the earth geographically, the maps are almost black
on which are designated the population of the land and the sea still
under the dominion of the Prince of Darkness. For one square mile,
with light flashing on it, there are thousands spread with the pall of
death. To specify, would be to mention a large part of the proper
names of countries, which united, make up the continents, and the
names of the islands, which, disunited, are scattered among the oceans.
So extensive is the territory, that should the men sent forth, few and
short-lived as they are, travel continually, and announce pardon to the
guilty, day and night, they could not pass over all the high-ways and
by-paths, and search out the habitations of the whole human family.
Their voice, should they raise it perpetually as they go, would be the
voice of here and there one crying in the wilderness, heard by only a
small part of those who have ears to hear, and souls to be saved. The
sound of missionaries has not gone into all the earth, nor their words
to the end of the world. It could not go. It is impossible that the
few missionaries from the American churches should convert the
world. They could not explore it. They could not encompass all
the cities, and blow a trumpet around their walls, if that were the
means appointed to save them. They could not mention in the ear of
every mortal the only name by which we must be saved.

The foreign missionaries from our country are one to six millions of
men,* or two for the population of the United States; and two men

* While the number of missionaries has increased since this appeal was writ-
ten, it should be remembered that the population of the world has also been in-
creasing, and probably in a greater ratio, so that the proportion remains about the
same now as then.

218

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

could not preach the gospel to all in that extensive field ; many would
die without the sight of him who publishes salvation. Now, let lines
be drawn over the world at such distances that the voice of one man
may meet the voice of another, and let one hundred missionaries tra-
vel on these lines and proclaim the gospel; and allow that the popula-
tion of the territory thus sounded upon should be saved, it would still
be leaving millions and millions to perish.

The degradation of the heathen is so deep, the darkness so dense,
the number so vast, that 600,000 missionaries sent the present year
would be insufficient to afford the present generation any thing like
the privileges enjoyed in Christian lands, and it were better still to be
born in a log cabin in Maine or Missouri than in the palaces of Egypt
or China. For Christendom, were every minister in it removed,
would be unspeakably better furnished with the means of grace than
the heathen could be with one missionary to every thousand. But
several thousand ministers, with a countless number of collateral helps,
do not yet convert the people of our favoured land. How, then, if
they were in a state of heathenism, should two men convert them,
especially if these two were foreigners, with the language to learn,
write, and print; and houses to build; and schools to establish and
teach; and medicines to furnish; and families of their own to provide
for; and the idol gods of a nation to destroy; and a vail of supersti-
tion, forty centuries thick, to rend; the horrible darkness to dispel ;
hearts of stone to break; a gulf of pollution to purify — A NATION
TO REGENERATE ! How can two men do all this? How, then,
shall one hundred missionaries convert the world ? How a thousand?
How a hundred thousand ? They cannot.

When six hundred thousand go from the five millions of Christians
in Christendom, or from a million and a half in the United States, they
will not, all combined, emit more light than may be expected from
the morning star of the millenial day. The present missionary ope-
rations— to use the language of Mr. Abeel, — “ are as child’s play.”-^—
If the great God could despise his creatures, it would be despicable in
his sight. A little more than a hundred men to convert a lost world !
A band not so large as preach the gospel in the City of New York, or
teach schools in New York, or practise law or medicine in New York,
or print books or papers in New York; this band has 600,000,000
to supply with teaching, and preaching, and medicine, books and
schools, and this is called converting the world ! A band of men not
sufficient to look after any one department of business, whether eccle-
siastical, civil, or literary, in the least state of the twenty-four of our
Union, have to look after the temporal and eternal welfare of six hun-
dred millions. A hundred men! It takes more than that to lay a
railroad, or dig a canal ; more than that to manufacture muskets and
powder in times of peace; more than that to man one ship of war;
and more than that for any one of the employments of men, from the
hall of judgment to the humblest occupations.

One hundred men, or two hundred, or three hundred, or five hundred
to enlighten the moral world!! It requires nine thousand men to visit
the Pacific ocean, many of whom leave wife and children for voyages
of three years, in order to fill the lamps which assist the moon and stars
to dispel the natural darkness of the United States. If a valley is to
be exalted or a mountain levelled, thousands must gird themselves. —

THE FIELD AND THE LABOURERS.

219

How, then, shall a few hundreds prepare the way of the Lord, in the
deserts of all the earth? Where is the monarch purposing to subdue a
neighbouring kingdom, who will feel sustained and honoured with an
army of one hundred men, the result of twenty years’ enlistment, with
an addition of fresh troops of five, ten, or twenty annually?

Can five men from America subdue thirty millions in France? Can
one hundred or a thousand subjugate all nations? The army of the
aliens, six hundred millions strong — will it bow to one hundred soldiers
of Zion’s King? The missionary operations are child’s play; the light
of them a taper; their magnitude, a drop of the bucket; and their
weight, the dust of the balance against the everlasting hills. “ If the
great God could despise his creatures , it would be despicable in his
sight /”

If we turn a moment from the men, and look at the means to sustain
them, the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. The wealth of
the mines is his, and he made it; and he will use it to promote the in-
terests of his church. It is required. The superscription to Caesar on
the coins must be effaced, and a new one be struck for the church.
There is no other work so urgent, none so worthy, none in which the
interest on earth is more ample, and the treasure in heaven more sure.
The wealth of America calls for extended missionary operations, — the
support of an army, and not a few spies. The funds of the American
Board are as nothing. The treasurer’s report being read, no one needs
to be told that the work is not done, — that it is not begun. Two hundred
thousand dollars annually! One’s tongue almost utterly refuses to
utter it, a sum so worthless, in connexion with an object so magnificent.
But on the other hand, the price of earthly ambition, convenience and
pleasure, is counted by millions. Navies and armies have their millions
— railroads and canals have their millions — colleges and schools have
their millions — silks, carpets and mirrors have their millions — tea, cof-
fee, tobacco and rum have their millions — parties of pleasure, and licen-
tiousness in high life and in low life have their millions — and what has
the treasury of God and the Lamb to redeem a world of souls from the
pains of eternal damnation, and fill them with joy unspeakable? Less
than two hundred thousand dollars through the American Board, and
some other thousands through other channels. George II. expended in
three wars, 157 millions of pounds, and George III. replaced the Bour-
bons on the throne of France at a cost of above one thousand millions
sterling. The revolutionary war cost the United States one hundred
and thirty millions of dollars; and intemperance wastes a hundred mil-
lions a year; and the great fire in New York destroyed twenty-six mil-
lions in a day, the interest of which for twelve months is about equal
to the amount expended by the American Board for twenty-five years {
And yet the ruins of that conflagration will soon be repaired, and its
monument found in the splendid walls now rising from the ashes.

And shall the world be saved with the filings and the dross of the
mint; and the old garments men throw from their backs; and the crumbs
which fall from their tables? Who that believes that God made the
world for Zion, and that the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just;
who that is acquainted with the growing resources of America, and the
bliss of giving, can subscribe to the sentiment that missions cannot be
greatly enlarged for want of money? Who that contemplates the ex-
posure of our American friends to that covetousness which is idolatry,

220

BANNER OP THE COVENANT.

and looks at six hundred millions of heathen idolaters, will not pray
that missionary operations may be increased ten thousand times; that
the gods of silver and gold in the United States may be employed in
the destruction of the gods of wood and stone throughout Satan’s dark
empire, and that this war among the members of the same household
majf eventuate in the utter extei mination of the whole family of lords
many, and gods many, and Jehovah be exalted over all.

Truly, the efforts of modern missions deserve not to be compared
vvjth the work yet to be performed; and unless the work be increased
to a very great extent, the world cannot be saved. Past and present
exertions have lessened but little the great multitude who know not God.
This is not saying that nothing has been done. The work of a few has
been done. But those abroad have not done and will not do the work
of many. Their own individual duty is all they can possibly perform;
and when they do their utmost, a large territory remains to be possessed
by the whole army of God. Canaan was large enough for the twelve
spies and the ten thousands of Israel also. Jericho was not subdued
when Rahab was gained by the mission of two pioneers. The antedi-
luvians could not be saved in one ark, if its doors had been open to all,
nor were they all drowned by an ordinary shower of rain. The world
will not be covered with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters
cover the seas, until the men to publish that word, are scattered like
rain on all the earth. So long as they remain together, like water in a
lake, so long the moral world will be desolate. They must go every
where; and if the expansive warmth of benevolence will not separate
them, and they raise and go on the wings of the wind, God will break
up the fountains of the great deep of society, and by dashing the parts
together, like ocean in its turmoil, or Niagara on its fall, cover the hea-
vens with showers, and set the bow of hope for the nations ; and the
desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. God is too good to suffer
either Amazon or Superior to lie still and become corrupt, and the hea-
vens in consequence to be brass and the earth iron. God is too bene-
volent also in the arrangements of the moral world, to allow his people
to lie inactive ; to have here a continuing city while the heathen are
dying. The churches cannot afford to convert the world with fifty men
and a handful of money. It would be as disastrous to the churches in
their present state, as for men to obtain a livelihood without labour. —
Missions must remove the wealth of America, lest the people die under
its pressure. They must rise up and act, or they will perish with very
fatness. The ministers must equip for the foreign war, or they will
contend with each other, and scenes of folly and shame will distress
angels, and mar the beauty, and eat like canker the bosom of Zion.

Brethren and fathers, — the word of God, and the works of God,
and the providence of God, sound the alarm in the churches, calling
them to the holy war, for unto them as a body is committed the con-
version of the world. It cannot be done by a few hundred missiona-
ries and a fraction of wealth. NO, NEVER.

BRIEF PAPERS ON INDIA.

221

[For the Banner of the Covenant.]

BRIEF PAPERS ON INDIA. SCRAP NO. III.

Having, in two brief papers, referred to the different appellations of
this country, the i>ame of the very peculiar people that at present con-
stitute its chief inhabitants, and to its national boundaries, the objects
that would naturally follow are, its climate, soil, productions, &c., but
as mv design, in these short scraps, is to discuss the character, cus-
toms, &c., of the Hindus, I proceed at once to a brief notice of their
early history.

Who are the Hindus? From whence came they? When did they
emigrate thither? By what means did they possess themselves of this
country? As the Hindus themselves have scarcely a single historical
statement on record that can be relied on these questions cannot now
be satisfactorily answered ; and, in all probability, this must for ever
remain the case.

That the Hindus are a different people from the aborigines of this
country, is quite evident. The barbarous, I might almost say the
savage, tribes found in the mountains of India, and in the low castes
of the plains, are doubtless the descendants of a people who occupied
this country prior to the appearance of the Hindus. In a future paper
I hope to give an account of the aborigines of India.

I suppose it is agreed, on all hands, that the Hindus are one of the
most ancient nations on earth, and that they had made considerable
progress in civilization and in science some centuries prior to the
Christian era, is undisputed; but these facts by no means serve as a
data by which we may learn the period of their arrival in India.
There is good authority for the statement, that the religion of the
Hindus was propagated in this country since the Christian era. At
the time of Alexander’s invasion of India, as mentioned by Arrian and
other early writers, the prevailing religion was Buddhism and not
Brahminism; and this state of things continued for several centuries.
There are other historical facts which lead to the conclusion that
Brahminism is not of so old a date as Christianity. Whence it seems
probable that, less than two thousand years ago, the Hindus were
foreigners in the country where, according to their own account, they
have held undisputed sway for thousands of ages.*

Some have supposed that the Hindus, the Brahmins at least, may
have come from Egypt. There certainly are some points of resem-
blance between the Indian priests and the ancient Egyptians. From
Genesis xliii. 32, we learn that the Egyptians, like the Hindus of the
present day, were strict observers of caste. With the Hindus, as with
the Egyptians, the bull is an object of the highest veneration. The
brahman receives the honorary title of Misraim, the very name by which
Egypt is known in India and in all the east. Other points of resem-
blance might be mentioned. Notwithstanding, I think there is far
more probability that the Hindus, as some of our best writers on
India suggest, came from some portion of central Asia, perhaps from
the neighbourhood of the Caspian sea. The Persian and other lan-
guages of central Asia have numbers of terms in common with the

* The Hindus gravely tell us, and some of the wise men of Europe have believed them, that
two lines of their former kings, namely, those of the sun and moon, swayed an undisputed sceptre
over India during the whole of the dwafrar yug, brazen age, 864,000 ! An excellent account of
the mythology of the Hindus is given in The History of India, in Harper’s Family Library, ii. 48.

222

THE BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

Sanscrit, the sacred language of the Hindus. This is not the case
with the Coptic, the modern language of Egypt, which in all proba-
bility, bears a strong affinity to the ancient language of that country.
Thus presumptive evidence is afforded for the position that the Hindus
came from some portion of central Asia, and not from Egypt. Be-
sides, the features of the Hindu countenance are nearly Caucasian.

There is every reason to believe that the Hindus possessed them-
selves of India as the Mahommedans and English have since done,
that is, by conquest. I believe that our best writers on Indian history
are agreed that the worshippers of Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu waged
a war of extermination against the Buddhists in the early centuries of
the Christian era, and that multitudes of the latter were obliged to flee
to other countries to escape the slaughtering sword of their conquer-
ors. It may therefore be reasonably inferred, that the Hindus pos-
sessed themselves of India in the manner just mentioned. At the
present time, a few individuals of a sect called Jain, evidently remnants
of the Buddhists, are here and there to be found throughout India. It
may be worth mentioning here that India is considered, on all hands,
to be the birth-place of Buddhism.

Brahminism, with all its horrid rites, its debasing, demoralizing
rites, has thus been introduced into India. What then, even in a
human point of view, should hinder the religion of Jesus from being
propagated here? When the earth shall be filled with the knowledge
of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea, shall not India cast her idols
to the moles and to the bats, worship only the true Swaim-bhu, the
self-existent God ?

Just as our last No. was issuing from the press we received the following in-
teresting communications from India. We hope they will be read with atten-
tion; but especially would we call the notice of our readers to the extract from
the Journal of one of the native assistants. How delightful is it to find an in-
dividual who, but a few years ago, was involved in all the errors and debasing
superstitions of heathenism, in its most unholy forms, now announcing salvation
by the only Redeemer, to his benighted countrymen ! We should regard this
as an evidence that we have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain, and feel
encouraged to continue and increase our exertions.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM REV. J. CALDWELL, DATED,

Saharanpur, March 6. 1847.

My Dear Brother, — I have barely time to-day to write you a line
or two in reply to your kind and welcome letter of 29th November,
1847, which came to hand some two weeks since. I should, my
brother,, write you a long epistle, giving an account of matters in
detail, at this station, but as to-day is the last opportunity for the
overland mail, for this month, and the hour for its closing draws near,
I must content myself with a hasty note. I hope to write by next
month’s mail.

The enclosed scrap,* is like its predecessors. If it serves the pur-
pose of drawing attention to India and the Hindus, my object will be
accomplished.

By next mail, among other matters, I hope to send you some ex-
tracts from my journal, and some also from the journals of our cate-
chists.

* The third of a series of papers on India, published in our present No.

JOURNAL OP A NATIVE ASSISTANT.

223

I am glad to learn that we are to have a re-enforcement to our mis-
sion here, from our own church. May the Lord bring them hither in
safety.

Mr. Jamieson, who is now on his way hither, and is expected in a
few days, will be associated with me at this station, until the re-enforce-
ment from our own church arrives.

I am thankful to state, that my family and self, with the exception
of our youngest child, are quite well. All our native brethren, too,
are in good health.

My hands, at present, are more than full. Besides the ordinary
duties of the station, I have the superintendence of the building of our
new church, which, I hope, will be finished this year. Every after-
noon in the week, except Sabbath, is spent by the catechists in ad-
dressing the people, and in three different places at the same time. In
this I join them as often as I possibly can. I am thankful to state that
I am now able to preach in the native language with some degree of
fluency.

Mrs. C. joins me in Christian regards to you. Please give affec-
tionate regards to all friends in Philadelphia. The enclosed please
forward to Mr. Campbell. Your fellow labourer in Christ,

J. Caldwell.

P. S. — The enclosed is an extract or two which one of the catechists
has made from his journal. I send it just as he handed it this moment
to me.

EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF A NATIVE ASSISTANT.

February 7th, 1848. — Went to Moregunj bridge; asked a person
What regeneration meant? He gave no right answer; therefore I
was obliged to explain. Afterward, read from a Hindu tract about
the judgment day, which related that every person will go to hell or
heaven, according to their desert. While I was engaged in addressing
people, an old Hindu Sipai said, that both hell and heaven are upon
this very earth! I asked, how? He replied, that murderers are
hanged, and that thieves are kept in a jail house. I asked him again,
Where are we to find the punishment for those whose murder, theft,
and every evil work are concealed. He was silent, but another, a mus-
sulman, replied that they will be punished by God himself. Another
requested to hear something about the creation of the world. I told
him what was written in the book of Genesis. He said, it agrees
almost in every particular with the Koran. Another mussulman de-
clared, that Christians do not observe the religion of Christ, but re-
ceive what is taught by Satan, who came to them in Christ’s form. I
spoke to those who were present: You know that Satan is the bitterest
foe both of God and man, and it never can be expected that he will
teach any thing which is good, but all contrary to it, for he is the
author of sin. Every one exclaimed, This is all right. I said to them,
it is written in the New Testament, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
I asked, Is this the command of Satan? He replied, No.

February 8th. — Went to Moregunj. There was a cow where I
wished to stand: in order to make room, I pushed the cow with my
staff. A mussulman who was standing by, exclaimed, Do not push
her, for she has a soul like you ! I told him, that there is a great dif-

224

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

ference between her soul and our soul. Our soul is immortal, but her
soul is mortal; for us is prepared heaven or hell, but for her is none of
these. He said, cow is a clean animal, and afterward it goes to heaven.

I inquired, which animals are clean, and which unclean? Answered,
swine is an unclean animal. I asked if the camel was clean, for where
God said that the swine is unclean, in the same place He proclaimed
^amel to be unclean? still you eat the one and leave the other,
while they are both equally unclean in the sight of God! Afterwards,
another mussulman asked me of what sect I was before? Gave no
answer, but asked him to tell what was the religion of their forefathers?
He was quiet: but some boys came forward, and one asked, What was
the religion of Adam? and another inquired, who was made first? I
entreated them to ask one by one; then I will answer your questions;
in such haste and tumult you cannot hear me, nor I can you. Now
came a mussulman, and said, 0 ye mussulmans, why are ye standing
and hearing him? by hearing him you are made sinners. At this time
most of them went away, but for those who were left behind I read
the eighth chapter of Matthew.

Went to Nahhasa, and commenced to read Dr. Wilson on Hinduism.
By and by came a Hindu, who heard me with attention, but said
nothing. After, came some mussulmans. I read for them the third
chapter of Romans, which shows that there is none righteous, no, not
one. They heard me for some time. One of them went away de-
claring that God is the author of both sin and good, but the others
were confessing that Satan is the author of sin, and God of good. An
old mussulman said to me, that all his goods and money were plun-
dered, and he did not know where to find bread. I told him that I do
not know any such place, where he is to find bread for his body, but
know a place where he will get the bread of eternal life. He inquired,
Where is the place? I told him that Jesus is the true bread of life,
by feeding upon him we shall never die. He asked again, Is not the
Koran the word of God ? I told him that there are some good things in
it, which agree with the Bible, and we observe them as the word of
God; but the rest, we do not observe them, nor know them as the
word of God. For instance, Koran and Hindus impute sin to God.
This never can be the word of God. Another person requested to
hear something about Christ, which was readily done. Then came
Mr. Coleman from Moregunj, and talked with the people.

3Ecclestasttcal ilroceetrtuss.

Meeting of Presbytery. — The Northern Reformed Presbytery met.,
in regular session, in Dr. M‘Leod’s church, New York, April 21st,
1848. Among the items of business transacted were the following:

New Church in Brooklyn. — The committee appointed at the last
meeting, in answer to the petition of sixty-two individuals for an or-
ganization in the city of Brooklyn, reported, that the organization had
been completed according to the due order. The members had been
admitted, three ruling elders ordained, and a call for a pastor mode-
rated. The elders are Messrs. Thomas M‘Burney, James Smith, and
Robert Boggs. The call was addressed to Mr. David J. Patterson,
licentiate. It was sustained and presented to him, and, being accepted,
Tuesday, 25th instant, was appointed for his ordination and installa-
tion, should the way be found clear.

ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

225

Reports of Domestic Missionaries. — Mr. D. J. Patterson reported
three months’ service in Brooklyn, and Mr. David M‘Aleese visitations
and supplies to Redfield, Lisbon, Ryegate, &c., &c., in which latter
place he had remained for three months — the congregation being
desirous for a pastoral settlement. The reports were highly encou-
raging. Presbytery directed the per diem allowed, to be paid to the
domestic missionaries.

Church Extension Fund. — Presbytery resolved to increase their
domestic missionary and church extension fund by at least one hun-
dred and fifty dollars for the next year, and directed that collections
be taken up for this purpose in all the congregations in their bounds,
on the first and second Sabbaths of May ensuing.

Reception of Rev. Alexander Clarke and his People. — A petition
from Rev. Alexander Clarke, of Amherst, Nova Scotia, was presented
and read. The following are extracts from the paper:

To the Moderator and remanent members of the Northern Presbytery, hi con-
nexion with the Ref or hied Presbyterian Synod of North America,

The petition of Alexander Clarke of Amherst, Nova Scotia, Humbly Showeth ,
That, twenty years ago, petitioner was sent out as a missionary to these provinces
by the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Ireland, — that in the present field of his
labour, petitioner found but one 'professed Covenanter, — that there was not a Pres-
byterian house of worship in the two counties in which petitioner’s circuit lies, nc r
any suitable place for preaching, at all, — that there were but few of the Presby-
terian name, and those, in many instances, unworthy of even the name, — that now
there are many stations, four houses of worship, a fifth in progress, other places of
accommodation, and nearly two hundred communicants, — that in view of these
facts, and aware that petitioner stands alone, others wish to press into the field,
that without immediate help no one man, in these shaking times, can hold these
many posts together, — . . . And that as petitioner’s views of public policy are in
accordance with those of your reverend body, — Therefore petitioner earnestly
prays that you will, without delay, take him into your connexion, under your pro-
tection, and send him some assistance. And petitioner hereby promises, to fol-
low no divisive courses, but to yield all due submission in the Lord. And peti-
tioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c., &c. Alexander Clabke.

Amherst, 2d February, 1848.

After due deliberation, Presbytery passed the following resolutions:

Resolved, That Rev. Alexander Clarke be admitted a member of
this Presbytery on the ground of his own application, as a minister of
the Reformed Presbyterian Church, of unimpeached character and
standing.

Resolved, That this Presbytery deeply sympathize with Mr. Clarke
and his people, in the peculiar and trying circumstances of their case,
and that they will send them ministerial aid as soon as that can be
procured.

Resolved, That a committee of Presbytery be appointed to ascertain
whether any student of theology, ready for licensure, or licensed
preacher of the church, can be procured for the Nova Scotia mission,
and that, if a suitable person can be obtained, ^Jie committee may re-
quest the Moderator to call an extra meeting of Presbytery, for the
licensure and ordination of such person.

At a subsequent session, the following paper, from Mr. Henry Gor-
don, student of the third year, was handed in to Presbytery:

To the Northern Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, of North
America , now in session,

Sins, — Understanding that a missionary for the province of Novafcotia, North
America, is now wanted, and that application has been made to you, as a Pres-

15

£2G

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

bytery, for such aid, and hearing' myself also of the Macedonian cry from that
quarter, (come over and help us!) I therefore most cheerfully and devotedly offer
myself to you, as willing to go and labour in that field, whenever you may think it
proper to send me, and subscribe myself, yours respectfully, H. Gordon.

Presbytery disposed of the above paper by the following resolutions:

Resolved , 1. That the offer of Mr. Henry Gordon be accepted.

Resolved, 2. That a committee of Presbytery be appointed to assign
to Mr. Gordon the ordinary trials for licensure, and that if he be
found qualified, they proceed to license him in due season to preach
the gospel, and send him to the aid of the Nova Scotia mission.

Resolved, 3. That any two ministers of the Presbytery, with ruling
elders, may be a commission, to meet in Nova Scotia, between this
and the next regular meeting of Presbytery, for the purpose of ordain-
ing Mr. Gordon to the ministry, if deemed proper, and attending to
such other business respecting the church in that locality as may come
properly before them.

Ordination of Mr. Patterson. — On Tuesday, 25th April, Presby-
tery met in the city of Brooklyn, and ordained to the ministry Mr.
David J. Patterson, installing him pastor of the First Reformed Pres-
byterian Church there. Presbytery then adjourned to meet in Dr.
M‘Leod’s church, New York, on the second Tuesday of October, 1848,
at 1 0 o’clock, a. m.

Licensure of Mr. Gordon. — On Tuesday, May 1 6th, Mr. Henry
Gordon was licensed to preach the gospel by the Northern Reformed
Presbytery. Mr. Gordon had previously delivered all the usual pieces
of trial, and passed, with great acceptance, the regular examinations.
He goes to Nova Scotia, we understand, in a few weeks. May the
blessing of the Head of the church attend upon him.

From the preceding statements, it will be seen that a highly pros-
perous state of things now exists within the boundaries of the Northern
Presbytery. There is no part of our church which is called upon
from time to time to make such large contributions of members to
other parts of the body, as have been required from her for years past.
Being immediately upon the Atlantic coast, she is continually passing
through her bounds the emigrants who seek a home among us, and
whose stay is frequently but short. And her country congregations
have been almost depopulated by removals to the less expensive lands,
and less densely populated regions of the great west. We have heard
the pastor of the New York congregation observe, that he could travel
to the Mississippi, and be almost every night, if necessary, in the
houses of persons who had, at some period, been in connexion with
his own church. While, however, the church in the north has suffered
largely from removals, she has been not only holding her own, but
steadily increasing, and the last, year has been marked as one of pecu-
liar revival to her interests. The vacancies, many of which had suf-
fered long from inadequate supplies, have been encouraged and built,
up; new congregations have been organized, and the missionary field
has been more thoroughly cultivated, and yielded larger fruits than at
any former period. At all this the friends of the Reformed Presby-
terian eause, every where, will rejoice. The work is God’s, and his
servants may rest satisfied that he is their helper. The church is one,
and her heart is one, though its pulsations send the vital streams to
the utmost extremities of the body. The brethren in Nova Scotia

227

MR. Campbell’s report.

are, we think, where they ought to be. They are geographically
within the boundaries of the Northern Presbytery; their ecclesiastical
sympathies are decidedly with the church in the United States, and
they are far more accessible to us than to the trans-Atlantic brethren.
Halifax is within forty-eight hours’ sail of New York; and about the
same time and expense that would be required for a journey from New
York to Pittsburgh, could avail for a visit to Amherst and its vicinage.
The excellent brother who has been labouring so long alone, to the
good people there, desires such a coadjutor as we doubt not he will
find in the person of the excellent young friend whom it is proposed
to send him. We commend the subject to the regards of the church.

■ —nig®

ORDINATION OF MR. JOHN SIMMS WOODSIDE.

In view of Mr. Woodside’s departure to India, a special meeting of the Phila-
delphia Reformed Presbytery was held on Tuesday, June 20th, for the purpose
of making arrangements in reference to his ordination as a minister of the Gospel.
Mr. Woodside having delivered with approbation a piece of trial, his ordination
took place on the evening of the day mentioned. The Rev. Dr. Wylie preached
the sermon, selecting as his text, Jonah iii. 2. “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great
city, and preach unto’it the preaching that I bid thee.” His discourse, which
was very instructive and interesting, had especial reference to Mr. Woodside’s*
expected mission to the heathen. Having been written in Phonographic charac-
ters, by Mr. John G. MWickar, we have been favoured with a report of it as it
was spoken, and we hope to publish the whole, or such extracts as our limited
space will permit. The usual questions having been proposed by Rev. Dr. Craw-
ford, a solemn and impressive ordaining prayer was offered by Rev. James R.
Campbell, after which an address to the newly consecrated minister was made
by Rev. R. J. Blacky in which he adverted in an eloquent manner to the trials
and difficulties which a missionary might expect to encounter, the duties he
would be called on to discharge, and the support on which alone he could de-
pend. The concluding prayer having been made by the Moderator of Presby-
tery, after singing, the congregation was dismissed with the apostolic benedic-
tion, pronounced by Rev. John S. Woodside.

The whole services of the evening were of a very interesting character; and it
is hoped that a favourable impression has been made, both in behalf of sound
gospel order in the Church of God, and in support of proper efforts to extend
the knowledge of Messiah’s name among the heathen.

REPORT OF A MISSIONARY TOUR IN THE UNITED STATES.

Rev. Mr. Campbell having been appointed by the Board of Missions of the Re-
formed Presbyterian Church, to act as their agent during his visit to this country,
on his return to this city presented the following report of his labours, which shows
how well he has performed the duties assigned to him.

Philadelphia, June 13, 1848.

To the Board of Missions of the Reformed Presbyterian Church :
Dear Brethren, — Having now returned to this place after a long
journey to the West, in discharge of the duties, which you appointed
me as an agent of the Board to our Churches, I beg to lay before you
a report of my proceedings.

At the very commencement of my labours, I was greatly encouraged
and animated, and led to hope for complete success in the enterprise,
in consequence of one benevolent friend in our church coming for-
ward and voluntarily offering, that in case the two young men were
sent to India by our church, he would pay the sum of five hundred
dollars towards their outfit, and six hundred dollars per annum for
their support in* India. This sum of six hundred dollars a year being

228

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

the entire amount required from us by the Board of Foreign Missions
in New York, for the support of one Missionary, it then seemed
reasonable to hope that the remaining part ofthe outfit, and the salary
of one additional missionary would be furnished by the ivhole church,
when the state of the heathen and the openings that Providence has
made for the spread of the gospel among them, would be fairly and
fully presented, and especially as taking the whole number of commu-
nicants in our churches at 4000 ; the additional sum to be contributed
by each for this purpose would be only 15 cents per year. The result
of this agency shows that our expectations, however sanguine they
may have seemed, were not without foundation.

You are aware that the first three months of the winter were spent
chiefly in Philadelphia and New York. During that period, however,
at the request of Mr. Lowrie, the Secretary of the Presbyterian Board,
I spent several sabbaths among the churches in Westchester county,
New York. I also visited some Presbyterian churches in Eastern Penn-
sylvania; and in all these places brought the missionary subject before
large assemblies, whose contributions to the Board they are pledged
to support, it is hoped will be more liberal than formerly. On the
second of March, I commenced my journey to the far West, and have
had the pleasure of visiting all the settled congregations in our con-
nexion, as well as many of the vacancies. During my tour West, I
also had the happiness of attending two Presbyteries and four commu-
nion seasons, and of meeting all my appointments at the very time
previously specified. Indeed a kind Providence seemed to favour the
undertaking, and in many ways to render my journey propitious. We
have certainly much cause to thank God, and to take courage for the
future.

The following are the amounts subscribed in my book, and much of
which has been collected :*

Cash from Christian friends in Letterkenny and Newtonards, Ireland;

and Mr. John Stuart, Manchester, ..... §43,12

Subscriptions by members of the First Ref. Pres. Church, Philadelphia,

(Dr. Wylie's,) §1167; and by Christian friends of other denomina-
tions in Philadelphia, §423, ...... . 1590,00

Subscriptions by members of Dr. M'Leod’s church, New York, §472;

and by other Christian friends in New York, §300, ... 772,00

Subscriptions by the church in Milton and M'Ewensville, Pennsylvania,

(The Rev. Mr. Crawford’s,) 59,50

Subscriptions by the churches in Pittsburg, §245; and by other Chris-
tian friends in Pittsburg, §221, - - - ... 466,00

Subscriptions by the congregations under the care ofthe Rev. Mr. Guth-
rie, §300; loss by failure of bank, §50, ... - 250,00

Subscriptions by congregations at Newcastle and Neshannock, (Rev.

Mr. Hutchman’s,) ... - ..... 170,27

Subscriptions by congregation at Darlington, (Rev. Mr. Scott’s,) - 100,74

“ Xenia and Massies’ Creek, (Rev. H. McMillan’s,) 168,00

* In several instances the sums actually paid have exceeded the amounts sub-
scribed. Mr. Campbell’s report gives the subscription : in a subsequent report, to
be published as soon as possible, the payments will be recorded. This may serve
t.o explain any discrepancy between Mr. Campbell’s account and the treasurer’s
acknowledgments. It should also be remembered that this report includes only
the sums subscribed as a special effort for the outfit; in addition, several congre-
gations have already sent on their annual payments for the salaries of the mis-
sionary brethren.

mr. campbell’s report.

229

Subscriptions by congregation at Beech woods, (Rev. Gavin JVPMillan’s,) 108,50

“ “ Cincinnati, 69,00

“ “ Bloomington, la., (Rev. T. A. Wylie’s,) 61,15

Subscriptions by congregation at Princeton, Indiana, (Rev. John

M'Master’s,) ......... 96,21

Subscriptions by congregation at Walnut Hill, .... 37,39

“ “ Eden, Illinois, (Rev. Samuel Wylie’s,) 146,00

“ “ Thorn-Grove, (Rev. J. W. Morrison,) 37,37

“ “ Chicago, (Rev. A. M. Stewart’s,) about 75,00

‘‘ “ Duanesburg, N.Y., (Rev. Gifford Wylie’s,) 135,75

Subscriptions by W. Cunningham, family and friends, at Schenectady, 41,00
Cash received from President M'Master and others, at Oxford, Ohio, 12,00
,c from Mr. William Garvin and family, and friends at

Louisville, Kentucky, 105,00

Cash received from Rev. Mr. Iiarshaw and family, Illinois, - - 5,50

“ from Miss Cunningham, a little girl in Schenectady, 2,00

“ from Miss Anna M. Cook, of Albany, proceeds of young

ladies’ missionary fair, ...... 15,75

Cash received from Mrs. Cook, of Albany, 10,00

“ from Church in Fredericksburg, Ohio, and friends in Ohio, 10,50

$4,633,81

To be received from the third church in Pittsburg, (the late Rev.
Mr. Ewing’s,) say $150. It was also expected that in some instances con-
siderable sums would be received beyond what was subscribed at the
time, so that we may hope that, when all comes in, the sum will be
over $5000. It should be remembered that several congregations in
the East have as yet done nothing, and that both in Dr. Wylie’s and
Dr. M‘Leod’s congregations, the people, as a whole, have not yet been
called upon.

In discharge of my duties as your agent, I have travelled in the East
760 miles, and in the Western States 3940 miles; making, together,
4700 miles, and all at an expense for public conveyances, &c., of $116,-
33. Altogether, I have preached and lectured on Missions 74 times,
besides sermons on other subjects, addresses to sabbath schools, Theo-
logical Seminaries and Colleges, and many of these lectures were more
than three hours in length.

1 cannot close this report without expressing thanks to Him,, who,
while I have in his providence been called for a time from my chosen
field of labour among the heathen in India, has given me so good an
opportunity of promoting the missionary cause while sojourning among
friends in this Christian land; has granted protection during my jour-
neys, and bestowed so large a share of health and strength for the dis-
charge of important duties that have devolved upon me. If any good
has been done, all the praise belongs to God alone. That I have done
so little to promote his glory, and the interests of his kingdom in
heathen lands, and that I have not improved to better account, the op-
portunities I have enjoyed of doing good, of extending a deeper reli-
gious influence around, and of receiving good of a spiritual kind during
my intercourse with dear and excellent Christian brethren and friends,
ought to be a cause of deep humiliation on my own part. I have been
most warmly' and kindly received by all the ministerial brethren, and
by all the members of our churches wherever I have gone. With re-
gard to some of them, old acquaintances and friendships were renewed
and strengthened. As to others, whose faces I had not before seen, I
seemed as a friend with whom they were familiar, as unknown and yet

230

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

well known. To one and all, I take this opportunity of returning my
sincere thanks for the kind reception they gave rne — for the sentiments
of affection and respect they expressed to myself personally, and, above
all, for the deep interest they have manifested in the cause of missions
to the heathen. It is this that cheers me, and it will encourage and
sustain me in labours to promote the gospel in far distant climes. I am
fully convinced, from what I have seen, that there is sufficient Chris-
tian principle and missionary feeling among the members of the Re-
formed Presbyterian Church, not only to sustain the work on the
scale at present contemplated, hut to- extend it far beyond 'our most
sanguine expectations. In order to do this, every member of the
church, and particularly the young, should be put in possession, regu-
larly, of missionary intelligence; the duty of all to comply with the
divine command, according to their ability, in sending the gospel to
the heathen, should be brought to bear upon their enlightened con-
sciences, in the ministrations of the sanctuary; all should be required
to aid systematically in this, and every cause of benevolence, some-
thing on the plan suggested in the April number of the Banner; and
above all, and associated with all attempts to extend the kingdom of
Christ, prayer, in monthly concerts, and at all other times, should be
offered, and then we might reasonably expect the success which all
desire. *

With great respect, dear Brethren, I remain yours in the further-
ance of the gospel. J. R. Campbell.

REPORT OF A VISIT TO THE IRISH REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

At a recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Missions of
the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Mr. John S. Woodside gave an interesting
account of a recent visit to his native land, made in anticipation of his expected
departure to India as a missionary. He was desired to furnish a report, in
writing, to be published in the Banner. It will be found below, and we are
sure its perusal will incfease the interest which our readers have, no doubt,
already begun to feel towards a brother who is expected shortly to act as one
of their representatives to the heathen world. The view it presents of the Irish
Reformed Presbyterian Church is very pleasing, and we trust the American
churches will give all the encouragement which they can afford to those to
whom we owe so much, and who are so nobly endeavouring to sustain them-
selves.

To the Executive Committee of the Board of Foreign Missions of
the Reformed Presbyterian Church:

Gentlemen, — Having obtained permission from the Professors in
the Theological Seminary, to revisit my friends and native land pre-
viously to my departure for India, I sailed from New York for Eng-
land on the last day of February, and arrived again in Philadelphia on
th* last day of May, having accomplished my entire journey within
three months. It would be altogether irrelevant to enter into a length-
ened detail of all my public operations during that period. A very
brief statement of the manner in which my time was spent, with a few
observations upon the condition and relations of the Irish church, will
suffice.

Of the above-mentioned time one month was spent on my voyages
outward and home; fifty days in Ireland, and the remainder in England,

I

I

REPORT OF MR. WOODSIDE. 231

except the time spent in crossing and recrossing the channel. Aware
of your desire that I should see as many of the churches as possible
during my visit, I entered upon the performance of that duty imme-
diately after my arrival. On the 29th of March I attended a meeting
of the Belfast Presbytery, where I met with a most cordial reception,
and was taken under their direction during my stay in the country.
Presbytery having learned that I was to remain with them but a short
time, made prompt arrangements by which I should be enabled to ac-
complish all that I proposed. I was thus allowed free access to all their
pulpits, and invited to co-operate with them in advocating the schemes
of their own church. Being provided with ample sources of informa-
tion relative to the situation of the various evangelical churches in this
country, I endeavoured to bring before the various congregations which
I was privileged to address, the state of the missionary operations of
the American churches, both at home and abroad. This, with the
regular preaching of the gospel, and co-operation with the friends of
temperance and Sabbath schools, was the chief public business to which
I attended.

In performing this work, both by sermons and addresses, I was en-
gaged publicly twenty-eight times in Ireland, and twice in England.
On all these occasions the warmest -interest was manifested in the sub-
jects presented, and every where 1 received the kindest assistance from
the ministers with whom I associated. I was delighted to find that all
our ministers, and many of the people there were intimately acquainted
with the condition of our India mission. This was owing to the in-
teresting lectures which Mr. Campbell had delivered in their several
churches during last year. Every person with whom I conversed on
the subject spoke in terms of the warmest approbation of these lectures,
and not less so of their distinguished author. Their interest in the
India mission has not been confined to mere words. Some of them
have contributed to its support, and it is proposed to do still more by
an annual aontribution from all their churches. The circumstances of
their own church at the present time demand, on their part, the most
strenuous exertions. Beset with difficulties on all hands; suffering
under the severe pressure of the times; thinned by an unceasing tide
of emigration to this country, and bleeding under the scourge of afflic-
tion in the recent removal, by death, of one of their best ministers —
ihe Rev. Dr. Paul, they are nobly contending “for the faith once de-
livered to the saints,” they are exhibiting a bold testimony against the
prevalent errors of the surrounding churches, and exemplifying in their
conduct, the great truth which Christians in the British isles have been
so long in learning, namely, That the gospel church is a self-supporting
establishment, — that she does not require a corrupting alliance with an
unholy civil government to secure her permanence, — that the princi-
ple of state endowments, by which the British government secures the
loyalty of a servile church, is utterly repugnant to the genuine spirit of
Christianity, — that free, voluntary contributions towards the support of
the gospel, form the only just and scriptural means whereby the cause
of the Redeemer is to be sustained and extended. In the maintenance
of these principles the brethren in Ireland have adopted and acted up
to the old theory, that “Example is better than precept.” They have
abandoned every thing in the form of compulsion, in requiring contri-
butions to the church. They have given up entirely the system of

232

banner of the covenant.

renting pews in churches, and depend altogether upon the free action
of the individual for the amount which he may be disposed to give.
They have adopted the sustentation scheme of the Free Church of Scot-
land— a scheme which completely recognises the free agency of the
people. Various subordinate agencies are connected with this scheme;
and so successful has been the experiment, that in a year of unexampled
want and distress in Ireland, they have nearly doubled their former
annual contributions. The greatest unanimity and harmony of co-
operation exist through all parts of the church. If unity be a distin-
guishing characteristic of the true church, and if love to the brethren be
a token of spiritual life, I think I could distinguish both these features
in our Irish brethren. But, with all these things in her favour, the
position of the church in Ireland is, at the present moment, extremely
critical. Existing under a government utterly hostile to the free prin-
ciples which she inculcates; taxed for the support of corrupt establish-
ments and state-endowed churches; and losing, by emigration, many of
her most active members, her resources seem almost drained. Not-
withstanding all these things, the native power of Christian principle
has hitherto sustained her in every emergency, and I trust that ere long
some of the influences which have so long encumbered the progress of
reformation principles in the British isles will be removed, and then
shall the church shine forth “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and
terrible as an army with banners.”

A word as to our own relation to the Reformed Presbyterian Church
in Ireland. I think we are her debtors. We receive her ministers,
we receive her people; thus what is loss to her is gain to us. But were
there no bond of this kind by which to unite us, we are still bound to
her by other and higher ties. She exhibits the same gospel. The
same great principles of civil and religious liberty for which we con-
tend are dear to her, and have always found their ablest defenders in
her ranks. She is as completely identified with us as it is possible she
could be, considering the relative circumstances of the two churches.
Hence her interests are more allied to ours than those of any other sec-
tion of the Christian church in the British isles, and should it ever be
necessary, (as it may soon be,) that a call should be made upon the
American church on her behalf, I am sure it will meet with a response
worthy of our people.

Before concluding, I would express my grateful sense of the kind-
ness and marks of Christian affection which I received at the hands of
the Irish brethren. The tokens of personal friendship I received, toge-
ther with the warm interest manifested in the American Church and
her missionary operations, I cannot soon forget. They impose upon
me increased obligation to be diligent in carrying out the cause which
they and you have so long and so nobly sustained.

John S. Woodside.

June 19th, 1848.

— - -**6 © —

late meeting of the executive committee of the board of!

MISSIONS OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Shortly after the return of Rev. Mr. Campbell from his visit to the
American churches, as the Agent of the Board, the Executive Com-
mittee held a meeting, for the purpose of receiving his report, and of
forming a decision in regard to sending out the contemplated reinforce-

ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

2 33

ment to India. It will be recollected that the Synod, at its last meet-
ing, authorized the Board, acting by its Executive Committee, to send
out Messrs. Hill and Woodside, if it should be ascertained that the
church was able and willing to sustain them. As this point could be
satisfactorily determined only by a general investigation of the slate
of feeling on the subject throughout the entire church, the Committee
refrained from any action of a decisive character until Mr. Campbell’s
tour should have been completed, and his report received. Being now
presented, it appeared that he had visited all the settled congregations
and many of the vacancies, and both in his public addresses and private
intercourse had presented the subject to the earnest and conscientious
attention of the members of our church. The result was, that the
amount needed for the outfit was procured, and that there was reason
to believe the annual salaries could also be raised. The committee then
proceeded to ascertain the views and wishes of the candidates whose
offer of their services had as yet not been definitely acted on. Mr.
Woodside, being present, stated, he still desired to devote himself to
preaching the gospel among the heathen, and that he felt willing to go
out to India as soon as possible. Mr. Hill, by letter, expressed his conti-
nued interest in the cause, but desired that his application should not be
acted on until there should be some farther expression of the sentiment of
the church in regard to his going out. The committee, believing that this
delay was not practicable or necessary, resolved to consider Mr. Hill’s
application as withdrawn, while, at the same time, they expressed great
respect for his motives, and a high estimation of his general character.
Mr. Woodside’s application was accepted, and he was taken under the
care of the Board, as a missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
A letter from the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions having been
read, by which it appeared that Mr. Woodside would be taken into
connexion with that Board, in the same manner as our other mission-
aries, a committee was appointed to make all necessary arrangements
in regard to the entire subject. The Executive Committee then ad-
journed, to meet at the call of the chairman, Rev. Dr. Wylie.

GENERAL SYNOD OF THE ASSOCIATE REF. SYNOD OF THE WEST.

This body held its 8th annual meeting in Xenia, Ohio, commencing
its sessions on May 23d. Measures are proposed for an improved
management of Domestic missions; and the foreign missionary station
in Syria appears to be adequately sustained, while a new mission is to
be commenced in Oregon, Rev. Mr. Blain, who has been appointed to
labour in that field, having proceeded as far as St. Louis on his jour-
ney. The Basis of Union adopted by the convention which met last
September, was “referred to the Presbyteries composing this Synod
with instructions to take it into careful, prayerful, and deliberate con-
sideration, and report their judgment, (with the votes by which that
judgment shall be expressed,) on the propriety of the Associate Re-
formed church accepting it as a Basis of Union between the Associate
Reformed and Associate churches, and to specify, in case it should be
accepted, what alterations and modifications it should undergo before
its final. adoption.” A conference was held with the Associate Synod,
at the same time in session at Xenia, at which the following resolution
was adopted:

1. Resolved, That as the Churches represented in this Conference

234

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

are of the same parent stock, so are they substantially one, being uni-
ted in their faith and practice, and in the main contending for the
same peculiarities of faith and practice — that we deplore the divisions
which have so long existed between us — that we own the good hand
of our God upon us in sustaining our respective bodies, and in enabling
us to maintain a testimony to his name — that we rejoice in the indi-
cations of a desire, and we trust a growing desire, in both bodies, to
come together into one — that united as we are in the great leading
principles of Christian doctrines, Church order and worship, we should
cherish a spirit of forbearance toward each other, and serious inquiry
in relation to those matters by which we have been unhappily sepa-
rated— and that so far as we have attained we would encourage one
another to abide by our common profession, and to endeavour to keep
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, in hope that He who
buildeth up Jerusalem will hasten the day when we shall be visibly
one as we are spiritually one in the Lord.

2. Whereas we regard the great difficulty in the way of effecting a
union among the Churches represented in this Convention, as arising
from the low state of religion among us, giving rise to jealousy, want of
confidence in each other, a backwardness to examine into each others’
views and explanations respecting the points of difference (real or sup-
posed,) which have kept us apart, as well as hindering the exercise of
forbearance with each other — therefore

Resolved, That this Conference most earnestly recommend to their
respective synods to take such measures as in their wisdom they may
judge most suitable for the promotion and revival of practical vital
godliness, that we may hope for the influences of the Holy Spirit to
bring us to oneness of faith, and we shall consider the adoption of this
recommendation by our respective synods as holding out the best hope
and the surest pledge to each other, that we are hearty in desiring a
union which may be for the glory of him and the promotion of his
cause on earth.

Delegates were appointed to unite in the Convention proposed by
the General Assembly, (Old School,) to be held in New York in next
October. In an “extra judicial conference on the union,” it was re-
solved, That nothing should be included in the testimony of the United
Church in which there is no controversy among those who hold the
Westminster confession. Receipts , during the year, for Foreign Mis-
sions, $1637 93, Domestic Missions, $1501 34, Oregon Mission,
$533 57.

ASSOCIATE SYNOD.

This Synod held its 47th annual meeting in Xenia, Ohio, com-
mencing May 24th. Its action on the Basis of Union will be seen by
the following resolution:

“Resolved, That though Synod do not concur in every thing con-
tained in the Basis prepared by the Convention of Reformed Churches,
yet we agree to hand it down in overture to presbyteries and sessions
under our care, with instructions to report to next Synod whether they
are willing to receive it, or, if not, what alterations should be made.”

A resolution proposed by Dr. Beveridge declining to transmit it to
the lower courts, was lost by a vote of 30 in favour, to 31 against. The

LETTER FROM IRELAND.

235

general condition of this branch of the church appears to be prosperous.
Home Missions are carried on with considerable vigour, and the Fo-
reign mission in Trinidad is to be continued and enlarged. The num-
ber of Presbyteries in this denomination is 14, of ministers, 111, of
whom 17 are without charge, of licentiates, 10.

The following interesting communication from our respected friend and brother,
Rev. J. Nevin, gives a very pleasing account of the death-bed of the venerated
and beloved Dr. Paul. How delightful to find that he enjoyed in so abundant a
measure the consolations of the Spirit, during his last illness. His Cass' is one
in which the promise may be considered as fulfilled, “At evening time it shall
be light.” We consider it especially instructive, as showing that a public life of
earnest, but honest and pure-minded, contending for the truth is not likely to pre-
vent a tranquil and joyful death. The reference in the commencement of the
letter, to our young missionary brother, we have reason to believe, is well de-
served; in fact it only corresponds with the character he sustained in this country
wherever he was known.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER DATED

Carnaff, Dcrvoclc, Ireland, 16 ih May, 1848.

Mr Dear Sir: * * * * My young friend, John Woodside,

who I expect will be the bearer of these lines, during bis short stay in
Ireland, besides taking to himself a wife, has been making himself as
useful as possible by visiting all our congregations, and be has added
greatly to the respect in which he has been held. There is reason to
hope that he will be a useful labourer in the vineyard of his Master, if
he be spared in life.

Amidst the revolutionary convulsions of Europe, and the very great
excitement in Ireland, multitudes of topics for the pen of a correspond-
ent present themselves, but there is one event which, as a providential
visitation, has been felt far and wide in our own and other churches, to
which I cannot but allude. I refer to the death of that great and good
man, the Rev. Dr. Paul, of Carrickfergus. I need not tell you that as
the champion of civil and religious liberty, he stood foremost in Ireland,
in defence of the rights of conscience and of God. The last work from
his pen was “A solemn Protest against that infamous system of tyranny
and misrule by which one class of men are compelled to pay for the
support of another class of men, in opposition to Reason, Conscience,
and Religion,” a work which has not yet been answered, nor any reply
to it yet attempted, so far as I know.

His death occurred on the 16th of March, after an illness of some
months. I had the privilege of several conversations with him on his
death-bed, and have had my own soul refreshed by his testimony for
Christ. Although his illness was occasioned by a paralytic stroke, yet his
judgment, and even his memory, were in no apparent degree impaired,
and though his longue faltered a little, his speech was perfectly intelli-
gible. The French Revolution had occurred a few days before my last
visit to him. I introduced the subject to him, and he seemed to take a
deep interest in it, and said he considered it the downfall of Popery,
but his delight was in conversation about Christ, Christian truth and ex-
perience. He requested me to repeat to him some of my recent lectures
and sermons. He kept his wife and daughters reading the scriptures to
him, and he asked frequent questions to encourage them in conversation,
and to enable himself and them to feed more on the word of life.

236

BANNER OP THE COVENANT.

On entering his A>om on the occasion of my last visit, lie expressed
his great satisfaction at seeing me. “You do me more honour,” said, he,
“than the Emperor of Russia would do, if he were to send an ambassa-
dor to see me, and why? Because you come from a higher court. I
look upon you and other Christian friends who visit me as so many
ambassadors from the court of heaven, sent to feed me, a weak and un-
worthy servant, with crumbs.” “Yes,” said I, “from our Master’s ta-
ble.” “True,” replied he, “but that is the more honour to you and to
me.”

“It is my wish,” said he, “that the friends who remember me in
prayer, should join me in returning thanks to the Lord for his goodness
to me; and, that you may be able to let them know the ground of my
request, I may mention, that whilst I cannot boast of the high-wrought
feelings and raptures of some, yet I think 1 would not be doing justice
to myself nor to the Divine Lord and Master, whose I am and whom I
serve, if I were to hide it, that I do enjoy a good hope through grace,
and that as my afflictions have abounded, so has my consolation. The
Apostle says, ‘The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.’ I would go
farther than the Apostle, and would say, That the sufferings of this
present time are not worthy to be compared even with the enjoyments
of this present time. I think it God’s usual plan to compensate for the
afflictions of his people by abounding consolation, and I have felt my
consolations far more than a compensation for my afflictions. Were I
to be restored to health and strength again, on condition of losing my
present enjoyments, I would not choose it. My experience has been
that of the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration, ‘Lord, it is good
for me to be here;’ and, like the disciples going to Emmaus, ‘My heart
has burned within me,’ while in converse with my Redeemer. I have
often considered myself as already in heaven, and have felt as if this
room were a corner of heaven.”

When he was informed that some of his brethren, from whom he was
separated for years, and for some of whom he had no reason to feign re-
spect, were inquiring anxiously for him,- he was much gratified, and de-
sired them to know that he loved them, and that no act of Synod nor
Presbytery would ever make him cease to love them, and he added, “I
consider it a proof that I have passed from death unto life, because I love
the brethren.”

You will not be surprised to hear, after the above statements, that,
when on a previous occasion I was leaving him to meet his congrega-
tion, having asked him if he had any message to send to them, he re-
plied, “Tell them 1 never felt happier in my life than since I have been
confined to bed.”

He continued in this happy, heavenly frame of mind until his death.
He appeared to suffer but little bodily pain, and calmly and without a
struggle, fell asleep in Jesus.

Thus died Dr. Paul, a man who has, more than any, in recent times,
in this country, contributed, by his pen, to check the progress of the
Arian heresy, and to promote correct views on civil and religious liberty.
“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man
is peace.” With best respects I remain, my dear sir,

Yours, truly,

John Nevin.

RECENT ANNIVERSARIES.

237

RECENT ANNIVERSARIES.

The American Sunday School Union. — The twenty-fourth an-
niversary of this useful institution was held in Philadelphia, on the
16th of May. During the past year its receipts were $137,46S,19,
and its expenditures $137,296,60. In seventeen different states and
territories, there were employed, at an expense of $11,894,04, forty-
three missionary colporteurs, by whom 770 new schools were estab-
lished— over 1,000 others, embracing 11,004 teachers, and 81, SOS
scholars, were visited and revived — and nearly $15,000 worth of
religious books was distributed for children and youth. Eighty-
three new publications, containing nearly 10,000 pages of new reading
matter, were issued; of which publications fifty-three were written for
the society. Over 150,000 numbers of the Youth’s Penny Gazette
were published and circulated monthly, or more than 2,000,000 of
numbers in the year. Truly this institution cultivates a large field,
and in an effective way.

American Bible Society. — The receipts of last year amounted to 8254,337,18:
being an increase of $49,308,95 over those of the previous year. The society has
circulated during the year, 655,066 Bibles and Testaments. This is an increase
of 28,196 copies over the circulation of the year previous, and making the total
circulation of the society, since its organization, amount to 5,780,095 copies.

American Tract Society. — New publications 63, of which 19 are volumes,
making the whole number 1313, of which 231 are volumes: sanctioned for publica-
tion abroad, 2303, in about 100 languages and dialects. Circulated, 693,303
volumes, 6,987,262 publications, 211,730,285 pages. Christian Almanac, 128,000 :
American Messenger, upwards of 100,000 monthly. Gratuitous distribution , in
2172 distinct grants, for foreign missionaries, the army and navy, seamen’s chap-
lains, shipping, lakes, rivers, canals, home and domestic missionaries, Sabbath
schools, &c., including tracts drawn by life members, 40,948,459 pages; value,
$27,000. Receipts, $237,296,04 ; of which $129,744,31 for sales, and $105,905,15
for donations, including $32,912,76 for colportage, and $12,804,88 legacies.
Expenditures — total expenditure $237,155,95. Balance in the treasury, $140,09.

American Home Missionary Society. — The number of ministers of the gos-
pel in the service of the society, the past year, was 1006, in 27 different states and
territories. The number of congregations supplied, in whole or in part, was 1447.
The aggregate of labour performed is equal to 773 years. The pupils in Sabbath
schools and Bible classes, number 77,000 ; subscribers to the temperance pledge,
99.000. There have been added to the churches 5020 persons: by profession,
2530; by letter, 2490. More evident tokens of the presence of the Holy Spirit
with the missionary churches have been enjoyed than for five years previous.
Ninety-six congregations have been favoured with revivals, some of them of great
interest and power, and characterized by deep solemnity and stillness. In each,
from 8 to 60, and in one case 90 hopeful subjects of converting grace have been
reported. The number o: supposed conversions, as far as reported, has been
2,521. In several instances the good work is still in progress. Resources. —
Balance, April 1, 1847, $282,70. The receipts of twelve months following,
$140,197,10 — making the resources of the year, $140,497,89. Liabilities of the
society for the year, $148,768,30. Payments, $139,233,34.

Foreign Evangelical Society. — From the report read by the secretary, the
Rev. Dr. Baird, it appeared that the receipts of the last year were $19,488. The
expenditures were $18,445 ; namely, for the work in Europe, [chiefly in France,]
$11,340; the remainder in efforts to benefit the Roman Catholics in Canada.
Spanish America, and other papal regions. The report first gave a brief survey of
the society’s operations in Canada, New Orleans, Mexico, St. Domingo and South
America. The views it gave on the possibility of introducing the scriptures into
the Spanish and other papal parts of this hemisphere, were very encouraging. The
time was fully come, especially for the great, good work of carrying the scriptures
into Mexico and South America. The report next spoke of the society’s opera-
tions in Europe — Russia, Poland, Sweden, Ireland, France, Belgium and Italy.
France has been the theatre of its greatest labours. There the recent success of
the labours of colporteurs, evangelists, and ordained preachers, has been wonder-

238

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

ful. The new openings in Italy for the Bible were stated to be highly encouraging.
The recent revolution in France has broken down every barrier which impeded
the work under the late government; and the movement now agitating Europe to
its centre is destined to open the way for the gospel wherever it is felt. The work
now to be done in France, it appears, is immense, and that the help of Protestant
Christians in this land is greatly needed by the brethren in that country, who, like
all other classes, are suffering from the universal prostration of business, and the
ruin of capitalists.

Presbyterian Board of Education. — The number of candidates on the roll
during the year was 377. The amount of funds collected during the year was
§31,078,36, making, with the balance of last year, the total amount of available
lends $38,296,90. The number of candidates was 26 less than it was last year.

Presbyterian Board of Domestic Missions. — The number of missionaries
in commission during the year has been 460. More than 1200 congregations and
missionary stations have been supplied with the gospel by the missionaries. The
missionaries have laboured in 25 of our states. Much itinerant labour has been
performed, and precious fruit has been reaped. There has been added to the
churches, so far as reported on examination, about 2000 members ; by certificate,
1500. Sixty new churches have been organized, and about 100 church edifices
have been built or finished. The number of Sabbath schools reported as in actual
operation, exceeds 700, with more than 5000 teachers, and 3000 children ; and in
addition nof less than 500 Bible and catechetical classes. Funds. — The whole
amount of funds at the disposal of the board during the year, has been $67,922,00.
The balance on hand at the close of the year is not far from §9,000. Church
Extension. — During the year, appropriations have been made to aid 52 congrega-
tions in building or in finishing houses of worship ; and, in addition, six congrega-
uons have been aided in relieving themselves from long standing and oppressive
debts, making the whole number of congregations aided 58. The congregations
aided are in 18 of our states. Forty of these congregations are in the west and
south-west, and 18 are in the middle and southern states. The whole amount of
funds received for this object during the year, has been §6,112,59.

AN INTERESTING FACT.

We find the following interesting fact recorded in the Presbyterian Treasury
for June. Like the use of Voltaire’s press, at Fernoy, for printing the scriptures,
it is an illustration of the control of an overruling Providence, defeating the secret
plots as well as open assaults of all the enemies of the church, and making the
scene of their hostility the witness of her triumphs.

■‘ On May 14th, 1848, a Presbyterian church was organized by the Presbytery
of New Brunswick, in Bordentown, New Jersey, in the building in which Thomas
Paine lived, about half a century ago, and in the very room in which he wrote
‘ The Age of Reason.’ ” ,

jgS&i'torfal.

THE REINFORCEMENT.

The account published in a preceding part of this No. will serve to show that
but one of the persons whose offer to go out to India as missionaries was approved
by Synod at its last meeting, and to which ihe attention of our churches has of
late been so much directed, will now be sent on that mission. As, however, Mr.
Campbell proposes to return to the field of his former labours, the number origi-
nally contemplated will be sent out, and the mission continued in its previous
numerical strength. It would have been desirable to have had it increased, but
the course which the subject has taken, seems to show us plainly what is the
path of duty. While one of the respected and beloved brethren, who originally
offered himself for this great work, declined for the present to engage in it, we
accord to him in the fullest manner the acknowledgment of our belief that he
has acted conscientiously, and that he has done what he thought would be most
conducive to the interests of the church; and should he not at any future time

EDITORIAL.

239

ba employed in the missionary work abroad, his abundant and successful labours
Jtimes past at home, give us reason to believe that his services in our own land
»y, with the divine blessing, be eminently useful. Believing him worthy of
confidence and great respect and affection, we hope he will every where be
(received with gladness, and held in reputation.”

REV. MR. CAMPBELL.

The report of his missionary tour, published in our present No., will show that
his beloved brother has indeed been in labours most abundant, while in this
-sand. His brief absence from the scene of missionary exertions has not been
spent in repose and relaxation from labour, but has been devoted to constant and
severe exertions in behalf of the holy cause which is so dear to him. His visit
has proved very delightful to his friends, and exceedingly useful to the Church,
and we hope he will receive in his own soul an abundant recompense for his
work of faith and labour of love.

COMMUNION SEASONS.

• Communion seasons .are frequently times of refreshing to the Church, both in
regard to the increased developement of the spiritual life of her members, and
also the additions made to her numbers. We are thankful to be able to mention,
for the general encouragement of those who desire the prosperity of Zion, that
the communions recently held in the Reformed Presbyterian churches in this
city, have been blessed with such evidences of divine favour. The 2d Reformed
Presbyterian Church, under the pastoral care of Rev. Wm. Sterrett, had an ac-
cession of thirty-five; the 3d Church, Kensington, under the charge of Rev. R.
J. Black, received more than forty, and the number added to the 1st Church was
about sixty. All these persons gave satisfactory evidences of their fitness for
admission to sealing ordinances, as far as the officers of the church could
judge of their real character. While the majority were persons who had previ-
ously been in connexion with other branches of the church of Christ, in this or
distant lands, an unusually large number now for the first time made a profession
of their faith. Some of these, the young, who had been brought up in Sabbath
Schools, or received in the family circle, from godly parents, instructions in di-
vine truth, and whose early piety gave joyful hope of great future usefulness.
Some were aged persons who had long neglected the one thing needful, but had
been awakened from their lethargy by the earnest preaching of the truth, and,
as perishing sinners, fled for refuge to the hope set before them in the gospel.
Others were persons in the prime of life, of both sexes, strong for work in the
Redeemer’s vineyard. All of these afforded such good reason to believe that the
Divine Spirit had drawn them, as to lead to the grateful exclamation, “What
hath God wrought'?” Such blessings call for deep gratitude, and should encou-
rage gr*ater diligence in the service of Him who is the best of Masters.

,-tg) g)

TRAVELLING.

This is the time of year when many of the inhabitants of the city leave their
homes.to breathe, for a short time, the pure invigorating air of the country) and
recruit their strength, wasted by the toils and bustle of business. In the new
positions which they may occupy, all such who are the disciples of the Lost)
Jiesus Christ, should not forget their duty to their omnipresent, omniscient, and
holy Lord. They should not leave their religion behind them, as if it were a
mere matter of business , or an irksome burden from which they delighted to be
free. In private and in public they should attend with punctuality to their obli-

4 '

- <■

240

BANNER OF THE COVENANT.

gations as professors of religion; having, in the one case, increased leisure, and I
in the other, being able to exert a new and more extended influence for good byl
their example. The Sabbath should-witness their presence in the house of God, I
such a church being selected as may tend most to promote their spiritual im-
provement. They should give their encouragement to religious observances in the i
families of which they become inmales; and by expressive silence, or a forbidding!
manner, or by more pointed reproof, if it should be necessary, discountenance
the profanity, or sneers, or unholy conversation by which the Christian, when
among strangers, is so often and so deeply pained. Much too may be done by
distributing, in an unostentatious way, religious tracts and books, and often a
single remark, of a kind and serious character, may have a very happy influence.
Christians every where should be like their Divine Master, going about doing
good.

©fcCtuarg.

Died, on the seventh of May last, in the sixtieth year of her age, Rachel, wife
of Dorrance B. Woodburn, a ruling elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church
in Bloomington. Mrs. Woodburn was a native of South Carolina, and in infancy
was recognised as a member of the church of Christ. By those who were most
intimately acquainted with her she was always regarded as a sincere and humble
Christian. About twenty years ago, she removed, in company with her family, to
this place, where she lias maintained a walk and conversation becoming the gos-
pel of that Saviour whose religion she professed. She has left behind her, both
here and in the south, many friends to mourn her loss, as well as a large family —
afflicted sorely by the dissolution of those ties which bind a wife to her husband,
a mother to her children — yet not repining at the dispensations of a wise and good
God, who doth all things well, knowing that to the godly to die is gain.

Sic to Jjufcltcatums.

The Everlasting Kingdom: a Discourse on the Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus

Christ. By John Black , D. D., Pastor of the First Reformed Presbyterian

Church, Pittsburgh. Pp. 32. 18mo.

It appears, by a notice prefixed to it, that this discourse was delivered at the
request of a number of persons among whom there existed diversity of opinion in
regard to the perpetuity of the mediatorial office. Dr. Black, standing in the front
rank of the theologians of Pittsburgh, and indeed of the whole land, was applied
to for an expression of his views. The present discourse was the result. As
might be expected, from the character of the author, it is a most able production —
presenting the scriptural doctrine on the subject with great perspicuity, and sus-
taining every point by the most conclusive demonstration. The discussion covers
two topics, namely, the nature of the mediatorial dominion, and its duration.
Under the former, we find some valuable and very seasonable remarks on the
authority of the Redeemer over the church, and also over the stale, which we
design to transfer to our pages as soon as possible. The whole discourse is
worthy of wide circulation and attentive perusal, and we hope all who can procure
a copy will do so. It should be in every family, as a standard for reference, on a
subject very interesting, but little understood.

The Boy and the Birds. American Sunday School Union. Pp. 222. lSwio.

This is a delightful little volume, which will fascinate the youthful reader; and
while it communicates interesting and valuable information about the feathered
tribes, inculcates important religious truth. A number of birds are represented as
■onversing with a little boy, giving him, in answer to his ’simple inquiries, infor-’
mation about their forms, habits, &e. We have seldom met with a book in which,
we think, a child would feel more interested.

Information for the People. By Robert Sears.' New York: Robert Sears.

Pp. 53d. 8 vo.

This work consists of a large number of short articles on a great variety of sub-
jects. The wood engravings are numerous and well executed. The tendency of
the entire work is excellent, and it forms an admirable repository of useful know-
ledge, presented in a very attractive form. It is emphatically a family book, and
should be in every household.