Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, January 18, 1874, Page 5

THE CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, IRV RELIGIOUS NEWS. A Cincinnatian on Chicago Christianity. . The Beligious Press on Things in General. Common Sense in Religion—How to Pray. 3 7 Meeting of the Chicago Presbytery--- Revival Matters, Personal Items---Religious Notes ~Services in the Churches To-Day. HOW CINCINNATI SEES CHICAGO. Cincinnati has been loolung at Chicago a5 re- focied from the spacious aud polished columns ofthe Heraldand Presbyter. Who the corre-’ fpoudent is o cauuot xaz, but “Obio” is thenum do plumo, from which it may bo mferred sbo writér is & “ foreiguer,” who gives his views . of thecity inthe order aud measure in which & leyimpresshim. We malio tho fallowing ex- tract: Whstever elec may bo eaid of this town, it cannot bs sid that church enterprise is lackmg, Whether it fakes the form of propagandism in planting, thick fows, church organizations, church miesions, ¢hurch bulldings, cburch geminaries, church Sabbath-achools, or the form of Carixtfan work in relief societics, poor gocieties, sociul societies, Teading societies, sewing Jocieties, soup societies, tract societics, Bible ocictios, {estival societies, or_the; form of sesociations, mims- {erial aseociation, Presbyterial associstion, . Baptist us- existion, Alethodist associatiou, Episcopal associstion, Frangelical association, Alliance association, lecturs weociztion, Chicago will parallel any city in the Bad for effort, for industry, und for results, If not go oot step further. The latier form of combized work- Iog has brokeu out recently with unusaal force. The hols curreut of things ecclesiastical eeem to run to concert and common counsel, All Christian churches {1l in with this stream. The mew city paper, the Al— Zuance, i~ but & eymptom of the movement, Whether 4l thif comes, £21 its new imretus, a8 o wave of the Forid's Alliance in New York, oz is really but a sign of the times, whick you no doubt recoguize in Cincinuati, 1815 doue hiere, 1 leave to the philosophers. dt in cer- {xin we are entéring a new ers of Christian work if not o Coristiun life. ne Huzley-Darwin materialism Is reacting on those skeptics in a way they had not forcseen, Their specu- Latiuns and dogmatic negations are awakening a wpirii- wl life and activity among Christian people and a combination of theif forces such as we hive not seen for ssores of years, It requires no prophet to eeo that, inthe eame generation in_which they were horn, zis these theorics of no-creation, soul-mmattcr, far away smorg the debris of - Volueyism and Tom Paneism t. Christian life is the smcug the forscken relics of the pas “Anciher festuro of Chicago getbering of crowds to some famous yreacher. Churci- T : §oing in Catcago, from wrat I bave been ut various times, 5 rather above the average of our citics, Any mun, of any creed, who has something to sa, can be sure of a followinig, and if he be of uncommon parts can besure of s lurge following. Quite a number of such here conld be pamed who rise Liesd and shouldera - sbove the common level of our city congregatious, THE RELIGIOUS PRESS. The city religious press 18 out with the vsual mount of varied interesting matter. Nosiugle gilver-thread yuns through all, but a wise miscel- Iany is foand in all the papers. The Alliance opens with an editorial on the “Mental Equality ¢f Society,” in which it is slated that the sermon is now listened to by sudiences a8 wise #8 ths preachers, the lecture isheard by thousands as learned as the lectarer, sed the newspaper is read by thousauds as learned as_the editors. Other editorials are givenon * Usefal Clergymen,” ** Common Sense I Religion,” * E. P. Goodwiu, D. D.," Liberty in Matters of Religion," ete. The following extract from the.article on “Common Senée in Religion ” is pointed and puogent, and_ought to go a longwaye in sdjust- ing the relations to religion of that particular commodity : Archbishop Whately has forcibly observed that the” eenenality of men hiave a strong predilection in favor i ints _touching siem of ruies ; but 16 who trusts to' un~ ‘* Personal ese by common senre, but he would scout the ides of avigating 2 ship by common eeuse, regardicss of the manms of nautical art, A physiclan will despiee, per- Rape, systems of political economny, and insist on the use of common senee in such matlers; but who ever heard adoctor’s trusung to common sense in the treat- mentof aiseases? The fact that every mun thus trusts 1o unassisted common sense only, where he has zothing else 1o trust to, and_invariably resorts to the ciples of science orthe rules of'art whepever he- 2 ingwledge of them, proves couclusively that mankind’ universally prefer, whether consciously or not, systematic knowledge to conjectural opinions, I thld is true of all other spheres of thought and action, wby should theology be an exception 7 ‘We bave epoken uf some errors into which common tepso bas led mankind, We might add to them somo &f the common sense views in political economy which once universally prevaiied ; such ae, that war benefits » ation,—thst & national debt is a national biessing,— Lhata nation is rich in proportion to the amount of go:d tthas,—thatit isadvantageous to 3 nation to export mors yoods in value than 1t imports,—that it is a bad poiicy tar a people 10 buy goods where It can get them chieap- ret.—that ependthrifts are s blessing to a community becaue they *help to circulate moner,” etc., ctc, tn conclusion, we would ask those who 80 modeatly <im o take only * broad, commonssente views ” of religion, What js common sense? Whose common sense ds the standand of truth? Isit thutof Dr. Clarke, or that of Christ ? uneducated disciples ; or, L2t of “the educated Christian judgment,” zs Dr, C. declares in one part of Lis book; or that of tho 'J' t ! sverage mind of Christendom,” as he declares in an- oher, which is certainly not very favorable to Gni- larianism ; or, {8 it & common sense that is very, un- common?' Is religious truth o thing of majorities, ;n;luh;\'n wenoother touchsione than a counting of The Adoance treats on Dr. Strauss’ *Con- fessions ™ under the suggestive caption Terri E‘i’n Dry; " S8 fhe “Fil and e The laster, says tho e g be filial, large in its desires, uniting beart with beart, epringing from personal union with Christ, igspired sbr God's I:!piri!, and always in sname. It closes ad follows : 0 believer, larn how to pray! Solve this great prctica problem 80 that son cap ack what you- will 22d bave what you ask. The suints of old were not fpechal saints, but men “ of like passions 7 with our- sdves, The powers of nature aud the events of Prov- i may e at our disposal. What “ greater worky ¢ freaibsn Christ himeclf did may we perform by the i bilpof the'Spirit. We need nover bo disappointed in i 0w God. liowure lest you bLe lnckingin the faith mhlch & luok for mighty and immediate mmmfla. | Penotimpationt of the epiritual conditions which ife Doées for pecfectly successful praver. The prayer of falth s “ gave the ick,” and why zot the sinful, e sorrowful, the vicious, the hardened and sban i?fl! New and yet mors gloriups answers to prayer et us schieve in this new year of vur Lord. !hn’ Northwestern Christian Advocate ¢ wants m{('hmh %0 cducate.” All churches, fays the % fllior, ghoud apply themsclves to this ques- yMhedsrmsy come when in younger States the r.i"""h“ may consent to euppori in common one in- Zathan; bt we guess we will not press thus point y mmer e rensille enough in sparse neighbor- s tetoncentrate upon ono place of worship, Now, pomerer, we hope they will mako common cause 3 it tecular, which s but another Bate for dis- Hined sati-Curistian, cducation. Study, under tho ¢ of teachers who give allegiance t0 Gul, is not * Cr parlial, since na culture is broad and lberal 7 es Daits into Pantbeism, and that coutem- Fatee Natures Hn0Gog, T Eg od on ihe theory that perbops Neturo food e denominations bave becu mutually Hclons md jealous long emough. Let them now I, Samet thelr more formidable and more real T We have long had o Natioual Edueational Con- Ciriy At us now have a National Couference of who in such a presence need not Is lest they eball be suspected of n Teache: ore fundamens s, “achies “itliat ‘God is 3" that thers is ouly ono L o e is extramundane ; that He isa Hnm.n person ; that Jeaus Christ is God ; the {3 Ghost is God; after whiéh follow oxpan- i of the Sabellian and Atkanasian doctrings, clozing as follows : It 18 said that the subject is of no.grest practical ;flm,_ 160, i8 a grave mirtake. Tuls is a funda- 1mm octrine. Sin 1s the violation of God's law Fyoour need of jardon. Lardon muet be preceded ZPomtistion. The propitiaticn % made by Christ; give it value, Clirist uust be divine. The ai: of Curirt proves thedoctrine «f the Trinity. Bl &ze ¥lo deny the Trivity dugy ity deny that Christ made on atouement, and e hat e s euch 3 violation of God's lzw, that it i God's wrath and cusse to all eternity. tay0ctrites of Scripturo are so elated that, if wo e Tiinity, we part compeny with the Gospel, e Slandard’s leader is on the ** University deny, 38 2 rule, the Deity e gucago,” followed by “The Wouderul 1o stigpoommon " aud the “New Spanish Revo'n- ooy, 02 the ¢ Close-Communion™ subject editor saya : p T ommunion at the Lord's table ncither makes { ool felivwship, The break of fellowship isthe colztion of separate churches, Pecotsptist {Eayues hiave no_more fellowship among (heseives i Inerior contains a throo-column editorial The Tronity."” which claims tuat_the Biblo Py they Lave with Baptist churches. Methodists et for instance, are Do nearer to- S than Baptista and Presbyferins, Open-Com- 1o oon Baptists are bound to ths Pedcbaptist world Tare frza) ‘Close-Comum ly than the union Baptists. So long as thero are scparats dsnominat must be and will be 2 break of fellowsbip. df:;n:? oo asked, Why areBaptists 60 rigid on the communion question? " In reply, we say it ix our standing protest against the perversion of the Gospel ordinance of bap- tiém, in respect to the preper subjects of baptism and :p::nx;:? O dministertog e ordinance; and our stimony in of I respect of all that he has ordunu‘;.y.ny el o CIIICAGO PRESBITERY. A pleasant and barmonious session of the Chi- cago Presbyters was held in their roomsin the AleCormick Block last Monday mormng. * The Rev. Dr. @Iun.ll. pastor of the Higbiund Park Presbyterinn Church, presided, and Dr. Swazey offered the opening prayer, after which the roil was called and tho rollowing persons aunswered : R. W. Patterson, D. D., E.L.Hurd, D.D., J. . Trowbridge, M. M. Wakeman, E. R. Davi J. McLeod, Archur Swazey, D. D. D.m;x!.' Darrett, D. S, Jobnson, Wood J. Hdrrigon, L. H. Reid, Sring, J. B. McClure, ‘W. C. Young, B. B S. Bly, A. E. Kittrodge, A. H. Deane, T. A. s l’nt’ton. A. McCalla, J. H. Walker, C. Wisner, C. L. Thompeon, Caarles Elliott, D, D., Arihur itebell, J. M. Farris, U, D. Gulick, and G. C, Noyes. William McGregor, from the Ashland Avenue Presbyterian Church; O. Baird, from Peotone ; and H. Wood, from the First Presby- terian Churcb, Chicago, were presont as lay dele‘:xtc‘s. The Committco on the ‘8t. Ann Church” was continued, and that appolnted to lock after the case of the Rev. J. K.. Wilson recommended that he be given aletter to tho Presbytery of New York, which was lost, and tho matter postponed until nesxt spring. The Rev. Dr. Kendall, of New York, Secrotary of the Board of Home Missions, was present, and, boing called upon to address the body. said it was . question whetier or nos the Chicago Presbytery was doing cnough for tho Board. It was a query whether Chicago bad not better under- take to do its own work. He am one that admit- ted the pre-emincnce and importance of the miseionary work hero, and 1t was perhaps positie for them to raise all the money they needed and do all the work. Wero the churches doing el they could ? The Board, when they sav such & city ss Chicago calling for nid, amsked = how was it ,that such cities could not do their own work. The Board would need $300,000 this year. Unless thoy get legacies they might como short. Dr. Cuyler's church in Brooklvn, had fallen off in its contributions; 60 had Dr. Hall's, of New York City. Ho came to Chicago with something of alarm for the work of the year. Whatever Chicagoans might do, the DBoard sliould do the best it could for Chicago and the ‘whole country. At the closc of Dr, Kendall’s remarks {he fol- lowing was adopted : Riesolred, That, baving heard with such interest the Rev. Dr. Kendali uron the affuiré of the Boord of . Home Missions, which he represents, thia Presbytery make a most earnest effort ta raise ae promptly a8 pos- eible and pay iato the treasury of thut Board the sum apportioned to it by the Synod, viz., $5,000 ; and fur- ther, that we appeal to our church to contribute the amount equal to that drawn by the Presbytery from the Board of Home Missicns. The Rev. James M. Mitchell, a member of Prof. Swing's church, was assigned lu trial ex- ercisés, preparatory to licensuro by the Presby- tery next spring. After which the body ad- journed. o v BEVIVAL INTERESTS. Tho Alliance states that the religious interest throughout the city is incressing. The system of * Fellowship Meetinge " inaugurated among tbhe Presbytoriens, god held in the various churches of that body this week, bas provena real blessing. They have furnished a glorious opportunity, not only for imparting and receiv- iug important truth, but also for pastors and members to know more of each other, and espe- cially for smaller churches to come in contact witls and receive more sympathy from the larger churches. We note with pleasure the unusual religious _interest now being manifestd in the Second Baptist, Centenary Methodist, Fifth Presebyterian, and otber churches. Services in a number of the churches will, no doubt, be con- tinued another week. & Ten additions were made to tho North Star Baptist Church last Sunday. There_wero four additions to the Ashland Avenue Presbyterian Ciurch last Sunday. Three persons werg baptized at the Union Park Daptist Church last Sunday evening. The meet- ings continae. There is considerable religious interest in the Evanstop Baptist Church, where meeting have been held for two weeks. The meetings in the Fullerton Avenue Pres- byterian Church this week hove been largely attended, and there is considerable religious interest. Interesting relizioun services were held in the Evanstoa Presbyterian Church on Tueeday, Weanesday, and Thureday. evenings this week, Twenty-two additional members were received Iast Sunday. A temporance revival is reported at Wheaton where success{ul prayer-meetings are being held in some of the ealouns. Tho Bethany Congregationnl Church re- ceivedeleven new membera ut itslast communion. This church, which” for several years, owing to a combination of causes, s been in 4 Janguish- ing condition, is now quio flounshing, noder tho efficient manrgement of its pastor, the Re. A. V. Bill. The resnlts of tho week of prayer wera fully s grest, in proportion to the mem- bership of the church, ns thoso of any city chureb, and the earnestness still continues. The Methodist Episcopal Preachers’ Meeting was more largely attendod on Monduy Jast than for some weeks past, Leports were given by all the pastors, summing up the spirit and results of the ©\Weck of Prayur.” In most of tho churches a revival spirit prevails. (n some of them large numbcrs bave been converted and added to the church. Centenary charge is_en- joying & most gracious_ rovival under the labors ot Dr. Deck. Nearly 100 have been admitted to ‘membership in tho church since New Year's. Interesting rovivals are in_pragress at Coal Valley, Now Boston, Lavia, Rock lIslnod, Mat- toon, and many othier places in Illinois, At the izst-named point 190 have united u‘:égh the Moth- odist Church since the resivalcomm enced. CENTEAL CHBISTIAN CHUBCH OF GUICAGO. Qn the 15th day of Septomber, Y873, n few eammost disciples, ubout twelve i nujber, cov- eusuted with ono another to begiu Jthe twork, and wids the blessing of God build up here a% the very centre of this great city s Ghnstian church, The organization, despite mlny un- towsrd circumstances, by mnch bard work and self-sacrifice, bas already gawned 8 firm footing, and now numbers over 100 members. On:“Suu- day, Dec, 2, tho cougregation, with George G- Muifins, Desty G. Stover, of Denver, and itlder W. W. Eaton, of the First Christian Clurch of Chicago, as ministers of The Word—solcmuly ordained Elders and Deccons for tho Chnreh, The members are onc in love—one in ambition, and opeina firm resolve to doall that they possibly can do to push forward the great work to which, under Divine Providence, they fnve been called. The Elders are Messrs. Thomas Hodge, J. M. Cyrus, A. B. Fenton, W. S. Ellis. Their bouse of worship is that formerly occu- pied by tho Jefferson Park Presbyterian Church (Dr. Pattereon) on Adams Etreet, east-of ‘Liroop, where services aro held every Sunday at 10:30 a. m. and 7:30 p. m. A NEW GLRMAN METIODIST CHURCH EDIFICE. Tho German Methodists of Chicago have just completed a finé chureh edifice; 60x100 feat, bo- cated on the cormer of VauButfen street and Fourth avenue. Substantially it is after the pian of the First Mothodist Chburch, comer of Ciatk apd Washington strects, with the first fluor devoted to stores, the sccond to offices, aud the third and fourth to the church, Sunday-school and class-rooms. Theaudience-room proper_is 50175 feet, with a seating capacity of 350. - Tho scats are of cherrywood, srranged semi-gircu- larly. The entire cost is sbout £40,000. This \eat work is larzely due to the pastor, the Ber. &% Lacbor, wao has bad the whols matter in cliarge from its inception to itecompletion ; and £o whom, along with the German_population of the city, it stands as a greas credit. 1o addition 1o the church structure, the Socicty owns forty feet immediately west of the building, on which there stands a two-storv business block, the in- come of which will belong to the chuch. Al that is received beyond the necesgities of this individual church will be devoted to the inter- ests of Methodist Church exteusion in the. city and conference. This is said to be tho firss German Methodist church edifice erccted in the countyy. 1t is well Lhat it is a good oue. ¢ PERSONAL. : The Rev. A. W. Colver, of Elgin, has been called to a church in Hopkivsville, Ky. It is understood bo accepts, and enters at once on the new fietd of labor. - Tho Rev. A. J. Frost, pastor of the University Placo Baptiet Church, has much reason to_bo enconraged jn his work in_that Society. Tho pews of his church rented by suction at a large premium oncevening last week. The Ttev. W. H. Holmes is anccessfully look- ing after Methodist matters in Cornell, where ho has recently organized a church and Sunday- &chool. S ov. W. T. Abbott, of tho Washington 133:: B adist. Church, New York City, has beon visiing Chicngo. The .Adrocale saya: «1ye will have him ont heré yet; see if wo do Dr. Kendall dddreseed the students of the Presbytorian Theological Seminary last Mondsy, and promised all who wére qualified to preach the gospel employment during vacation. Bichop Harris, now abroad, has been sppoint- ed a delegate to the British and Foreign Bible Society. NOTES. At the noon prayer-meoting last Monday, & stranger arose sud attempted to deliver atirade against the Chicago churches, which, in response to the cries of the poor for bread, this stranger £aid, wore giving a ** stone.” Ho was t ouce cor- rocted by several geutlemen present, who ssid the Chicago churches wore meking every possi- ble effort to asgjst the poor. THE INDEPENDENT NOT SOLD. Tho religious world, a few days azo, was sur- prised by the announcement that the New York Independent had been gold by its publisher, Henry C. Bowen, to Dr. Talmage, and that this gentlemsn would consolidate the paper with the Christian at Work. 3 note just received from the proprictor of the Independent states = There is no trath whatever in the reports published in the daily papers that the Independent hss been sold. No change whatever has occurred i its proprietorship or editorial management, and thers is 1o prospect of any, ‘It i3 troe, howsver, that scveral very fiattering and nnsolicited proposals’ to purchzse tho paper hyve rocently been made, from highly-respectable parties ; bat they have all been declined. At a recent meeting in St. Lonis, Mr. Ham- " mond called upon all who were converted before thoy were 14 years of age to rise, Fifty-six per- eons at once responded. On another occasion it was sunounced: * Lot every one who has any- thing to thank God for, this morning, arise and do it heartily,” when a large number arose, each one making some remarks. Mesers, Moody and Sankey are doing a great work in Scotland. The revival in Edinburgh con- tinues with increasing interest. A foreign ex- change states that The evening mectings in the third week of the move- ‘ment wero licid in the Froe Assembly Hall, and in the Establisbed Caurch Assembly Hall, now occupied as the church of tho Toolboth ~parisk. The meetiugs in both places were crowded evezy night, the numbers of inquirers increased, and many were led to give them~ eelvea to Ciardst, On o recent Sunday morming, Mr. Moody preached to young men in the Free Assembly Hall, at 9 o'clock. The place was filled to overflowing, admission being by ticket, and the vast audience was deeply moved by the scrmon. At the close of the service, & gentleman stood up and appealed to Mr, Moody for unother etfort among the young men, . Mr. Moody said that those present would work to get up another meeting for un- converted youg men, ho would ad them ; and he asked those who were willing to work to stand up, The whole audience stood en masse, and the second meeting was held on Friday. Sunday even- ing was a remnrkable time of blessing. The Free As- sembly Hall, the Established Assembly Hall, and the Free High Church, weroall filled to overfiowinz, and Freo 8t. John’s almost filed, All denominationaf dif- ferences were_forgotten. Drof. Charteris_spoke in o Freo Church, Prof, Blatkie spokein the Established Church, and’ brethren from all parts of the country came_Logether in the unity of a common need aud & commonSavior, Only those who understand the denominational position in Scotland can appreciate the significance of this fact, . ELSEWNERE. The Episcopialinns are rustsining 33 Home Missionaries in Michigan, who hold services in 62 different places. There is to be a mew Episcopal Cathedral Church at Ediuburgh, tbo cost of which will ex- ceed £65,000. The late Miss Walker, of Cogtes, left tho monoy for the purpose. The St. Louis Democrat states that the rel- gions inzerest in that city is_increasing daily. Mr. Hammoad is there, and will hold meetings to-day in the Mercantile Library Hall. The revivalist has the co-operation of the city clergy and the press. MR, LINCOLN'S RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES, To the Edutor of The Chicago Tribune: Sim; There haa beea a great deal of discussion ately regarding the raligious priuciples of the Iate Jr. Lincoln, which, in my opinion, is very much out of place. MMr. Herndon's lefter in to- day's TnInoNE is all very well, as he is merely supporting his character for veracity. which has been called in question. But the question of Mr. Lincoln’s religions beliof was a very un- seemly ¢ne to bring up in the first instance, and is one with witich the public of America have no:hing whatever to do. This country recognizes no religion; as a pa- tion, it bas no religion; but, very wiscly, per- muts every individual to bow at whatever ehrine may scomn good to bim; interferes with nobody’s privato opibione, as long as he Leeps them to himsclf, aund 'does mot try to force them on his neighbors; and asks mno one how the account stands betwcen his God and him.,, It only makes laws for our gmd- snce in our mutusl relatious towards each otler, 2nd these laws we are called upon to obey; it commands us all, as men ard citizens, to do ro aod s0; but, with our relationship with God, the spintual world, aud eteraity, it disclaims all counection, and leaves us at perfect liberty to pursue whatever course wo will, 8o long 83 it does not interfero with some right or privilege of others ; and bereiu lies the greatest wisdom. Ta choosing our public servants, we do not ask them whether they be Pagan, Jow, or Gentile, or how thewr account stauds in- the Heavenly Recorder's oftice ; we ask, Ara they good citi- zens ?—will they uphold the laws, and endeavor 1o preserve, in their intogrity, the constitutions of tho countrj # Here wo stop, and, with their conduct as good citizens, all their responsibility to us ends. ~ Further than this we have no right to wquire, and any further intorference, on our part, would bo highly impertinent. Suppose George Washington bad been an infidel, would he have baca less great, or would his cLeracter have becn less noble, on that account ? The world, indeed, might have in- dulged its morbid curosity in dissecting all the fibres of his spiritual ~apatomy, and, with Pharisaical pity, denicd him entranca into its + Happy Hunting-Ground " in the great ** lere- after.” But, mfidel or not, his chances of future bliss would be just the same to overyone but tho particular scct ho happeued to belong to, if we nl]zi.‘l' the question ot religion to be entertained at ull. Religion is the science of the spiritual world,— ascienco that lcads to something above ond. beyond our mere material exisrence, and nssumes a rotationship and compact between the Govern- ing Power that rules the vaet ‘unseen woild” and the epiritual priuciple that actuates our— gelves; and our manner of conformivg to its laws is a matter entirely between that Power and ourselves, and with which the outside world has nothing to do. What right, then, have we to enter the sanc- tuary of n mau's conecience, zud tear out the records of his inner life, and exhibit them to the public gazo? His relationsbip to the State snd society may, legitimasely, be made a subje~t of discussion; but bis rclationship to his God is a matter with which wo have nothing to do. If he Das been & good citizen and law-abiding membar of society, 1z is all that we require; and it 18 gross 1impertinence to inquire further. Now, with regard to the Lincoln controversy, it may be a porsonal matter besween Mrs. Lins coln, Alr. lerndon, and ono or two_others; but L must protest against the essumption that it 1y of suy importanca to the American public, and I hope we have heard the last of it. The Ameri- can public do Dot eata ano jot what particu- lar ‘bulief, or set of belicts, Mr. Lincoln en- tertained. or what were his religions tonets. His chncacter 28 2 citizen, 85 o states- map, and as o man, is well knowa Lo the world, and needs no eulogy or embellighigent from any ove. Itisstamped on the evon: ong which be lived; aud ounly when those cveuts are for- gotren shall his name cease to be revered. Obly second to that of Washington is the namo of Lincoln in the hearts of our pfloEle, and ono of tho grandest landmarks in the- bis- tory of ‘our country is tho figuro of this grand old man stemming the furious waves that wore sweeping away our Constitution,—our presiizo 23 g nation. He died in_the midst of his glory and usefulocss. Why, then, is his memory dis- turbed by this paliry controversy, the result of which is not of the slightest importance to us one way or the other, sd van bave no bearing on his character 23 & pabiic man ? Cuicaco, Jan. 16, 187: JaxEes Cassmor. SPIRITUALISM VS. MATERIALISM. . To e Editor of The Chicago Tribuna : Sm: Tho criticism of ** Truth-Secker,” in your last Sunday’s issne. upon the lecture of Gen. Stiles, is a represeatative specimen of that peculiar and queer sort of logic engendered by faith. If the doctrino of immortality is to be established by such forced deductions as this last attack upon Materjalism has bronghe to light, thero is but little hopo of malang mtelligent proselytes for the army of believers, The writer of tho criticism in guéstion prides himself upon the fact of being a Jawyer, and hie should consequentls prove him- self o disciple of ccumon seuse and an advocate of the maxim: that fact alome, and not hy- thesis, wmust be the basis of credible testi- mony. But, in spite of his cultured, legal mind, he permits facts and faocies to dance ebout his argumeut in bewilderiny confu- sion. He attempts to convince Gen. Stilos of tho irath of Spiricnalism by assd'ming promises which do not exist, and by confounding tho na- ture of reliablo evidence, based upon facts, with the undefined and indefinavle character of al- leged spiritusl mavifesiations. Tho attempt is, of course, an_unmitigated failure. Here is a specimen of his logic: ‘Suppose you and I shouid meet st tho bar, o 8 given case_which s not tmprobable ke this for example: A man {8 arraigned for murder. Iam his counsei,— you the prosecuting attorney. You call one lone wit- Dees, “credibloand competent,” who testifies, posi- tively, that he was present, and the tlio prisoner at the bar take a revolver from his pock- et, that e easw and heard him cock it, and place the ‘muzzle ot the head of the man and fire,and that the man fell dead in Lis tracks, Now, to rebut the testimony, T bring ten men, good and true, all of whom kwear, positively, that they were in the neighborhood of the ‘melce, but did not see the prisoner at the bar ehoot the unfortunate mon, What would you,and the Court, and the jury, and everybody else, think of me as a lawyer if T should stand up and urge the testimony of tlic noble ten as proof enough that the prisoner at the bar did ot ) tho man & question? - Whateser tho parties might think of me, it s very plain as to what the Court and jury wonld thick of the two classea of festimony given. The testimony of the one lono wituess s to what he see would overbalance the testimony of the ten as to what they did not see. 5o, it Beema to me, you stood before a Jury (your nudience Sunday cveniig) as a witness, and wimply testified to what you do not know, while there are “many pure.-minded and intelligent men and wo- 1mon "—yes, General, even thousands of them now liv- ing—whio are ready fo testify, and do testity, modestly snd thankfully, every day, that they know that, “Though a man die, yot shall he live again.” Really, this seems_very liko an unanswerable argument. It was_ doubtless intended as such by the writer, and, after tho first perusal, we are alraost tempted to exclaim with the student in Faust: I feel as stufid, from all you've said, As if o mill-whoel whirled in my head ! And yet is it not absurd and extremely pro- sumptuous to requiro us to admit that a Spirit- ualist, teetif_nn[i' to supernatural communications betweeu bhimself and his friends beyond the grave, is entitletl to the same credit which a wit- Tess may claim who swears to o nalural fact ? This, ond this only, is the very pith and 'marrow of the ludicrous proposi- tion of * Truth-Seeker." In answer to this proposition, I submit that tho shooting and the conscquent death are things within the limits of well-known patural Jaws. Spiritual communica— tions, howover, are simply operations of occur- rences not within the scope of the powers of XNature, positively ascercained and establisued. ‘The form can be demonstrated * ad oculos " to allmen; tho latier are_believed to exisy by s fow men only, who mistake their suppositions Tor _ positive knowledge. An right here is the difference betweon the nature of the proof produced by Materialism and the evidence sought to be introduced by Spirituahsts, Lot us 1lustrate the distinction by a practical example: If **Trutb-Seeker” should inform me that Le lad witnessed a runaway on sny of tho streots of Chicago, I shouid = beliove bim, because I know that horses cau run, aud that carriages may be broken : but, if he sbould ask me to crodit’ the statement that he had scen a horse o1 a carriaze rased twenty feet high in mid-air without any visiblo physical agency whazover, I should take the lberty to douot the vermcity of the gentloman, though his credibility as a mau sud o brother “stood unimpeached and un- impeachable. The laws of gravity cannot thus casily be sbolished. ‘They would not permit me to believe the wonderful story of **Truth-Seek- er™; at least not until I wes personally favored with 8 clear and unobatructed view of the mir- scwous mid-air performance. And here, 1 re- peat, lies the distinction between sctual proof admissible on tie tral of any question submit- ted to the judgment of impartial and intelligent men, and the alleged evidence vouched for by Spiritualists ; and, in the name of common jus- tice and common sense, I protest against con- founding the ono with the other, and thus placing fact and Lypothesis on a par, E.J. SERVICES TO-DAY. EPISCOPAL. The Rev, J. ¥, Walker will preach morning snd evening at Calvary Church. Morning subject ; * The Lessous of. the Epiphany Season.” —Tue Rev. H. . Van Deusen’ will preach morning and evening at the Church of the Holy Communion, —Taere will be full cathedrad services morning and evening at the Cathedral of §S. Peter and Paul, —Tné Bev. H. J. Petrie will presch morning and evening at the Church of Our Savior. —Tue Kev, Francis Mansfield will officiate at the Church of thie Atonement at the usual hours, —The Rev. Dr. Locke wili preach morning and even- ing at Gruce Church. —Tho Dev. Edward Sullivan, D.D., will preach morning and evening at Trinity Clhurch. Morning subject: * Water Turned Into Wine.” —The Rev, H. N, Powers, D. D., wiil conduct the ex- f the Ciurch Guild at 3 o'clock this afternoon in the Methodist Charch Biock, —The Rev. Dr. Stocking will preach morning and evenng ut tiie Church of the Epipbany. ~Evening sub- ject, * Falschood ; its Methods and its Alischiefu.” —The Rev, 1L G, Perry will preach morning sad evening at Al Suints? Ciiurch, —The Rev, G. C, Street will hold services in St. ¢ 11, No, 30 State street, at 9:30, 10330, 1:30, 40, and %:30 o'clock, —The Bev. Arthur Brooks will preach morning and evening ut St. James Coured.,. —The Rev. Dr. Warren _#ill, preach morning and evening nt St, Mari's Church, ¢ Tho Rev. il. N. Poweis will officiste a8 usual at St, Jobu's Curch, BEFORMED EPISCOPAL, The Rt.-Rev. Clarles E. Cbeney will preach at Christ Church ; tu the moraing on “The Lowt Sheep and ita Leeeons to Wanderers ;™ in the evening on *A Ques- tion that Needs an_Answer.” METUODIST EPISCOPAL. The Rev.J.L. G. bcKown, D, D., will preach morning and evening at the Wabash Avenue Church, Eyeniag subject, to young mea 3 * The Qualiies tha o —The Rev. J. 0. Peck will preach morning ana " evening gt the Centenary Church. Evening subject : Wy New Joy in Heaven ! = —The Rov. S, McChesney will preach morning and evening st Trinity Church, on Indiana aveuue, near Twenty-fourtli sircet. 5. —The Rev. A. Youker will preach this evening at tho Western Avenue Church ou * The Life of Juu.” Revival meetings will bebeld every evening during the weck, —The Rev, Dr. Thomas will preach morning and evening ut the First Church. —The Rev, A. J. Scott will preach at the Riverside Chapel at 3 oclock this afternoon, —The Rev. P. Linncrs will preach morning and evening at Immanuel (German) Church. PRESBYTENIAN. The Rev. David J. Burrell mill preach morning and evening at Westminater Courch, Morning suoject : “'Fhe Voico of tuc Beloved ; Bebold He Cometh.” —Theliev. W. W, NeKaig, D, D,, will preach morn- ing and ovening at the Niuth Church. Evening sub- Jject: * Tue Goal of Thought,” —The Lev. A. E. Riitredge will preach at tha Third Church ; ia the morning, on * Our Covenant- in the cvening, on “ Naaman, the , and His Miraculous Cure.” —There wiil bo services as usual this evening at tho Camptel Park Mission, —The Boy. James Harrison will preach morning and evening at the Tenth Church, —The Rev, Ben E. S. Elywill preach moining and evening at Grace Chur —Tho Rev, Mr. McCleers, of the Irish Presbyterian Church, wiil preach morning and evening at the Scotch Presbyterinn Church. —Tho Bev. Arthur Swazey, D, D., ‘of the Ashland Avenuo Courch, will presch this morning in the Swezcnborgian Clhiurch, on Washington street, near Union Park, —Prof. Swing will preach this morning st the Fourth Church, —The Rev. Charles L; Thompeon will presch morn- ing aud evening at tho Fiith Chureh, ‘hie Mtev. J. A. Walter will preach morning and eveniug ot tn¢ Lisunion Church. —Tge R:7, U. D. Gualick will preach ag usual at the American Réformed and Jefferéon Paik Church. CONGREGAIIONAL. The Rov. L, T. Casmberlain will preach morning and evening at tue New Engiznd Church. —Tne Rev. Albert Busnell will preach morning and evening at the Leavitt Strect Courch. —Tue Rev. C. D. Lchucr will preach morning and eveniug at tho Union Park Chircu. —he Rov. W. A, Bartlett will preach morning snd eveniny at Piymouth Church, —Tue Rev. Jumes T, Hyde will presch morning and evening at thie Oakland Church. —Tiae Rev. John Bradshaw will preach morning and evening at the Clinton Strect Church, PAFTIST, Tae Rev. G. W. Nortwrup, D. D., will preach this evening at fue Ashiand Avenus Courch. —Tuz Lev. W. W, Escrts, D, D., will preach thls moziiug at the Flret Caurch.’ Gospel-meeting in the evaniug. _ —The Rev. W, V. Eserts, Jr., will preach this morn- icg, aud tic Re¥, Dr. Everts this cvening, at the Indiana Avesua Caipe —Tbe Rev. A. J. Frost will preach morning snd evening at the Tniversity Placo Church. —1Ine Rev, F. A. Dougias, of Lebanon, Obio, will preach morning and cvening at the Michigan Avenue Clurch. The eveuing suvject is * Remuniscences of Ihindoo Life and Custome.” ~The Lev. N. F, Ravlin will preach at the Temple Church; in the morning, on “ The Nuture and Record of Tnbelief;” in the evening, on * The Faith We Preach.” —The Bev., T. W, Goodspeed will preach this morn- ing, and the Rev, E, J. Gowdapeed, this evening, at the Second Caurch. m after the evoning sernon, —Tacre will bo Baptist preaching at the Pablic Hall at Hyde Fark, this morning. John Gordon will preach morning and even- g nt the Western Avenue Courch. Daptism after the evening sermon. TNTTADIAN. Tne Rev. Robert Coliyer will preach morning and eveiiag ot Unity Churchi, —The Rov, Minot J, Savage will preach a children's sermon this morning at the “fuird Church ; subject, “God, Our Fatber;" evening subject, * Finding by aing.” —Tho Rev, C. V7. Wendto will preach this morning at the Fourth Caurch; evening lecture by Prof. W, H. Holington on * Wit 8 Bund fan Saw ip Egypt." —Ths Rov. Laird Collier will presch at the Chiurch of the Meesiah, in the morning, on * Shall Ministers Tell ‘Their Congregations the Whole Truth?” in the evening, on “Gooll Society,"—an address to Foung men, TNIVERALIST. The Rev, W. A, Start will preach this evening at Murrcy Chapel on * Recognition of Frieads in Heavew.” No morning service, —The Rev. J. E. Forrester will presch morning aad evening at the Church of the Redeomer. MISCELLANEOUS, pThe Ret. A 3. Jutkina will address the Womsns orelgn Alfasio ety this evening at the A Stree M. E, Cuurce, . —The Rev. A, G. Lansing will preach mornlog snd grening at the Irving Fark Americea Reformed —~There will ba a meeting at the Railway Resding— Rbom tn tho Michigan Sonthern Depotat 4:30 o'clock this fternoon. —There will be 3 Friends' Meeting this morning in the Methodist Church Bl evening’; subject : “ Conversion 1n ilia Light of the Bible," s —The Primary Council No. 1, of Iinois U, A, §, mests st Union Hall at 10:30 o'clock and 4 o'clock, Morning lecture by H. F. Allen on *The Need of Reform ;" afternoon, by ¥ §. Replogle, on ** The Ixsues of tho our.” ., —The Rev. J. B. Hibbard will preaah this morning at New Church Hall, aud at 3:30 o'clock this afternoon at Union Purk Temple. Afternoon subject: “ How Jesus Christ is Received.” * —Tho ive Lyceum meets at 12:30 o'clock at Gooa Templar'a Hall, —Dr, John Stolz, Vice-President of tho2'res Religious Soclety, will lecture this evening at the hzllon the cor- mer of Rndolph and Jofferson streets, Subject : 4 The Gateways of Knowledge.” The First Society of Spiritaalists will nicet morn- ing aud evening at Grow's Opera Hall, —Tbe Rev, J. H, Leonard will preich moining and evening in ‘tho Mariner's Temple, 8 new seamen’s mission building on tho northeast corner of AMarket and Michigan streets, —The Rev. C. D, Noble will_preach-this morning at Murray Chapel, Subject: * Eifjah at Sarepta.” —The Dev. H, Reck will preach morning and even- {ng at the Englizh Lutheran Church. — 3. Thomas Wilson will lectura this evenfhg at the Ball on the northwest corner of Loke and Seymour streets. Subject: * Tho Iarsclites—Theik Rust.” CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK. EPISCOPAL. Jan, 18—8econd Sundsy after Epiphany. BOMAN CATHOLIO. Jan, 18—8econd Sunday after Epiphany; Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. Jan. 19-8t, Caunte, K. M. St Martus snd Comp., Jan, 20—88, Fabian and Sebastian, M, Jan, 21—8t. Agues, V. 3. Jan, 22—S8. Vincent and Anastasia, MM, Jan. 23— Espousala of the B. V. 3L, and 8t Joseph; St. Emerentiana, AL Jan. 24—$t. Timothy, B, 3, —_— PERSONAL. Calgb Cushing had ove vote, in the Virginia Legislature, for United States Bcnator. —B. F. Arnold, of Galesburg, Ill., attends tho National Cheap Transportation Convention, at Waspingtou, as a farmers’ delegate. —Judge Brent, of the Maryland Court of Ap- peals, is dangerously ill, and Judge Pearce, of the Maryland Supreme Court, has had his shonl- der dislocated. —Ex-Gov. Coburn, of Maine, has presented Somerset Couaty, in that State, with a £50,000 Court-House. —Tho +Preeident hes appointed George R. Peck, formerly of this city, and now a resident of Independence, Kan., to the office of United States District Attorney of tuat State, rendered vacant by the resignation of Scofield. Siuce he loft Janesville, Mr. Peck has been the attorney of the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston Road.—Janesville Gazelte. —Otis T. Ruggles, who has been Superinterd- ent of the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad for twenty-three years, has had a longer term of service in that capacity than any other railroad Superintendent in New Englend. ZThe Rev. Dr. A. A, Miner, of Boston, has docided to accept the labor assigned him by the General Convention of Universalists, and will leave for Californis, shortly, to further the in- terests of the denomination in that section of the country. —P. 8. Gilmore is going West on a concert tour witli the Twenty-second Regiment Band. —Commodoro Vanderbilt's next birthday will be bis eighticth. William B. Astor is very nearly ;l.m same age, and A. T. Stewart very little ess, —One of tho largest land-ownersin California is a lady—)Mrs. M. E. Pealo. Sho owos 173,065 acres. —Sepator Edmunds, whilo in Europe last spring and summer, canght what is called the “Amsterdam fever.” He has been in rather fee- ble condition ever since, and is rarely able to re- ‘main a whole day's session in tho Senata. —In the pocket of an old coat of Johds Hop- kins was found a will of Arundel Hopkins, de- ceased, his nephev, and it was yesterday filed for probate. ' It was made and duly suthenticat- ed in Paris, in March, 1872, and ecems to_havo been long carried in the coat-pocket of the uncle.—Ballimore American. —Cou. Robert E. Withers, tao Senator-elect of Virginia, is 53 years of age, of commanding stature and tenacions purpose. Before the War he was a phyeician With large practice. He com- manded the Eighteenth Virginia in the first bat- tle of Bull Run, aud at Gaines' Mills ho was desperately wounded in a charge upon the TUnion works. In more recent years ho bas edited the Lvochburg News. In 1868 he was npomiuated by the Demo- crats for Governor, but before the election (July, IEGER be was wihdrawn in favor of Gil- bert C. Wafker. Again, last year, he was a can- didate for the first place ob the ticket, and, being beaten for that, he was nominated for Lieutenant-Governor, and elected by 27,545 ma~ jority, or some hundreds more than Gov. Kem- er's. Col. Withers will continue to eerve as ieutenanc-Governor for more Lban & year yet, as bis term in the United States Scnate does not begin until March 4, 1875, and its practical daties will not begin until December, 1875. The con- test for tho Senatorial nomination was protract- ed through fifty-soven ballots 1n caucus. On the fifty-sixth ballot Withers had 43; R.JL T. Hunter. 43; and John Goode, 39; and Goode was dropped, under the rule. On the next bal- lot Withers had 69, and Hunter, 54 ———— A Russian Tragedy. The St. Petersburg (Folos gives an account of a domestic tragedy which reads likea play of Dumas the younger. "Soue yenrs ago a Russian ‘merchaat was staying down in the country at the house of a friend of his, in a town called Naro- jem. While there a lisison sprungup betneen him and & Russisn damsel, who is deecribed as Mile, D—. It lasted some time, and was kept rofoundly secret. Ultimately the merchant, 1. Tchikhatchew, went back to St. Potersburg. Ho settlod there and_married, aod was leadiog a very comfortable iife, when one fine morning ho “was disagreeably surprised by getting a note from his former flamo, Mile D. It was to this effect: *Dear J., I am going to marry your friend N—, at whose hLouse you were staying when I made youf acquaint- foce. What passed between us must be kept uiet. I need hardly say. I want you to come to the wedding aod give mo away.” JMr. Tehikbatchow complied with the request, gave the bride away, and went homo again. In July last, however, business called him to Narojen, where, of course, he saw bis old friend N—, who warmlv invited him to como over and-have some lunch. He unsugpectingly compiidd, But when Le had entered the dining-room, to his great astonishment, Mme, N— roso from her chair, went to the door. locked it, and put the key into bher pocket, and, addressing ber pre-naptial lover, coolly told him she must have an explanation . with him iu ber bLusband's presence. Tchikhatchew stood aphast. The lady, however, with the ’| moat imperturbable demcanor, gave an account of their past liaison, 1 which she described her- self a8 much more of a victim than Liad bean re- ally tho case, and called on Tehikbatchew to confirm tho truth of her stary. Ie could not, of course, zo into details, aud gave a genoral asseot. Aladame N— then proceeded: ~ “ You understand that the pastmust be wiped away and atoned for. You will find oo that table a dagger and a revolver. Ay husband and £ will leave the room. You, as s mao of honor, know what course to follow.” Tchikbatchew did not 8ee what course he had to follow save to leava the room too. But the lady stemnly rebuked bim, and informed bLim ~ that her honcr and’ ber husband’s peace of mind ro- quired that ho should commit suicide. Upon which she and her husband weat out, locking tho door after them. Tchikbatchew miraculously escaped, and rushed off to St. Petersburg, giv- ing out there that he was off to Paris. The irate conple rushed after him, and, after an excitiog chage, came up with their victim eacly in the resen: month. N— proposod a duel, and, on "chikhatchew protesting that be was not a fizht- ing man, rusbed at him with a kvifo and dealt him not_less than seven wourds, watle the amisble Madame N— twice discherged » ro- volver at him. Tchikhazchew bas since cied of his wounds, and his murderers bave been ar- rested. Thus runs this extraordinary tale. Tie Tmoral it suggests 18 8 very obvious one—** Where were the potice " B W — An Eyec to'the Profits. Anv old farmer, up to all methods for making & bargain, was very ill, and fricnds were expecting an early demisc.”His nepiow and 2 man hired for the occasion, butchered a sxcer that had been fattened, aud when tho job wae completed the nephew entered tae eick room, where o fow {friends were nssembled, when, to the astonish- ment of all, the old man opened his oyes, and, tarning his bead elightly, said, in = falt Yoice, drawling dut the words : ', ** What have you beea doing 2" ¢ Elling the stecr,” was the reply, “ What did you do with the bide 3 . “Left it inthe bam ; going to sell it by and “Let the boys drag it around the bam s couple of timea; it will make it weigh beavi- or. And the good old man was gathered unto his fathers. 5 FASHIONS. Furs-~-Seal, Ermine, Cony, Etc. ‘White An Elcgant Bridal Outfit -of Chicago Manufacture. The Absurdity of Wearing Towering Head-Gear at the Opera. The past week bas tanght us that, it Winter haa been dozing nearly all the time since his reign commencod, ho has the facuity of waking, up very suddenly and completels, and giving us poor mortals a taste of his power. We have had a perfect manifestation of that fact, and it has made THE FURRIER'S seem the Paradise where all our ideas of earthly bliss would find a longed-for confirmation. In a climato like tkis, furs are rather a necessity than a Juxwy; and, although Fashion reigns supreme here, a8 she does over every other por- tion of haman attire, still, were we sensible, wo would probably prefer being somowhat of o rebel to her rule than to suffer because we could pot indulge in whact she proclaimed to be the proper regalia. Even the coat of the predatory and night-lauding cat, whose peans of praisaare loud and intense, if not Nilssonish in their ef~ fect, might be found comfortable as a lining to an otherwise over-cool garment or to a chilly overshoe. As au outside wrap, of course they would not answer. Here the seal is pre-emi- nent, and any person who cannot have a.seal- skin eacque, costing from $100 upward, must FREEZE OB DE UNFASHIOSABLE. Of course, freczing would be prefersble; no one doubts that for a moment. Thia sacque, if vou can afford it, may be trimmed with beaver, Alaska sable, or placked otter,—preferably the latter, if your purse is long enough to permit 1t. . Seal sacques are offered at o much lower price, ‘but are not usually worth busing, as they are gen- erally of American dye, which, unfortunately as regards too many of our domestic manufactures, willl not stand the wear which foreign products do. American-dyed seal-skin fades and grows reddieh in bue. English colors keep their tint. This is but one among many instances which is the answer to the asual call from certain psendo- political economists, in times of financial dis- tress, to use domestic instead of foreign goods. When domestic manufactures can properly com- pete with those of other nations, then, and not nntil then, will they find favor with people who know the true valuo of what they buy, and who are well aware that the best and most reliable thing 18 usually g TIE MOST ECONOMICAL also. English-dyed seal-ukin seems, then, to be » desideratum. Wae find, also, caps for lsdies ranging from $12 up to $30, depending upon the Bize, quality, and make. Gloves for l=dies, with smail gauntlets, are sold at $12; while they are made fo order, with deep cuffs, liks thoso for gentlemen, at prices ranging from $20 to $30. Mufls and boas are still in favor. A very hang some set consista of cap, sacqua, boa and muff, or gloves, of seal-skin, trimmed with otter. The fancy of placing wings or ribbons upon fur caps is not in especially good taste, and. affects one like a solecism. ERMINE is only suitable for the carringe, or evening wear. Tt makes the most comfortable of opera-clonks, ana is a perfect protection from the cold air of the lobbies, evén when the mercury does no: fall below zero. It isin better keepiug also with light-carriage dresees ; but in imitation, or even iu the real article, is not suitable for the prome- uade, and in extremely bad taste when aired in the street-car or ’bus. WILTE CONY for children is in greater favor than ever, and the little ones look very comfortable clad eutire- Iy in therr Arctic robes. The sacques are tied back with brosd * sashes of ~blue-ribbon, and in somo cases sre made with 3 pointed hood to draw up over the head, giving the rising generation the appearance of super-refined Esquimanx. As tegards other fashions in the way of dress, there islittle changa at this intermediato season. New Year's Day bas gope by, and Lent is approaching, and most of the ball and receptiondresses have been made, or will ouly be modifications of styles already shogn, In outside wraps this is especially the case, and only that Beatrice and Benedict, Ro- meo'and Juliet, or even Othello aod Desde- mona, will gravitate toward that combination of two lives into one, there would be little to say about dress especially, A bndal outfit, however, must be new, elo- gant, and unique. In this particalar CHICAGO CAN MOLD HEE OWN against the world. Thisis not mere boasting, for we have been shown during the past week soveral dresses which are a portion of a bric trougseau that have been mado in this city, which will probably pass for the creations of Worth or Pingat. Atall events, in tho numerouscostumes that we have scen which have comedirectly ffdm the hands of those great idealists and material- izers, whilo many huve been extremely outre, snd_wometimes 88 near to ugliness, as the soblime is said to approach the ridiculous, we havo seldom scen aoything more beautifal.in combination, design, and execurion than these robes of domestic manufacture, which are im- provements upou French models. THE BRIDAL DRESS isto be of heavy white satin, which, when of superfine texture, is -tae most charming of all faorics tor such an occasiod. The lace lounc- ings, of Loint_d’Alencon aad Point Avpligue in exquisite combination, aro_abont twelve inches broad, and cost 3100 & yard. A veil of similar fabric, which Arachne berself might have woven, is also a combination of the two kinds of Point, and seems to have reached the perfection of beauty, not having the heaviness of all round Point, and yet being more _elegant than one of simpie Point Appliqre. Itis oneof those things of beauty which araa joy forever to the femi- nine heart, aud which men admire without know- ing why. [ LACE IS THE FEARFUL TEMPTATION to bresk the Teuth Commandment, which is constantly besetting weak womanind. It is ouly the Strougest of strong-minded women who can arzay themselves against it, and be sausfied to bristle in sLiff linen, like their masculine com- peers. Woman, pure and simple, adores lace, aad i8 not particular about the franchise. She would rather have a $2,000 Point, and drape it bewiteluugly over the iove of a dress, and then coax Harry into votug for the handsomest man who is a nomiwie for admunistrative power, than to march op to the polls in all the digmity of a starched collar, a cut-a-way jacket, aud short skirts, aad deposit ber own special little record in favor of her particular Eonlica.\ pet. Ic is for these stupid little Enow-nothings, whom MEX ADORE AND MARRY, that fashion-writors are emploged. It is all vory wel to talk about the sensible girls, and those who know all about Lousekesping, or aro well readin Greek and Latin, or P'olitical Economy ; Lut, given tbe pietty face, the hult-impetuous, Lalf-uefercntial manner, and tbe laces, ribbons, sitks, bibbity-boboitics, and Lttle gout's gloves which a dotigzr father with a comxumb‘i{-fiuw purse can adorn the little lady with, and all your wise, meek, or learned feminine represeutatives will be apt to be found amoog ths wall-flowers and spiusterd. "Iis true. 'us pity, but never- theless 's true; andit certainly appears o8 if the masculine portion of the community were to blame for it. If, **As ths husband is, the wile i8;” 50, what {he man demands, the woman is; therefsre, 1t would scem that tho shortest Way toward the fracchise for woman would be to EDUCATE THE MEN. Hitherto the vpecimeas that have been ex- hibited as graduates have not been altogether of that class which most women admuro. Wo trust, however, that onr frionds will go on with the good work ; oply they bave commenced with trying to convert the wrong sex. However. we suppose Eve's dsughters would much rather hear_sbout tho modern improve- ment upon the original ** wesriug of tho green’ than to read suggestions for Susan. THE TEAVELING DRESS which was s portion of this troussean was of pavy-blue silk and camel’s hair. ‘Tl skirt had alternate narrow bos-plated flunnces and side- plaitings. The jacket and over-dress wero of amel’s bsir to match in shade ; while & hat of velret and silk, with feather and pompon to harmonize, completed this quite clegant cos- tume. AN EVESING DRESS f palest, fhost delicate greeu, a mer-de-glace :h:%e. Wup:rimmzd with ccarlate. The ai‘l;k. a heavy groe-grain, had tbe back-breadths gath- ered 1nto a pouffe, and trimmed on the botcom wth & wa.f.‘,’ flounce, edged with a fold of the ecerlato silk. A fau-sbaped picce, plaited under the pouffe, formed an ornamental over- skirt. Side-plaitings ornsmented the botfom of the fzont nnd side. bieadths, Tho Intter wece trimmed with revers of the silk edged with folds of scariate, whilo a pufliag up tho ' front passed nnder the rovers. The body was poinied be hind and in front, sloping slightly over the hips, and fastencd with cmbroidered buttons, finished to match. The elceves were a modification cf tno Medici,—tho upper side having a se- mes of paffs and bands, and & s:iff poce just below the upper puff, form- ing & sort_of defemsive armor, omo migat fancy. With a high raff_and buge fan, “Keop your distance” would be propesly en- forced.” The garniture for tho body was to bo of Pointlace; whilo an exquisite sliawl of Span- ish lace was to be added tc the ornamentation of the skirt. ANOTHER DRESS combined an exquisite shade of lavender (mot mauv?), aud w2 trimmed with a deep damask rose-shade of silk. The back breadths of this were also puffad with the pink, alternatiag with tho lavender, Three flousces—iwo of piaited rose-color, ond one gathered lavender with a pecoliar tnmming, Lalf sbell, hall fan- shaped, being s combuation of plaits and gath- ers—fiaished thg back breadths. The front and side breadths had deep, Lkalf-circular trimmings of plaited rose silk, finished with tho laveader trimming, while = the front breadth was cqvered with a puiling of the rose-color, and side-trimmings edged with the lavender com- pleied the decoration of the skirt, Descriptions aze very vague in rogard to such mattors, sud, were it oven possible to make them mioute, could only convey to the reader s glimmering 1dea of theartistic skill shown in both the com- biuation of colors and tho rendering of the de- sign. The waist of tlis was round, with short puffed sleaves ; and the whole wasto bo finiched with fine blonde lace, and fastened witi em- broidered buttops. Sashes of ths silk, with loug raveled and knotted fringes, added the last touch of beauty, as gn artist gives afinal, lingex- ing, finishing stroke of his pencil to one of his ideslized dreams, that is to charm and electrify nous outres gens, who can only gaze and ad- mire, and sadly sing : The dress » Queen might covet 1s not the dre=s for me; For, though I'd deariy love it, I've ot tho cash, you sce. A fashion-writer's fate, who, howover shemay pretend to decry tho impositions of Fashion, and prate about ease and comfort, still oxists'in a cnronic state of breaking thst aforcsaid Tenth Commandment. STILL ANOTHER DIRESS, of black-and-white striped satin, was cut Gabri- elle, with two putfs in the bsek; coat-tleeves, with cuffs formed of revers and milliner's folds ; and o sleoveless jacket of black satin. Tue skirt was plain, with the cxception of the puffs in the back : but a lace ehawl of exquisita Cian- tilly was to be draped over the front. and tied in saskies wpder the pufs. Other dresses wore not sufficiently completed to mentior:; but one of theso was to be an exquisite combination of Enle-mua and fade-pind, or rosaflotri. Few ridal tronsseaus have ever held more artistio dresees, or more elegant laco, than this which we have been permitted to viow and chronicle, THE UATS which will accompany 1t will be that for travel- ing, of which we have alrcady spoken; ono i black velvet, for ordivary wear; and a light,ona for full dress. And this brings us to a upon which we wish again to say a fow words, tuat of tull-dress opera. Why will women pes 8ist In wearing the TOWELING ADSURDITIES they do to the opera? Would any man be wil- ling to sit through an entire evening with hia itk stove-pipe adorning his hesd, and would ko not be apt to anathematize the headache it would produceat the slose of the evening ¢ Yet the bheaviest sitk bat is light com- pared with the towsring structures of velvet, bilk, lace, feathers, and flowers, with which women mase martyrs of themselves. A recent editortal in & popular jonrual devoted to fash- ions has takes tho same view of the matter which wo did some time ago, and, if not in the same words, expresses the same opinion. We extract as follows: *For, in the land from whica the foreigneta come, no lady wears her bonnet at theatre or opera; if she is ignorant of this custom, an nsher politely addresscs her, and conducts her to a dressing-room, where 5 . ing-maid relicves her of her bonnet and outer wraps, and sho rejoins her escort presently, bare-headed. This custom is not, as might be supposed at first glance, a compiets revuleion and ‘departure on the part of theatrical people from the Puritanical observ- ance of the command that women should be cov- ered in an _sssembly, but is a regulation made only to give an awr of foll-dress and high breeding to tho house, and make ] scene gay and attractive as possible, muce nothing can be brighter and more cheering than a full-dress opera-liouse, the showy portion of whose audiencs is composed of Indies lovely in ovening dress, and gracious with the manners that insensibly accompany evening dress. In our own public hal's, when perched on some pretty head whose tresees slready give ita size, a bat thatis a wilderness of flowers, and feathers, and grasses, and all mannor of shaking and twittering ornaments, moves ceaselessly be- fore your line cf vision, with evory blade of grass, and every ribbon and every feather re- fracting the light for your dazzled 6yes in o new angle, till you are abie, out of all that is befora you, £o se6 nothing but that hat, which obliter- ates stage and platform; then you wish with all your sonl that the foreign law of hats provailed in this freo laod, and that all, in being free, should not thereby be free to torment their neignbors.” Here we wil pause. A greator than ourselves has spoken ; but we know one little man, who sat behind a tall woman, whoso organ of time was unusually well developed, and whooe hat was unusually bigh and elaborate, will, if he reads this, respond ‘‘Amen” with ‘most euphatic unction. % Opera-dress here must be regarded in the light in which the * Marquizce” looked upon the Ger- ridges and Eccloses. IT DON'T BXIST! Could a huge blanket bo drawn over tho audience, the brilliancy of the scene wonld not bo very materially diminished. However, thero is only a small waiting-room at 3McVicker's, sud no waiting-maids 8o ladies could scarcely leavo their wraps if they wished. Thoy might como unbonneted, howover, and, on such a night as Thursday laét, a wara woolen wrap over tlio ears was_decidedly preferable to mll the fussand feathors perched on top of the hesd. Ouo heard Nilsson without haviog a headache beruelf, or being » nuisance to tho per- gon behind her, and didn't freezo ber esrs going home. h another opera Beason we hope to sce an improvement in this respect ; and a word in,your ear, dear ladies: most of you ate MUCH HANDSOMER without that headcovering tuan with it. A word to the wise, you know, and wo are sure all Chicago belles are eapient. Demand always meets supply. A new opcra-house, and Opers as an_institation, with crush-rooms and waiting- maids, are what wo want. Rebuilt Chicago claims to be tho handsomest * city in the world ; why ehould she not also bo tho most brilliant one? She has all the material, much of tho taste, a8 our present article bas shown ; why shonld &ho not ntilize it ? We ore indeLted to desars, Bishop & Barnes and Madame Stoughton for information cour- teously given. THE HEALTH LIFT. Whilst improviag the Health will DOUBLE THE AC- TUAL STRENGTH in three montls, occuplos only TEN MINUTES once a day, farnishcs 3 saferand more valus- ble mods of PHYSICAL TRAINING than the Gymas- stam, fs adapted to both Ladics and Gentlemen, roquir- 1ag Do change of dress, does ot fatigusor exhaust, but. by equaliztug and Improving ths CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD, refreshesand lnvigors tes, aad finally, ix dally recommonded by lsading physleiaas to thoss sulfor- tng rom want of tono aad vigor, orlrom dyspepala or othor forms of indigestion, or trom various discases of tho nervous syatem, or from tho class of ailmeata caused by torpor or coagestion af the Liver. In short, it Is warmly approved by tho MEDICAL PROFESSION AS THH AND SIMPLE MEANE 3 FICIENT, SAFF. SO RREVANTING DISEASES. ARISING FROM SEDENTARY HABITS. For fall information sand for doscriptive pamphlct. AGENTS WANTED in a)’ the priacipal citirs. Favrciso Rooms and We § ra Agencs, 130 East Wash- iny -5t.. Caleago. Fisitars always welcome. Ladies' Branch, West Sids, 101 Park-av. REAL ESTATE. STATL w0 foot, east front, ncar Additioy mithout FOR SALE—Wabnsb-ar., Thirty.socond at., c SUBURBAN L0 xo pricos and term 1o Melroze, 310 each, ézsAugE interoat. SCALES, FAIRBANKY® BIANDARD SCALHS OF ALL SIZES. bl o FATRBANES, MORSE £00 =7 111 AND 13 LAKR-67. eaded .