The New York Herald Newspaper, November 26, 1844, Page 2

NEW YORK HERALD. New York, Tucsday, November 26, 1844. Se Dr, Pise’s Lecture. We give in anothe: portion of our columns to- dwy, a very full and interesting report of one of the series of lectures of the Rev. Dr. Pise of this city, on the principal distinctive tenets or dogmas ¢fthe Catholic Church, which has attracted se much at- tention amongst Christians of all denominations in this country. The subject is a very curious and interesting one to the philosophical student of re- ligion and the history of the belief and opinions of - mankind. Besides, Dr. Pise treats the subject with a degree of moderation and a commendable good temper, which are, we are sorry to say, rarely characteristic of polemical disputants. He cer- tainly appears to be much more under the in- fluence of christian charity—of that attractive and stbduing virtue which ‘“suffereth long and is kind”—than, for instance, Dr. Potts and Dr. Wain- wright even when they were engaged in settling the all-important questions * What is the Church ?” and “Can the Charch exist without a Bishop?” These considerations have had weight in inducing us to report Dr. Pise with accuracy and fulness. But the subject itself is really one of general in- terest. It is aleo one which is comparatively little understood by the generality of Protestants, and even amongst the Catholics themseives a guod deal of mist and obscurity have settled arcund this dogma. There is certainly, at the veiy first gianee, something which strikes us as worthy of all tenderness of regard in this veneration of the saints. There is surely nothing in it to p voke unkindand violent invective. It has its origia in that deep and solemn, and universal admiration of the good and the true, which, after all, will gush forth from the human heart, corrupted and depraved asitis. There is something strikingly impressive in this consecratiou of princes and peasants—of war- riors and sages—of old and young—of the prelate— the priest—the recluse—men and women of all class- es and countries—for what? For their devotion to God—for their adherence to the true faith despite of allopposition—for their inflexible attachment to religion, adhering to it at all hazards—in defiance of famine and the sword—of the cross and the faggot. We do not think much, then, of the head or hear, ofhim who laughs at this veneration of the saints. Do we then mean to vindicate, with Dr. Pise, the invocation of the saints? By no means. That is another matter. But itis one that may be very easily settled. We have said that we do not regard the feelings in whieh this practice of canonizing and invoking the dead originated, as at all worthy of ridicule or contempt, but a8 calculated to excite very dif- ferent emotions. But the practice of prayingto the saints in this enlightened day is quice indefensible. In the darker ages of the past, religion was invest- ed with a poetic romance, which appears in this day not altogether so appropriate. A practice, which had its source in commendable feelings of respect for eminently virtuous men and women, and for martyrs who testified even unto the death to the truth they had espoused, became in the course of time, mixed up with a great deal of folly, superstition and priestcraft.— As the pure light of Christianity began, af- ter the lapse of centuries, to be obscured by the darkness of paganism, and as generation after generation of the professed followers of the evangelists diverged farther and farther from the simple tenets and simple worship of the founder of Christianity, the calendar became wondrously en- larged—fabulous personages were admitted into the family of the saints—the adoration of relics was introduced—miracles began to be performed by the agency of bones or pieces of wood, or drops of blood mysteriously preserved for an age—and the veneration of the pious and virtuous dead de- generated into a blind and superstitious homage of “the saints,” and an idle and unprofitable practice of callimg upon them for their in- tercession at the throne of mercy and om- nipotence. Yet this is the doctrine—the growth originally ef a poetic and pious enthusiam, but deformed and vitiated in the course of centuries of darkness and error—w'ich Dr. Pise attempts to vindicate. This attempt is quite ridi- culous. No intelligent Catholic believes this doc- trine as Dr. Pise announces it. Instead of defend- ing it, and endeavoring to prove it, Dr. Pise should restore the doctrine to its original and only tenable form—that of a simple reverential admiration for the wise, and good, and virtuous of past genera- tions. We had intended to have entered on a review of the character of some of the saints in the calen- dar, for the purpose of showing more clearly the absurdity of this doctrine—but that we nvust defer. It is, however, a curiously interestiag subject and we mean, with Dr. Pise, to return to it again. Pourrica, Movements 1n New Yorx.—To the eye of the casual spectator all now appears per- fectly quiescent in the political arena. The waters are still and placid, unruffled as the lovely lake among the mountains, that lies sleeping in the sun- shine and mirrore back the fleeting cloud. Buy this aspect is something like that of a hypocrite at his public devotions. It is altogether deceptive, ‘There never was such a troublous time amongst the politicians of this city as the present. Intrigu- ing—plotting—counter-plotting—lying—scrambling —fleeing hither and thither—hoping—cursing—the trading patriots, the buyers and sellers in the shambles of politics, are in astate of indescribable excitement, confusion and anxiety. The great struggle is with respeet to the retention in office of the friends of the administration and the Calhoun men, who aver that without their aid Mr. Polk never could have been.elected; and pointing to the “secret circular clique,” and the disparity in the vote for Wright and Polk, in this State, say “leok on this picture and on that.” We have some very curious and startling developments to make rela- tive to these matters, Look out for singularly in- terestinginformation from Washington in a day or two. Moans or THe Surreners —It is somewhat amusing to observe the wrigglings of the discom- fited whig journalists, Their columns are daily filled with all sorts of “‘ Jeremiads” bewailing their defeat We are sorry. however, to perceive that a good deal of the old spirit of malignity, which we exposed during the course of the campaign, of which both parties were equally guilty, still jurks in the whig papers, who have not, it thus appears yet reaped the full benefit of the mollifying and humanizing influence of adversity. Some of them are, we see, making a great fuss about a letter al. leged to have been written by a Catholic priest named Flanagan, in Pennsylvania, to General Markle, promising his election in case he would pardon two convicts when he was made Governor, which his reverence assured him he could ensure by the exertion of his influence with the Irish. As the man in the farce says, “Well, what of it?” All this, even if true, can answer very little pur- pose. The whigs had better take our advise, and not meddle with the Irish, the natives, the aboli- tionists, or any body else. Their policy is to stand still, and by the exercise of the greatest prudence and discretion, take advantage of opportunities tor future powerful action, which may be presented to them soon enough if they keepa sharp look-out. Mexico, Texas sxp tug Unrrev Starss.—The question of the annexation is rapidly assuming a new and interesting complexion, which indicates that its settlement may be attained at an earlier period than was expected and in a different man- ner, Our correspondence from Washington will, therefore, be looked to with grent interest Peasona Movements.—Hon. Lucius Lyon, M.C., from Michigan, and Hon, J. H. Anderson, M. ©., from Westchester, arrived at Howard’s yes terday on their way to Weshington. Gov, Vroom, ol Now Jersey, ia staying at the same house days ago in a newspaper, recently established in this eity under the patronage of Mayor Harper and his associates in the corporation, a specimen of brutality and licentiousness, in newspaper litera- ture, that surpasses anything of the kind that we have seen for some time, fruitful as the numerous newspaper eprouis that have lately sprung up on the soil of faction, have been in those staple articles of partizan journalism. Well, indeed, on looking over the whole subject,and taking a comprehensive view of the publications in which the Messrs. Harper have been engaged for many years past, we are not at all surprised that the organ of the Mayor and his associates, should exhibit very frequently the indications on which we have at present deemed itour dilly to animadvert. Daring the last twenty years the Messrs. Harpers have published a larger quantity of philosophy, poetry, and piety, original and selected, than per- haps all the other publishing houses in the United States. They have indeed, erected, we may al- most say, the publishing business on a grand scale in this country. And in this they deserve great eredit and praise. They have been the means of circulating a vast quantity of useful and experi- mental knowledge on all subjects, sacred and pro- fane. They have placed within the reach of the toilivg millions in this free land, volumes of ines- timable value. But they have also been insiru- mental in circulating avast amount of the most perpiciovs trash. They have seattered Bulwer’s novels along with the “ Pilgrita’s Progress”’—ihey have sent over the land in the satne bundles the flowery sermonsot the piousand eloquent Rev. Jus. Hervey, and the equally poetic, but rather more stimulating tales of the Italian Paul de Kock of a past age—Boccacio. They have dispersed in thou- sands copies of the sacred scriptures, in tens of thous sands the immoral novels of the French school.— In fact, they have driven all the other publications of the “ biue and yellow literature” out of the field. In all this, have these eminent publishers not been the means of aiding writers of loose morality and unsound principles in demoralizing the public mind—in vitiating the public taste—in corrupting the stream of public thought? May not we look to this cause for the origin of some, at least, of the vulgarities and indecencies which are every now and then thurst before the public eye in the ‘ or gan” of the Corporation ? We mean to go into this subject at full length —to review the whole of the republications issued by the Harpers good, bad, and indifferent—giving them full credit for piety and morality in publishing works for the promotion of virtue and religion; but deducting so much per cent for the evil produced by the printing, sale, and circulation of works of a questionable character, or of unequivocolly por- nicious tendency. We must also bring under re- view the newspapers published under the auspices of the Mayor and his associates, as they may very justly be regarded as part and parcel of this great literary, philosophical, and religious movement of the age. ANNIVERSARY OF THE Evacuation or New Yoru ny tHE Enauish Forces—Granp Minirary Dis- pLay.—Yesterday being the anniversary of the oc- currence mentioned, there was a grand display of all the military force in this city. About 11 o’clock they mustered on the Battery, where they went through several evolutions under the iaspection and command of Major Gen. Storms. They then marched down Broadway to the Park, the advance being formed by the Ist brigade of Major Gen. Storms’ Horse Arlillery, succeeded by the 38th regiment Jefferson Guards, under the command of Colonel Warner; followed by the 11th regiment, on the right of which was the Light Guard, this company drew forth great admiration from their beautiful uniform and fine soldier-like bearing, their uniform much resembling that of Napoleon’s Veteran Guard ; the Washington Greys succeeded, followed by the 2d regiment, and the rear was brought up by the 27th regiment, a fine soldieriike bodyofmen. The Scottish Guard excited particular attention from its elegantappearance. This isa fine company only recently formed, but promises to be in ashort time the crack company of the city. Capt. Tortley’s troop of Hussars formed an escort to Major General Storms, and looked if any thing bette™ than ever. After going through a few evolutions in the Park, the different companies marched to their several quarters; where many of them had prepared for them a beautiful supply of the creature comforts, which they found themselves in much need of after their four or five hours drill and march, ina cold north-west wind and a pretty sharp frost. At the Battery, some merriment was caused by the observation of a poorly clad ‘‘native,” who said, “Iv no wonder the English evaporated (evacuated) if the weather was as cold as this, and these boys were against them.” Tue Seconp Company or Natrona Capets.— This company held its second annniversary meet- ing yesterday at the Constitution Hall, Broad- way. After the dismissal of the troops in the Park, the Cadets marched to their quarters as above, where an ample cold collation was provided for them, and done every justice to. Near upon 100 persons sat down; Capt. Towbridge and Lieut. Cornell presiding. Among the guests presem, were Maj. Walden; Capt. Heline, of the 1st Company ; Capt. Haywood, of the 6th Star Company ; Capt. Sherwood, of the 7th; Lieuts. Thompson, Post, Melville, Bullwinkle, and Van Tuyle: Paymaster Burtonette, &c. After partaking of the bountiful board on the temperance plan, tea, coffve, Xc., provided in true military style, the joke went round with the greatest good humor for a short time, when the company separated. ‘Tue Accivenr on THe Lone Isuanp Rattroan.— The young woman hurt on Saturday evening by attempting to leave the cars upon the Long teland Railroad at East New York, while in motion, re- mains in the same dangerous state noticed by us yesterday. We are informed, upon enquiry, that the accom- modation trains upon this road, going eastward, (and this accident occurred when going 1n that di- rection,) invarirbly sop at East New York, when- ever there are passengers to be set down or taken up, and that they never stop going westward on ac- count of the difficulty of renewing their motion on a heavy, upward grade—but make the stop for this point a quarter of a mile west, at what is termed the Water Station. “** Don’t Give ur tHe Suir.”—The committee appointed for the purpose of erecting a suitable monument to the memory of Capt. Lawrence, have obtained the assistance of the New York Sacred Musical Society, who have kindiy consented to give a concert in aid of the funds for this desira- ble object, which is to take place on the 5th of next month at the Tabernacle, Broadway. Then all will have an opportunity of obtaining an eve- ning’s amusement, at the same time contribute to avery creditable object. ANNIVERSARY oF THE;PoLisn RevoLuTion.—The Poles residing in this city and neighborhood, as semble together at the Stuyvesant Instituticn, Broadway, on Friday evening next, the 29:h inst., to celebrate the anniversary of the revolution of their native land. The public will be admitted free, and seats will be reserved for the ladies. It will certainly be a very interesting meeting. Drata or Captain Cuamerin.—We regret to record the death of Capt. C. H. Champlin, late commander of the packet ship Toronto. He ar- rived here from London a few days since, and while at his residence, Lyme, Conn., he was at- tacked by inflammation of the bowels, and lived but a short time. Capt. C. was deservedly popu lar in his profession, and will be sincerely mourned by all who knew hiw. Mextoan Navy.—Neerly the whole of the Mexi- can navy—the steamer Guadaloupe and Montezu- ma, and brig of war Santa Anna, have sailed from Vera Oruz, Nawspaper Licewtiovsnass.—We noticed some | Do the Saints hear Prayers of the Faithful? Should the Faithful Pray, to Them? What do the Fathers Say ? A LECTURE, Delivered ln St, Peter’s Church, on Sunday Evening, Nov. 24th, 1844. By the Rev. C. Pise, D.D. 1s cone rning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we kaow that an idol is noth- ing in the world, and that there is none other God but one “or though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are «ll things, and we in him ; and ove Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by hum —Cor. 8¢ , 6.45 6, ‘The Christians of Corinth were surrounded by innumerable Pagans; and in order that they might be preserved from the worship of idols, into which the example of those around them wes calculated to lead the unwary, St. Paul, in his epistles to them, tekes especia! care often to warn them, in the most emphatic terms, against this great sio against the true God. He repeatedly reminded them thet there was and is but ene God, and but one Savior, Christ his son; that in the midst of the sacrifices that were offered to him, whose throne wes on Olyimpus, and the more humble rites of idolatry paid to the Lares and Pe- nates of the fireside, they were carefully to abstain from any participation in them—for to them there wes only one obycct of adoration—the (rue God, end one mediator, through whose infisite atone- ment alone they could seek merey. The same truth the Catholic church inculeates every where. The same ministry, which St, Peul discharged in warning the primitive Ubristians against the idola- trons worship of the heathen, is discharged by the Catholic poe at all times, and in every part of the world, And, therefore, it is that I, whilst via- dicating the ancient and venerable doctrine of the invocation Saints, earnestly call upon all my brethren to beware--in all their veneration paid to those Saints, to recollect that there is but one God, to whom alone all wor- smip is due; and that there is but one mediator throngh whom alone, and through whose passion and death, we have the firm hope of escaping that perdi- tion to which in consequence of our sins we hed been doomed ; but that at the same time we may call upon others to intercede for us. We are perfectly aware that there is but one mediator, and that it is only through him that the prayers of saints avail. Itis in order that this cardinal truth of chris‘ianity may ever be impressed upon your minds and kept before your eyes, that we have over our aliars the imege Of our crucified Saviour. When the eye of the Catholic fixes itst If upon that image—when it dwells upon the crown of thorns that pierce his ven- erable brows—when it fixes itself upon the nails that transfix his sacred hande—when it contem- plates the blood that gushes frem his sides— when it sees the wood of the cross upon which he expired for the salvation of man, that Catholic feels that there is no other uame under heaven given unto man whereby he may be saved. In my last lec- ture, I believe that I made elear and: indisputable those two prepositions; first,that the saints in heaven can hear my prayers, and secondly, that by pray- ing for me they do not derogate in any manner from the mediation or merits of Jesus Christ Now then spreads before me a great question—the question is, whether it has always been customary from the earliest period of christianity down to our own days, to invoke the saints? If hae proved that the saints in heaven can hear me—if I have proved that their praying for me does not derogate rom the mediation of Jesus Christ, and if 1 can make manifest the propaediten that it has always been customary, from the earliest times of christi- anity, to pray to the saints, then I believe there will be no difficulty in acknowledging that my ap peal from that sentence te! upon us by a con- vention which denounced my church as idolatrous because she taught the doctrine of the invocation of the saints, has been justified, and that the anath- ema returns upon those from whom it proceeded.— It becomes me then this evening to prove to you this proposition—that the custom of praying to the saints prevailed in the eurliest periods of, Christianity—that it has always been continued in everf age and country—in the Latin Church—in the separated Greek Church—amonget the Jacobites—and amanget the Nestorians—and that therefore a practice which we can trace upieven to the days of the Apostles themmclv for they payed to the “angels,”—they inculeated, as I sha!i hereafter prove, the duty of invoking those who were the favorites of heaven—why then we shall be able to avow whether the Catholic Church is justly liable to the charge of idolatry.— St Augustine, whose authority will be disputed by no. true Christian of the present day, laid down a maxim with which I would premise my argument. “ There are many things,” he says, which are not found in the writings of the Apos- tles, or in the councils of their successors, and yet because they are authorized by the univer- sal Chnrch, must be believed to have been communicated from the apostles themselves.” This is in_his 11th book “ oa Daptism,” chap. vii. vol. xii. If then I can make it appear that the doctrine of the invocation of saints has never been introduced by any particular council, but has not- withstanding been received and practised by the universal christian church, then, according to the maxim of St. Augustine—a mos venerable autho- rity—I have every right to hold this doctrine, and practice this custom, the denunciations of our op- ponents to the contrary notwithstanding. Now, this practice of praying to the saints prevails at the pre- sent day among the Jacobites and the Nestorians. This proposition must,however, be proved, and after 1 have proved it, then | will argue from it. In 1671 a French ambassador was sent to Constantinople tor the purpose of discovering from thefountain head whether or not this doctrine was universally admit- ted and practised by the separated Greeks. Meiho- nias. the patriarch of Constantinople, gave the {ol- lowing decision, signed on the 10th of July, 1671: “We declare that Christiaus, prayiag to the Virgin Mother of God and the saints, do not derogate from the sufferings of Jesus Christ.” The same illustrious ambassador having applied to James, the patriarch of the Armenians, received Uns an swer ‘trom him:—‘ We condemn, as teaching an impious doctrine, those who say that the Virgin Mother of God and the saints, who are in heaven, cannot be invoked without doing an injustice to the mediatorship of Jesus Christ.” Another am- bassador from the same great nation, applied to Joseph, the patriarch of the Nestorians and he declared as follows :—“We regard as unfortunate those who do net pray te or invoke the Virgin Mary and the Sants” Wi rd, then, to the proposition that amongat the universal Christi: Lurch this practice hax prevailed, there can be no question. Now, what argu- ment do I derive from this f.ct? I derive this argyment— that, therefore, the doctrine and the custom of invoking the saints is traceable far hack into antiquity. It ia not 0 be imagined that the Geeeks and Nestorians, separating from the Latn Church, would have adopted the doctrine of that church after their separation from it; consequently the Greeks and Neat is muat have carried with them the doctrine which had existed priorto their separation from the church. Thereforethis proves that it was tie universal custom ond doctrine of the whole church of the East and West, at the time that these Greeks or orientals seyarated themselves from the pale of the Latin Church. ‘Then it seems tome thet this truth is made clear thet this doctrine, according to the testimony ot all in connexion with the see of Rome, and of all the ancient schismatics who had separated from that see, pre- vailed throughout all christendom in the fifth century. Did it originate then? Who introduced it? ‘Teli me the author—tell me the council--tell me the part of the world in which it was firat introduced—tell me the name ofthe great originator of this heresy—this idolatry. Can our opponents do this? ‘They can deny i:. They con call me very ignorant and very stupid for holding. in this the nineteenth century such an old,entiquated dogma; but can they prove that it is repugnant to the ancient apirit of christianity? Can they prove that itis contrary to the sacred scripture? Can they show me atext in which it is condemned? Lhave shown hundreds of texts in my Jast lecture which confirm ond yindieate the doctrine. But I need not have recourse to declamation. 1am with you in search of the development of the truth. I come to instruct those who believe, and to endeavor to shed some light upon the darkness of those who from education or prejudice, have been led jo imagine that we are almost— they willhardly in their eherity say that we are entirely idolaters. This dark thunderbolt of aileged idolatry hes baen often hurled against the battlements ef our church, but the bolt has always fallen innocnously to the ground, and ——but | must not deciaim. Let us proceed with the argument. If | am accused of idoletry in praying to the saiats, I appeal to the name of Eusebius of Cesarea, who flourished in the 4h century. In his treatise on the truths of evangelical christianity, book xiii. ch. II, be says :—-“Plato observes that those who nobly die in battle shall be venerated as heroes, and their monuments be re- arded with ceduring respect. How does this apply to the death of thore friends of God, who are justly called the soldiers of true piety? For it is our practice to honor their sepuichre—there to utter our prayers end our voices, and to venerate their blessed souls, and this we say is justly done.” The Catholic church of the present day does the same Eusebius did not affirm that he alone did it. or that it was customary with any portion of the faithful who might have erre from the truth—but be says that is the universal cu ‘itis our practice” to pray to the saints. And so it is our practice in this da ‘e are therefore in communion with Easebins of Ceserea. But if his nema be not sufi. cient, | will ore to a er. [appeal to perhaps the most eloquent father o° the Greek church in the fonrth century, 8t. Chrysostom. J ask that venerable father of the Church what was the custom in his day. Tell me, it enstomary for Christians in thy day to pray to the was the practice denounced by "my 4 Obristians ag idolatrous? Because if customary in thy day, [om in communion with youebut if you denounced it, and the Church of thy day denounced it, then I plead guilty of idolatry, The vo'ce of Chrysortom round. ng from the past, utters these worde—which RELIGIOUS POETRY AND ROMANCE. ron , rnegyrie pronounced by the venerable: Bish- stantinople on the venerable martyrs, a prian, St. Basil, and 8t. ——. “Where, then, eloquent m here, then, fs the tomb der the Great 7 Pelt me, if youcan, the day of his deatn ? But the tombsot the scrvanta of Jesus Christ are iilustel ousin the city which isthe mistress of the worll. The days of their deaths are known to us all, and are become fesivel days throughout the world. The tombs of the se. vante of Him that wes crocified are more megoificent than the paloc:sof kings ; not so much for the beauty of their structure eng that is not wanting for the concourse of people, for even he who Wearh tie pare comes to embrace these tombs, and, laying aside hie pa eantry avd pomp, prays to the suints to assist him by Gor prayers. He who wears the diadem chooses a fish erman and o maker of tents, even atter their deaths, for Who will say that Jesus Christ is dead are the patrons apd protectors of the kings of theearth ?” Now who isthere in this day, that can Te-echo this lofty language of the sainted Chrysostom? Who besides the Cathole? None, But we thua by this practice Jinked with the days of Chrysostom, and hold commu. nien with the faithful of that remote and early og*. But even before the days of Eusebius or Chrysostom, the very Basil from whose panegyric I have just quoted this eloquent and convincing passage, teaches the doctrine a- clearly and as uncquivecally as ‘Chrysostom. St. Basil uses the following language :—“ He who is oppressed by care flies to their aid tor deliverance. ‘To these the mo- ther is found praying for her children, and the wife for the return end health of herhusband. Oh!” he ex- claims, ‘ye guardians of the human race—ob! ye pow- erful messengers betore God, le us join our prayers with yours!” Now if we be guilty of suiperstitiqn and idola try in invoking the assistance and intercession of the saints, re guilty in common with no less a personoge than the saintly Basil—the light—the ornament—the ora- cle of the primitive church. St, Busil was born ip 326 and bad consequently been taught by and had converseo with christians of the preceding vge, therefore St Basil must have practised the docty'ne univ: rea! in the church of tho; ceding age. Now we cannot find any docu ment whutever by which itcon be proved that in that aygo, was the doctrine introduced ; consequently it must he traced sti) further back, even to tne very door o Christionity ifseif Now the question naturally presents itself whether I am avthorized in taking ue ,owledgment, the practice, the custom of the primitive times as transmitted to ua through those great aud venerable authorities, or whether we are to take the testimony of the 16h century, and only a small fagment thercoffrom the ancient body ef the Church.— Down to that period, we have indisputable authority that is dogma prevailed over sll Christendom. How was it then that hy a sudden gleom of inspiration, that that which had been practiced and taught by the early fathers was superstition aud idolatry? How wes it that the whole Christian world, with the exception #f Mertin Lu- ther, bad gene astray ? and even he, as I will hereatter show, had agreat struggle in getting rid of all these early impressions. There is a v strong additional confirmation of the antiquity of this doctrine It is related by. Eusebius, St. Augustine and by St.— of Alex- andria, oll Pagans in theic time and in the time preceding this epoch, chorged the Christians with adoring demigods, ond from that attempted to accuse them of gross inconsistency in condemning the splendid worship of Paganism, and at the same time adopting the werehip of obscure saints. Tis furnishes very strong, indeed Irresistible evidence that tho early christians Were in the habit of invoking the saints. It is thus eppareut that the Catholic church of the 10th century cetains the same practice and the same dogma which pre- vailed et the very origin of christianity amongst the disciples of its founder And yet we know and fully be- lieve that there is to us but one God and one mediator, though there le gods many and lords many, though there he many saints. We pray to the saints, but we know how to venerate them. We ask them to intercede for us, but we know that they must supplicate a higher source, and that they can bestow upon us no good, either natural or supernatural except through the medium, and merite, and goodness of Christ. I ask the saints to pray for me just as I atk you topray for me. And as the prayer ofthe just man, which the scripture tells us “availeth much,” does not detract from the meri.s of the mediation of Jesus Christ, so neither does the invocationand prayer ofthe saints. This is the whole simple doctrine of the in- vocation of saints. But it is said— You do pay too much veneration to the saints. It is superstition, and if ever the:e was a period when it was necessary for you to le aginst this superstition, it is nuw, because we ore ‘a great republic and this is in the enlightened }19th century.” Allthisis very true. But, because this is the 19th century and this is a great republic, must we discard an institution of Jesus Christ, and abandon an ancient practice of the church? I will onswer in the words of the Christions who witnessed the martyrdom of St. Poly- carp. Venerating his relics, they were charged, oven b: the Pagans, with poying them uodue homoge. They “Our subtie enemy, tre devil, did bis utmost that w ould not take away the body, as miny of us wished. It was insinuated that we should desert our crucified master and begin to worship Polycarp”—end this is the identical insinuation in the nineteenth century, in this great blic, that we are deserting our Divine Master and worshipping Polycerp and the saints. But they go «n— “Foolish men, who know not that we never con desert Christ, who died for the salvation of all men, nor worship any other. Him we adore as the Son of God, but we show deserved respect to the martyrs and his disciples and followers. £t. Julian, therefore, caused the body to be burned We then gathered his tones, more precious than pearls, and more tried than gold, and buried them In this place, God willing, we will ‘mect and celebrate with joy and gladness the Li day of his martyrdom, as well in memory oftkuse Who have been croWites. sand sanctify others” Now: ee ane eae anced thos primities Christions of idolatry in paying respect to the relies of Polycarp, 80 do many in the present day accuse us of idolatry in invoking the saints But with these venerable foHowers of Christ we say—Foolish men, we adore no Poly corp—we adore no samt—we adore Jesus Christ, and look to him alone for salvation, because there is no other name under heaven given by which men may be saved. But it is suid, “this is plausible— it never struck me before—but I cannot do that which I am not commanded to do in the sacred scrip- tures—now, the sacred scriptures Jo not command me to pray to the saints; therefore, as I take the Bible in jrefe- rence to any other authority ,I cannot yet consent to pray to the saint” Now, Ideny thet any christian, at J the great Protestant denomination, acta up to this ‘There are certain practices observed which are consider- ed by some as estentiul, for which I defy them to show me any positive command in the sacred scriptures. Wh: for instance, lack them, do they keep Sunday holy as t! Sabbuth and not the seventh day of the week, as is prescri bed in the scripture? There is no text that can be found authorising the charge. Again, you cele brate Easter not in the Wed prescril inthe Bouk et Deuteronomy. Insteed of cel brating it in the full moon, you celebrate on the first Sunday after fill moon, Where is your scriptural authority in doing so? ‘This argument then falls entirely to the ground. But do [admit that there is no direct scriptural authority for in voking the saints? By no means. In my last lecture | adduced many texts both for the old and New Testoment which directly inculcated this doctrine, And now I turn your attention to another. It is to be found in the 49th chap. of Genesis, J6th verse. ‘May the angel of the Lor who preserved me from many dangers, bless these children.” How could the angel have delivered him un- less he had foreseen the changes, and knew what wes occurring on the earth; and why did the patriarch in voke his blessing if it were idolatrons to do so? And in the same pasrage from which the text is taken. the patriarch desires the names of Abral of fsanc, and of Jacob to be invoked. Why tn if they could not be so? Why invoked if they cold not ossist’? This text alone offords the most convincing evi- dence of the scriptural authority of this church. And here I beg to repeat that it ia not trve to as- sert, as many do, that we do not recttr to the sacred scrip- tore for proots ef eur doctrines. We always do. We open the sacred volume, end not only our own translation but of other denominations; and for myselt | om ready on most points of doctrine to assume the Protestant version, and from that vindicate the Catholic creed. But let us go back again to one of the early futhers of the church, to St. Ireneus, who declares that the Vir gio Mary became the advocate of Eve. St. Ambrose, too, announces the same doctrine of invoking the saints in the most emphatic terms. He say: implore the inter- ceesion ofthe Apostles—the assistance of the martyra—the supplications of the confeseors.” And so do I. So do we instruct the Catholic people todo. Are we then not in communion with St. Ambrose? Yes. We invoke the soints in common with the early fathers—with the primi- tive church, Se et we are not guilty of idolatry ; andam I not more justified in saying that it was a rash and unfortunate decigion to pronounce an anathema against the universal Church of Clrist, because she has ever held the doctrine of venerating and invoking the aninis? And to sum up, and close at it, it in very powerful ergument for this practice, that it “it be idolatrons, then the whole christian world was plunged into the depths of idolatry in the 16:h centnry, with the exception of Martin Luther, after he [est with the Pope, for he says “T stand againat the ope and against the whole world”.=-Ho cried ont azoinst the fathers and egainst the Church—Why ? Because they condemned him Thus far I believe I have succeeded in dispelling the cloud that in the estimation cf hog, 4 has been hanging over this venerable doctrine. But I have not yet conclu ded the argnment. Thero is another point in which it might beregarded, and itis my purpose to resume the subject, if you will again favor me with yonr attention on next Sunday evening. Vinernra Execrors —Gov. McDowell has issued his proclamation, officially announcing the election ofthe electoral ticket, (voted for by tho Polk und Dallas party,) headed by John 8. Millson, of Norfolk. ‘Tennesser.—The returns from this State are etill #0 close that it will be majority until we can Incomplete ; and the vote so fai impossible for us to tell who hit got the official returne. We do not believe the majority will be more then forty for either party.—Nashville Union, Nov. 16. Arkansas Enecrion-— Thi Arkansas Legislature ia thus gi Rock Kanner ; ~ Senate—whigs 4, locos 21; House— whigs 11, locos 64 Yell (loco) is jority of 3.529 over Walk lor Governor ia as follo guccess ul candidate, is therefore a minority Governor. Inprana Exectron.—Returns have been received from vil the counties in Indiana, and Polk's majority in the State is 2,474. Later From Rio peé Jangsrro.—By an arrival from Rio, October Ith, we learn that hostilities had ceasrd between the Buenos Ayreans and Montivite- ane. Business very inactive. The only American fii- rt wad the Raritan, to sail inthree or four days gee in it the River Plate. Horniete Dravt —An elderly lady, by the name of Mrs. George, residing rome three or four miles fron this place, came to her death in a most horrible end fright- fal manner on Monday night last. Tho old lady, being helpless was putto bed atthe usual hour, Sometime in the night, becoming cold, it is enpposed she got up to warm, and, upon turning round, made a misstep and fel) backwards on the fire, end before the alarm was given shurnt nearly t0 4 crisp. Though not quite derd when taken from the firs, she expired in @ few hourt,— Richmond (Ky) Courter, stage to the vestibule, was a line of gentlemen, many of them with white kids, and all dressed in the everlasting, universal black coat of the North Americanrepublic, so that when youtook inthe gay and cheerful and brilliant dress circle, crowded with fair women, elegantly attired, the whole look- ed hike one of the fine, well lighted up pictures of the old masters, which you sometimes meet with hanging on the wallaof an auction room, and set in a heavy black wooden frame. The dress boxes were also all occupied, and the ujye* tier was al- the prima donnas had their rd/es assigned them— of partiesin the n in the Litile fected to Congress by ame. © (whig.) The official vote Drew (loco) 8.707; Gibsen (whig) 7,066; Byrd (independent loco) 2,604. Drew, the Fashionable Movements. Graxp Comprimentany Batt to Carr. Isalan Rywpens, Presivenr or THe Empie Cvs, at Tammany Hate Lasr Evenixe:—The democratic party last evening gave a grand ball to Capt. Rynders, as asmall acknowledgment, through him, of the many ucts of valuable service whieh the Empire Club had rendered them during the recent electionstruggle. Asthe Empire Club takes the lead inall fashionable movements, during the pre- sent season, this affair could not be otherwise than of the most recherché order. The arrangements made for the occasion were very similar to that of the grand ball of the Empire Club, which took place a short time since. ‘The arrangements were everything that could be desired. There was no'difficulty whatever on this occasion as to the setting down or taking up of the different pariies; as they arrived or depart- ed, all the horses heads were in the position the a ori ate ae iil “io iB Decreased vote, Connecticut Election, torrician) committee had directed. Several members of the lies 4 ia Expire Club acted ‘as police on the occasion; in oS a 4 which capacity they kept order must admirably, all things considered, At eight o’elock the company began to assemble, and notwithstanding the opposition of the Repeal wan 1919 ‘. . Clay’ i . Bail at Niblo’s, and at various other places, together acapenate Y 8 S00) . Manson's. nis with the coldness of the evening, a great number of fair creatures came forth as lightly and gaily Increased vote,.. Common Connell. Boanv or Atpgamen, Nov. 25.-The Board of AWder- men met lust evening, K. L. Sebieffelin, Esq. in the Chair whe mint tenes the last meeting were read and up proved. Acommunication was received from the District At- bngey cowplaining of inadequate accommedation in his oftice. From the Commissioner of the Alms House relative to senting lunatics to Bloomingdale instead of Blackwell's islemd. i Resignation.—A commun’cation was received from the Corporation Altorney, Stephon Sammons, tendering bis reaignation in December, which was accepted. Petitions —Ot Williamsburgh aud New York Union tect Association, asking for reduction of rent. Re- ret, clad for the oceasionas if they were aboutto enjoy themselves on the green sward on a summer’s day, doubtless to the great increase of the demand for candy, for coughs, colds, é&c., during the remain- der of the week. Sometwohundred or three hun- dred having assembled, dancing was commenced shortly after, by Lothian’s band, which occupied the orchestra, striking upagrand march. This was followed by a quadrille of some eight or ten sets ; this was succeeded by Spanish dances, Irish jigs, Scotch reels, wa!tzes, minuets and marches, to the number of some fourteen or fifteen, and “Every ono did foot it, foot it— A Foot it right merrily,” and then down they marched, in double quick time, to the supper rooms, where a bountiful eup- ply of ull that was good was provided, and enjoyed with great gout by both male and female, at an additional charge of some four shillings each, ex- clusive of three dollars for the tickets of the ball. This was not so on a former occasion when tickets were only two doilars and supper included The discharging of corks, the jiogling of glasses, the rattling of plates, knives forke, &cc., were quite en- livening, and appeared to be as well danced to as any other piece of music during the evening. ‘The intermission of some thirty or forty minutes having thus been most satisfactorily enjoyed, amid the smiles of pretty faces, the jokes, good, bad and in- different, of would-be wits, the loud laughter of listeners, the demands upon, and the running toand fro of, astrong corps of waiters, made the scene one of great gaiety. After this the amusement of the evening was resumed, and was kept up to a very late hour, and the company gradually absquatalated, all apparently highly delighted. Tratian Opsra.—Last night the Opera house wasquite crowded, and the array of beauty and fashion was very brilliant, picturesque and refresh- ing. Every seat in the lower part of the house was occupied, and all along the walls, from the From fishermen of Tompkins Market to pro- hibit the eale of fish in that viciaity on Sundays. Re- ferred. pei inhabitants asking an appropriation for flagging reet. Assessment List —For flagging the sidewalks of Hous- ton street to butk-head. esti Resolution from the Comptroller in favor of roofing and flooring Washington Market. Adopted. Petition in favor of grading 43d street. Fagpeae at aor ra changing ier in 2d avenue. in tavor o! 1 WIS at corner of 2 nue D and oth strest, “2 es ee naenerel S tear by oeerag anya favor Po ing Wil mour, Ceptain of the Watch ia t! lat distriot, Adopted In favor om inting C. J. Conklin to fiil the vacanc: aeemaent for paving 29th street from 34 to ath Resolution in favor of appointing C. J. Fountain, Ca tain ofthe Watch in the Ietdistrice. Kae Voters.—In favor of applying to the Legislature to pass meted hg regulate the registry of votes in this city. Re- Ald. Seaman was of opinion that the rerroval of Captain Seymour, which had been made, was the result of politi- cal hostility, becauso the gentleman had not taken part in the “Nutive” procession. He moved a resolution of inquiry into the cause of the removal. Jderman Mriter considered there was no ground for such an accusation, it wae all “bunkum” business. He moved the resolution to be laid on thetable. (Carried.) Voters—Alderman Scnierreutn offered a resolution in favor of adopting the necessary si to indict and punish the committee at Tammany Hall for defraying the ex- peuses of the admistion of voters before tha fast election. He was iy hey that it wastimethe Jaw should step in to check this practice, and that the present law was sutti- cient to indict the patties before 0 Grand Jury. Alderman Hasnrovcx would feel glad if the resolution should be passed; wot ge another proof of the li- berality of the native party. The resolution was adopted. Public Sewers.—Resolution in favor of constructing public sewers in the city. Referred to the Croten Aque- duct Committec. Naturalization.—Alderman Scurerre.in offered a reso- dution in favor of the adoption ef necessary steps to effect improvements in the naturalization laws. At the last election, a German, who did not know the English lan- guage, to every question he was asked, answered “ Polk and Dallas” (Laugbter.) Adopted. Thanksgiving Day —A resolu’ ‘was paszed in favor of celebrating Thanksgiving Day, on the 12th December next. The Board adjourned, The Board of Assistan‘s also met and passed some pa- pers (rom the Board, when they aijvarael: wets City Intelligence. appear from the dally revora™ in” odttages, tual eau Frit of rowdyiaa has broken out inthe city, which demands the application of the strong arm of the law; for if not suppressed it is impossible to conceive the extent to which these disgraceful outrages will be carried. We have eee hed _an account of several which oc- curred last Sabbath, and we have yet another to add to the list. A gang ef rowdies assembled about 7 o'clock in the evening, at the corner of Grand and Pitt streets, aud during the darkness occasioned by the moon’s eclipse, behaved in the most sham«ful and brutal manner, grossly insulling every female who passet, and completely ocon- pying the sidewalks to their infinite annoyance—they we said to be runners to an engine located in the neighbor- hood. Are there no meaus of sipuaesiog this rowdy spirit ? Again we ask, where is the police 1 No other case of public interest occurred at either of the public ofticer. Coroner’s Office—The only inquest held yesterday, wa: on the body of a man who died suddenly in» fit of apoplexy. weeger oneal filled. T. Fhe opera. was te NOU i and in it both Lucrezia, Borghcse, and Maffeo Orsini, Pico. Both were received with plaudits and the whole pefformance went off with great éclat. Signora Pico looked very bewitching, and was frequently overwhelmed with ‘‘bravos.” Borghese acted with characteristic spirit, and fully sustained her reputation. Perozzi and Valtellina acquitted them- selves in a manner entitled to all commendation. At the close of the opera, the plaudits were gene- ral and enthusiaetic and the cries for “Pico,” “Borghese,” “ Pico,” “Borghese,” were loud and universal. At length Mad’lle Borghese appeared and was warmly greeted. The plaudits, “‘bravos,’? and calls for “ Pico,” were then louder than ever, and in a few moments the curtain was raised and Pico, Borghese and Perozai appeared on the stage and were very warmly greeted. The opera of Lucrezia Borgia is to be repeated to-morrow night with the same “ cast.” Superior Court. Nor. 25—The Court was engaged in hearing motions during the day. Court Calendar—This Dey. ys Common Piras.--Nos. 10,97, 111, 29, 30, 38, 2, 9, 25, 28, 36. Common Pieas. Before Judge Daly. Nov. 25.—Charles Poppleton vs Anthony B Fountais ‘This was an action of trover to recover 100 sovercignr, being the property of plaintiff, from the bands of defen: dant, who is a sheriff’s officer. It appeared that plaintiff is a linen manufacturer,in Engiandjand that sometime since his son abscunded, taking with him £400 in Bink of Eng- land notes, and other property of great value; that pre- vious to his leaving he converted his notes into gold, and. took his passage for New York, in the ship ‘‘Aderondac.” Intelligence of the matter having been sent tothe U.S. District Attorney, he employed defendant to errest the son oa his arrival, at the same time Gee | to the defene dant,that if he succeeded in effecting his object he would receive a hand¢ome remuneration. Sometime in August last the ship arrived in New York, and defendant suc- ceeded in waning the party and securing bis cfi-cts be- fore he teit the s! np je delivered all hi property. into the hands of Mr. Watson, the authorized agent of plain- tiff, with the exception of the 100 sovereigns, which he cetaived until he gave the promise! com tion. Mr, ‘Watson, it was alleged offerrd him $80 for his and $63 for his expenses. Defence put in was, that the remnneration asked was not more than what was requi- site, taking into consideration the difticultics he had to enco nter, in moking the arrest. The jury rendered a verdict for plaintiff, $140 7. ‘W. Watson, for plai ; H. Burlock, for defendant. Mr. Henry Pautirs.—This highly talented mu- sician has arrived in this city, and sojourns at the City Hotel. He gives his first and only sacred concert at the Tebernacle, Broadwey, to-morrow evening. As this concert is given at the special request of several miuisters, there is no doubt but that there will be an overflowing attendance, particularly as he has very judicionely consented to reduce the price of admission to fifty cents. Go early. Dramatic Reapinc3.—Mr. Vandenhofl, whose merits as an elocutionist are so well known, gives an exceedingly interesting entertainment at Clin- ton Hall to-morrow evening. It will be one of the greatest treats we have had for a long time, judg- ing from the programme in another column. New Jersey Ratiroad—The Conductors, Eprror New York Heraup— . 1 was much surprised to observe in a late num- ber of your valuable paper, a communication sign ed “ Traveller,” wherein certain invidious reflec- tions are cast upon the conduct of the conductors on thisroad. In alluding to a practice of “locking up” passengers, your correcpondent evidently labors under a mistake. I have travelled on the road for years, and never knew an instance ol the kiad Some ot the car doors are somewhat difficult to open, but as for being actually under lock and key is altogether an error. Meesrs. Gamble, Newkirk, and the other conductors, I have eae found prompt, efficient, and courteous, in the discharge of their duties; reflecting credit ahke upon them- selves and the company 5 and, excepting the exor- bitant rates of fare, I know of no railroad in the country which better deserves the patronage of the travelling community, Viator. DenovncincaCiencyman —The Rev Jno.Charl was one of the delegates from the Texas Conter- ence to the late General Conference of the Methodist Church in the city of New York. Being anorthern man by birth, and not intending to return to Texas, he ver, naturally voted with the North onthe question whic! divided the two parties in that body. A series of resolutions have since been pavsed by the Quar’erly Meeting Con- terence of the Washington Circuit, in which Mr Clark hee veg at os naviog, ut the soe boc Jence sed in him, an: asly misrepresented the sentiments atthe Methodlits ot Tex P All Philadelphia Subscriptions to the Herato mi he id to the Emig) Zieber & Co.,3 Ledger Muildingo. 44 nad Chesuut sts., where single copies tiny nlso be obtained daily at,t o’cloek, ma apetearaneailataaie Dreaprvr. Ratroap Accingnt.—On Saturday] ‘The Season for Coughs and Colds has lit morning about 10 o'clock, a dreadful accident | {lly come, aud almost every person you meet happened on the Reading railroad, ashort distance above x A poh a S- the Columbia Bridge. ‘The wagon of Mr. McClintock, of that vicinity, containing bimseli and a young man about tw: nty-one years of age, named John 8. Service, wasup down by a train of coal care while crossing the road, and Service lost his lifein consequence. The railroad makes t without any intenupdon fiom bucivess; avd. they mol Whee eerie ot ontd riattiog anne four or ay been is wget nyse roken at wie it by a tet men’s Cough Lorenges,. Have you p' So EMastandaldet Apply one of Shermai’s, Poor Man's Pine: 38 ters, and our word forit, you will find and quicker Het Temedies than all the nostiims i the world. ‘They a curve at the poiat where the catastrophe occurred, and” from these the wagon came out of a lane opening on the road at thie J never fail to cure. . place, The locomotive was heard, but the young man Sherman’s warehonse is 106 Nassau street. A gents, 207 thinkin, oot id wae has Ug cross IaBarsty, ate aivey i pe Fd Fos Brogtwens i id tem, to do so. ‘I ‘wagon. however, a AM “ a ‘ terined (he middie of the track, before ig Piney andah | aud Zicber & Co., No. 3 Ledger Buildings, Philadelphia, was being forced instead of drawn, was upon it. ie riva senses.’ foremost car struck it and shivered it to piec e men Ihe sempin Byhig by Sie of ie Peet ao, were thrown out, and Service had hia spine fractured, sfltblicked for he sel en ery: continue 10 | his tight thigh end several of his ribs Broken, ond his | cheir particilaratteatton to all diselaes of @ jivate nntare, head and face shockingly contused and lacerated. He 7 gonfidently Promise to persona requiring medical treatinent, Ls per eure, without injary to titution sedan Eee Teenie ee pesnenianly scwere) ake i Lad died in five minutes, Mr. McClintock had an arm bro- ken, and was otherwise seriously injured. An inquest was held upon the body of Service by the Coroner, the jury returning a verdict of accidental death.—Philadel- phia Times, Now. 26. pplication to the College on the appearance of aga ¥: Brponas © sult an may be avoided,” One members of the College, for, many ‘navel rmenberya Ce rea aed Sr eee he cerlanaily Raat a Medic} . IRENE NS" ASUNAA TREE ran aoa eRe he ag —— ee Wisrern Navication —-The Bowling-Green (Ky. Gazette of the 16th inst., has the following | notice of Green Ri javigation :—We ure pleased to | liv be able to notify the public that steamboats from the J aif med, a frat lock upon Barren river will now niako their regular un rin PEE Sl asipmea tices sane departures to New Orleans and Louisville, | vd trentment cleewhere: if ang, and enclosing $5, pont arrangements have been made to transport fron: | paid, wld: ih AS fichate KON, + By Aaset, s place to the loc! mall charge, whatever ma) ‘Office and Consulting Rooms oi the College, ® Nassau st. deposited for the kets, The steamboats will b ~r oe 4 bt be able to ovt with the utmost dispatch Woriaa! dear, bright, beauteous, fair, charming creatures, safety, all of the productions of our region hereabout. With ten your brow or a blotch on your features! Way, on w ve yen benuth ak ra ter vw i 8 of God's han 'iwork, thus, oh woman Amn Fan hut knew the excessive power of rome enarme, you woul ‘Tue Satee Stsrexs axp Ernrorran Minereers | notelivw yourskia to remain covered with blower, freckles at THe Avotto Rooms.—This company of Ethic | Spey ae ee eiecatiagn chner, ot pians have suscerded more effectually in developing the | jess. jong mec hands character they so admirably represent, than any others § der, do, do, inst try one 0 cent cake of the (be particulary Ji that havo attempted the arduous task.’ In point of ohe- | Soap. On, the effecr is beyond caleutation, and wil racter, expression, and musicul attaioment, they cannot ti takio a pare, dazzling whire, beantifal and clear; bat rm th soweta and at the Apollo, to-night, present a i iCuo where else hur at the Sign of the Amerietn Beales ss | of varied and highiy ldtereking ‘inelorias het cane | Cosine peter | Min’, eae tor eee eames hog Ke not be eclipsed. in the city, orf HN » Brooklyn @ Bide nsvet, Boston; 3 edges Buildings, Philadelphia ig