The New York Herald Newspaper, May 21, 1869, Page 3

THE PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLIES, The Old and the New School Churches in Separate Couneil. INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS. Overtures for Reunion Made by Both Bodies. THE OLD SCHOOL ASSEMBLY. ‘The inaugural services of the Old School General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church took place yes- terday morning, at eleven o'clock, in the Brick ebureh, corner of Fifth avenue and Thirty-seventh street, Rev. Dra. Spring and Murray, pastors. About 300 delegates were present, the edifice being com- fortably Giled, a large number of non-delegate divines, lay members and ladies occupying seats in ‘the galleries and in the body of the church, Ateleven o'clock the organ pealed soporously a gTand sacred overture to the proceedings about to ‘be mMauguraced, The MopERATOR (Rev. Dr. George W. Musgrave, of Philadelphia) then offered up a brief but impres- sive prayer, beseeching the divine guidance throagh- out the deliberations, after which the first part of She 135th Psalm was sung, a fine choir being assisted 4n its rendition by the Assembly. Rev. Dr. SPRING next offered prayer, invoking God’s care and guidance over the Church and His direction over the deliberations of this body. Rev. M. W. Jacosus, of Alleghany City, Pa., then read selections from the Old and New Testaments, whieh was followed by the singing of the 12d Psalm, commencing with the words:— : Arise, O King of Grace, arise, And enter to Thy rest, The MopeRaTor then advanced to the desk and delivered an elaborate sermon, taking as his text the sixteenth verse of the sixteenth chapter of the Gos- pel according to St. Mark:— He that believeth and i baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned. The reverend gentleman, in the course of his re- marks, said:—These words are contained in the commission which our Lord gave to his aposties just before his ascension to heayen. The divinity of their author, the extraordimary circumstances under which they were uttered and the vast iinportance of the matter itself should command our most profound attention. What more appropriate text than the very words of our divine commission? Remember that there is but one Gospel to be preached to every creature in all the world—that there is but one way of salvation for ciergy and laity. There are several thipgs which must precede and accompany the ex- ercise of saving faith. There must be a conviction of guilt, Without such conviction no one will seek— mo one will desire salvation. How clearly did our Lord illustrate this trath:—“The whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” There must be also a conviction of helplessness. So long a8 men think they can save themselves they will notapply to Jesus Christ for saivation, Like the Jews of old, they wilt go about vainly striviog to esiablish a righteousness of their own, and will not submit tiemse!ves unto the righteous- ess of God, which 1s by faith in Jesus Christ. ‘There must be likewise some knowledge of Christ, and a rsuasion of his ability aud disposition to save m. “How shall they believe on Him of whom they have not heard?” and how can they trust in Him for salvation unless persuaded both of His bility and wiilingness to save them? 0, when Jesus thus graciously and elticacious!y manifests Himself to penitent and believing souls, how great their admiration and gratitude ‘and joy | When there is a proper conviction of guilt and helpiessness, 4 a knowledge of Christ's apfiity and disposition to save, there will be neces- sarily an earnest and persevering desire for salva- Mon. How is it possible tor men thus to realize their sinfulness and danger, without an earnest desire to obtain forgiveness? No wonder that the blind put believing Bartineus cried #0 earnestly and so persistently, “Josus, thou son of David, have mercy on me; thou son of David have mercy on me!” And so will all traly convicted sinners cry with earnestness for pardon, nor will they desist watil they obtain the biesstuy. So too the woman ef Canaan humbly and earnestly persevered, and drawing nearer to lifts sacred person she reverently worshipped Mun, saying, “Lord, help me!’ These econvicuons and exercises of the mind vary as to time and degree; in some cases they are pro- tracted and indescribably pungent; in others they are short and comparative’ light. The duration and degree of these pparatory convictions are,not material. Their gracious design is to lead the sou! to Curist, What are we to under- stand by believing? It imphes something more than the mere assent of the pene | to the truths revealed in the Gospel concerning the person and work of Christ. Thousands have @ ,mereiy specuia- fave belief, who have no practical of saving faith in Christ. And yet we are notto undervalue the 1m- ee of an intellectual conviction of the truth; r how is it possible for men practicaily to embrace the doctrines of the Gospel without @ speculative persuasion of tueir truth? We would that men pos- sessed more of this intellectual conviction—that they would satisfy themseives inore fuily of the evidences of Christianity and of the truths revealed in the Gos- pel. The mere assent to the truths of revelation am never save tue soul. Indeed, the highest de- gree of merely speculative faith may consist with the deepest enmity against God and the most decided rejection, practically, of the gospet pian and offer of saivation. Saving faith includes Dot only the assent of the understanding, but also the consent of the heart. I wouid not offer it as the best theological definition, but I think we may obtain @ clear idea of the true ure of saving faith from the Greek word from which it is derived, one mean- ing of which is, to persuade. Jes ays, “Come ‘unto me, ali ye that are weary and heavy laden, and Twill feo you rest.” The speculative believer re- ies, T assent to that truth, I believe that Christ is able and willing to give rest to the soul; but then he never goes to Lim for it—his faith is wholly uninfiuential and inoperative. Christ is said to be a refuge. The speculative bellever assents to this truth, and believes that safety from the avenging justice of the Almighty can only be found m Christ; and yet never a step does he take to hide bimseif beneath the covert of His cross. But the true, the practical believer, apprehensive of the avenging wrath of God, flees to Christ for shelter, and in the truth that “there 1s now no con- d@emnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Once more. Christ is said to ve the foundation upon ‘which we are to butid for eternal life, The specula- tive believer ep I assent to that. Yet, with all his speculative faith aud admiration of it, he never builds upon it. But the true believer, being earnestly desirous of salvati and knowing that other foundations can no man lay than that is laid, ‘Which is Jesus Christ, goes practically to work and wisely builds his house upon it, I will merey add, without enlarging, that eavi faith is always accompanied by sincere repentance and followed by consientious obedience to the law of God. You perceive the essential dil- ference between @ speculative and practical faith. The former is Cg He ge and inoperative. The latter is influential avd productive. Again, multi- tudes ask what connection 1s there between fajth in QOurist and salvation’ Could not the Almighty, in the exercise of his sovereignty, jon and save Mn without requiring them to believe in Jesus? resemble in their views and conduct the Jews in (he wilderness when bitten by the flying fiery ser- penta, To took to a brazen serpent for healing was too absurd. And they laughed it to scorn, Well might Moses have repiled, Whetuer you can discover the reasonabieness of this procedure or not, it is the means pointed by God for your cure, ud you must look or perish. Thousands did refuse to iok, mm their incredulity, and perished. Now, ‘as Mores lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, eve so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that who- soever betieveth in Him a not perish, but have everiasting life.” Multitudes, however, in their vain philosophy and pride of intellect, refuse to wok, and demand a more rational method aud con- diion of salvation, You are free men; you can refuse to pei if you wil; but then you will be damned, (fit's Thats alil Ob, drei alterna. tivo—eternal damnation! But go it is, But while ineiet i that the command and promise the Almighty shonid themselves suitice to induce our acquiescence in this method and term of salvation, we do not um to concede that we catinot perceive their exceil ‘and moral fitness, We insist that as this plan of salvation has been devised by the highest intelligence, and tha term required by Supreme authority, we ought reverentiy to acquiesce and implicitiy obey. W! ever re‘uses or neglects, practically, to believe the et ‘will be damned. Did you but truly believe word of God you could not remain indifferent to your awful exposure to the wrath of the Almighty, OF persiat in of sin which you know must ing misery. Yen, but for your practi infidelity, you would, even now, prostrate yourselves before the throne and sue with for mercy. If you are intellectually convinced it Jesus is the Son of God and that salvation cau be secured by faith in Him alone, way will you not racticaliy embrace Him as your Kedeemer? ‘The Solon ty Ret provided this scheme of fe: irative proot no other vation bie. can ten jan is wal’ aye wi The aivine personal aK} the Evin baa Gone Saviour and convem- piate His sufferings death without being con- vinced that God would otherwise nave spared nia Son? And with the scene in the Garden of Gethse- mane before you and the still more awiul scenes of ppd with those repeated petitions and cries of agouized and dying Seviour ringing tn your ears, 3 we upon NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1869.—TRIPLE SHEET. dare you doubt that without faith you must be damned? Bat you wil! not fm Laer f = necessarily unless you beileve—yo unpellef will justly cocanion your greater condemna- an. We relecis the podem vee at aenae in. It wi ara in iaieelt the ‘most heinoss aud ‘most aggra- vating of crimes, Unbelief is the grossest contempt of lanales Finer supreme pang ay 04 wer ai ndless mercy. Der in full win at (he eroaer ‘cross; to sink down to hell ‘with the offer of salvation sounding in your ears; to know that you might have been but would not be Hil you with the bitterest remorse saved will, indeed and anguish and despair. Ab! that—that is damna- Hon the fl ae most intolerable heli! And now, m) ren “nA the ministry, if such will be the terribie doom of unbelievers, how earnestly ought we to exhort our fellow men ae. tically to believe the gospel? Let us here strictly and faithfully, a8 ambassadors, to our in- structions, Let us ever remember we are divinely commissioned tw preach the foonels human phitosophy or science—not polit or any- thiug purely sect ry but the gospel. Let us never forget that a8 Christ's mn we will be held by Him accountable for the faitnful delivery of His mes- sage, and that If souls perish through our un- faithfulness he will hold us responsible for their de- struction. Let us see to it that we ourselves have @ practical faith in the gospel. Let us remember that there is but one method of salvation ior ministers and laymen. How vated would be our con- demnation if, atter all our privileges and profes- sions, we should finally perish. Let us, therefore, thoroughly, Cerra and prayerfully examine whether we are in the faith, ‘and earnestly endeavor, by the grace of God, to make our personal calling and election sure. Let no one flatter himself that because he is a minister and has been ordained he must be saved. Let me exhort all who hear me this day practically to beheve the gospel as the only way of escape from future and ever- lasing — destruction. Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye re- conctied ‘to God.” Come in all your guilt and helplessness and cast yourselves implicitly upon His power and mercy” if you thus come He will graciousiy say to you, ‘Son, of good cheer; th sins are forgiven thee; according to thy faitl be it unto thee. God grant that we may all ultimately meet im the general assembiy of the first born, whose names are written in heaven, through faith in Jesus Christ; to the praise of the glory of His grace. Amen, Rey, Mr. Jacopus then offered an impressive prayer for tue welfare of the Church and the mints- uy, and for the diffusion of the trutns of Christ's saving sacrifice throughout the world, The prayer was foliowed by the singing of the 162d hymo (second book), opening with the lines Not all the blood of beaste On Jewish altars slain Can {ree us trom our guilt Or wash away its atain. Rev. Mr. Murray then announced that an ciders’ prayer meeting would be heid on this aud every other morning during the session of the Assembly, at eight o’ciock, in the lecture room of this church, Also that the various churches are invited to join with the Committee of Arrangements in giving a reception to the members of the General Assembly, at Apollo Hall, on Monday evening next. Tue MODERATOR then pronounced the benediction and # portion of the congregation withdrew, HE REGULAR BUSINESS SESSION of the Assembly was then, at one o’ciock P, M., formally inaugurated with prayer by the Moderator. No objection being made and no motion for recess offered, the Clerk proceeded to reaa the roll of dele-* gates Irom the various presbyteries. On motion a committee on elections was appointed, to whom were referred all informal commissions. A number of corrections in the roll were made, after which ® motion for @ recess until ball-past three o'clock was adopted. ‘The Committee of Arrangements made an informal suggestion that the hours of tne sessions be from nine o'clock A. M, to hali-past twelve o'clock P. M., and from haif-past two o'clock P. M. untii half-past five o'clock P. M. ‘The recess was then taken. Afternoon Sess! Upon reassembling, at hali-past three o’clock, a number of additional commissions Were anuounced and reierred Ww the appropriate commitiee, The Committee on Kiections then reported on the commissions received, a number of which were found informal in various respects, and were com- mended to be added to the roll, Adopted, ‘The commission of a delegate Irom a presbytery 1n a remote part of Texas gave rise to some discus- sion, as it was informal, not being certitied by any synod, It appeared, however, that there was 10 synod auywiiere near that locality, they having been disrupted by the late civil War aud never since then faily reorganized, ‘Lhe MODERATOR stated, in reply to a delegate, that the breturen in that iovality had formed themselves into @ presbytery, and that this delegate came now rather seeking admission to the Assembly than as a fully accredited delegate, ‘The case Was an extraor- dinary one, and deserved especial, and, if possibie, Javorable cousideration. ‘the deiegate represented a body that had remained loyal throughout t.e war, and When the rebellion bad even severed their tnter- course Wita their Northern brethren they refused to unite With the southern Charch. They were now struggling LO reorganize, and he therefore suggested that the mater be reierred to the Commitee on Elections. Referred accordingly. ‘The MODERATUR then aunounced that nominations for doderavor ior the ensuiug year were in order, Rey. N. W. Jacobus, D.U.; Rev. Willis Lord, D.D.; Rev. A. Hall, ).D.; Rev. Dr. Anderson, of New Albany, aud Rev. Dr. Blackwood were taen nomi- nated. The two last named gentlemen were, upon tueir own request, excused. Rey. Drs, Jacobus, Lord and Hall were then an- nounced as the regular candidaces, A motion that # majority of all the votes of the Assembly be necessary to constitute a choice was adopted; this rule to govern ali ballots by the As- sembly during its session. On the first vote Rev. Dr. Jacobus was elected, the following being the result of the balloting:—Jaco- bus, 140; Lord, 63; Hall, 54. Jacobus’ majority of the wnole vote, 23 Rey. Dr. Jacobus then ascended the platform, and in a few words the outgomg Moderator, Key. Dr. Musgrave, resigned to him the oitloe. The MopERaTOR then thanked the Assembly for the honor couferred upon him, and apnounced as the next business before the house the election of a tem- porary clerk, Rev. Ravaup K. Ropaers, of New Brunswick, was then nominated and elected, by acclamation, to the otiice, Rev. Dr. MUSGRaV# then offered the following reso- Intion:— Resolved, That « committee of conference, consisting of five ministers and two elders, be appointed to confer with # simi- lar committee, if appointed by the other Gi sembly now in session in this city, on the subject of # reunion of the two branches of the Presbyterian Church, to report, during Our present session, and at as early a day as practicable, what further action, {f any, should be taken on the subject. ‘The resolution was ainended by the substitution of five elders, in place of two, and adopted. The MODERATOR asked the mdulgence of the As- sembly by delaying the appointinent of the members of the committee until this morning. The et ‘was one of the gravest import and required deliber- ate consideration. The indulgence was granted. A DELEGATE Moved that the first order of business for Saturday next be the report of the pon mittee on Freeamen, and the second er, Do- mestic Missions; on Monday, the first order, the Standing Committee on Education, and the secoud order the Committee on Publication, &c., making provision for each day’s business of next week. The TEMPORAKY CLERK moved as an amendment that the reports of the several committees and the theological seminaries be the order of busiuess tor this morning. Alter considerable promiscuous discussion the whole subject was referred. Aresolution was adopted providing that the ses- sions of the Assembly should be from nine o'clock A. M, to half-past twelve o’ciock P. M., and from hali-past two o'clock P. M. until half-past five o'clock I. M. of each day. Some minor business was then transacted, and the Assembly adjourned at hal convene at nine o'clock this morning. Rell of the Delegates. The folliowing is 4 corrected list of the delegates present :— OFFICERS. Rev. M. W. Jacobus, D. D, Rev, William &, Sebenck, 1). D, Rev. A. T. Motil, D. Dos ‘Clerk. Rev. K. K. Rodgers, T Clerk. : SYNOD OF ALBANY, on Preabyteries. Miniaers, Rati n ry Pettingell. Rohuylor Brasie Peter schoonmaker, ‘A. Me ge. SYNOD OF ATLANTIC Lt W. A. Franc b. Lamberison, Hail. C. MeCurdy. ‘Thon. M. M, Sellars, John R. MeFee. Robert Leiteb. Oe Mel Jobn B, Skinner. MN. M D.B. A. Miller. Bulfaio City enn... + Tit. W. MeCormick, James Gardner. Genesee river A. K. Philito, A. Hofman, HG, Spattord. Bn men SH’ Wm. Mebean. 8. 8 Heabtos, uD. » MeCaalin, nel Cochrane, |. MeCampbeil, Vingennes . . Roseman, Whivew ater. . - Wm, Bianebard, 6YNOD OF 10W4s. Min Sot, M. D. KY, + Jaa, Barbour, James Davidson. OD OF KEN’ W. Coon. juryker. a SYNOD OF NABIIVILLE. w. G. Walker. x. Samuel Burtis. E. M. Hunt, M.D. |. Be perman. ‘Theodore Strong, . Rodgers, L. H. Atwater, W.Hornblower,D.D.Henry Meeker. im, C, Roberts.....David Oliphant J.B. Adams. jon T. Nixon. K. Wm. H. rab, arson. 1. A. Harlow. jes, Sinclair. nn Lowres Spring, D. D. k. Ambrie, D. B.D. DIA. SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIAN Crawfordsville... W. Fiske, D. D. Jas. C. Hague. Fort W inner, D.D..H. P. Ayres, M. D, Lake. C. Bartiett. bo 8, Shanklin, m. Sheets. . Me BYNOD 0 10. Columbus . .W. . Marshall,D.D.Adam McCrea, Hocking. ~ Marion. A. McNeil. Wooster ‘Jas. Black. Samue) Culbertson. George Robinson. in Hammill, ‘D. IN. G. WI Newcastle..... -» }}\'s"" Ghimos Northumberland... Yo*ePh Auphens:» W. Blackwood, D.D.John MeArthur. J. B. Mot Morris Patterson, a. W. Aus; . D.Gilbert Combs. 0. J tone..J. A. Gardner, . M. Knox, D.D.K. J, Fox. J. K. Kekard, D. D.-Robert McDowell, BYNOD OF PITTEBUKG. J, W. Walker, D, MeCardy. Elder. ‘Samuel Cratg. M.W. Jacobus, Huy ee John Gillespie. Robert vavis, john McClintock....E. F, Houseman. . ?, Bollman, H. P. Vancleve, Dennis Balawin, Matthew M’Cullough G. H. Nitehie, J. Dietrich. id MeCormick. BYNOD OF WHEELING. New Lisbon Jonn Falconer, Steubenville . Racteae unt. St. Clairsville. BYNOD OF WISCONSIN, David Conger. Milwaukee. ~ L. Candee. Winnebago Robert Shivlis, NOD. Atlanta. — Hanqnan. Austin. 2H. Pe Young Win. Stiles, a. D. THE NEW SCHOOL ASSEMBLY. At eleven o’clock yesterday the General Assem- bly of the New School Presbyterian Church formally opened their proceedings in the Church of the Cove- nant, Park avenue, corner of Thirty-fifth street. Rey. Jonathan F. Stearns, of Newa;k, N. J., filled the post of Moderator and preached the sermon. Rev. Edwin F. Hatfield, D, D., of New York, acted as Stated Clerk, and Rey. J. Gleutworth Butier, D. D., ot New York, as Permanent Clerk. ‘The exercises opened with a svi0, which was eX- quisitely executed by alady whose name did not transpire. Rey. George Maxwell, D. D., of Cincinnati, Ohio, then offered up a brief prayer, after which the 395th hymn was sung by the choir. ‘The first parc of the fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians was then read by Kev. Dr. Gerter, of Buffalo. The Gloria tn Exceisis followed by the cuoir. After further prayer, im which the divine blessing was invoked onthe deiiberations of the Assembly, and also on those of the Old School assembled else- where, so that they might be induced to form a per- manent and lasting union, the organ again pealed forth a solemn hymn, in the singing of which nearly all the congregation united with the chotr, The Moderator then proceeded to preach the OPENING SERMON. He spoke for nearly two hours, and the following ts the pith of his discourse:. On the 17th day of May, 1838—just thirty-one years and three days ago—the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church met in the city of Philadelphia, fall ot agitation, apprehension and mutual distrust, ‘Then and there was consummated the disruption of the Church, What was now to be done? Many fraternal hearts bied at the alienations which they Witnessed, and the separation which appearea to them so unnatural and disastrous. Our own branch of the Church, hoping to heal the breach, stood unresolved, once and again taking the imtiative in efforts for reunion or friendly communion, and hardly abie, some of them, to give their entire affec- tion to their own severed portton of the body, since they must leave behind so many brethren whom they still loved and honored equally a8 weil. Ric! and Miller, Fisher and Spring, Mason and Dodd, White and what ible reason could be discerned why they should be in fon rena organizations? But the consummation was inevita- ble, and both the parties couid but adjust themselves to the position. Too late perhaps for their best in- our terests Church recognized the prophetic cry:— “This captivit; long. Build ye houses and dwell in them, and it jens and eat the fruit of them, ‘Take ye wives and beget sons and daughters, and take wives for your soos, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may beget sons and daugh- tera, that ye may be increased and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither J have caused you to be carried uw: ives, aud pray unto the Lord for it; for in the place thereof shall ye have peace,” And so we did. We accepted our little severed fragment, rejoicing to find it still so large and strong, and, since God so willed, gave our beat strength to its idnor and advancement. And the Lord gave us prosperity, The bands of our in- ternal union were ened. DiMcult questions were discussed freely, and early settied. Portions of the body not homogencous with the rest dropped quietly away. Entangling relations, hindering in present circumstances the growth of both parties, were dissolved, Our work opened before us. Oar churches came up nobly to their duty. We gained strength year by year. We acquired a standing aimong the Christian denominations second to none, And now we meet, today, a compact, vigorous, ac. lve, hopeful branch of the great Protestant body of Churches, perfectly unt among ourselves, in pleasant relations with all the rest, and having 1 view a reunion with our long separated brethren, on terms of the utmost mutual respect, frank ness, i fraternal conflaence in the once more wadivided Church of our fathers. ‘That they ali may be one.’? Our Lord uttered these words on & mosi solemn occasion, He had lari the fouuda- tions of His Church and instructed [is disciples ta its principies. But He was going to leave tiem. And there Was @ vast Work as well as a fearful com- bat before them, And both required tor suc. cess their united strength. littherto He had kept them in one by His personal fe moe 3 Kut that he was about to be sundered. ‘The shepherd was to be emitten and the sheep of tue flock scattered abroad, He foresaw their danger. ‘Therefore He to tis Father with a peculiar emphasis that He would keep them united:— “While I was with them in tie world I kept them in Thy name.’ “Now f am no more in the world, but these are in the world and I come to ‘Thee. Holy Father, keep through Taine own name those Whom Thou hast given me, that they may be one, as We are.” And jooking down through the ages upon the whole body of the elect, and sectug io them all the same need, Hh red forth for them all the same fervent prayer, they may ail be one. as Thou, Father, art in Me, and L in Thee, that they also’ may be one in Us, that the worid may belleve chat Thou hast sent Me.’? “1 inthem and ‘Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may Know that Thou hast sent and hast loved them as Thou hast loved The thing asked for in this petition marks he end of the Church's rere Without the germ of it she is no rch, And no higher perfection is within her reach on earth or in heaven vnau itx fuli develop ment and the enjoyment of itsripened fruits. First, we inquire, what is the nature of tus union? It is of no ordinary or superticial cbaracter. its founda- tion is in that deepest of ali spiritual mysteries, the union between the persons of the undivided Trinity. ‘That ie its root, and that, with differences corres- to the nature of the parties, its true pi me of the old writers used to enumel three mystical untons—the union of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost in the sacred Trinity; the union of the divine and human natures in the person of the incarnate Son and the union of the Churen and each truly regenerate soul with God in Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost. In the basis of all truly Christian union, sented by @ Variety of symbois—the union of the husband with the wite, of the vine with its branches, of the head with the members of the Soar, of the food with the body which it pourishes. It the most close and vital of all the unions to which man is @ . ‘Thus united to Ohrist, and God in and through Christ, the Church becomes one in re- spect to her own membership. This ts that unity of the spirit of which St, Paul ks, “By one Spirit are we all baptized into one ly, Whether we be Jews or Gent whether we be bond or free and have all been made to drink into one spirit.” deep, it 1s invisible, it ig-most spiritual. Out of it flows ail that union of thought, aims, sympathies and affections which we are exhorted so aasiduously to cultivate, And all our outward union, if it is not rooted in this and vitalized and held ther by that divine love which is the “bond of perfectness,”” is neither @ truly Christian union nor can it sustain long <the shocks wo which it is sure to be sub- jected. The visible union of the Church is not something to be impressed upon it by conven- tional rules, agreements, governments, but some- thing to be developed from within the Church itseif—out of its inner life, And there are many things of vast importance to its perfection, which are byno means indispensable to its existence. Second—But tue tull purport of our Lord’s petition 18 by no means realized when his people are united Li epbonet tohim. The inward union must obtain an outward expression and be bodied forch in some visible and effective form, And here we encounter serious dificulties, The human character, like the fields of nature, Inxuriates in variety. Different tastes, habits, temperaments, nationalities and de- gros of culture lead to diiferent preferences, Our imperfections set us still wider apart. Some believe profoundly what others deny. — Let me call your attention to a few facts open to all. The struggle between the powers of light and darkness was never flercer, nor the foe more confident or better furnished than now. See, on the other hand, Romanism, which has seldom failed tn an emergency to renew its strength, gather- ing itself up for a new onset, resorting to all the arts of which it knows so well how to avail itself, summoning its ecciesiastics from all parts of the world to a council for the coramon defence and ad- vancement, pouring its emigrant poor into our new country, and more or less into other Protestant countries, to be the ready tools of its priests in con- trolling the policy of free governments; corrupting, with its ialse doctrines and perverting ritualism, one large branch of the Protestant Church; already boasting of its expected ascendancy in ths favored land, and, wiser than of yore, changing ite tactics, laying hold of the facilities of the age, and using our methods as well as ita own for the accomplisnment of ite pur- {rte Can a divided, disintegrated, pulverized Protestantism cope with a compact, Closely orga- nived Papacy? Well may it laugh at our poor. petty divisions and sabdivisions, pecking here and skir- mishing there, and scarcely bringing together against iis own vast army 80 much as & single well com- pacted corps, Well mat it trust to the power of dis- integration among if so wise and far-seeing a body as the Presbyterian Church cannot close up its ranks and act as one in such an emergency. Then look on the other hand at the powerful inroads of infidelity of ali sorts and degrees. Many among us seem not aware of its extent or strength. In its various forms of Atheism, Pantheiam, Naturalisin, vositiveism and Rationalism, it has taken hold of the extremes of society, and exercises au uncon- scious influence on the common thinking of the country, Science is infected with it, light literature, even religious literature, is tainted with its odor. It claims to expel from the world a controiling provi- dence and from the Moly Scriptures the very idea of & miracle, It would, if the common sentiment of Christendom would bear it, brand the Saviour of the world as an impostor or a self-deluded enthusiast, And here Germany is doing for us jost what Ireland is doing in the other direction. Hundreds of thou- sands of emigrants, imbued with the godiess no- tions which prevail widely in the fatherland, are coming hither, and we are domg almost nothing to instruct and win them. We have no seminaries where ministers of their own nationality can be properly trained—only a few churches, and these can hardly find pastors—and no well-digested sys- tem of operations having in view their evangeliza- tion, And megnwhile the tide of infidel thought, flowing in for nearly half a century from that land of scholars and philosophers, and which has done so much to undermine the true faith here and in England, 1s still at che flow. And our scholars should be ready to meet it. It is an easy Mes | to stand still and cry “Germany!” Take care! Bold and free thinking requires a bold end frank answer, Our noble seminaries should be reinforced, and our Christian scholars trained, 60 as to cope with the strongest. ‘The reverend gentleman concluded a lengthy dis- course by expressing Ue hope that both the Ola and New Schools would unite, but said that if they could not agree on a basis of unton the New School should go on independently of itself and use all ita energies in the dissemination of its own pecutiar teachings. ‘Tne Assembly here took a recess untii three o'clock. Afternoon Session, ‘The Assembly reconvened at three o'clock. ‘The first business in order after — .. by the Rev. Dr. Fisher, of Utica, was the reading of the names delegates composing the Assembly from the various synods of the Charch, ‘the election for @ Moderator for the ensuing year Was then taken up, The following gentlemen were placed in nomination:—Rev. Dr. Wing, of tne Har- rigburg presbytery; Kev. Dr. Fowler, of Utica; Dr. Taylor, of New York; Crosbie, of New York; Revs. Alick Jonnson and Alfred. Chester, of Builalo; Rev. Byron Sunderland, of Washington. ‘Rev. Drs. Johnson and Taylor declined anda were excused from running. Avote was then taken es pi Send Toll, each one answering for his choice, with the following re- sult:—Chester, 61; Fowler, 61; Crosbie, 58; Sunder- land, 19; and Wing, 18. ‘The eee bereupon deciared that there was no vor A second vote resulted as follows:—Chester, 81; Fowler, 90; Crosbie, 38; iedmeatat ing 1. The MopERATOR agala declared that there was no vole. Dr. SUNDERLAND asked the privilege to withdraw oe which Mi ae pied f CROSBIE and WING then flor permis- = to withdraw their names, whiten ‘was accorded ‘The contest now laid between Dré. Fowler and Chester only, and the vote on the third baliot stood— Fowler, 122; Chester, 33. Rev. Dr. Fowier waa therefore declared duly el and was conducted to the chair of the re- tiring Moderator by a committee appointed for that purpose, The newly installed Moderator returned thanks for the honor conferred on him in a brief speech, and promised to use his utmost diligence in the per- formance of the duties thus devolved on him. Rev. Geo Howard, of the Catskill presbytery, and Rev, Wikiam E. Moore, of the Third presbytery of Philadelphia, were then elected viva voce as teu- porary clerks, R yon ene Nee = that the rules contained in the appendix @ annual report ahouid govern the deliberations of the Assembly during ite session. Rev. Dr. Crosmie said he understood that a com- mittee of five ers and five elders had been appointed by the Old School Assembly'to confer with a like committee from their body, and he there- fore moved that such a committee be appointed to- morrow morning to confer with the committee of the other branch in reference to union. pe some discussion the resolution was put.and On motion it was resolved that a standing com- mittee be appointed in relation to the freedmen. It was announced that a poets. would be given on Monday night at the Apollo Rooms to the mem- bers of the two Assemblies by the families of the various churches tu New York. A meeting of the elders of the General Assembly will be beid this (Friday) evening in the Church of the Covenant at eight o’oclock. AnsSinbly ad- It being now near six o'clock the Journed unit! half-past eight this morning. ‘THE EXCISE LAW. The Reduction of the License Fees a Foregone Conclusion. ‘The subject of the reduction of the license fees is Just now the subject which overshadows every other in excise circies, The discussion of the proposed modification which was had at the session of the Board of Excise on Wednesday nas had for one of its effects a very strong reluctance to genew their licenses, on the part of those liquor dealers whose licenses expire during the present month, under the impression that, by delaying until the reduction takes place, they will get out their “privileges” far below the present rate, This is alt er taken Idea. If the reduction is deciden up be made to retroact to all from the Ist of May, As bility of the reducti being made weems to be a great diversity of those no clatm to be somewiat Jostes es to, thous: tion ‘conclusion. the The committee ta of bucans— Commissioners Dr. smith Dr, Crane, Judge Bosworth, the president of the Board of Ex- cise, 18 also &@ Member of the committee, It will be seen, therefore, that if the question of the reduction were to be consitered as a pala he Te are good mis- it will be but one opinion as to the result, reasons, however, for that politics will have nothing whatever to do the matter, and thar the question wiil be treated regat alike for the interests nor dritete manity at large ena u Who 18 ag stanch @ republican aa there ts in or out side the Twenty-third street gang, sod who would certainly be han 4 much opposed vo the reduction of the license fees If the subject were to be handled on political grounds, is Known to be rather in favor of the reduction, and Dr. Smith may during the com- mittee’s sexsions this week be Induced to believe for once in his life that all ik not death that smells of cold water, has always been known as @ strong advocate of a lower rate of license fees than at present 3 TT aoe rear, The race up the homestretch was very close and excilung until they passed under the string, obtaina in the Metropolitan district. Next Wednes- | Onyx winning the race by @ short length, Nora day tne committee whi make les final report to the Kista was about four lang 8 behind, ‘Time of the of Excise, and until then the liquor dealers | first quarter, twenty-eight seconds; the mile, 1:69, Must needs nold their souls 10 patien the temperance folks are moving heaven and earth to induce the committee to make @ report in favor of | their view of the question af issue. PATERSON RACES. Tho Last Day of the Meeting—Four Races us a Wind Up. The four races announced to take place yesterday atthe Paterson Course came of according to the Programme, The hurdie race was the first event, and ‘was succeeded by a mile and a quarter run by three year olds, Then came a@ half mile race between three two year olds, followed by @ mile dash between Egotist and Enchantress, The hurdle race was & great farce, and nothing else. The same two horses that galloped around the track twice on Monday did the same thing on this occasion, but at a still less rate of speed than they then exhibited. A third competitor, in the shape of a gray mare, also ap- peared in the contest, and ran a short distance. She Jumped one of the hurdies, dumped her rider, and then stopped and acted the part of a looker on for the remainder of the race. The managers of race Courses should use more discretion in the selection of horses that are to take part in hurdle races, and not allow the public to be humbugged by such specimens of hurdiers as exhibited themselves in the hurdle racing on the Paterson Course at this meeting. If hurdle racing is to be tolerated at allon the race courses of this country none but first ciass horses shouid be safferea to enterfor the purses—such horses as would contribute to the amusement of the public by their fine performances, and not create the feeling of disgust manifested at the repeated failures of those of the last week. Hur- die racing seems to find favor with a certain class in this community, particularly those from Great Britain, who have been accustomed to witness the powers of the horse in hunts and steeple chases. When they visit our race courses in expectation of Witnessing something similar to what they have been accustomed to see they are most grievously disappointed, and form a contemptible opinion of the racing institutions of America. Should hurdie racing again be attempted in this country we trust that it willbe done in proper style, that first class horses will be selected, and that the running and leaping will be worth looking at. - The mile and aquarter race for three year olds was a very spirited affair. 1t excited a great deal of interest, and a good deal of money exchanged hands onthe result, which was somewhat unexpected by the knowing ones, The entries for this race were Dlack golt Onyx, by Eclipse, dam by Revenue; bay gelding Mitchell, by Mickey Free, dam by Sovereign; and bay filly Nora Kista, by Mickey Free, dam by Sovereign. Mitchell was the favorite at odds, the general impression seeming to be that he would un- doubtedly win the race, as he had the filly, who was his stable companion, as an assistant, It was pre- sumed the filly would make the running, that Onyx would follow her, get pumped out, and that Mitchell could then go in and win. &c., for the rider of Onyx seemed quite aware of his situation, and allowed the mare to run away just as far as she pleased, and, without making any atte:npt to follow her, lay alongside of Mitchell and watched him narrowly, taking good care, however, at the same time to keep him in the heaviest part of the track, The mare at length became ex- hausted, fell in the rear, and left Onyx and Mitchell to finish the race between them- selves, which they did in very gvod style, Onyx beating Mitchell to the stand a short length, to the intense gratitication of his backers and the utter disgust of those who had lost their money. ‘Tue two year olds race, a half mile dash, was also a spirited ‘afiair, three out of five entries coming to e post. These were Colonel McDaniels’ bay colt by Lexington, dam Alabama; Mr. Littielleld’s chesi- nut colt Pollock and Mr. Waidon’s chestnut gelding Logan. The latter was the favorite against the field, but, unfortunately tor lis backers, was the last at the finish. McDaniels’ colt ran a capital race and won very easily. Le is a large and well formed coit, and in ail probability wil ome @ Superior race horse in ime. The fourth race, which was fora purse for ail horses that had run during the meeting, had but two in it—Egoust and Enchantress. There were two ouher entries, however—Morrissey and Urbana—but they did not make their gppeacance when catied jor. As this was che last race of the meeting, aad probably the last that will ever be run on the Paterson Course, @ great desire was mani- fested to lay wagers on the result, Enchantress Was (ue favorite at nearly two to one, but was easily beaten, Favorites did not seem to meet with much success during Ule meeting, as with one exception taney have invariably been beaten. This, of course, does not iaciude the hurdiing, The day was very fine, aud -the general surround. ings-+of the race course, with the green fleids and tue hills in the disiance, with the Passaic river almost eucirchng 7 Feral @ charming and varied appearauce, heighvened by the rain of the previous day, which, aithough it made the track execrable, vustiy 1wproved the adjacent scener, ‘This race course is a beautiful spot for tae purpose for which it was intended, but we greatiy fear that the march of improvement is so progressive that it will soon be devoted to other purposes than racing, us streets have aiready been laid out and named to its very gates. It see! @ pity that this beautiful ground cannot be retained as @ race course, for the facilities for reaching it from this city are very superior, aud involve a less loss of time than @ visit to any other race track in this vicinity. But we have reason to believe that yesterday we saw the last race that will ever be run on the Pater- son Course, and the pubiic will in future have to look to the Jerome and Prospect Park courses for a con- wy tion of the refreshing and exhilarating sports iy The details of the racing yesterday foliow:— THE FIRST RACE. HURDLE Rack—Handicap purse, $250; second horse to receive $60 out of purse; tWo milies, over eight hurdies three feet six inches high, tiree to ac- cept, closed with the following entries:— Jas. Thompson entered b. h., by Simon Kenton, dam by boston, 5 yrs. old, 150 iba... BY. Hoxey entered ¢. h. Tycoon, by 0' Time—4; ‘The betiing on this race was at any odds required on the bay horse against the feild. Une bundred to thirty was taken in a few instances, but the regular racing men could not be induced to specuiate. All the money picked up was amoug strangers to the arts of hurdie racing a& practised at tue present oe Qld birds are not caugut with chat. After a lite dodging on the part of the riders of the bay horse and that of Tycoon for the lead, the bay got away first, and going over the first hurdie gave it a rap that unshipped it, and as Tycoon came quickly on it he turned it entirely over, giving the mare @ chance to pass on without jumping at . She was never in the race from the start. The bay horse led to the second uurdie, at the quarter pole, about four and cleared it very prettily, Tycoon next, while the mare, Who was came slowly up hurdie, but as she landed on the over her head—a burster— in fine style by the bay horse firet, who Jengths ahead of Ty the latter jumping just as Weil as the other. At the seventh hurdie both Hulk and he plopped wat, the ‘bay horse. was 100 ul unl OTHE Was 100 yards away from him. ‘he latter came on, and, Taking the Jast huraie in style, came ma winner by 200 yards, Tycoon aguim coming to a standstill afier jamping the last hurdle, The gray mare did not co tnuch further than the first hall-mile pole, and there stopped ull the race was over. ‘Time of the race, ack, THE SROOND RAC Sweepstakes of $20 each, p. p.; $400 added for three year olds; one mile and a quarter. Closed With the Oe | eatries:— Lael enter But the best laid plans, | ce, even though | and the whole distance, 2:27. THE THIRD RACE. CLIFTON PLATE, $300, sweepstakes of $10 each, | Fst ee joes Chalk ‘mile “Second” horwe’ to mares ings; | receive the “stakes. * "Closed with the following eniries:— D. McDaniel entered b. c. by Lexington, Alabama »y Brown Dick ° 1 Chas, Visieene cateued om yy Colo sus, dam by . R, W. Walden entered eh tuonal Maid by Glencoe. 3 dam Emma Johnston, by Union... M.A. Littell entered b. f by imp. dam Optima by Kalas of f3 George. dr, ‘Time, 0:5634. Logan was the favorite a the field at the be- gone of the pool selling; but as it proceeded icDaniel’s colt grew in favor, until at the moment of starting there was very little difference in the In some instances MeDaniel’s colt was backed at even money against Logan. The race was started from the half-mile pole, As but three of the jwaenere came to the there was not the usual trouble in starting them. There were but two breakaways before the fiag fell. The: got off well together, but McDaniei’s colt goon too! the lead, Logan second and Pollock third. They ram very fast around the lower turn, Mac's colt opening the gap at every stride, and when he turned into the homestretch he led Lape two lengths, the latter being one length ahead of Pollock. Logan was soon in difficulties, and Pollock passed him, but Mevan- fel’s colt seemed full of running, and his jockey, ap- pearing regardless of the track, took the colt into the mad, and even in that he increased his lead on tue others and came in an eas) winner by four lengths, Pollock second, six lengths aheai of Logan. Time, fifty-six and a quarter seconds, THE FOURTH RACE. CONSOLATION PURSE, $150, handicap for all horses run during the meeting. Closed wit the following niries:— Mr. Strong entered ch. h, Egotist, by Eclipse, dam Vanity by Revenue, 110 1D8.......0. +e .eee sere John Boughram entered ch. m. Enchantress, by Lexington, dam Klien Bateman, 110 ibs,....... 2 D. McDaniel entered g. h. Urbana, 5 years old, by Breckenridge, dam Lady Sykes, 110 los.... dr. D. Me Daniel entered b. h. Morrissey, 5 years old, by eS enridge, dam Sophia by Bonnie eke land... teens . ir. Time, 1:55. * The betting in this race was largely in favor of En- chantress. Sometimes as much as two to one was laid in Ler favor in the poois, while the outside bet- ting ranged at about 100 to 70. ‘There was @ great deat of money laid on the event, this being the last chance of the meeting for the losers on the other races to make up their losses. Of course the odds layers of the meeting were a long way out, and to balance their books they laid the odds on Knchani- ress; but they selected the wrong horse at the Jast moment and became greater losers than before. it was but another instance of the Ackleness of fortune and of the tallacy of the judgment of the knowing ones. The horses got well off together, but belore they got around the turn Egotist began to show in front and at tne quarter pote he led alength, He kept this advantage down the backstretch until neat the haif-wile pole, where Enchantress made a dash for the lead. She ran up vo the girth of Egoilst, but could not get any further. It was evident that she had done her best, but that was not much. She then began to fall of gradually, and as they ran along the lower end of the track daylight became visible between them. At the three-quarter pole Egotist was two lengths anead, and the aifair was LO longer im doubt. Egotst came away from Enchant- Tess and Won tie race by eight lengths. Time, 1:55. And thus eaded tae Puterson races—perhaps for- ever. TROTTING AT PROSPECT PARK FAIR GROUNDS. The members of the Prospect Park Fair Ground Association had a small share of trotting all to themselves yesterday afternoon, concluding with a supper and ball in the evening. The weather was every way well adapied to the sport, neither dust nor mud being visible on the track, while the air was tempered to a nicety. None but members and their families were allowed within the grounds. ‘The first race was by aouble teams, mile heats, best two in three, to road wagons, for a gold medal. ‘Three double teams entered—Mr. Smith’s bay and sorrel, Mr. Sykes’ black and brown, and Mr. Jackson’s pair of blacks. On the first quarter the black team ied about three lengths; the first quarter pole was made in forty-uve seconds. In the second quarter the blacks were ahead about six lentghs, doubling the distance and making the time in In the third quarter the blacks still kept the lead and came in winners by two lengths in 3:12, followed by the biack aut brown, Smith's bay ana sorrel being distanced, ‘The second race Was between single trotters, mile heats, best three in five, to road wagons. Fletcher, Powell, Oakley and Knowles entered, Fletcher wou the first heat in 2:4255; Powell came in second; the other two were distanced. Fletcher won the next heat m 2:40%;, and the third in 2:40. ‘The double teams went at it again for the second heat, Jackson’s pair of blacks winning by a few lengths iu 3:07. ‘There"was a good deai of breaking in every start, but, for amateurs, the sport was toier- abiy good. After the racing ended preparations were made for supper. Dodworth’s band played some of its choicest music beneath the piazza of thec house, the ladies lingered on the balcony, for the scene and the surroundings, it up by the golden light of the sinking sun, had acharm not easy to fee from, A good many started for home about this time, but enough remamed to make the supper enjoyabic. Dancing followed in due time and was kept up with spirit tll @ reasonable hour of the evening. THE TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS EMBEZZLEMENT. The officials of tne Corn Exchange Bank refuse, in the most positive manner, to give to the public the name of the young gentleman who so suddenly went his unknown ways on Wednesday with $26,000 of the funds of the institution. It would appear that the promising youth had been, up to yesterday, about two years in the employ of the bank, and when first employed had been highly recommended by several prominent business men in Wall street. Among others who answered for his honesty and | trustworthiness was his uncie, a well known mer- chant in this city, whose name the bank officials do not feel justtied in making public. in relation to the embezzicment, it may be said that when the eae of the bank returned from tie Clearing mi after having made the discovery that the clerk had obt the $25,000, he at once informed the president, who immedi- ately notified tne police authorities of the cir- cumstance. Mr. Kennedy placed the matter in the hands of Chief Kelso, who detailed two of his very best men to work up thecase. Detectives, like @ great ae otiier people not unknown to fame, are not atall times partial to water, so the job of hunting about the town for the missing clerk in a pelting rain storm was not quite as agreeable as it might have been; but they neverthe.ess went to work with @ will and did their utmost to find a clue to the whereabouts of the cierk. A clue they found after a good deal of difflculty, masmuch as they were meu Upon all sides by rebuifs and opposition from the friends of the young gentleman Whose personal ac- quaintance they were desirous of making. Every species of infgrimation ef a character (o mislead they were fu with in more than ample abundance from various sources; but, as tor the bank ofMciais, they did ali in their power to assist the detective-. It is said, however, that the oMfciais bold the faitb- Jess clerk very high in their estimation, and that if they can by any fair means obtain the $25,000 thev will not have it in their hearts to puaish the offender for = n eee 2 ea By sum et bank before betaking himsel geograp! undefined rtion of the globe calied ‘parts unknown.” It ts, ides, rumored that the friends of the unfortunate young man are perfectly weil aware of his where- abouta, and that an effort will be made to compro- mise the matt r with the bank or make tlle $25,000 good, on the oa te ae en lustitution va not justice’s sake, Inas- of the clerk is unknown to the public, this way of dls ung ofthe aur would be comparatively easy {{ adopted—one, in fact, from which, judging from the past, nether the bank nor the young man’s friends need apprehend any ui- terior consequences tn the shape of prosecutions for eompounding a felony. | DUSSISSIPP] AND THE FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT. Letter from Ex-Governer Brown. From the Hernando (Miasiasipp!) Press, May nal overnor Brown, in response to. leading gentle- men at Jackson, publishes a letter setting forth his views in reference to the recent act of Con , assed in conformity to the recommendation of the | President, and the best course to be pnrsued by the | people of the State under it. He thus advises: — First—Then, let us have order and en- forcement of the jaws, to the full extent of meting out equal and exact justice without stint to ali mea OT all opintons, races and and to this end jet every good man resolve to atd the civil and military authorities by every fair means tn his power. there be no factious or mere partisan tothe administration of President Grant. But as the President Las shown himself kind to us, SD amvabbpebaaeey We cannot aiord to be Tiird—We must stand by the issue aa Ooppo- nents presented it at Washington. The convemte the constitution and Eggiesion & Co.on the o} aide; the le of Mississippt on the other. The President aud Congress sat in judgment and decided THE RACK. ‘The hi were started at the three-quarter polo in good and came dashing ap the homestretch through the mad, Nora Kista firet, alitchell second and Onyx third. Aa they passed the staud Nora was two lengths ahead of Mitchell, the latter leading Onyx @ couple of lengths. Nora tuen Jeit the others rapidly and opened of ten lengths to the arter pole, Mitcnell second, Closely waited om by Guys. down the backstretch Nora began to shorten her tirides, and the others to close on her, ‘At the haifmile pole she was only two lengths in front, Mi ascond, haifa length in front of Onyx. Going around the lower turn they were ail ina row and ran ip that way to the three-quarter pole, when reed ie Ueediens to state, though bunwel! very partia’ vo | Onyx vegan to show Ww front and Nore fell in the ie our favor. We will not allow the issue to Pourth_We accept the fifteenth ‘ we oe 7 an pe nad essen disre- fastiy all men and to fer Yo mg RT on and political rights Sizth—That men, of all come tend © cord) come rants juine aang