The New York Herald Newspaper, May 19, 1872, Page 6

ee A RELIGIONS INTELLIGENCE. MAY 19--WHIT SUNDAY. RELIGIOUS SERVICES TO-DAY. dt Herald Religious Corre- spondence. SER te The Muddle in the Methodist Book Concern. ——-e—-— Light Wanted by a Seeker After Christianity. A Sceptic’s Response to a True Believer. SS ne The Society for the Conversion of Jews. Services To-Da: At the Church of the Holy Apostles the Bishop of the diocese will administer the rite of confirmation in the evening. Rey. Dr. Gallaudet will preach at the church in Fighteenth street, near Fifth avenue, at both services, Rey. David Mitchell preaches morning and even- ing at the Canal street Presbyterian church, Rev. E. C. Sweetser will preach this evening at the church corner of Bleecker and Downing streets. Rey, James Powell lectures at the New England Congregational church. Rev. Dr. Fellows, of Wisconsin, will speak at St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church in the morning, and Rev. Dr, Hoyt, of Ohio, in the evening. Rey. Dr. Osgood lectures at St. John’s Memorial church at both services, Rev. P. L. Davies preaches morning and evening at the Berean Baptist church, Rey. Dr. Flagg will preach at the Church of the Resurrection at both services. Very Rev, Thomas Burke, 0. P., the eloquent and learned Dominican Friar, will lecture this after- noon, at three o'clock, in the hall of St. John’s Col- lege, corner of Willoughby and Lewis avenues, Brooklyn, on “Education.” It will be one of his grandest efforts, In the evening he will lecture in St, Andrew's church, Duane street, at eight o'clock, Subject—“‘The Dogma of the Immaculate Concep- tion, Rey, Henry Powers will officiate morning and evening in Brevoort Hall, Fifty-fourth street, be- tween Lexington and Third avenues, Rev. Charles H, Brigham will preach morning and evening in the Church of the Messiah, Park avenue and Thirty-fourth street. In Christ Protestant Episcopal church, Fifth ave- nue and Thirty-fifth street, there will be Whitsun- day services and the administration of Holy Com. | munion at three stated tutervals from the fore- noon to evening. Father Gavazzi will preach in the Tabernacle church in the evening. The clergy of the Free Church of St. Mary the NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1872—QUADRUPLE SHEET, word between the lids of the Bible, Old or New Tes- tamenta. This was belief by faith, without reason. Thave since reasoned, How could I help it? and lost my faith, although I still have “the real de- sire ;” Sut in spite of desire and many earnest pray- ers for light and truth my reason now condemns the whole Bible as a work of pure fiction, no more wor- thy of belief or respect than ancient mythology; hence, while I would admit the inferences of ©. R., my reason annihilates them by pulling from un- der him his entire premises, But why reason, he says; it has nothing to do with Christianity or the Bible. That ks fujth, in proof of which he quotes from the Bible; but as the most convincing prool is the fact that “the active Christian believer is never harassed by the doubts and fears which torment the sceptical, all is bright, beautiful day with him.'’’ Admitting this to bea fact, 8 that even to be taken as evidence? Sup- pose C, M. R. should discover what he “really be- lieved” to be a diamond of rare worth—a fortune — he would be satisfied and proud in its possession 80 jong as he fully believed in its great value, although it were really worthless; so earnest, full belief, even though wrong, gives satisfaction, but 1s no evidence that the belief is based in truth. The ancients, and even Solomon, in all his wisdom, fully believed that the sun passed around the earth every twenty-four hours. Such a sincere be- lief should “be conclusive evidence to C. M. R., in spite of sctence and reason, that the sun does really rise and set. Is itso? Are we, then, to shut out reason, and receive by blind faith alone so absurd and exploded an ac- count of creation as is found in Genesis, and the equally irrational story of the fall of man and his subsequent salvation through the sacrifice by Goa of His only Son to redeem what he had lost? Is it more dificult to disbelieve that an all-wise, omnipo- tent Creator could make such a pitiful failure and use such remedies than to doubt the authenticity of so unsubatantlal a record as is given in a boo! having tts origin in so remote and uncertain times as the Bible? Can we believe, on the testimony of one man, transmitted through so doubtful a record, the story of Moses and his tables of stone? Could C. M. K. believe any one man now living should he in the same manner presenta revelation and afirm that he had received it direct from the hand of God? If not, why ¥ Does he say that God has changed? If 8o L reply that it is easicr for me to doubt the record than to believe in so imperfect and ohangeaDle a Rod. . T. A. by A Mathematical Problem. To THE Epiror OF THE HERALD:— Will you permit me to put a question or two through your valuable paper to any of the members of the Association for the Conversion of Jews to Christianity? Ifthey have expended $2,000 upon converting “seven” Jews, how much will it cost them to convert all the Jews in this free country, and if it has taken them a whole year to accomplish such a glorious result, how yr thousand years. will it take for the canversion of all the Jews on the AN UNBELIEVING THOMAS, globe ¢ A “Sceptic’s” Response to a True Reli- glous Boomerang. To THE EpiTor OF THE HERALD:— Perhaps yon will be a little more merciful to me, an unwilling sceptic, than my Christian friend ©. M. Ris disposed to be. He surely manifests a very uncharitable spirit if I have a proper concep- tion of the teachings of Jesus, He would restrain “Sceptic’ from quoting portions of the Bible to show how they conflict, and their inefficiency as proofs of immortality, while he reserves to him- self the privilege, and exercises it, in quoting two detached passages in relation to Judas, and bids me, ity from sin unto righteousness. will not be amiss also to refer Mr. “Jew’s" attention to the prophecy of Isaiah, especially chapter Lil. | Without it the coming and career of our blessed Messiah would have been incomplete. T would correct Mr. “Jew” when he says that thou- sands of Christians have wandered from their true faith—for no person is a Christian because of being of Christian parents; but it requires tn their case, as in that of a Jew, the convertin, wer of God, to j whtoh, a oe coeeenane can testify. Iam pot ac- quainted with the above-named foclety or an. membe: hence hat while d love ail mankind, Lad pre especially the household of the faithful, 1 ask, in the name of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, that pan will insert thisin your next Sunday’s issue. ours, A SON OF ABRAHAM, and a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. (From the Catholic Review.] No journalist alive to the credit of bis profession can withhold his testimony of praise from the New York HERALD for its notable enterprise in search- ing for and discovering Dr. Livingstone in the mid- die of Africa, but to us it seems that its great ener- gies and wonderful resources are best employed in exploring the hidden mysteries of sdme of our American institutions. What it can accomplish in that way was shown in last Sunday's HERALD, which | thoroughly exposed the “unsectarian” working of | the Randall's Island House of Refuge, where 600 Catholics, of a class peculiarly in need of the moral ‘influences of religion, are, in the first place, deprived of the instruction of a Catnolic priest for whom they ba have respect, and in the next place are led to detest all religion by the religious persecution to which they are subjected. Though the Livingstone triumph was the more showy, the “House of Refuge” article was, to our minds at least, the more substantial and directly beneficial, Appeal for the Syrian Mission. {From the Catholic Review.) On Sunglay, May 12, the Rev. Father MoKiniry, S. J., of the Syrian Missions, made an earnest appeal to the charitable in behalf of the Catholic Missions in Palestine. Heretofore France, from her im- mense charities, has mainly supported these mis- sions, but owing to the late misfortunes of that gallant and Catholic land the missions have been In very straitened circumstances. Father McKiniry explains the peculiar difficulties which have always been in the way of the Eastern Missions— @ hostile government and people, centur- les of prejudice, a strange and difficult language, and a depressing climate have to be continually mastered in order to success- fully maintatn in the cradle of Christianity the light of faith, Frequently open and avowed persecu- tions from "their intidel neighbors and rulers try the faith and fidelity of the Catholics of those mis- sions. The importance of the mission was shown by the following figures:—The number of Catholics is 300,000, The missionaries and assistants are 80 European religious, 55 native Arablan school teachers and 200 Arabian nuns, who are employed as school teachers, Several important and necessary works have been undertaken by the missionaries, chief among which are the support of six missionary residences, one free grand seminary and college for all the oriental rites, three normal schools for the training of native male and female school teachers, sixty- five free primary schools, open both to infidels and Catholics, in which more than ten thousand Arabian like him, go and hang myself. Now, this is not only unjust, but cruel. It is just such pseudo-Chris- tions as C, M. R. which is filling the thinking world with sceptics—sceptics of the sincerity of all Church Christianity. At first glance at his article I was inclined to think that C. M. R. was some comical wag, who was attempting to trifle with the thoughtful and pious readers of the HERALD, and was disposed to let the twaddle pass for what it was worth; buton another reading I felt a painful sense of grief—grief that he, like thousands of others, should stumble at the very threshold of intelligence, by ignoring reason; by making religious faith the basis of knowledge, in- stead of reason the basis of all faiths, This common unfortunate blunder is well understood” to be the mother of all the theological dissensions, murders, martyrdoms and crime which from the first record Virgin, West Forty-fifth street, will have high celebration, with Millard’s “Mass,” and a solemn “Te Deum” in the morning and afternoon and ser- vice again in the evening. Mr. Isaac 8. Prior will be ordajned to the min- istry in the New England church, Madison avenue. Rey. George H. Hepworth will preach in Stien- way Hall in the morning and evening. Rey. H. D. Northrop will preach in the Preshyte- rian church, West Twenty-third street, in the fore- noon. Rey. Mr. Pendleton will preach twice during the day in the Baptist church, West Fifty-third street. | Rey. Dr. J. S. Holme will officiate in the Baptist church, Fifty-fifth street, near Third avenue, Rev. F. C. Ewer, D. D., will conduct services in the morning and evening in St. Ignatius’ church, Fortieth street. The Spiritualists will hold circles in Mohawk Hall, Eighth avenue. Rev. Drs. Gillette and Evans will preach, one in the morning and the other in the evening, in the Baptist church, Sixteenth street, near Eighth avenue. ‘ The Fraud and Embezzlement Trouble in the Methodist Book Concern. To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD :— Can you enlighten the community upon the Me- thodist Book Concern ‘fraud and embezzlement” muddle ¢ At least one of your readers is In the dark concerning the action of the Conference now assem- | bled in Brooklyn upon the management of the Con- cern in this city, notwithstanding your full reports. | It seems that there have been no less than eight | experts engaged in trying to unravel affairs and give the Church as well’as the community some light upon the subject, and each expert seems to have been working independently. Now, the ques- tion arises, by what authority were these experts appointed’ Surely tbeir orderg did not emanate from the same source. As your correspondent un- derstands the case, the only expert duly authorized was a prominent member of the Church, a Mr. Kil- breth, whose report I have carefully examined. The other experts were, I believe, appointed by Dr. Carlton and Dr, Lanahan. Now , I suppose it is entirely proper for each of the gentlemen to report his own case, and for that purpose to offer the reports of the different experts they may have em- ployed for that purpose, and yet I cannot under- stand why the only report that was ordered by the high authority, the “Book Committee,” has been practically ignored and these disputants and dis- turbers of the peace and harmony of the Chureh allowed to open anew their quarrel and come almost to blows before that august body, “The Gen- eral Con Itis a burning shame that this Conferen not take this question up and de- cide it promptly and fearlessly. Will not the recommitment only delay a decision till the next General Conference, four years hence ? Is that the object of the contestants ? Will you not urge the Conference to its duty’ Jt seems to be @ vaclilating body, and it is likely tfat some urging from the secular press will be of service to them. The Methodist Church, powerful as it is, cannot longer bear the odium of this thing, and if the graud old structure would be saved decided action must be taken this session. I have not read the reports of the various partisan experts, as their quarrel I took no taterest in, but have contined my- self to the report of Mr. Kilbreth, who was, as I understand it, the only expert appointed by the conunittee. J consider it an able and exhaustive report. Now, as 1 do not know and have never seen either of the gentlemen engaged in this un- fortunate affair, I certainly do not write from any but the best of motives, abd simply ask that you | urge them to their duty, The Church, the public, Tight aud justice demand it. ILLINOIS. More Light Wanted, by one Who Wants to Become a Christian. To THR Eprror oF THE HERALD:— Thave fora long time been a careful and inter- ested reader of the religious communications in the Sunday HERALD, and cannot too earnestly com- meud its publishers for their fairness and liberality in thus opening a channel through which persons entertaining widely different views concerning the Bible and religious doctrines may communicate and compare their ideas, Your correspondent of last Sunday (C. M. R.), in his very able effort to scorch “Sceptic’’ by “hauling him over the coals,” affirms, “If @ real desire is felt on the part of “Sceptic” to become a believer not only in immortality but Christianity, it is only necessary to ask God in Satna atc the unworthiness of human are, to be led by ; ; thousands, and wit to chowsands wore Wie i, is more. Why de- pend upon our vanity to reason us into Heaven when it is a free gift Already?’ My own ex- perience contradicts entirely his assertions, i have always felt an earnest and sincere desire to be a Christian, and tn my youth receivea the most careful religious training, and looked with mingled pity and horror upon any one who was #0 unfortunate as to doubt the inspiration of a single of history has afflicted the world. I ought to be | thankful that ©. M. R. has corrected my quotation, | in ascribing to Luke what belongs to Mark; but he fails to See its proper application, Jesus bids his disciples “go through all the world and preach the yspel to every creature, &¢., and these signs shall follow them thag believe. In My name yshall cast out devils; they shall speak with ongues; they shall take upserpents, and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall re- .’ In thé case of Paul, who became a_be- liever, these signs were all verified; he did restore the dead, a deadly serpent did not These signs were to follow the teachings of Christ's disciples, for they themselves already believed. says he belleves; but can_ he, like of these signs, or does he Know of any Church ristian who can manifest these signs? If not then it is evident their faith is all pretension. He impugns my sincerity when I said, “Oh, that I had lived in those primitive times!" Now this, again, is uncharitable. My friend Oo. M. RR. seems to regret that he has not read some commentary on Ecclesiastes, from which I quote (chap. ili, = 19). The whole book is instructive, and the passage quoted speaks for itself. It seems to be the sober reflections of some worn-out debauchee. Let CO. M. R. pay little attention to commentators, but, for once, do his own thinking. His acquaintance with | sceptics, he says, is limited, and those were of a very debased character. Poor man; what a choice he has made; he is certainly an’ object ot pity! There is an apparent feeling of vindictiveness per- | vading his whole article in relation to sceptics. He looks upon them something akin to crimi- nals — whereas, if they are wrong, they should command his pity —and under this | ill-feeling assaiis them as enemies to reli- gion and its professors, He should be shrewd enough to see what an awkward fix this places him in should “Sceptic’’ attempt to retort by dis- gracing the columns of the HERALD (which God for- bid!) by enumerating the shortcomings of the thou- sand and one of its fashionable teachers which daily turn up in print or land in prisons, But the doubts on immortality of “Sceptic” are fast giving way; he has been investigating the sub- ject of Spiritualism, and he can truly say, with the | eliever Paul, ‘he has seen things if not unlawful | for man to utter wonld at least be very impra- dent to place before the public; for, however con- vineing they may be to him, he is a little tender on the point of ridicule. SCEPTIC, Now, C. M. Re A Heathen Chince States His Case. To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:— AChinaman, resident of New York for twenty years, begs most respectfully the privilege of speak- ing through the columns of the New York HERALD. I wish to observe that the people of my country live up to the teachings of Confucius—“Do not unto others what you would not wish that others should do unto you.’ Upon this principle we do not propose to send missionaries to the United States or to any other people. Your religion commands, “Go ye into all nations and make proselytes.” Ours teaches, stay at home and mind your own business, Your people claim that yours is a revealed religion. We claim as much for ours. You call us idolaters. This is false. Our idols are simply baa You claim that your sacred book is the Word of God, We claim that ours was dictated from above. Our nation is twenty thousand years old; yours not one hundred. This speaks very well for our form of government and system of religion. When the United States has seen its thousandth birthday it may begin to think of sending missionaries to con- vert the heathen Chinee, Until that time all efforts in that direction will be considered by my people exceedingly impertinent and insulting. Ve respectfully, HEATHEN CHINEE. The Jewish Feast of the Pentecost. To THE EpiTor or THE HERALD:— With the annual approach of the collegiate ex- amination there js noticeable this year a most unusual excitement among a goodly portion of the pupils of the male and female colleges, caused by the examinations being fixed for the two first days of the Jewish feast of the Pentecost. Now, all who glory in religious liberty, as identical with America, cannot offer any reason why the Jewish scholars of the public schools should be compelled either to neglect their duties to their religion by attending school, or to forego their examinations by attend- ing divine worship, as is customary on these days. The postponement of the exercises referred to for a couple of days can not materially interfere with the comforts of any one, and will add much to the pleasure of the Jewish community In hopes for the assistance of your valuable paper, . . PSHEVNOS. The Society for the Conversion of Jews. To THE Epiror oF THE HERALD:— Having noticed in your issue of May 12 an article signed “Jew,” who somewhat endeavors to ridicule the idea of converting Jews, under the pretext that they need no medium between God and themselves, I beg leave, through your valuable sheet, to say to Mr. “Jew” that if he will search Moses and the Prophets he will find that his forefathers had a me- dium between God and themselves, and that it con- sisted of the shedding of innocent blood. I will re- fer to Exodus xii, 7 and 18; Leviticus 1., 5; also iv., 5, 6and 7, 16, 17 and 18, 30 and 34. These are but the antetypes of the Messiah, We also find in Psalms that David in his prayer uses this language: “Restore unto me the joys of Thy salvation; then willl teach transgressors law, and sinners shal be converted unto Thee,” So, Mr, “Jew will ab once perceive that tt even in those Mg as well as how, required the power of God to turn humap- ison him, ce. | di children are educated; alarge printing hot printing classical books and for the the faith in all oriental languages. In the circular issued by the Superior General of the missions, Rey. A. Monnot, 8. J., much valuable and interesting in- formation is given regarding the Missions of the Society of Jesus in the East. It may be had on ap- plication to Father Monnot at the Jesuit College, 49 West Fifteenth street, New York, where contribu- tions for the mission will also be received, The Exiles of Erin. Father Tom Burke is to deliver a lecture on this exceedingly attractive subject onthe evening of the 22d, at the Academy of Music. It will be one of his great efforts, and will give the great Domini- can a splendid opportunity to display his powers as an orator, As Father Burke has been unsparing of himself in lecturing for various religious and chari- table objects, this lecture, which is the second of the course, he is delivering for the benefit of his own order. It should, as it no doubt will, be at- tended by one of the largest audiences ever assem- bled in this city. Free Church of St. Mary the Virgin. At this pretty little church, situated in West For- ty-fifth street, near Broadway, to-day’s (Whitsun- much wisdom, squandered and wretchedly wasted! Time, they say, is money. Indeed, it is as Meeting es riches, but it is iniinitely more valuable. Fach fragment of time isa miracle, and the great- est schemes planned by ambition, ay, even the salvation of one’s soul, depends very often on an appreciative husbandry of a few moments 0} On “Count thy days,"’ says Religion {0 ¢yery Soul of man. Know {hat iney fire pumbéred, and that they are but as A hendbreadth, and thereby learn the’ vglue of the swiftly passing moments. Each | particle of time may secure our happiness or hurl us over the precipice of misery. Remember that life is short, very short, but shorter to those who do not appreciate the value of time and who have not counted their days. But to those who live up short norjdreary, but great and glorious and ex- tended, ‘Ana the poet has truthfully said :— Desire not to Hive long, but to live well; How long we live not years but actions tell. Let us then, said the Doctor, in closing, learn to COUNT THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES, so that each day may be marked by holy deeds, which shail live when time shall be no more. Let us labor so that we may be able to look back upon a well-spent past and enjoy the present as a pre- cious gift from Heaven; and with a consciousness of duty nobly and religiously performed we can look forward to the future with cheerfulness and consider every day to come as the day on which | Time, the great revealer of events and resolver of doubts and mysteries, shall open up tous a new and better life, full of hope and joy. And thus, Though death may end our short life's story, If it ends well, it does not end our glory! METHODIST GENERAL CONFERENCE, Discussion on the Number of Superin- tendents—The Maximum Fixed at Eight—Welcome to Bishop Jancs— Memorial Services for the Deceased Bishops. The Rey. Mr. Shumate performed the duties of chaplain to the Conference yesterday. After the journal had been read and approved reports of committees were called for, when the Committee on Episcopacy presented reports Nos, 2, 3 and 4, in which they report in regard to the election of a colored Bishop that they are deeply impressed with the Christian spirit manifested by those who have memortalized the General Conference on this subject; that the rapid progress the colored people are making in all that elevates mankind is most commendable, and the committee have no donbt there is a future of great promise before them. The committee declare further that there is nothing in race, color or former condition that should be a bar to an election to the episcopacy, the true course being for the Conference to elect only such persons as are by their pre-eminent piety, endowments, culture, general fitness and acceptability best qualified to fill the office. These reports were adopted without, debate, The committee also reported reaffirming the judgment of Bishop Scott, in the case of an ap- peal of a preacher of the North Indiana Conference in regard to the JURISDICTION OF A QUARTERLY CONFERENCE over a preacher who is on probation, but not yet a member of Annual Conference. The decision of the Bishop and of the committee is that unless a preacher is charged with crime the Quarterly Con- ference has no jurisdiction under the circumstan- ces. The bishops are also requested to arrange their work so as to give the present incumbents one year’s respite. The committee further reported recommending the election of eight more bishops. This recommendation brought the venerable Dr. Slicer to his feet, in opposition to the number pro- posed. He saidthe vote in the committee was al- most even in favor of and against this recommen- dation, while one-third of the committee were ab- sent. The facilities of travel now are such that two men can do the work of four twenty-five years ago. He thought the Conference should take this report in homeopathic doses, and he therefore moved to substitute six for eight. It was then moved to lay the Doctor's substitute on the table, and on this the vote was taken by yeas and nays, with the result of 168 in its favor 4nd 182 against it, Asubstitute of seven for eight was next offered, but this was laid on the table by a vote of 189 to 154, Drs. Hitchcock, Woodruff, Leslie, Hester, Jacoby, Curry, Cobleigh and others debated’ the original mo- tion and the substitute. Mr. 1 e thought that a day) services promise to sustain its high reputa- tion, At the half-past ten A. M. of the Blessed Sacrament Millard’s Mass in G will be sung with a solemn Te Deum, which latter will be repeated at the four P.M. Vespers, under the irection of Mr. Geo, B. Prentice, the organist. On Friday evening next, the 24th inst., the Right Rev, Bishop of New York will confer the rite of confirmation at St. Mary’s, at half-past seven P. M. THIRTY-FOURTH STREET SYNA- GOGUE. The Lessons of Israel's History and the Importance of Time to All—Sermon by Rev. Dr. Vidaver. To a large audience yesterday Dr. Vidaver preached an able and eloquent sermon from Levi- ticus xxili., 15—‘‘And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be complete.” Israel of old, he said, was enjoined to number the forty-nine days be- tween the festival of Passah (Passover) and Sha- brioth (Pentecost)—between the time of the first offering of the omer and the last offering of the two loaves of the ripe wheat, that thus they might have the blessings of Providence constantly before their eyes. It was to be a reminder also of Israel's spiritual birthday—the bridal day of Judaism. This commandment of the text does not lose its importance in these days; for, as Israelites, they are enjoined to count the ys of their peculiar and most wonderful history—a history which compasses a period of nearly four thousand years. It is AN IMPERISHABLE OBELISK, reared by the Almighty, each stone of which bears testimony to God’s special love and favor to Israel, and proclaims the great truth that the changeth not; therefore is the House of Israel not destroyed. Time, tne mighty destroyer, has not been able to efface this pyramid nor to wipe out the history which it contains; nor can he lessen the vitality of the Jewish race, the fathers needed no reminder of their past, for the present had no charms for them. It had only acute pain and = suffering for them and the future also was dreaded. They dared not contemplate it. It was then that they derived consolation from a retrospect of the past, and, like aliving fountain of waters springing up within them, they drew inspiration and hope for the the soul-encouraging promises of Adonai, “And though they be in the land of their enemies,” saith the Lord, “I will not cast them away nor loath them, nor will | break my covenant with them.” | Thus, like a rock defying the fury of the raging sea, | their faith braved the roughest experiences of the resent and revived their hopes in a glorious ture, But alas! now, said the Doctor, the enjoy- ment of the present absorbs all our attention, and ion and the future in eter- yon days of religious and political freedom very many Israelites negiect en- tirely the study of tl carly history, nor do th look back to the rock from whe they were hewn, It isindeed sad to behold how many there are of Israel who deserve the reproach of the Prophet— “O, house of Jacob, thou hast forsaken thine own people, and hast found PLEASURE WITH THE CHILDREN OF STRANGERS." While the study of pagan antiquities is culti those of Israel are forsaken. Perhaps Israel not now need the comforts and the inspirations of their own history. Nay, nay; we need them now more than ever, said the preacher, when we see the floods of irreligion and scepticism sweeping over many a fireside in Israel and destroying many pol: & In a Jewish heart, We need, said he, a strong dam to stop this overflowing tor- rent, and nothing is so effectual as the knowledge and contemplation of our past. our past,’’ which means simply now the od of your fathers, whose pro’ | so gloriously manifeste nd revealed in their his- tory. To count the days of the past means to fully appreciate and comprehend the world-embracing mission of Israel—to give light and understanding and knowledge to the nations and to live up to it, Israel's religion is alike prophet'c and historical, and to Know their history is to know their religion also, and to profit by the lessons which this history contalus we must id the Doctor, appreciate and live up to the blessed teachings of our faith. The law of the text is important, not only in its relations to Israelites, but to human beings In gen- eral. Aiming and striving to be happy in this life we must often feel the necessity of praying with the Psalmist, “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” We learn from childhood to count and to figure and we do most assiduously count earthly gaing and perish- able profits. While some count hoflars others count only cents, but all are busy counting while the most important interest that can be numbered or measured is forgotten and negli TIME, THE MOST PRECIOUS BOON of human life, whose management requires so learn to high celebration | Lord | ‘There was a time when | future from the annals of the past as they realized | Hence the text says, “Count unto you the days of | ce and love are | less number than eight would not serve the inter- ests and meet the demands of the Church, spread abroad as it is throughout the world. It is proposed to have a less number under the plea that with the larger number proposed three months’ labor is all that shall be required of the bishops. This might be true if they had nothing else to do than preside at annual conferences and were the sessions of those conferences held all about the same time. Dr. Jacosy, of Germany, opposed the smaller number proposed, and read a resolution of his Con- ference asking for the residence ofa bishop in Europg for at least a year to make himself familiar with t&e-work there. Episcopal supervision is as much needed there as in any part of the field, ELECTING BISHOPS IN GROUPS OPPOSED. Dr. Curry, of New York East, favored six, be- cause among other reasons this method of electing bishops in groups left intervals of eight, twelve and sixteen years without an election, and kept out of the episcopal office young men who are now grow- ing up and whom the Church will need by-and-by, but cannot get because the episcopal board will be full. He wanted more frequent elections and fewer of the elect. Dr. COBLEIGH demanded one, if not two, Bishops to reside in the South and to work in that field. ‘There must be at least one Superintendent for that section, If only six are elected they will be doubled up in this region, He therefore wanted not less than eight more Bishops elected. Dr. Hircncock differed with Dr. Curry. He thought that they ought to elect eight. Those who go in for the largest number don’t begin to come up to their neighbors, the Protestant Episcopal Chureh, which has one Bishop for every fifty-three ministers. Bishop AMES remarked that the Episcopal address recommended the election of five or eight, he him- self being in favor of the smaller number. But cir- cumstances have occurred since that address was presented which convinced himself and his asso- ciates that the General Conference should not elect less than eight. ‘The previous question was then called for and the substitute (six) was rejected and the report of the committee recommending eight was adopted, Bishop JANEs having entered and taken his seat on the platform, and he having been absent through sickness since the first day of the Conference ses- sion, asa mark of respect to the Bishop and of gratitude for his partial recovery, on motion of Dr. te the Conference rose to its feet to welcome him. EPISCOPAL MEMORIAL SERVICES. On motion of Dr. Mv the order of the day— namely, the memorial services for the deceased bishops—was then taken up, and the services were directed by Dr. Hubbard, of East Genessee. After singing and prayer by Rev, Dr. Reid, Bishop Simp- son read a brief and very touching sketch of each of his deceased colleagues. Osman C. Baker was born in Marlow, N, H., Jnly 30, 1812, and, after graduating from Wilbraham Academy and Wesleyan University in 1834, he ac- cepted a pro: orship in Newburg Seminary, and winle there laid the foundations of the now suc- cessful Biblical Institute in Concord, H., of which | he was subsequently President. But between | those events he filled Several years very acceptably in the pastorate. In 1862 he was elected to the episcopate, and during @ journey to meet one of the Rocky Mountain Conferences, 1860, his lungs and vocal organs became paralyzed, and he was | thenceafter until the day of his death disabied from periorming any of the active duties of his office. He died December He was a good thinker and writer, a sonnd theologian and able preacher aud a laborious Superintendent, and was beloved by all who knew him. Davis W. Clark was born in Maine in 1812, and in 1836 graduated from the Wes sity, and afterward becam r in Amenia Seminary. | He afterward join ew York Conference, and was for some years editor of the Ladies’ Reposi- | ory. In i864 he was elected Bishop, and it after- | ward fell to his lot to organize many of the South- | ern Conference in which he felt a deep interest. He died M } IST1. He possessed EAT FIRMNESS OF PURPOSE, was careful in details, forcible as a acher and writer, very pious and rejoiced in Christian song, and in lis closing hours exalted in the knowledge | that the Lord was his refuge and his s' J Thompson was born at Portsea, England, din early life came with his father to this At the age of nineteen he graduated in ical department of the University of Penn- His mind was then directed toward the | | Ministry and in 1822 he joined the Ohio Conference. | He was fourteen years President of the Wesleyan University, and four years editor of the Christian | Advocate, and also held other responsible positions, | | He was elected to the episcopate in 1864, He was tender and gentle as a woman, but withal brave as a hero. Church, 27, 1870. Calvin county, graduate He more than met the expectations of the He died suddenly in West Virginia, March Kingsley was born in New" York, in 1812 In 1841 he from Alleghany College, ana was soon after admitted into the Erie Conference, where he remained until 1356, when he was chosen to edit the Christian Advocate, from which, in 1864, he was called to the Bishopric. In 1869 and 1870 ne visited the Methodist missions in China, Japan, India, &c., and, while resting a little while in Beyrout, he died suddenly in April, 1870, Baker, Clark, Thompson, Kingsley are gone, but their widows and children remain with us, said Bishop Oneida Simpson, and they should be cared for by the ia And he prayed that the light of their lives an THE LIGHT OF THE CROSS would illumine the pathway and inspire the hearts of the survivors, The families of the deceased bishops, or some of them, occupled seata ta the boxes, and the tender to the requirements of the divine law life is not | references to them and to the departed were 6x- j ceed touching, and called up the deepest emo- tions of many hearts. Drs, Curry, Thayer, Hitch- cock and Hill presented a more detailed sketch of the deceased bishops, with whom they had been for many ears intimately acquainted. The last two iat spoke extempore and with a deep paths, which drew tears from res, eye tn, the greet as- he wit semblage, and abundant dows and children, At the ¢l ie hia feréhee intuitively rose to its feet, and, led by Dr. Ives, sang with great feeling part of the hye known as “Home of the Soul,” after which the Conference adjourned. PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD, BROOKLYN. The Presbyterian Synod held their third day's session yesterday, ‘at the First Reformed church, DuMeld street, Brooklyn—Rev. G. W. Morton, Moderator, in the chair. The subject for prayer and conference was “‘Unanimity in prayer necessary to its eMcacy.” Rev. Mr. Griely officiated at these exercises. Upon this subject addresses were made by Revs, Mr. Wilson, Scott, Wylie and others, 16 exercises Closed by singing several hymns. The committee on records of the Pittsburg Pres- bytery submitted the following report :— The committee to examine the records of the Pittsburg Presbytery would respectfully report that hey have ex- amined the records and find them neatly and correctly kept. The committee would call the attention of Synod to the following resolution, which, in the judgment of the committee, is non-Presby terial :— ‘“tewolved, That in case the Committee of Supplies fall to furnish Firit church, Pittaburg, with preaching every Sabbath, the congregation have liberty to provide preach- ing trom some other source. The committee consider this resolution contrary to Pres- byterian order, and would suggest that the Synod direct the Presbytery to reconsider this action. Respectfully submitted, 3: Mewar” { Committee. After a lengthy debate upon the propriety of adopting this resolution it was moved to refer it to the committee for further action, Tt was resolved “that the Eastern and Western subordinate synods pe resuscitated.” It was moved to reconsider this action, and a warm de- bate ensned, after which it was made the special order of business for Monday afternoon. The reports of the treasurer of the endowment fund of the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America was re- ceived and referred. Also a memorial from the Session of First Reformed Presbyterian Church of New York City. Report of the delegate to the Gonaral Assembly of the United Presbyterian urch, The report of the trustees of the Theological Seminary was also submitted, disclosing facts that the amount of the endowment fund is $30,409 89; the income during the past year, $2,622 40; pay- ments, $1,625 20; balance $997 20. The Synod then adjourned until Monday next. THE OATHOLIOS AND THE COMMISSIONERS OF EMIGRATION. To THE Eprror oF THE HERALD:— In one of your contemporaries of May 5 ands articles appeared which were malicious libels on the Commissioners of Emigration. In the first article—an editorial—Mr. Wallach was mentioned as being the only “conspicuously honest man” on the Commission, and specially recom- mended him for reappointment. Now in what does the honesty par excellence of Mr. Wallach consist ? Why should he be so distinguished above his col- leagues, many of whom are well-known benefac- tors of the poor and destitute? And why is it that this newspaper has been the lucky discoverer of this wonderfully honest man ? It is asserted that Mr. Wallach has been named on the new Commission at the express désire of Protestant societies, who have even taken the trouble to go to Albany about it, and hence the dis- covery of a “conspicuously honest man in New York.’” The respectable Protestants, it would seem, have hitherto been satisfied with the representatives who have so long been in and so liberally represented the Board, and why Mr. Wallach should be chosen is at least strange. Most people consider him to be a Jew, although, indeed, respectable and orthodox Jews utterly dis- claim him, and he has distinguished himself lately by taking an active anti-Catholic part in the school controversy at Long Island City, and is now leading an attack on the Catholic interests of the emigrants in charge of the Commissioners of Emigration. This newspaper asserts that “the ignorant Roman Catholic prejudice injures the interests of the orphan children of emigrants.” There is no truth in this charge. It has been a long-established rule of the Commissioners of Emigration that the orphan or deserted children should be, at the proper age, given in charge of responsibble parties, who must be well recommended as such to the Commissioners, Catholic children are always given to Catholic families, who must promise to bring them up in the faith of their parents. Pro- testant children, in like manner, are given only to Protestant families. No exceptions were made to this rule by the several Protestant and Catholic gentlemen who, for the past twenty-five years, have been Commissioners of Emigration, and it re- mained for Mr, Wallach to be the first to break this rule. Within a month Mr. Wallach has sent an” agent of the Children’s Ald Society to Ward's Island to select boys to go West, irrespective of their reli- ‘ion. Four boys were selected, and, had not the fact been accidentally discovered to be against the Tules, these peck boys, who all happened to be Catholics, might now be in the West in a fair way to lose their faith and their identity; for it has been proved that under the auspices of this same Protestant Aid Society brothers and sisters have been found who were actually married to each other. Suchis the danger to which Mr. Wallach would expose these poor emigrant children, Since January, 1870, only forty-eight children have been taken or adopted from Ward's Island ; of these twenty-two were taken out by order af the German Commissioners, and probably were all Protestants; the remaining eighteen were taken on the order of the Irish Commissioners, and were principally given to Catholic families. With this arrangement little fault can be found; for, in many instances, if the parents should turn up they can always be directed where to find their children, and this exhibit cer- a nly, shows no “ignorant Roman Catholic preju- ci Again, in this journal of the 9th, is a report of a meeting of the Commissioners, at which the doughty champion of Protestantism, Mr, Wallach, proposed that the Roman Catholic church now being built on Ward's Island should also be used for the service of other religious denominations. This ts a specimen of his liberality, for he has already done allin his power to prevent the building of this church. For years the Catholic emigrants at Ward's Island have had for a church the attic of a three story frame building. How many poor cripples and old people have been deprived of attending their church by their inability to clamber up these steep stairs! The millions of Catholic emigrants who have landed at New York, and = whos money has built and supported the Ward's Tsland Refuge and Hospitals, are certainly entitled to have a church of their own, and the Commission- ers, recognizing this fact and seeing the ove crowded state of this attic, very properly resolved to build a proper church edifice on the island, and now again Mr, Wallach comes in and does all the injury he can by proposing to make this church a kind of omnibus. To be sure he says the Protestants use a ward for achurch, while the fact Is the Pro- testant church Is a very’ elegant little building, and it is well known that when the Committee on Building visited the island during church service hours they found ten people in the Protestant church, while they found five hundred huddled and bs d together in the attic set apart for the es, Catholic chaplain, a German, is also com- a The plained of for minding lia duty too well, and while for him a partitioned garret room is a good enough parish of over two thousand people, the Lutheran minister, who has to drum residence, with a up his congregation, has an elegant villa residence to himself and family, with every accommodation he requires, This journal also accuses the Commissioners with being Tammany men and of wasting the emigrants’ money, Mr, Wallach and Mr. Van Schaick are not Tammany men—they belong to the Committee of Seventy. Mr. te the President of the Irish Society, is no politician; neither is Mr. Hoguet; and the pamphlet which the Commissioners have just printed entirely disproves the assertions made by the Investigating Committee from the Legisla- ture, and all charges made against them have no foundation; they may, indeed, be — guilty of having made at least one foolish Sete cae and this entirely at the suggestion of the “conspicuously honest member, Mr. Wallach,” who has had appointed as Physician to the Emigrants’ Insane Hospital a German infidel, and who enjoys the sinecure, spending not half an hour in the day with his poor afflicted patients. Finally, the same paper wilfully misrepresents facts in its Issue of the 9th by stating that the Com- missioners of Emigration were salaried officers. Ut is well known that they never have been, and that there is no emolument whatever attached to the ofice—an office which has been filled by Verplanck, Dillon, and others of the most charitable and dis- tinguished citizens of the State, who have cordially devoted their valuable services gratuitously in the cause of the poor emigrant. FAIR PLAY. New York, May 14, 1972. THE RANDALL'S ISLAND ATROCITIES. To THE Eprror OF THE HERALD: Seeing an account in your paper of the 18th inst. about the revolt on Randall's Island, I wish to say that the boys have a cause to rise against the of. nothing but brutal men, who get Sort Mea then beat and curso boys, ‘The food 1s especially the summer. They cook feet for 1e boys to which you would not feed alapdogon, = ONE WHQ HAS BEEN THERE. ist LIBBIE GARRABRANT 70 BE HANGED THE SCENE IN COURT: Libbie Weeps, She Hides Her Face, but Does Not Faint Tway. JUDGE BEDLE’S SENTENCE. The Paterson People Believe She Will Not Be Hanged. At ten o'clock yesterday morning the Patersom Court House was crowded to suffocation by a motley audience of men, women and children to hear Judge Bedle pronounce the sentence of death upon Libbie Garrabrant for the murder of Ransom F. Burroughs. In addition to the crowd inside the jail and court yards, the streets, sidewalks and every available spot were filled with spectators anxious to catch a glimpse of THE DOOMED GIRL as she was brought from the Court House to the jaff. A scene of such excitement had not been witnessed in the Paterson Courts in many years. At haif-past ten o'clock LIBBIE WAS BROUGHT INTO COURT and given a seat in front of the Judges. In the Stretch of necks to see the prisoner considerable confusion ensued, which was finally partially quieted when Mr. Hopper, the county prosecutor, moved that sentence be pronounced upon Elizabeth Garrabrant, who had been CONVICTED OF POISONING RANSOM F, BURROUGHS,., and the jury had found her guilty of murder in thé first degree. The unfortunate girl was then ordered to stand up. She was dressed the same as upon her trial— brown poplin dress, with overskirt; a pink bow at her throat, lace collar and cuits, yellow kid gloves and black shawl, with a black jockey hat, around which was pinned a drab veil, so as not to fall over her face. As she stood up SHE BURST INTO TEARS and hid her face in her handkerchief. She did not pale, but a red spot appeared upon each cheek, and a slight trembling of her body was visible. There ‘was much confusion among the audience and some babies in the crowd began squalling most lustily. The Judge ordered the prisoner to be seated again, but it was some minutes before the crying babies could be removed and order restored, This finally secured, however, Judge Bedle again ordered Elizabeth Garrabrant to arise, She wag apparently not so much excited as before, but stil! kept her face buried in her handkerchief and con- tinued weeping, not hysterically, but manifested much emotion. Judge Bedle then asked :— “Have you anything to say why the Court should not pronounce the sentence of death against yout’’ BETWEEN HER SOBS, fan eae almost unintelligible, Libbie replied, “No, sir. Judge Bedle then, after a slight pause and witha husky voice and watery eyes, apparently scarcely able to control his emotion, addressed the unhappy girl as follows :— JUDGE BEDLE'S REMARKS. The, Jury have found you guilty of the murder of Rate som'F. Burroughs, in the month of December last, an they have fixed the degree of your guilt as murder of the first degree. The Court are entirely satisfied with that verdict. We think that it was a necessity from. the testl- mony, and thatthe Jury did their duty’ faithfully. Tho Court'do not intend to rehearse the circumstances of thi case ; we think no useful purpose could be accomplishes by it, Itissufficienttosay, that in the judgment. of the Court, your crime wasdeliberate and most wicked, It i true that your moral sense had become greatly debased ¢ yet the Court have no doubt that you are both legally and morally responsibje for the consequences of that act. Yor either alone or with another with you, administered thal poison by which Burroughs died. You were his attend- ant, yet you allowed him to linger under the influence of it for several days, without medical aid, when possibly his life might have been sa You stayed with him under all these cirenmstances, and at last you allowed him to dieacrueldeath, The Court may sympathize with you—we do (very huskily and slow askily y,) Dut we see no reason from the facts of this case, why the penalties of the law should not be enforced. Your “example is a terri- ble warning to others. When once female character is de- based and a female allows herself to be a pi vicious passions of her nature, unless saved by some won- derful moral upturning, terrible consequences may be ex- ted. In this case, the Court believe have yourself toagreatextent. Instead of taking counsel o} your better judgment, you took counsel of the debased and depraved passions of your nature, Nothing now re- mains for the Court but to pronounce the sentence which the law requires. Then the Court arose—Judges Bedle, Barkalow, Daggers and Terhune—and, amid the most imprer sive silence, Judge Bedle pronounced the following sentence :— THE SENTENCE. The sentence of the law is re rkey Elizabeth Garabrant, be taken from the bar of this Court to the prison of Passaic county, whence you came, there to be kept in strict custody until Friday, the 19th of July next ensuing, on which day, between the hours ot ten in the forenoon and three in the afternoon of the said op you shall be taken to the place of execution, to be provided by the Sheriff according to law; then and there you, Elizabeth Garabrant, to be hanged by the neck until you are dead; and may God have mercy on your soul! HORROR AND PITY. An audible murmur of horror and pity arose from the audience as the sentence was concluded. The doomed girl herself continued sobbing and weep- ing. She was immediately removed, and left with Deputy Sherif! Townsend and Jail Warden Good- ridge with a firm and elastic step, but with her handkerchief to her face. She expressed much less emotion throughout than many in the audience, whose eyes filled with tears and whose whole ae quaked under the influence of the solemn event. After being REMANDED TO HER CELL, Libbie Garrabrant sank upon the stone floor of her narrow room, and gave vent to the wildest demon- strations of grief and despair. The wonderful anere which sustained her throughout gave way at ast. It seems to be generally believed that she will not be hanged. All who have conversed with her are of the opinion that she is deficient in mental capacity, and is not morally responsible. It is said that a strong effort will be made to have her sentence commuted to imprisonment for life, and itis reported that not only are the leading citizens anxious to sign A PETITION TO THE COURT OF PARDONS to this effect, but even the jury that convicted her are said to be favorable to such an idea, Judge Bedle, however, is reported to believe the verdict and sentence just and correct. The general im- Po is, notwithstanding, that she will not be anged. OUTWARD BOUND. The Saturday Migration—The Departure of the Atalanta Club—Scenes in the Bay. The current of the European migration appears to flow with unchecked speed, and every Saturday gees another thousand depart for a summer's recre- ation amid the glitter and excitement of scenes in foreign climes, The Bay yesterday afternoon pre- sented a very lively appearance as the various European steamers started on their ocean voyage. These ocean palaces nearly all left about two P. M., but the Parthia, the representative of the Cunard line, was first to get under weigh and led the fleet. Following close in her wake came the Republic, of the White Star line, gayly decked in bunting. The Republic had on board Mr. Sparks, the agent of the White Star line, and was accompanied outside the Narrows by the steamers seh Low and Norwalk, each having a lively cargo of passengers who had come down to wish some of their friends “God speed.” The Ville de Parts, of the French line, came next, and last, but not least, steamed the majestic City of Montreal, under the command of Commodore Kennedy, of the Inman line, This magnificent steamer had a large number of passengers on board and was full from stem to stern, Among the cabin eget 4 were Bishop McIlvaine and some relatives of Colonel Stocking, of the firm of Leet & Stocking. The latter gentle- men accompanied the steamer to the Narrows in one of the government revenue steamboats, with large party of friends, Several members of th Atalanta Boat Club were also among the ofthe City of Montreal. They included Mr. W. W. Webster, Vice President of the Club; Mr. W. Rogers, Mr. W. W. Haddock, Mr. J. S. Jordan, Mr. 8. Springstin, Mr. J. O'Neil and Mr. J. T, Rogert. These gentlemen were going over to England to see their fellow members pull the four- oared race with the London Rowing Club on the loth of June. The Atalanta boys were accompanied down the bay by the tug Schultz, laden with their friends and members of the club. The Schultz was armed with @ brass band and @ bras howitzer, and between the two the outward-bounders got a heart: sena-off, After bidding adieu to the City of ‘Montreal of Quarantine Island, the Schuitz returned to the foot of Christopher street. The members of the Atalanta Club and their friends then adjourned to their club house and cracked a basket of wine, which the; discussed under the soothing, influence of from the band, The party broke up lave ia the evenings assenger 7