compelled to say that-if we rightly understand his statements-our own investigations hardly warrant an unhesitating adoption of his conclusion. It really seems to us that the position of Mr. Barnes and Prof. B. B. Edwards is more fair to the proper sense of the Bible, and, at the same time, quite as effective in an anti-slavery point of view, as that here taken. Perhaps, however, a more thorough examination of the argument, and more matured reflection, may change our belief on that point. CHRISTIAN SELF-CULTURE: or Counsels for the Beginning and Progress of a Christian Life. By Leonard Bacon, Pastor of the First Church in New Haven. Published by the American Tract Society, 28 Cornhill, Boston. pp. 255. This book of twelve chapters upon this most important theme, is full of plain and pointed instruction. "He that runneth may read," and yet it has lessons for the wisest. We are glad that our older and abler Pastors are giving the world the ripe fruits of their own experience in the great work of the Christian ministry. The publishers, as usual, have done their part nobly well, to make this an acceptable book. LIBER PSALMORUM. Text according to Hahn. Andover Warren F. Draper. 1863. The bibical student has, in this sweet little volume, a pocket edition of the Psalms in the most perfect Hebrew type. It is quite certain that all such, who see it, will The American Tract Society, Boston, is issuing many precious little books, that will furnish excellent reading for youth, and for those of riper years: among which are, "Trust in God, or Jenny's Trials;" "The Head or the Heart; "The Two Ways;" "The Way to be Happy, or Willie the Gardener Boy," 64 pages each, by Catherine D. Bell; "Future Punishment," by John Todd, D.D.; and " The Little Knitter," by Rev. P. B. Power, Worthing, England. All to be found at 28 Cornhill, Boston. Editors' Table. Although our subscription list is perhaps better than we dared to anticipate for "the times," it is in great need of some slight augmentation in view of the advance in paper. We beg our friends to remember that as we have always worked for nothing and found ourselves, we now are thrown somewhat more urgently upon their sympathy, and the need of their help, than if we had realized a profit in former years on which we might fall back now. If each subscriber could get us about one half of another, we shall do very well. Subscribers who have not remitted for the current year, will please see the justice of doing so without delay; and do justly. It will readily occur to them that after they have kept our first number for the current year long enough to put us to the expense of printing a second to match it, and of sending that to them, it is now too late for them honestly to return it, and decline to continue their subscription. If done at all, this should have been done before. The cost of binding is so much enhanced that we shall be compelled, on and after this date, to charge subscribers who return their numbers in good condition, thirty cents in exchange for a bound volume, instead of twenty-five as heretofore. The first number of each volume is so expensive, that we must, hereafter, obtain for it, when it is sold separately, fifty cents. It costs us more labor than the other three, and well nigh as much money. Hereafter it must, bring us FIFTY CENTS, when sold separately. A correspondent sends us an account of the ordination, by a council of Congregational ministers called by the candidate, of an Independent Methodist," to be the chaplain of one of our Volunteer regiments. We have not inserted this ordination in our list for the past quarter, because we do not understand that it was of a Congregational minister. Our correspondent asks, 66 Is this not a new chapter in our Congregational history? According to the authorities, it has seemed to me somewhat irregular that Congregational churches should sit in council at the call of a Methodist." It certainly is so. The Church to which we belong would, we think, decline to send a delegation to such a council. It is essential that a Church should be a party to a council-either positively, in calling it, or negatively, in unjustly refusing to call it, so as to give ground for ex parte action; except in the single case where individuals are asking to be recognized as a church, when it is, however, really the inchoate Church which calls it. Feb. 1. "8. At MILWAUKEE, Wis., Astor St. Ch., 23 members. At BENZONIA, Mich. At TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. At ELK RAPIDS, Mich. 66 8. At NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. 17 members. 66 22. At NORTHPORT, Mich. 8 members. Ministers Ordained, or Enstalled. Dec. 2, 1862. Mr. WILLIAM B. WRIGHT, over the South Church, Chicago, Ill. Sermon by Rev. S. H. Nichols, of the New England Ch. Ordaining Prayer by Rev. W. A. Nichols, of the Salem Ch. "18. Mr. ROBERT BROWN, over the Ch. at Owego, Ill. Sermon by Rev. Jacob R. Shipherd, of the Plymouth Ch., Chicago. Ordaining Prayer by Rev. G. B. Hubbard, of Aurora. 24. Mr. WILLIAM W. ROSE, as an Evangelist, at Chesterfield, Ms. Sermon by Rev. J. J. Dana, of Cummington. 30. Mr. E. HILDRETH, at Clifton, Ill. Sermon by Rev. F. W. Beecher. Ordaining Prayer by Rev. L. Foster. "31. Mr. PHILANDER A. HOLLISTER, over Ch. in Brookfield, Ct. Sermon by Rev. L. E. Charpiot. Jan. 1. 1863. Rev. JONATHAN EDWARDS, late of Rochester, N. Y., over the Ch. in Dedham, Ms. Sermon by Rev. Prof. Park. Installing Prayer by Rev. Dr. Blagden. "7. Mr. RUFUS EMERSON, over the Ch. in Wilton, Me. Sermon by Rev. B. Tappan, Jr. 15. Mr. J. C. BEEKMAN, at Albert Lea, St. Charles, Min. Sermon by Rev. J. C. Strong, 66 of Albert Lea. "20. Mr. L. C. SEELYE, over North Cong. Ch. Springfield, Ms. Sermon by Rev Prof. Seelye, of Amherst Coll. Ordaining Prayer by Rev. Dr. Davis, of Westfield. 66 21. Rev. HENRY A. HAZEN, over the Ch. in Plymouth, N H. Sermon by Rev. E. H. Byington, of Windsor, Vt. Installing Prayer by Rev. Dr. Young, of Laconia, N. Y. "28. Mr. ALBERT A. YOUNG, at Lake Mills, Wis. Feb. 3. Mr. G. H. EDWARDS, over the Ch. in W. Lebanon, N. H. Sermon by Rev. S. P. Leeds, of Hanover, N. H. 17. Mr. JEREMIAH R. ALDRICH, as an Evangelist, at Plainfield, Ct. Sermon by Rev. A. Dunning, of Thompson, Ct. "18. Mr. LEWIS FRANCIS, as an Evangelist, at Colchester, Vt. Sermon by Prof. N. G. Clark, of Burlington, Vt. "19. Rev. JOHN M'LEAN, late of Fairhaven,Ct., over Cong. Ch. Framingham, Ms. Sermon by Rev. I. N. Tarbox. "24. Mr. JOHN L. MILLS, over Ch. in Seymour, Ct. 44 28. Rev. SERENO STREETER, over the Ch. in Union City, Mich. Sermon by Rev. J. N. Morrison, of Olivet. Installing Prayer by Rev. John Scotford, of Leroy. March 10. Mr. WM. E. CALDWELL, at South Wellfleet, Ms. Sermon by Rev. Mr. Myrick. 66 16. Mr. ARTHUR LITTLE, at Webster, Ms., as an Evangelist. Congregational Library Association. OUR friends will find the Library of this Society one story higher than hitherto, but in the same building. Strictly pecuniary considerations have occasioned the change. The books, however, as re-arranged, are more available to the public than ever before, and the reading room is even pleasanter than that on the floor below. The Librarian has availed himself of this occasion, to classify the books by their subjects, so that, at a glance, any one can see all that is here on any one of the great leading themes found in Libraries of this sort. He has also attempted to gather complete sets of Reports of all our important benevolent societies. With a little help from his brethren, this most important demand will be met, so that there will be, at least this ONE place where the work and the history of these organizations can be easily ascertained. He therefore, again, most urgently entreats all the friends of these Societies to send him any and all "REPORTS," which they may not really desire to keep, and from these, he will fill up what is wanting, and the surplus will give him materials for exchanges, and thus aid in enlarging and enriching the Library in other directions. He is still in want of all the Minutes of the General Association of Massachusetts, previous to 1813, also 1817, '20 and '44. These are very much desired. Any Election Sermons previous to 1810 especially, would be very acceptable; and the more so, the farther back they date. Many of the earlier sermons are now in hand, but many are still wanting, to complete a set, and the Librarian has excellent facilities for exchange. Every Ordination and Installation Sermon, preached by any Congregational ministers any where and at any time, if printed, is very, VERY much desired. There are thousands such all through the country, now only useless paper, occupying just so much space. Sent here, they will soon be so arranged, and put in such form, as will make them of great value. Be kind enough to let them come by scores and by hundreds. This is no mere compliment. A plan has been projected by which these now mere fragments of theology, can be embodied, if gathered, so as to make an every-way important chapter in New England ecclesiastical, or rather ministerial history. A very good beginning is already made. In almost every study there are more or less of odd numbers or odd volumes, or unused sets of our Religious and Literary Quarterlies, and Monthlies, which, if here, could be made very useful, such as the Christian Observer, by Rev. B. B. Edwards; Biblical Repository in all of its transmigrations; the Biblical Repertory, Bibliotheca Sacra, New Englander, Views in Theology, Christian Observatory, American and Theological Review, Spirit of the Pilgrims Christian Spectator, Panoplist, Connecticut Evangelical Magazine, Religious Intelligencer, Eclectic, North American, &c., &c. any or all are wanted, and will be made subservient to a good end. Send as below, at the expense of the undersigned, if most convenient. The Directors of the Library Association will urge and arrange for a full meeting of all their friends, during Anniversary week, to consider important questions in relation to the future of the Library, and to the interests of religion as represented by the Congregational churches of Massachusetts. ISAAC P. LANGWORTHY, 23 Chauncy St., Boston, Ms. American Congregational Uñion. RECEIPTS FOR DECEMBER, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY. The Trustees have paid last bills to the German Congregational Church at Shakopee, Min., $175.00; at Glover, Vt., $120.00; at Buda, Ill., $250.00 = $545.00. At their meeting in January, they appropriated to the Congregational Church, Waukegan, Ill., $300.00; at Cold Spring, La Porte Co., Ind., $300.00; at Medford, Min., $200.00; at Shakopee, Min., $175.00; at Mill Creek, Wis., $150.00 $1,125.00. They are now pledged to fifteen churches, to the total amount of $3,325.00. I am in receipt of eighteen new applications, since the meeting of Trustees, January 13, 1863. Having but little in hand above what is pledged to the fifteen churches now nearly completed, it is a serious question, what shall be done with so many to whom a refusal of aid, is a signal for dissolution. The calls for help are more frequent, more urgent, and with better promise of success, than ever before, if help is granted. Not one in ten of our giving churches have forwarded a dollar for more than a twelve-month. To delay is greatly to endanger very precious interests. Will not all send something, before April 30, 1863? Our financial year closes at that date. What we have and shall receive by that time is our basis of work for the ensuing six months. I know that the means are in the hands of Christ's friends, to meet the present and pressing necessities of these feeble churches. Let the following letter be carefully read. It tells its own story. The writer is a well-known and highly esteemed agent of the American Home Missionary Society, and his satements need no indorsement or qualification from me. Names are withheld for obvious reasons. The letter bears date March 23, 1863. "A few weeks since, I preached the dedicatory sermon of a new meeting-house, at a thoroughly out-of-the-way place, called N-B-, among the hills in C-, N. Y. It is in the midst of a large number of poor people, and ignorant, whose cabins seem to be full of children. The condition of this people moved the heart of an aged Congregational minister, Rev. O. K—, living a few miles distant. He visited them; gathered them at an unoccupied log house, and preached to them; when they could not be accommodated there, he preached to them in the school-house. Soon that would not hold the people that came to hear; then they went into the woods, and there he preached to them, and gathered a large sabbath school. But when the weather became cold they were obliged to crowd again into the little school house. The disposition of the people, of all sorts, to attend religious meetings, was so general, that Father K-felt that they must have a meeting-house. So, last spring, he had a Congregational society organized, secured a lot, and set himself to work to pick up the means to build. There was no money among the people of N-B-, but they did well in supplying timber, and lumber, and labor. This old gentleman, about 70 years of age, took his horse and buggy, and went from house to house in the towns about in that region, soliciting means to build his church. It was not not often that he obtained more than a dollar from any person, and very often less than twenty-five cents. Then he got second-hand clothing, old boots, parts of old harness, old doors or window frames, and divers and sundry other like trumpery, all of which he managed to barter off so as to make them avail something towards building the church. And thus he drove about through rain and mud, and heat and cold, to gather means. Then he was building committee, and factotum, in the whole enterprise. He had to plan all, and oversee all, from first to last. Then he labored a great many days with his own hands, and at last it was completed. He had intended to have all the means raised to pay for the house before its dedication. But his anxiety and labor had made him well nigh sick, so that he was obliged to cease his efforts; then he had got nearly all that he thought he could obtain, and besides that, he had driven his horse-a colt-so much that it became lame, and was quite unfit to use. So the house had to be dedicated with a debt upon it of about $150. We made an effort at the dedication, but could not get much. One man who had already done all he thought he could, in the way of labor, got up and crowded his way through the congregation, and laid on the table five cents, saying it was all the money he had had in a great while. We have got the debt reduced now to about $100. Do you anticipate my object in writing? It is to ask, whether the finishing up of this work, cannot be placed in your hands? I don't believe there has been a meeting-house built in a great while anywhere, that accommodates a people that more need the gospel, than these NB-people. I could give you facts on that point, to a demonstration, if necessary. The people are remarkable for their disposition to attend meetings. I remained after the dedication and preached three evenings, and each time the house was full, and so it is, let whoever will preach. There are a few Christians there, but no church has yet been organized. It is expected there will be, before long. I heard from Father Klately. He hopes to see the salvation of the Lord among his poor people. But his health is poor. They do but little for his support. He has one hundred dollars from the Home Missionary Society. It seems too bad that he should be obliged to toil for some months to come, in raising by dimes, the needful, to clear off that indebtedness. Can't you find some good people, who would like to help out this N-B- enterprise? It will be a work for the poor, and I feel sure Christ would approve it." ISAAC P. LANGWORTHY, Cor. Sec., 23 Chauncy St., Boston, Ms. ERRATA.-p. 157, 1st column, 22d line from bottom, for rights, read rites. p. 159, 1st column, 19th line from top, for notable, read notably. p. 161, in 3d line of Song, for habitabunt, read habitabant. In 4th line, for communicabant, read communicabunt. |