dim aisles, the gorgeous light from stained windows, the ancient pile, and the deep tones of the organ inspire not half the religious solemnity that the silent forest does. In these forests, on a rudely constructed pulpit, the preacher would deliver sermons, in apostolic zeal, to listening hundreds, and in many cases, not to exagerate, to listening thousands. While the holy man spoke the truths of eternity, with the greatest solemnity, and the people heard with feelings of profoundest interest, often would the Holy Spirit move on the hearts of the people, as the wind, the emblem of the spirit, caused the branches and leaves of the trees to move, under which they sat. A night scene here was peculiarly impressive. Inured to hardships, the worshipers thought it no exposure thus to worship the great God of the universe. The parks and squares in some of our Atlantic cities, illuminated with gas, during the summer season, present scenes justly to be admired. A verdant forest, filled with trees of the growth of centuries, shooting forth their branches into heaven, brilliantly illuminated, resounding with songs of pious worshipers, presented a scene that would make an impression on any one who had a heart to feel. There was an awful and solemn grandeur in such scenes as these. The result of things, in many cases, justified the measures. Houses of worship, congregations, and the established means of grace, would soon be seen as the fruit of such proceedings.

The Synod constituted in 1813, remained the highest judicature of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, for a period of some fifteen or sixteen years. During this period, converts, churches, ministers, and presbyteries multiplied with amazing rapidity. There were eighteen Presbyteries extending over the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri. In 1829, the bounds of the Synod had become so extensive, that it was thought advisable to form a General Assembly. This step was nearly unanimous. Though there were some who had scruples, doubts, and even objections to it. Since that, those difficulties have been cleared from the minds of those persons.

If we examine the history of the Presbyterian Church in this country, we will find that it has many points of resemblance to the denomination whose progress we are now tracing. Seven ministers, in 1706, met and formed themselves into a Presbytery, called Philadelphia Presbytery. This is like the constitution of Cumberland Presbytery, when viewed in all of its circumstances. In 1716, this Presbytery met and subdivided itself into four Presbyteries, and of these constituted a synod, known as Philadelphia Synod. In 1721, six ministers of this synod entered a protest against former illegal proceedings, as they termed them.

It was not till 1728, by what was termed "The Adopting Act," that the Westminster Confession of Faith was, by the Synod of Philadelphia, declared to be the Creed and Directory of the American Presbyterians. A longer delay this, than we see in the similar proceeding of the Cumberland Presbyterians.

The proscription of New Brunswick Presbytery, and the subsequent organization of New York Synod, are precisely analogous to the proceedings against Cumberland Presbytery. The grounds of difference between New Brunswick Presbytery and the Synod, were the Education of the ministry, revival measures and church government. The Synod had decided that no man, in their connection, should be ordained without a diploma from some college of Europe or New England. To this, and the other matters in dispute, the Presbytery objected. After the union of New York and Philadelphia Synods, the Evangelical party, that is, the proscribed Presbytery and Synod, prevailed in their practices, doctrines, and sentiments, until at present they almost entirely prevail. Log College was the hot bed of New Brunswick Presbytery, and the revival measures. From this Log College grew Princeton College, the present stand. ard of Old School Presbyterian orthodoxy in the United States.*

* See Dr. Hodge's Constitutional History of the Presbyterian Church; also "Log College," by Dr. Miller. This is the language of Dr. Miller, page 56: We, of the Presbyterian Church, are more indebted to the men of Log College for our evangelical views, and for our

and flourishing colleges. Probably no denomination in the country has more prospective literary influence, The day is not far distant, Providence favoring, when this church will possess an influence of a religious, moral, and literary charac

Continent. The churches of this country have kept themselves aloof, too much, from literature and the literary institutions. We see the political parties, both of this country and Great Britain pursuing a different course. The great masses are now to be moved, not by the mandates of

and periodicals. If these are of a good character, the masses will be actuated to virtue; if evil, to vice and crime. If the church expects to evangelize the world, it must have control of the literature of the world. This should be looked upon as an engine to promote the Gospel.

In this connection, it is hoped, it will not be irrelevant to notice the religious periodicals published, under the patronage of this denomination. Newspapers are of recent origin; religious newspapers still more recent. What will be the ultimate results of this species of literature is yet problematical. Religious papers are now

The Synod of New York and Philadelphia constituted a General Assembly, which met the first time in 1789. This is the reverse proceeding of Presbyterianism in Scotland. The General Assembly first existed, then Synods and Presbyteries. The General Assembly of the Cumber-ter of no common order, on the Western land Presbyterian Church, met in Princeton, Ky., in May, 1829. It will be seen from this, that this church retains entire, the Presbyterian form of government; Pastor, Session, Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly. Their practices are equally Presbyterian. About this time the first college under the care of this denom-tyrants and standing armies, but by books ination, was established in Princeton, Ky. The Rev. F. R. Cossitt was the first President, but on his leaving, a few years since, and accepting the Presidency of Cumberland University, at Lebanon, Tennessee, Rev. Richard Beard, D. D. accepted the presidency, which position he now fills. The college at Lebanon, Tennessee, has been in existence only some four or five years, and has, probably, as encouraging prospects as any institution of learning west of the mountains. Rev. T. C. Anderson is now the President, Dr. Cossitt having a year or two since retired, to devote his whole time to other duties. These two are the most flourish-published by all religious persuasions. The ing institutions of learning under the control of this church. They are both in a course of endowment, which in a short time will be completed. Cumberland University, has connected with it, a Law department. At the head of this is the Hon. A. Caruthers, known as a gentleman of legal abilities and literary attainments. Steps are taking to add a Medical depart-influence. There are also two monthly ment. It is anticipated, that at no distant day, a Theological chair will be added. The number of students is very large, and is increasing every year. In addition to these, there are some twelve or thirteen other institutions of learning, some of greater, others of less note. No doubt, a number of these will grow into permanent revivals of religion, than we are aware of. By their exertions, and the blessing of God on their preaching, a new spirit was infused into the Presbyterian body; and their views and sentiments respecting experimental religion, have prevailed more and more; until at last, opposition to genuine revivals of religion, is

almost unknown in our church."

Cumberland Presbyterian, at Uniontown, Pa.; the Banner of Peace, at Lebanon, Tenn.; the Ark, at Memphis, Tenn.; and the Texas Presbyterian, in Texas, are the periodicals published by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. These are ably edited, and have a liberal circulation, and certainly exert a considerable religious

journals, the Theological Medium, and the Palladium, devoted to the higher interests of the church. This denomination does not regard literature as religion, but looks upon it as a powerful auxiliary.

In the year 1831, two years after the constitution of the Assembly, the first Cumberland Presbyterian Church was planted in Western Pennsylvania. The occasion of this movement was the following, viz :-The name and doctrines of this denomination had been heard of in this part of Pennsylvania. A number of gentlemen addressed a letter to the presi dent of Cumberland College, (then F. R.

wisdom is to make these subservient to the interests of religion. The persecution of the Jewish nation, and polity, did much to extend the gospel. That hardy, active, enterprising, and even restless spirit, in portions of this country, did much to extend the limits of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and doubtless, of the general principles of religion and morality. Soon after the colonization of Texas by Austin, there were Cumberland Presbyterian preaching stations, and small churches planted there.*

Cossitt, D. D.,) at Princeton, Kentucky, requesting ministers of the new donomination to be sent there. The request was laid before the General Assembly, and granted. Several pious and talented ministers of the gospel proceeded to that country and labored with unusual success. It was but a short time till a presbytery was formed, which held its first meeting in the town of Washington. This presbytery has since so enlarged, that a synod, known as Pennsylvania Synod, has grown out of it, consisting of 4 presbyteries, 65 congregations, and about 7000 communicants.* It is known to the reader that this porThese statistics extend to the year 1844. tion of North America was a Mexican Since that time, this synod has increased colony, from its settlement up to the Texan in churches, ministers, and probably one revolution. During this time the existing presbytery. A part of its limits now ex- laws, the language, and the religion, were tends into Ohio. During this period, the serious impediments in the way of preachchurch was, in other states, enjoying re- ing and planting the Protestant faith. vivals of religion, and was in a growing, Among those who spoke the English lanflourishing condition. Sometimes, it is guage, the prevailing license and recklesstrue, it would have dark, discouraging, and ness were equal impediments. But perse trying hours; yet, amid all, its limits in- verance overcomes all things. Like faith, creased. At the General Assembly of it can remove mountains. These pioneers 1834, on the authority of the synods, labored on, not looking at outward circum10,680 conversions were reported during stances, but resting with a firm trust in the then past year. The number of synods, the promises of Jesus Christ, who said he from the report of that assembly, was 9; would be with his ministers to the end of of presbyteries, 35; of ordained preachers, the world. They saw the wilderness 300; of licensed preachers, 100; of can-blossom before them as the rose, and the didates for the ministry, 75; and of communicants, 50,000.

The church is always, more or less, affected by the spirit of the age and surrounding circumstances. The greatest of

Among the preachers who labored with great fidelity and success in this part of the vineyard of God, was Rev. John Morgan. He was born in Alabama, of highly respectable parentage, and after preaching with much success in that state and Tennessee, he proceeded to Western Pennsylvania. In Uniontown he reared up a large and flourishing church. In that town, a few years ago, he died, much lamented. His memory is cherished with religious veneration all over Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Morgan, though he died in middle life, yet his success had been astonishing. His talents as a pulpit orator were of no common order. His life and labors would furnish materials for an interesting book.

Rev. William Harris, an aged, venerable, and pious minister, was among those who successfully labored about this time in this part of the vineyard of God. He since has died at a very advanced age. He died in the triumphs of faith.

* Rev. Sumner Bacon, a native of Massachusetts, was the first of this church, and probably of any Protestant church, who preached in Texas. He commenced his labors as an evangelist, and prosecuted them with commendable vigor and zeal. He was just the man for such a time and country. He was hardy, patient of labor, and fearless of danger. Danger he had often to encounter of a very serious nature. In his labors he was much blessed. It is not known to the writer whether he yet be alive or no. His name is remembered with delight by many in that country. A narrative of his life and arduous labors, would constitute a volume of thrilling interest.

Another pious and distinguished minister of the gospel who labored there was Rev. Mr. Frazer. Born, and inducted into the ministry in Tennessee, he at an early period emigrated to Texas. The good of religion, and the church, was the object of his emigration. Blessed in his labor, exemplary in his life, and possessed of talent and education, he wielded a powerful influence in the whole country. At his untimely death he was chaplain in the Texan Congress. His death was much regretted over the whole country.

desert converted into a garden of the Lord.

This synod, under the blessing of God, like the synods of Philadelphia, may grow into numerous Presbyteries and Synods, with colleges, institutions, and associations for the spread of the Gospel. The man, who, in religion regards only the present, is blind, and cannot see afar off. The enlightened soul, on an eminence of contemplation, looks far into the future, and weeps, or rejoices, according to what is seen. Oregon, the Californias, Texas, and the valley of the Rio Grande, the scene pro

be inhabited by the Anglo-Saxon race. Any efforts in any of those quarters to permanently establish the true principles of the Gospel, should be hailed by all with triumph. Probably, these reflections have been extended farther than will prove of interest to the reader.

The influence of the struggle for independence was felt by them. The cause progressed, but not so prosperously. Some of the preachers served in the Texan army. This should not be wondered at, if it were borne in mind that Jeremy Tay. lor, and John Bunyan, both were soldiers during the civil wars in England. After the establishment of the republican government there was something of a border warfare kept up, as well as frequent irrup-bably of future nations, will all, no doubt, tions of the savages from various quarters. Since the "Annexation" of that Republic to this government, the unfortunate Mexican war has existed. And at this hour such exciting news comes from the city of Mexico, as throws the whole country into consternation. Texas, being adjacent to this, of course is affected by it, in proportion to its contiguity to the bloody scene. All wars are averse to the spirit of religion. The best can only be looked upon as necessary evils. They are, as the observation of many will doubtless confirm, averse to morality. The recital of deeds of horror, blood and carnage, have a demoralizing and brutalizing effect on the human heart. And when these are presented under the specious guise of patriotism and military glory, they are doubly dangerous. Under such circumstances was the gospel introduced into this part of the vineyard of God. Under such circumstances were the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches here planted and reared up.

They increased in size and numbers. In the process of time a Presbytery was organized. Now a flourishing synod, composed of several Presbyteries exists. In it, there is a religious periodical, (already referred to,) well conducted, and promises to exert a considerable religious and moral influence.

It is now time to turn attention to the great benevolent institutions of the day. These, have been very justly regarded as so many tests of the evangelical and orthodox spirit of the different denominations.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, from its first existence, has taken a decided stand in support and favor of these. The General Assembly has recommended the churches under its care, to co-operate with the American Bible, Tract, Missionary, Sunday School, and Temperance Societies. These recommendations have been observed. Of the truth of this, numerous agents can attest. The Assembly of May last, that met in Lebanon, Ohio, as the minutes will confirm, were addressed by agents of the American Sunday School Union, and the Board of Foreign Missions. A meeting was held during the session of that body, in behalf of the Tract cause. There is but one opinion throughout the whole denomination, concerning these and similar moral institutions, which have for their object, the amelioration of the condition of the human family, and the extension of the glory of God.

Recently, a Board of Foreign and Domestic Missions has been formed in connection with this denomination. It is the

Texas embraces a region of country, extending from the Sabine river, to the Rio Grande, and stretching with an ample sweep, from the Gulf of Mexico toward the sources of the Mississippi, the Rocky Mountains, and the Californias. This territory now the source of an unhappy rup-general wish to act on this subject in future between two Republics, will one day, doubtless, be an independent nation, and the rival of both, in all that is good.

ture, more efficiently and systematically. No foreign field has, as yet, ever been occupied by the Cumberland Presbyterians.

They have with success, in some cases, labored among the different Indian tribes.* On the head of ministerial education, it will perhaps be proper to make a few general statements. This will be the more necessary, as some have seriously believed, or at least have affected to believe, that ministerial education with this denomination, was under par. Whenever this belief has been gratuitous, it has been malicious. When sincere, it has been with those of limited information. The clergy of the denomination show for themselves to those capable of judging. There are some who have educations of the first order; some a medium, and others an inferior education. So it is in all churches. So it is in all professions. The workman employs such tools as will effect his object. He does not use the axe in break ing stones, nor the hammer, or crow-bar, in felling trees. Practicing on this principle of common sense, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has sent forth some laymen and evangelists, of inferior education on some points. These, in their field, have been useful. In many cases, more so than the pedant of no native intellect, retailing his second or third hand scraps and shreds of learning, without connection or application. But, some of these evangelists who have gone with a limited share of education, to some new or sparsely settled neighborhood, as knowledge would

increase among the people, they would purchase books, read for practical pur poses, and in process of time, would be. come really men of learning. Dr. Clark, the Commentator, acquired his extensive education in a manner analogous to this. The learned blacksmith, studied at his anvil. The ancient Greeks and Romans, knew nothing of what we call colleges, in modern times. Their children were edu. cated under private tutors, or by themselves. A good education can be acquired either at a college, or away from one. The man who has the greatest fund of available knowledge, is the best scholar, the world over, no matter how, or where attained. Literary institutions are good, when a good use is made of them. It is to be devoutly wished that there were more of them in our land, and that those already in existence were made a better use of than they are. The number of institutions of learning under the auspices of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, sufficiently shows the literary character of both the clergy, and the great mass of the people.

Reference to the Confession of Faith will show the literary qualifications required of every one who enters the ministerial office. That book suffers no candidates to be ordained without a thorough English education. Before the hands of the Presbytery are laid on the head of any one in ordination, he is examined on Rev. David Lowry, has for a number of experimental religion on his internal years, operated with success among the Win-call to the ministry-on natural and renebago Indians, on the west side of the Mis- vealed Theology-on Astronomy—Gesissippi. Mr. Lowry has, a part of the time, held an agency under the United States Go-ography-English Grammar-Moral and vernment. He was removed by President Natural Philosophy, &c., &c. This is Tyler. He still prosecutes his labors with ac- called for in all cases, as indispensable to tivity and zeal. As a preacher, Mr. Lowry exercising the ministerial functions. possesses talents of the first order, and has been useful in different states. As a writer, there are perhaps few or none in this country, of a Theological character, who excel him. His style is marked by vigor, perspicuity, and felicity of expression. His matter is every way equal to his diction. It is to be hoped, being freed from the time-killing practices of civilized life, he will have leisure to write some works of general and lasting interest. It was, whilst President Edwards was among the Indians, that he wrote some of his most valuable works. His work on the Will, among others, was produced at this time. And strange to tell, he was so poor he could not buy paper, but used old letters to write on!

But the book of discipline prefers, in all cases, a classical education where it is possible. The framers of that book thought that there were some men who could not get a classical education, who should not be prevented from preaching. They thought there would be others who would be so far advanced in life, that, if they had the opportunities, it would not be wise to take the time.

There are, at this time, a number of young men at the different institutions of learning, who are pursuing their studies