OBITUARIES.

WILLIAM BROWN, a member of the Conococheague congregation, after a brief illness, departed this life July 26th, 1876, at his residence near Williamsport, Maryland, in the 73d year of his age. The subject of this notice was born near Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland. His parents emigrated to this country in 1819, and located in the bounds of Conococheague congregation, united in membership with it, and continued honored and esteemed members till their death. Mr. Brown was the eldest son, and while his parents lived he was their stay and comfort. Here he proved himself to be a most dutiful son, as afterwards a kind husband, an indulgent father and a constant and true friend. After investigation he admitted the infidelity of the constitution and the immorality of the government. Thus he withdrew from all participation in the elective franchise. He alike discarded the ballot box and the jury box. He embraced the principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, unmoved by the defection of 1833. He was true to the interests of the slave during the late rebellion, the friend of humanity and a friend of liberty and law. His integrity was blended with deep piety. The evidence of this culminated in his last utterances. After repeating the 90th Psalm he was heard saying, with a calm mind, "My time on earth is up, and now I am just waiting for my change." The daughter who informed the writer of her father's decease, heard him say these words as his soul departed in peace. A wife and eight children survive him, to lament a loss that earth cannot heal. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

COM.

DIED, Oct. 25, 1876, WILLIAM W. Cook, in his 25th year. He made a public profession in the congregation of Little Beaver, in May, 1869; became a member of Beaver Falls congregation at its organization, and at the time of his death was treasurer of the board of deacons. He was a young man of great promise, having excellent natural endowments and remarkable Christian attainments. "He was a burning and a shining light." First, he was honorable and upright in his daily life. From his childhood it was his lot to toil for his daily bread, and in this he was brought in contact with men of all classes. By the stability of his character he secured the confidence and won the admiration of all who knew him. Industry in earning, economy in saving, and liberality in giving, characterized his use of God's bounty. Next, his almost unparalleled devotion to his mother. "He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow." For fourteen years he was almost her only earthly stay, while her health was feeble and broken. The unselfish and tender care with which he watched over her, covers the memory of his humble life with a halo of glory. Lastly, he walked with God. He had the unmistakable marks of a genuine Christian; he loved the word of God and the Sabbath, and the ordinances of God's house, and the companionship of God's people and the work in the Lord's vineyard. He was a pillar in the church of God and a standard-bearer in the army of the cross. "He was not, for God took him."

The Board of Deacons adopt d the following minute in reference to his death: WHEREAS, We have been sadly bereaved by the death of our esteemed brother and fellow-member, William W. Cook, who departed this life October 25th, 1876;

Resolved, 1. That in his death we mourn the loss of one whose high Christian character and devotion to the cause of Christ have won for him a name which we all love to recall and delight to honor.

Resolved, 2. That we humbly bow in submission to the will of God in this all-wise, but most inscrutable providence; and that we recognize it as the voice of God admonishing us of the uncertainty of life, and urging us to renewed activity in our Master's work. The language is, "Be ye also ready."

Resolved, 3. That in this darkest hour of affliction we tender our deepest sympathy to the aged parent and widow who has been bereaved of her only earthly stay, and commend her to him who hath said, “Let the widows trust in me." COM.

Mrs. MARGARET THOMPSON died Feb. 2, 1877, in the 71st year of her age. She was the wife of Robert Thompson, daughter of Hugh and Eleanor McMaster, and sister of Rev. John McMaster, D. D., late pastor of the U. P. congregation of Princeton, Indiana. The writer of this notice feeling it due to the memory of the deceased, and prompted by his own feelings, cheerfully puts on record a tribute to her worth. Intimately aequainted with her for nearly half a century, his statements in regard to her are matters of personal knowledge.

Born of Christian parents and trained up under the ministry of Rev. John Black, D. D., pastor of the Covenanter church in Pittsburgh, she early in life made a profession of faith in Christ. After her marriage to Robert Thompson she removed into the

bounds of Monongahela congregation, and with her husband enjoyed the pastoral ministrations successively of Rev. John Crozier, Rev. J. W. Sproull, and Rev. T. C. Sproull. She possessed in a high degree those traits of character which adorn the Christian. She was a loving wife, an affectionate mother, a warm friend and a kind neighbor. Her knowledge of the doctrines of religion was clear and comprehensive. She was a consistent and devoted Christian She loved the principles of the Covenanting Church, delighted in the ordinances, and in observing them found much enjoyment.

Her health was generally good until within a few months of her decease. During her illness her sufferings were occasionally severe. But she was graciously supported, and without alarm at the approach of death, passed away from the toils, anxieties and trials of the world to the enjoyment of the heavenly rest.

To her husband the rending of a tie so tender, and strengthened by its continuance for period of over two-score years, is a painful stroke. Himself in feeble health, he nee is, and we doubt not receives the support and consolation that the compassionate High Priest gives to his afflicted people. To him and his two daughters the writer, their attached friend, tenders his warmest sympathy. T. S.

DIED, of lung disease, Oct. 4th, 1875, Mr. JAMES A. HUNTER. Deceased was born in Rev. Thomas Donnelly's congregation, in Chester District, South Carolina, in Sept., 1817. He removed to Illinois in 1828 and settled in the bounds of Eden congregation, under Rev. Mr. Wylie. He joined the church in 1840, under the pastorate of Rev. Hugh Stevenson, and remained a constant member until his removal to Kansas in 1867. His last illness continued about eleven days. He died in faith and peace, and now enjoys the inheritance of the blessed. Among his last audible expressions were, "And now, O Lord, what wait I for?" "My hope is in his word." Mr. Hunter was a consistent member of the Olathe congregation; was esteemed by his neighbors as a man of sterling integrity; was kind and obliging, and seemed rather disposed to take wrong and suffer himself to be defrauded, than to stand boldly for his rights. COM.

DIED, July 30th, 1876, Mrs. MARY S. ROBB, in the 42d year of her age. She was a woman of a very cheerful disposition, disposed always to see the bright side of every event; consequently she was a genial companion, a warm and affectionate friend. Though unwell for a length of time, she never complained; and when her final summons came, she recognized it and received the solemn warning as oue may who is ready to go in with the Bridegroom. A deeply stricken husband and six motherless children comfort themselves in anticipation of the future. Т. Р. Ковв.

DIED, December 22d, 1876, Mrs. JENNIE GEORGE ROBз, aged 75 years and 3 months. She was a woman of undoubted piety. The story of the cross never failed to call forth her tears. Her sympathies were always enlisted on behalf of the suffering and distressed. Her whole lite was one of active service; though she had for some years relinquished the care of a house, her hands and her heart never grew weary, but were employed in ministrations for others. As soon as the subject of the above notice took her bed, the place was filled as far as could be by her whom we now speak concerning, and when death bereaved the son of his wife and his children of their mother, then she took the oversight of the house and remained in charge, never leaving for a single night till her own summons came. This took place on the 3d of December, on the Sabbath, and at church. She returned to her own home that night, took her bed, and never rose from it again. The earlier part of her illness was not violent. She enjoyed great peace of mind, and warmly welcomed the many Christian friends who visited her and prayed with her. Her only desire for recovering was that she might be allowed to stay up the hands of her bereaved son, and spread a shelter over his motherless ones. seemed to be recovering, but an unexpected complication arose, which very soon dispersed all our hopes. Three days and nights she lay on the border of the land of promise, unconscious of her surroundings, then fell so gently asleep that one might well ay, If this is death, it is without a sting. Thus ended an eventful life, which had been filled up with much that the Christian alone can enjoy ; and yet that life witnessed many trials, sorrows and afflictions.

She

While we look over the past and baptize it with our tears, we confidently believe that she has been added to the number of whom it is said, "The Lamb in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them to the living fountains of water, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." T. P. R.

DIED, Feb. 3d, 1877, MOLLIE H. MILLIGAN, in the 25th year of her age. A few facts here in regard to the deceased we feel are not out of place. Mollie was afflicted from early childhood with spinal affection, which hindered her growth and interfered with the healthy play of heart and lungs. Hence she became an object of interest to all

who knew her, and the special subject of parental anxiety. She naturally became the centre of the little family, of which she was the first born. But this did not render her selfish. She was one of those who found her happiness in the love and happiness of others. She was winning in her ways, even in disposition, warm in sympathy. During the whole winter she was feeble, but able to rise and go through the house until within a few days of her death. Her death-bed was a wonder to many. Though the angel came suddenly, she was not taken by surprise. It is no eulogy to say that she lived in constant communings with the world to come. Her mind was clear and calm all the way, as she walked the shades of death. Only a few hours before death she wrote in her brother's "Autograph," in a clear, beautiful hand, these words: "Remember the love of your sister, Mollie." The hours sped- -so did her life. At the dawn of day, quietly, as if falling asleep, kneeling in her bed, her hands clasped, her head resting on them, without a struggle and without a pang, her spirit sped away to be with God. "Mark the perfect, and behold the upright, for the latter end of that man is peace."

T. P. R.

Mr. JOHN QUINN died at his home in Allegheny City, Pa., February 24th, 1877, in the 63d year of his age. He had been breaking down for some few years, yet His death was very sudden. He had held family worship the evening before, and had read John 11, the entire chapter, and during the evening had been reading, as was his customfor he was a great reader-the Informatory Vindication. The family were looking for no change, but they were awaked at four o'clock in the morning by hearing his heavy breathing; they found him unconscious. He lived until 7 A. M. Mr. Quinn came to this country from Ireland in 1843, where he had been in the Secession Church, under Rev. Mr. Boyle. He settled in Newark, N. J., and there connected himself, after an examination of our distinctive principles, with the Second New York congregation, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. Andrew Stevenson. He removed to Allegheny City, and was for years a member of the Pittsburgh and Allegheny congregation. When the Oil City congregation was organized he was made a ruling elder, and throngh this connection was well known to many of our readers. He leaves a widow, two sons, one of them married, and three daughters.

BOOK NOTICES.

THE INVITATION TO THE GREAT SUPPER: A sermon preached in Stratford Presbyterian Church, London, on Sabbath evening, Aprii 16, 1876, on the occasion of the death of Mr. William Graham, a driver on the Great Eastern railway; a Sermon on Luke 14:21-24. Also, CENTENNIAL THANKSGIVING SERMON, on Psalm 33:12: "Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord," preached November 30, 1876, in the First Miami Church, Northwood, Ohio.

Both of the above discourses are by Rev. J. L. McCartney, of Geneva College. The occasion of the first was the instantaneous death, by accident, of an employee of the British Great Eastern railway. A large number of his fellows were in attendance at the service, and the proceeds of the sale of the discourse went to the aid of his family. The matter is such as men so employed needed to hear. Many of our readers have had an opportunity of reading a part of the second discourse in the Statesman for March 1, a forcible argument for the religious amendment.

PUBLICATIONS OF LEONARD SCOTT PUBLISHING COMPANY, 41 Barclay street, New York.

The London Quarterly Review for January contains: Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, of the Reign of Henry VIII.; Old Norse Mirror of Men and Manners; Dr. Carpenter's Mental rhysiology; English Policy in South Africa; Geographical and Scientific Results of the Arctic Expedition; A French Critic on Milton; Mohammed and Mohammedanism; A Ramble Round the World; The Eastern Question and the Conference.

The Westminster Review for January contains: A Ministry of Justice; The Warfare of Science; The Factory and Workshop Acts; The Life of the Prince Consort; The Turkish Question; Russian Designs, and English Promoters of them; John Locke; The Financial Difficulties of the Government of India, Contemporary Literature.

Blackwood for February contains: A Woman Hater, Part IX.; Philanthropy in War; New Books; Biographies; The Situation in America; The Singer's Prize; Pauline, Part I.; The Proceedings of the Conference.

T

WE enumerate some of the important lessons Providence has been teaching this nation during the past few years, and which all who desire its future peace and prosperity should carefully note and endeavor to have regarded.

L. The Constitution of the United States, both as a moral and political document, is radically defective. That it has great excellencies, and in many respects is most admirably adapted to the purposes intended, cannot be successfully denied. But that it is not an exhaustive statement of the ends of civil government and the best means for the accomplishment of these ends, as so frequently has been claimed, the events of the past twenty years demonstrate to a certainty. For a long time the Constitution was regarded with an almost superstitious reverence. It, as amended by its framers, was thought to be perfect, or as nearly perfect as a human document could well be. What in religious matters the Bible is to the Christian, it was in civil matters to the American people. Respecting the teachings of the latter there might be radically opposite views, just as there always have been respecting the teachings of the former, but these differences of views no more derogated in the common opinion from the excellence of the one than from the excellence of the other. When Garrison, applying the words of Isaiah, called the Constitution of the United States "a covenant with death and an agreement with hell," the entire country from the Lakes to the Gulf and from the Atlantic to the Pacific, was startled. The most cherished convictions of the people were, it was claimed, rudely and unjustly assaulted. Many thought and were ready to declare that, did such assertions receive countenance from any considerable portion of the community, the very existence of the government would be endangered, as that document, in its entirety, was the bulwark of the country's safety. The feelings with which the utterance was received were nearly akin to those with which the rude assaults on the Bible by modern scientists have been

received by those who believe in its claims and trust for salvation to its teachings.

The superstitious reverence with which the Constitution was regarded, was necessarily to a very great extent bad in its effects. So long as it continued, defects could not be remedied, for they were not admitted. It was an insuperable obstacle to all radical reformation, a kind of Chinese wall that effectually blocked the way against all change. An amendment-for instance, that proposed by Mr. Blair respecting temperance, or that by Mr. Blaine respecting the schools, or the amendment abolishing slavery-must have encountered not only the opposition of those who were not in favor of it, but also the deep-seated prejudice against all change entertained by many who otherwise would have been its friends. There would be incurred a two-fold edium and encountered a two-fold opposition. The Constitution is the embodiment of the wisdom of the fathers of the republic. To attempt to change it radically in any one respect would have been thought to cast an imputation upon the wisdom of their labors, and to endanger the republic, which had through them already enjoyed such unparalleled prosperity, and so to be resisted as almost an act of sacrilege.

The obstacle such a deep-seated conviction would oppose to National Reform, is evident. An amendment of such a character would be regarded, and justly, as in direct opposition to the views and teachings of the fathers of the republic. Even those who theoretically might have some sympathy with the movement would shrink from countenancing in any way so radical a change. There would be but few advocates in its favor. The talent and abilities of many, as the history of the anti-slavery excitement warrants us to believe, would be found trying to prove that the Constitution of the United States is neither godless nor ungodly. Certainly that would not be a more unreasonable position to take than it was for the friends of the slave and enemies to slavery to argue that the Constitution was an antislavery document. No doubt, many of those who are now valiant for this reform would, had no change taken place, be found, influenced by the institutions under which they live, to-day among its most determined opponents.

The events of the past few years have wrought a radical change in the views and feelings of the American people. The Constitution has been weighed. "Tekel," "found wanting," is the verdict. Men were slow to believe that morally it was defective, but at last they have been compelled so to believe and acknowledge this. The amendment abolishing slavery is nothing more nor less than an official proclamation that slavery was legalized, and that the Constitution was its bulwark. The views of that very small minority of abolitionists that had so held and so practised, have been completely vindicated.

The events of the past six months have demonstrated that the Constitution, as a political document, is radically defective. It does not answer all the ends for which it was framed. Grave emergencies have arisen which