The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1856-01-05

For the Central Presbyterian.
WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, }
Allegheny City, Pa, Deer, lo55. )

Nesrs. Editors: rs:-ThOugh cannot pro-
mise YOU an easy life, nor pecuniary reward
for your tolls, vet congratulate YOU on the
work. which You have undertaken. The
mower of the press is a haekneyed theme.
And vet no man has any adequate concep-
tions of the influence Of every weekly sheet
in dwelling or eularging, in refining or
debasing the human mind. | feel very sure
that YOU have some just views Of this mat
ter. and viii labor with zeal in the work
YOU have undertaken. l wish you great
success and much public favor.
The time, when YOU start your paper, Is
friendly to your views Of kindness and coUr-
tesy to all. At present no strife Of any
emb,t.ered kind troubles our branch of the
church. Indeed evangelical Christians ge-
nerally are on good terms with each other.
Thus YOU may give free scope to the gene
rous warmth, which has through life marked
your behaviour. Nor will YOU be without
tokens of friendship, which viii greatly
cheer YOU. True, YOU will find class OF
ouerulous friends, who viii perhaps annoy
YOU with ill-timed complaints. But never
mind them. They are neither numerous,
nor powerful. Many Of them viii have a
better mind when they leave this world and
rct tc heaven
Though no great controversy IN relglon
Is now agitating the churches, Yet the time
NAV come, even before you leave the edi-
torial chair, when the most virulent as
sauIts viii be made on the citadel of
truth. The haters Of the supreme divinity
Of our Lord Jesus Christ were never more
unbendiug in their opposition to the foun-
dations of the true Christian doctrines than
at present. Should any great conflict arise,
/ am sure the church viii not in vain look
70 YOU to quit YOU like Nen and to risk
every thing for the glory of the Lord Christ,
and the integrity of the common salvation.
One part of your work Will be very plea
SAINT. refer to the notice YOU may take
of the progress Of Christ's kingdom. 1t Is
a great privilege to see the walls of Jeru-
salem going up. 1t is a great privilege to
be permitted as watchmen to point out the
first ravs Of the dawning day, and to cheer
Gods people with the assurance that Christ s
kingdom is coming.
Nor will it be in vein that you shall re-
ccrd even short notices Of the useful lives
and happy deaths of the servants Of Christ.
Judicious obituary notices are Of emlneSt
service in illustrating the power Of Divine
grace in each generation. Formerly L
fhouoht less of them, but now l commonly
read them first. | love to see grace tri-
umphing in the last struggle. This feel
inc has gained much on me Of late, esPe-
ciallv since have felt that l had lived my
half-centurv, and that if l should ever live
to be seventy years old, more than i've Sc
venths of my life was gone.
really think your friends and patrons
ought to pray for YOU, that you may be
useful in your labors. A great work re-
mains to be done in our whole country.
The region, where your paper will mostly CIR
culate, has its full share Of responsibility IN
spreading the truth. Arouse all the churches,
if possible, to do their utmost. Give no
rest to yourselves or others, while any wise
and practicable scheme of usefulness among
YOU languishes for want OF efficient CO.
operation.
The Lord bless YOU and keep you, send
YOU help from the sanctuary, and strengthen
YOU out of Zion, remember all your offer
ings and accept your burnt sacrifices, grant
Won according to your own hearts, fulfil all
Your counsels, teach your hearts to war and
your fingers to fight, and fulfil all your pc
titions. Very truly yours,
WN 5. PLUMER.