The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1861-11-02
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA,
OF PHILADELPHIA.

This gentleman occupies a Appointment pO-
sitiOn in the New School Presbyterian
church, being one Of the chief editors of-the
American Presbyterian newspaper, and Of
the Presbyterian Quarterly, both published
in Philadelphia. From Northern news
paper lately received, we find he was in
yited, a short time ago, to become the Col.
of a regiment proposed to be raised, and to
consist Of moral and pious men. As the
DR.. had been a student at West Point, and
is withal fierce belligereut with his pen,
some of bis friends seem to have thoughtit
only reasonable he should have fair chance
for cutting a figure with his sword also. It
was proposition, however, not at all to
his liking, aud which he promptly declined
giving tie following reasons:
"Tbe Bible, throughout, forbids minis
ters 10 take the sword, while it urges Chris
tian people TO fight on numerous occasions.
The tribe of Lew never fought, though the
Jews we're among the most warlke Of ma
tioDs. Aaron never fougb nor Samuel, ner
Eniah nor Isaiah. Saul was segerel1
ishe8 for rfeat no. sacut dad i.Apl s14
Phiusbas, 9hed they caied the ark uBn
cesaarilY 10 battle, persisted. David ~2s
not allowed TO build The temple because he
was a man Of blood. Yet military leaders
both uudcr the CID and new dispensadous,
were highly bonored. Church history con-
firms nv view. 1t has been deemed unseem-
ly in eyerv are for ministers to take mill
tary command The exceptions are so rare
as to confirm the rule. If | were a laymau,
1 think that nothing but absolute inability
could hold me back
The reasons assigned may go for what
they are worth; but there is one thing not
q little strange. Dr. Wallace has been an
ardent advocate Of the war, declaring it is
''our common hope, aud expectation also,
that this war viii efectually dispose of the
slave question" But more than this, he
endorsed, little while since, letter from
a correspondent, who said among other
things, - cannot bet thank God for the ,rar."
Is that feeling from above, or is it inspired
from beueath7 Who was it prayed long
ago, "Scaaer ttoa tie people that delight IN
,rar." Certainly nothing but extraordinary
circumstances can impose upon ministers of
the gospel the duty Of taking the sword,
and the Judgment of society abundantly &C
quits them for keeping back from the "bat-
tie Of the warrior with confused noise, and
garments rolled in blood" But when DR..
w. gives rs to understand he is perfectly
delighted in seeing the country involved in
this deadly strife, yet declines, when invited,
to share its perils, and shelters himself be-
hind the sanctity Of the sacred Office, he
deserves to be visited With what he IS sure
ey, stsser0 8 ty aej coa9snps. ne
may ayow till he dies-''If l were a layman,
think that nothing but absolute inability
could hold me back;"--no body would be-
lieye it. Let him pretend as much as he
please that the ministerial robe encumbers
his movement to the battlefield. Human
sagacity is too keen for any such disguise,
and stripping him bare, viii reveal him in
the true light Of a simple co,oard. Itiswell
for such man not to be the Colonel of a
regiment consisting Of moral and pious
men," Ard besides, it can hardly be doubt
ed that his instincts have led him to abide
snug. y in bis calling by, a comfortable FIRE
this winter in Philadelphia, and give help
ing hand TO the noble work Of breaking up
presses like the Christian O5ssrrsr, should
any Of them dare to say his master in Wash
ingtou is not just what Washington himself
would Ike to see in his chair. Or, should
these victims prove scarce, his great gifts,
and ardent though retiring courage might
possibly fad a congenial exercise upon some
of the. many women and children in Phila-
delpbia, who are known to be warm sympa-
thizers with Southern rebels"