Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-10-10
ANNIvEnsARY snnmON


preached his fifth anniversary sermon in the
Hanover Street Presbyterian Church Of
this city.
In the course of his remarks, Mr. Aik-
man took occasion to allude to his course
since the breaking out of the rebellion,
Believing that the prosperity of the Church
m Christ is inextrieably connected with
the permanency of the American Union as
such, he felt it to be his duty to give an
unconditional support--as minister of the
sospel-to the efforts Of the government
to restore that Union in all its power and
integrity, Upon this point MIR. Aikman's
position has been very clear and is une-
quivocally defined in his sermon, part of
which we here quote -
. In the course OF five years, and speak
ing before youeight hundred or one thousand
times, that should have spoken always
the things and always in the exact way
with which all of you would agree, would
he simply impossible. think, however,
none OF my people will deny to me honesty
and unseliishness of purpose, and have
often thought that Il magnanimors man
would rather that his Pastor should be
honest, independent and fearless, even
though he should run at times across the
track Of his own opinions.
For very considerable period during
these years, there has been an intense ex-
citement in the public mind, and either to
speak or to keep silence, has had Il pro-
found meaning, unknown at ordinary times
10 me it has seemed a time to speak, and
have, when the occasion seemed to demand
it, spoken as far as could understand the
time for God and my country
"As | look back, have little to regret
and nothing to take back of all have said
in this place. When this gigantic and in
expressibly wicked rebellion first began to
manifest itself, pointed out what be-
lieved was its cause, and am more clear
about it now than then Were to repeat
my words now, they would appear all cold
aud tame, to even those who differed from
them at that time
" In reference to this rebellion, it has
seemed to me that there was and is bnt one
course for an honest patriot to take. Here
is an effort greater and more powerful than
ever before, to break down and destroy the
hest and freest government the world ever
4aw Its simple aim is to blot out this
country from the nations, to rob you and
me, of all that is dear to us; for what have
We left, if our country is zone There
was but one course for me rs a minister Ia
take believe that our cause to-day, Is
pre-eminenty the cause OF the church, and
her well-being is wrapped up in its success
SO have endeayored to do what could III
help it forward. If there be any traitor
here who wishes this rebellion III be sue
cessinl, who wishes to see your country and
mine trmpled upon and destroyed by these
armed traitors, | can only say am as wide.
* sundered from him as possible; / loathe
his sympathy | would be ashamed OF his
appreciation the last insult he could givl
me would be To say that my sentiment,
pleased him.
"With very vivid sense of what was AT
stake, and a clear appreciation OF our onl,
Source Of help, | have publicly prayed io
our country. Feeling strongly, as it seem
ed to me most appropriate, | have endca-
yorcd to lead your devotions to the right
point. have sought TO express the feel
ings OF loyal hearts, of true, warm hearts
/ have not had in mind nor sought to ex
press the desires Of the hat-hearted or tn,
triturous. have not known how to pray,
50 that Il traitor and friend could equally
Z oh 1 l.
slamnered, had | attempted it. No stran
ger has ever stood in doubt or been com
PEELED to ask for what we prayed to God
| am satisfied to have had it 80.
" As far as regards my own reputation Oh
comfort in this matter, it has seemed to m,
10 he very small offering THAI coulG
make tor my country. With four of my
own kin, with three times that number .
my own flock or their loved ones with hun
dreds of thousands Of my tellow-country
men in the field risking and laying down
their lives for my country, it has seemed t,
me very base not to be willing, if need be
to risk the frowns Of those who sympathis,
with treason.
e" take comfort, unbounded satisfaction
in the thought that during all the past
have done what could in my place +,
help my country's cause 1t would bc Al
everlasting shame and grief had not.
" In the future of good which will surely
come to our dear country, | wish that my
children shall look back and be able to sa,
Vi me, :" In those dreadful times of ouI
country's peril, my father stood in his place
hs was not afraid to speak on act, he did al
that patriot minister could do, he was I
true and fearless man in days which irie,
mems souls. All, that will be good tu
them to say and now from day to day
would il could. hoard up for them tha
legacy better than gold OF gcnls-an honor
ed name | do not envy those who neveI
express by word or look their love tor tn,
eood government that is over them. bu
who secretly sylnpathise with her enemie,
and help those WHO are in arms against her
q, my soul, come not thou INTO thei
secret unto their assembly, mine honor
BE- not thou united p dread their ne
morse by and by du not know wha
could tempt me To look forward To the
shame. shrink away from it and them.
With these feelings have zone out am,
IA before you; 50 | have spoken and 70
have prayed If in Gods holy and nacru
table providence, my country is ruined, w
viii 20 down with her in calm and 900,
Consciousness that we did what We could t,
hold her up; if and that may the Cirea
Jehovah grant, She lives, We will share Will
n" rondemning conscience her triumph, bu
with eXutant hearts cry, " worked and
prayed to help them on p For the pre-
4enl We can well wait patiently, we NAV b