Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1863-02-27


At an annual meeting of the congregation
of the Central Presbyterian Church, Will
mington, Del, held on the 25th day Of
February, 1863, TIE following preamble and
resolutions were unanimously adopted;
WHEREAS, In these times of great public
calamity. when civil war RACES in our land,
brought on by most wicked, causeless and
unprovoked rebellion against the wisest and
best OF governments; and MS we regard it
the duty of all good citizens to uphold and
strengthen the hands of the legitimate civil
ruler; and whereas, we believe it to be
solemn obligation upon the Christian Church
and its ministry, to pray for all who are in
authority, to teach the people the duty of
Christian citizenship in their relations TO the
State, obedience to law and respect for civil
magistrates, as enjoined in our excellent
| system of doctrine, government and wor-
ship, and also fully approaching the respon-
sibe and often difficult position of all minis
tiers of the gospel in times of public excite
ment and trial therefore,
RESOLVED, That we hereby take pleasure
in expressing our entire and hearty approval
of the course of our Pastor the Rev. George
F. WIswELI. in his past public miuistrations,
regarding the great moral questions in
volved in our present national struggle.
RESOLVED, That we cheerfully testify that
he has never, since he has been Pastor of
this Church. introduced or sought to discuss
in the pulpit any sentiments or expressions,
which, by any fair means could be con-
strued as partizan or obnoxious to any loyal
man.
RESOLVED, That he hereby has the firm
assurance of our united and cordial support
and sympathy IN the discharge of his duties
as public teacher in his relations to his
Country and the Church, in the future as in
the past.
The resolutions were pas sed unanimously
by rising vote of the congregation. They
will stand upon the records of the Church as
one of the proudest endorsements of the
fidelity and effectiveness of the labors oi
Mr.. Wiswell that could be desired by any
Christian Minister.
At this meeting the Treasurer--Mr
George w. Bush--had the satisfaction o
reporting that through the persevering zea
and energy of few gentlemen of the con
gregation-among whom, by the by. Mr.
Bush stands prominent in point of financia
ability and industry-the entire churcl
debt amounting to Sl4,424 had been sub
scrbed and that the church was thencefortl
free from debt. A glorious announcement
truly, and one that will stimulate the con
gregation to more earnest works of benevo.
lence and charity in the varied fields o
Church action.
A resolution was also passed increasing
the Pastors salary three hundred dollars
: making it $l7O0 per annum, instead o
sl4OO as heretofore. BY this vohlntar
: action on the part of the congregation W
| obtain an idea of the value which the mem
| bership sets upon Yankee abolition wa
/ sermons" and when taken in connection
L with the resolutions above, il shows precise
ly that as a people the Central congregatio
not only recognise their Christian obliga
f tons to the Church and their solemn dutie
e as citizens and members of the communit
e at large, but that they are ready to sustai
g them with willing hearts, open purse
< and approving consciences
d We doubt if the history of any church i
= Delaware eau point TO such an uninterrupt
d ed march of prosperity in the short space
), seven years, as is here exhibited by tn
+ Central