The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1865-02-02
FOR ruE CryrRAL ParsaYrraIAy.
Vow and Pay"

That We should, as people, now call upon
God in the day of trouble, is a duty understood
at least by Christians Another duty enioined
in the word of God and practised by his peo-
pie, is also especially appropriate to our cir
cumstances, duty Of yowing to the Lord.
A VOW is solemn promise made to God, by
which we bind ourselves more strictly to the
Performance Of some duty; and it is usually
based upon the obtaining Of some favor Desired
from the Lord. Vowiug has been cspec ally
praetised by the people of God when seeking
deliverance from trouble. When Jacob was
fleeing from the anger of his brother, an exile
from home, he made vow, upon condition that
God would prosper him in the way, aud bring
him again In peace to bis fathers house. Gen.
xxi: 20-22 David and Jonah vowed to God
upon condition Of deliverance from trouble. PS.
Xvi: Is, Il. Jcuah ii: g.
Now in our troubles as a people is it not be-
coming that we should make a vow of devotion
to God if he viii bring the present struggle to
happy termination
Let our legislators VOW, that, if God will
give them wisdom TO devise such measures as
shall secure the success of our cause, they will
henceiorth, as the representatives Of the nation,
gratefully acknowledge the hand Of God, and
endeavOr To promote virtue and piety In
the land, rather than schemes of party aggrand-
zemeut.
Let our executives VOW, that, if God will en-,
able them safely to guide the infant nation
through its perils they as leaders will set
cody example to the people of the land, using
their influence for the cause Of truth and righte-
BUSINESS.
Let our military commanders, high and low,
vow, that, if God will give success to their
arms, they will ascribe to him all the glory,
and henceforth hold up the banner Of the Cross,
and faithfully contend for the truth as it Is IN
Jesus
Let our soldiers VOW, that, if God, having
granted theindepeudence of the country through
their fundamentally, will bring them in peace
to their own homes, they will devote the lives
which he has spared to his service
Let our people vow with one heart, that, If
God will establish for us our independence, we
will not abuse cur liberty and prosperity, as
heretofore, by devOtiOg ourselves 10 the world,
but will seek to know and do the will Of God;
in short that he shall be our God, and we will
p be his people
Let che members ofthe church Of Christ vow,
that, If lie will bring Zion forth from her pres
ent distress, they viii seek by labors aud prayers,
by faithful discharge of all their duties as
church members to promote her highest well
fare.
Let ministers IF the gospel VOW, that, if God
will grant us dehverance from the hands of our
enemies, they will devote themselves with more
untiring assiduity to the work Of Swing sinners.
Let parents vow, that, if God will bring this
war to happy and speedy close, so that no
more of their sons shall be called forth to the
dangers and hardships of war, and those now
in the field be returned to them in peace, they
will then devote their sons to God, and seek for
them spiritual good in preference to temporal,
and will wish them to promote Gods glory,
rather than gain honor for themselves.
Let masters vow, that, if God will spare the
institution threatened Ia this contest, they will
'sgive unto their servants that which is Just and
equal" both in temporal Interests and religious
privileges.
Let servants vow, that if God will deliver
them from the troubles which this war has
brought upon them, they will give heed to the in
junction Of Scripture, to ''obeym all things their
masters according to the flesh; not with eyeser-
vice. as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart,
fearing God"
Let the rich vow, that, if God will spare
them their property, they will use 1t for the
good of their fellOW-men, and for the glory Of
God.
Let those 1g6O hare homes vow, that, if God
will save them from the hand of the destroyer,
these homes shall be the abudes Of righteous
ness, where the altar of Sod shall be erected for
the morning and evening sacrifice Of praise, and
thanksgiving, and suppication.
But let us all bear in mind in making our
vows. that the eve of God is upon the heart
and all will be solemn mockery, if there be not
that sincerity, which will lead to their per-
formauee. ''Wheu thou shalt vow VOW unto
the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it;
for t he Lord thy God will surely require it Of
thee; and it would be sin in thee "When
tn on vowest VOW unto God; defer not to pay