The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1865-09-28
lFor tho Central Prgsbyteriau.I
Our Great Need.

to desist on account Of his growing infrmi-
ties O. commission thee, my son" said the
old painter to do thy best upon this work.
Do THY BEST" The young man had such
reverence for his Master skill that he felt
incompetent to touch the canvas which bore
the impress of that renowned hand. But to
his expressions Of diftilenee came the old
mans reiterated reply " DO thy best, Do
thy best7 The youth tremblmgly took up
the brush, and kneeling before his appointed
task, he prayed for skin and power to COM
Plete the work in manner worthy of him
who had commenced it. Hearose re-assured.
HIS hand grew steady as he painted. Slum-
bering genius awoke aud inspired him. En-
thusiasm took the place Of fear Ia the ab-
s0rbing interest of the undertaking he became
forgetful Of himself. forgetful of his own
doubts and fears, aud with calm joy be fn-
ishel his labor Yhc c9 Nastsrwas bofa2
on lis couch into tlc studio pass Judgment
on the result. As his eye fell upon the
triumph OK art before him, he burst into tears
Of admiration, and throwing his enfeebled
arms around the young artist, he exclaimed,
Ny son, / paint no more That youth
was leonardo da Yiuci, the painter of The
Last Supper, the ruins of which after the
lapse of three hundred years still attract an
nualiy to the refectory Of an obscure convent
in Milan hundreds Of the worshippers Of art.
So should it be with the preacher, whether
young or DID, who stands before the work to
which the Master calls him Let him give
himself to it as his Efc's work, without re-
serve. Let him ever hear the injunction,
" Do thy best 50 Do thy best" Let him
kncel reyereudy before his commission and
pray for power and skill to perform a work
worthy of the Master who entrusted it to his
hauds, and the Spirit of that Master viii
breathe upon him aud impart the needed in
spirati0n Fired with a n0bler ambition
than-that of him who said % l paint for inn
mortality" he viii devote himself to his
great mission, and strengthened for his toll,
when success crowns the undertaking, his
will be the pay and the reward of those who
have done what they could e."
This is what we want: more entire cOnSc-
Grafton to the cause of Christ. Our great
need is a ministry supremely devoted to God
and the solemn work he has committed to
their hands
This is a critical period in the life Of the
Southern Church The trials and suferings
of our people have been frequently portrayed,
though the half has never been told nor can
be- But how unspeakably sad it would be
if in addition to our losses, our impoverish-
ment, our bereavements and extinction Of
cherished hopes, these chaStisemepts should
not be saDcG6ed to our people at large, nor,
il may be added, 20 those who preach to them.
Nothing is row left to many Of our people
but the care and providence of God. ~ hat
and Tor casting our burdens on HIM. Blessed
indeed are the storms which drive the tenn
pest-tost mariner into that havcn-Blessed
are the troubles which bring the desolate to
His feet. TO His arms, 20 His heart Are the
ministers of Christ taking advantage of this
season of calamity for leading their fOcks to
the green pastures and beside the still waters
of Grace for impreSSing upon them the great
truth that man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceodeth out Of the
mouth Of God for teaching them the infinite
proprioty of laying up treasure. IN Heaven,
and of looking away from earth with its un-
substantial and diSsolying scenes, 20 the world
!
The reports which come to us from the
Churches of all denominations, all over the
land, with few exceptions, indicate au uu-
wonted degree Of worldly conformity, and
supineneSs, and Indifference to the interests
of Zion, on the part of professors Of religion.
Laxity of family discipline, Sabbath desecra-
ton, neglect of the ordinances of the gospel,
and irregular Attendance upon the services OF
the Church, especially during the week, form
the burden OF many sorr0wfUl confessions !;
and this too while intemPerance, and pro-
family and prodigacy prevail to an alarming
extent among those who are without the pale
of the Church of God
Few indeed and unfrequont have been the
displays Of divine power in those extensive
reyiyals of rsligion which have made other
years memorable.
Here and there, indeed, few beams Of
light have shoue through tue darkeued hea-
yeus, and there were eager watchers who
sprang up to hail with Joy and thanksgiving
their first appearing how rare have been
these heayen-descended rays, and how far
from universal the greeting song
The fault has been with the Church and
not Wltn ltS du0idOle uedQ. lie Is not only
a shield, but sun, all glorioas and mex
hausGble In light and blesseducss Tho sun
shines clear and strong in the heavens, pour
ing floods of glory liberal enough to enrich
aud bless the universe, but our sins have
risen up Ike a thick cloud, interceptjng the
beams, and shrouding us in winter and gloom.
Faith aud prayer will remove the clouds and
unveil the sun The Church may keep ST.
lence, and fold her hands iu guilty inactivity,
but if sinners are not converted, it is not be-
cause Gods ear is heavy that it cannot hear,
or his arm shortened that it cannot save
Never was revival more needod-never
more needed in the hearts Of Gods ministers.
O for a return Of the days of Whitfield and
Wesley and Baxter and Edwards, Of for
mcr era, and Of McCheyne and Summcrfeld
and Nettleton and Baker, in more modern
times.
Some of our ecclesiastical counts are vet to
convene. Much of the business now de-
mauding their attention Is deeply interesting
]