The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-06-03

to be worked is the miracle OF ettectuai
calling by the Spirit; and not to belieVe
this is infdelity. And even some ministers
seem to think the age of miracles ought to re-
turn if this work succeeds, and thisis the great
danger of the Church. The only antidote for
this danger is, Lo, | am with you, and II
the Church does not now heed this danger, the
time may come when this Church may become
missionary one, by being exiles in foreign
lands
He manifests his presence by miracles OF
conversion and specification. These are the
only miracles he sees fit to work in our dispen-
sation, and these are the miracles most needed
to redeem the world. | hear men say some
times in view of recent events in the world s
history, that the Church is mistaken in sup
posing that the world will be converted by the
present agencies They expect they know not
what: some new dispensation and new agen-
cies are needed and will be provided to do the
great work. Such views can only dull the
zeal of the Church. If the laborer believes
there is new implement or machine to be
adopted that will accomplish his work with
greater rapidly, that work will be slow and
heartless But we have no right to such anti
cipation in the work of the Church. Christ
has promised to be present, and to aid us In
doing the work be has given US to do. No
miracles of healing are needed. we must
preach the Gospel as we are commanded and
trust the promise of the faithful Redeemer.
A more practical objection is urged. We are
told that the Church is crippled in her re-
sources Is this time to launch forth new
missionary enterprise ?
On the 22ud of February, 1860, the Statue
of Washington was inaugurated in the City OF
Richmond. On the day before, Sunday the
| 2lst, preached in that city and took occasion
to point out the great truth that prosperity
was dangerous to the people of God. | told
them that it was most insidious foe to the
true welfare of the Church. Prosperity makes
Gods people prayerless. The watchmen on
the walls are less on the alert. While adver-
sity has never destroyed the Church, the his
tory of Christ's Church teaches us that a high
unsanctifed prosperity is far more alarming,
and has been far more disastrous. This is
manifest from the Scriptural History of the
people OF God.
then told my hearers that there was but
one evasion Of impending calamity to Church
and State and that was greatly revived euan-
oelical and missionary zeal. claim no power
of prophecy-but it was fulfilled. The calam-
ity came in the midst of great outward pros
perity While l spoke the fat was going forth.
And eight long years of scourge descended
upon our country and the Church Now, if
people have been chastised for sin, shall they
therefore continue in sin? How shall we be
leased from the bondage of our errors? "He
that confesseth and forsaketh his sins shall find
mercy" Calamity is no reasonable ground
for Withdrawing from the work placed before
us in the Providence of God. II takes more
grace for the rich to do the work of Christ
than the poor. The fact of our poverty does
not weaken us for our work. When the ruddy
stripping David went forth to combat the
giant Goliah he was not clad in armor and
furnished with warrior weapons. But with
the weapon which God provided, he slew the
enemy of the people of God. My friends,
though the Church, like David, has been
stripped of armor, it has the divinely appoint
ed means with which to do its great work.
Now even in our distress and calamity we may
have the presence OF Christ aud the power of
God resting upon uS. Let io"A."iDU. :"
crucifed Saviour established the kingdom. -
The first great calamity to the Church was the
martyrdom of Stephen, and thought resulted
in the dispersion, they were thus scattered and
driven abroad to preach the Gospel of Christ
The providence of God has scattered and pealed
his faithful witnesses again and again for the up.
building of his Church in other lands. 1t may
be he will repeat the experiment and send us
abroad fleeing for our lives in order that we
may love and disseminate the religion of Christ
as more precious to us than home, or comfort,
or friends.
DR.. Read, of Richmond, said the strength
of this enterprise is the power of God. The
power of Omnipotence brought back the
Saviour from the grave, and this same power
said, "Lol am with you'll and this word of
the Lord will ''endure forever" This word is
the thought of God, and this thought takes
possession of souls. Now ''go preach " 90
spread this thought Of God and its possession
of the soul is the success of the work. Here
is the dignity of the missionary and the mis-
Sonary work.
After some remarks from Rev. Mr. Preston,
who appealed for sympathy for the young men
who were leaving home and friends to 60 far
hence to the Gentiles; and in the name of the
Assembly and the Church, babe them an affec-
tionate farewell The Assembly adjourned