Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1869-12-02
The Lesson of Reunion.

We present our readers with an alb
stract of Rev. WALTER MIrcuELL's s
sermon on "7He Lesson OF Reunion."
Text-a clause of John II, 9I--
"That the world may believe that thou
has sent me-
A great event has just transpired in
the ecclesiastical history of the United
States, which has just been authorita-
lively declared at Pitttsburg.
1t surely is no small matter for the
General Assemblies, both claiming the
name and title, and privileges, and pre-
negatives, of "The Presbyterian church
in the U. S. of America" to overture,
each their Presbyteries, to adopt plan
of Reunion, after separation of third
of a century; and it is no small matter
that enough of these Presbyteries
should adopt the overture, to make it
obligatory on these Assemblies, when
again convened, to declare the reunion
effected, and to make arrangements for
a united assembly to be convened in
the city of Philadelphia, on the third
Thursday in May, 1870.
The greatness of the event is magni-
fed, by the almost entire unanimity
with which the basis of reunion was
adopted by the two assemblies, and by
the wonderful unanimity with which
the respective Presbyteries approved
and confirmed it.
The basis was adopted in the O. S.
Assembly with only some or dis
senting votes, and in the N. S. Assembly
unanimously.
Now it appears that all the N. S.
Presbyteries approved the basis and
that only three of the o. S. Presby-
teres voted against it.
This event brings into one body two
great denominations which thus united
contains,
More than 1000 Ministers,
&c 1000 Church Edifces,
" 100000 Church Members,
and which contributes for the main
tainanceand extension of religion in our
country and the world an annual sum
exceeding $7,OOO,OO0.
For this every one should be thank
full; and every one should praise God
for He brought it to pass.
But we have something else to do be-
sides rejoicing and praising God, though
"this is comely and pleasant" We
are, as our text teaches, to constrain the
world to believe that Jesus is the
Messiah, the one sent by God into the
world to be its Savior.
In discussing the means, by which
this result is to be secured, it will be
desirable to point out what should be
avoided as having tendency to defeat
our aims, as well as the best methods
of insuring success.
In considering what should be avoid
ed as calculated to hinder us in our eff
forts and success, we will name
1st, a spirit of selfish erultation
The pride of the human heart prompts
strongly in this direction. 1t is very
easy to dwell upon the idea Now we
have agreat church; one possessed of
its full share of intelligence and re-
spectability; one controlling much
wealth, having magnificent church ed
iices. and under our influence and con-
troll, colleges and seminaries, for the
youth of both sexes, for the study of
literature and sciences, and for the
study of theology.
These things and much of similar
nature are fit causes ofjoy, even of ex-
ultation, if we look upon them as gifts
of God to be used for his glory.
But if we look upon them as things
secured by oar wisdom, and make them
the occasion of self-glorifcation we shall |
be guilty not only of wrong spirit,
but of a grievous offence against our
God and Savior.
Ere weindulge in such spirit it will
be well to read and ponder, what was
uttered amid the thuhders and the fires
Of Sinai: 81, the Lord thy God, ana
Jealous God," and also what is added !
in the prophecy of Isaiah: 81 am the
Lord, that is my name, and my glory
will not give unto another"
Then turn to the New Testament and
read James 4, 6: "God resisteth the
proud but gieeth grace unto the hum !