The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-04-28
HINTS FOR THE TIMES.

week, has connections aud bearings Of such wide
and practical character that no apology is needed
in bringing it up for further consideration.
The tide of immigration which begins to flow
towards the South, must have religious, as well
as material and social influence upon our future
welfare. The Church, not less than the State,
has an interest in the character of those strangers
who will continue for many years, in increasing
numbers to settle in the midst of US The religious
press should therefore be prompt to indicate
policy suited to the times We owe it to ourselves,
to truth, and to God. We should consider the
matter calmly but solemnly, in view OF the I'M
mense issues which it presents for our contempla
ton
In the first place, it is evident that the future
character and destiny of our portion OF the coun-
try, will be determined, to great extent, by the
religious principles of those who are to mingle
with us. A large infusion of German ration
alists would obviously tend to In pair that tradl
tional reverence for Scriptura and religious institu
tons which our fathers handed down to US through
several generations On the other hand, the adj
ditiou to our population of some million of Ro-
the city of New York now, seriously endanger our
religious liberty, by corrupt combinations with
political parties The negroes have not yet been
brought under the influence Of that church, but
such is their love Of pomp and superstition, that
multitudes will probably be absorbed into its fold.
Consistency requires the Protestant Churches Of
the South to discriminate in their efforts to entice
foreigners to our shores. For the interests of our
religion are far more sacred in our eyes than those
of political influence or material wealth. Our first
choice should be given to those whose principles
and habits are least antagonastic to our own. 10
say nothing of religious people coming from the
North, who of course ought to be welcomed to our
churches with warm Christian cordiality, when
they approach us in friendly spirit, and seek
such religious associations with US on terms COM
patibe with the safety of our churches, we should
especially encourage the introduction of educated
and religious families from the North of Ireland
from Wales, England and Scotland, from Holland,
Denmark and Norway, and from some parts of
Germany and Switzerland. Professionalism has
made these claims of emigrants safer element
for us than those who come from Southern Europe
And even among these, we have our decided
choice. AS a general rule, those are to be pre-.
ferred who speak our language, and can easily adapt
themselves to our worship; who will readily unite
with our churches, and begin at once to aid us
with substantial cooperation.
| As Presbyterians, we should extend a cordial
welcome to our brethren of the same faith and in
situations. Irish, Scotch, Dutch and German
emigrants, would not only contribute the best ad-
ditions to our material strength, but add greatly
to the numbers and resources of our own denomi
nation in the South.
The times require wise forecast in our policy
as Church. Our ultimate object is of course to
advance the kingdom of Jesus Christ towards its
final triumph. As secondary and subsidiary
end, we must employ every proper means to ex.
tend our influence, increase our numbers and
multiply our resources. And it is apparent, on
the most superficial consideration, that success in
these efforts cannot be expected in the present
condition of the country, without availing them
selves of the emigration now tending towards us.
The relative strength of the Presbyterian Church
In the South ten years hence will, to large ex.
tent, be determined by the use we now make of the
materials furnished to our hands.
A natural affinity would not only attract to us
the English speaking Presbyterians of Great Bri.
tain and the United States, but also many emf
grants from Holland and Germany and the Pro-
testant regions of France. Members of the Dutch
J and German Reformed churches would find our
| Church very similar in doctrine, worship, and
government to their own The same is true OF the
French and Swiss churches. And, in many re-
spects, the LutheranS are more nearly allied to US
than to any other American organization.
Now we should be prepared to welcome pious
families from these different denominations who
may come to our neighborhoods, with Christian
hospitality. We ought to encourage the settle
ment of such classes in cur vicinity, and to make
them feel at home in our churches. In this way
we may under Providence, greatly strengthen our
cause and enlarge the sphere of our usefulness
We can speak the more confidently on this SUBJ
ject, on account of the information we have re-.
ceiyed of successful efforts already made in this
State.
Let us therefore be diligent observers of the
times, aud be ready to avail ourselves OF new cir
cumstances to advance the great cause of religion
in our country. Before very long, many thousands
of strangers will pour into our State from various
parts of the old world Our people must take the
best measures to allure the more intelligent and
virtuous emigrants to settle amongst US. Other
wise, there is great reason to apprehend that a
vicious and dangerous mass of various materials
may overflow US, and fill our country with new and
pernicious customs which our fathers knew not