Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-01-27

Point sabbath school. Chrissnaas, 1870. |
Mr.. Superintendent, Members of Rocky Point
Sabbath School, Ladies' and. Gehileaaen
You are aware that your Com
mittee allowed me but a very
short time for prepare ion. and I must
confess that, while indulging the hope
that the gentleman Of your first choice
would respond. have not improved the
short time allowed me. I feel as / know
he does, deeply sensible of the compli-
ment you, through your Committee have
paid me, and take this opportunity to
thank you and. should succeed in en-.
tertaining you for q short time on this
festive occasion, shall at least attain self
igratulations.
While would not detract from your
pleasures allow me to urge you to remem
Der the peculiar solemnity of this occasion,
and the importance of the mission OF the
one whose birthday you are here to com
memorate Previous to his coming we
were aliens aud enemies to al offended
God with nothing to commend us to an
inheritance in heaven. and with prophecy
declaring that the only atonement that
could be made for fallen man would be the
birth, suffering and death of the only Son
of God. Eighteen hundred and seventy
years ago there appeared to the vision of
man o great phenomenon in nature-an
angel communicating with group of
sheperds in field; men with uplifted
heads following the direction indicated by
star in the east, and finding babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a
manger. An humble birth place for one
whose father is God.
Twelve years later we find him sitting in
temple, surrounded by the grave and
learned of the land. Again we see him
raising the dead to life; amid the tempest
walking upon the tronbled waters OF the
sea and boarding ship. Next he is seen
restoring sight to the blind, speech to the
dumb and knowledge to the ignorant.
Again, but more sad the picture, we see
him dying upon GROSS. surrounded by an
armed soldiery, q thick darkness coming
on. the earth beginning to shake, and only
one voice heard, " Forgive them, for they
know not what they do" Thus was the
plan of salvation consummated and man
restored to the favor of his God.
Well may we rejoice at the return of this
glorious anniversary. A day to be held
in everlasting remembrance. A day whose
light circulates JOY through the hearts Of
all nations upon whom have fallen thu
light of Revelation.
The more appropriate is this celebration
in that it is near the anniversary of your
Sabbath School, and in this please allow
me to drop word Of encouragement
Your Superintendent and Teachers, will
a true sense OF the great responsibility
resting upon them, with q lively interes
have assumed the task and need no new
impetus from me. To my young friend
who compose this School, would say i'm
prove these golden opportunities, only K
be appreciated as you become men ant
. women.
congratulate you upon having teacher
whose zeal and capacities are adequate t
the task. ! congratulate you upon tn
interest you have manifested and th
punctuality that has marked your attend
ance, and especially do [ congratulate yo
> upon this demonstration which you
friends have made of their appreciation Q
your efforts. Here I would beg pardo
for referring to subject so sad in its ma
ture, but in reviewing your number mis-
two once bright and cheerful faces ths
were conspicuous in your body. Strang
the coincidence that this sad bereavemer
Z should have fallen upon two so prominer
in your school. The ways OF God are my!
terious. But why be sad He, who's
birthday we are here to commemorat,
Judging them too pure for earth, has take
them to himself and made them brigl
@ and shining stars in the galaxy of HEAVIER
: and whose spirits commingling with your
o are enjoying this festival in common wit
= you. Let me assure you that should yo
= continue and prosper in the future as in tt
70 past year. many occasions like the presel
n await you and should you cherish tt
e truths here inculcated day will be your
RS compared to which all others are insight
n cant. Many men who have attained
10 positions Of honor and usefulness da
le their first impressions to the Sabba
n School. With the superior advantag
is here enjoyed why may NOT every one CO
I'd nected with this school attain to some D
I'd sitions Of distinction and usefulness, a,
g. thereby become henefactor to those y
lp unborn
70 But If I may be allowed to anticipate 20
h thoughts. I would say that, instead
N building castles OF future greatness, 20
"a hearts are set on the joys and pleasures
the present, and fear that am incurril
your displeasure by this encroachmel
M upon your time. But be patient. T.
y hour of your rejoicing is at hand. 7
~ night is the coming of your old friel
90 Santa CLAUS. Hang mp your stockings, al
~ retire to slumber, only to be disturbed
6rQaroa Of 41w Tor 10. i0h