Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1872-08-23
From the Raleigh Sentinel.
York, Pa, August 8, 1872.

1ll.LSlSOhO', Aug. SLl, 1917.
MkSSRs. EDITORs The ordination of
Mr.. Charles Jared Curtis, which took
place in st. Matthew's Church in this place
on yesterday, is worthy of more than a
passing notice. Yet it is difficult through
the columns of a secular paper to speak
fully and appropriately of the beautiful
and impressive services attending the
solemn ceremonial, or do more than refer
generally to some Of its incidents.
The minds Of the most of your readers,
rent by the passions and eXcitements of the
late contest and embittered by the disap-
pointments of its results, will scarcely
brook mention OF things connected with
religious observances, and inpatiently seek
diversion from their chagrin in subjects
more material and worldly.
There are many, however, both here and
abroad, to whom the rite had touching
interest and significance, as connected both
with the living and with the dead; as re-
uniting again i'll unbrOken chain the serted
links of affection and reverence which
might Otherwise have been forever sun
dered; as continuing their connection with
the past, and perpetuating associations
which had cheered and frightened days
long gone by. For it was no stranger who
came among them to assume authority as
their spiritual guide, no alien to their af-
fectiOnS, who, armed with the sanctions of
the church, took upon himself to rebuke
them in error, or with careless sympathy
to comfort them in sorrow. No, it was
the son of one who, enshrined in the hearts
OF all, and loved with a tender. ess in
which flial love was most touchingly
blended with reVerent regard, had recently
been Withdrawn from his labors, and who,
by his death, had left q void in ther hearts
not likely to be filled by another. 1t was
the son, who, raised up by the hand of
Providence, came in 80 OppOrtunelY to fill
up the gap and take up Lhe fallen mantle
of the sainted father. And all felt how
fully all their wishes had been filled and
their hopes realized, and how easily and
naturally the transfer of affection and re-
spect was to he made. For the son was
worthy Of the father. In natural talent
and acquitted gifts, Ill cultivated tastes and
scientific pursuits, III loftincss OF purpose
and deYOtlon 10 duty, i'll purity OF heart
and genGleneSs OF manner, the resemblance
was SO perfect, that while S0rrOwing for
the dead thy felt That he still lived in his
son and SucreSSt r.
Governed by such influences, the ordi-
nation OF Charles Curtis was all event
s which aroused the interest Of tire whole
community, and al The appointed hour
The church of st. Matthews was thrOnged
10 It's full capacity, not by those who were
moved by a mere idle curiosity, but by
those W no had as well deep sense of the
solemnity of the ordinance as an affection
ate concern in the subject of its imposi-
ton. Aged men and venerable matrons
bowed with age and infifmity, who for
long years had sat under the teachings of
the father, were there to transfer their al
legiance 10 their new. commander i'll the
faith. Young men and maidens who had
ORA nstller first Inspirations of sholiness
from his teachings We're there to accept the
new guide about to be gwen them, and to
renew their pledges OF devotion to the