Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1873-05-31
For the Register.
LETTER FROM CHARLESTON N.

Mr.. Zittle-This has been a high
day in Charlestown with our Episcopa-
liam friends. 1t was the occasion Of the
visit of the venerable DIR. Johns, senior
Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia, when
he administered the act of confirmation
to such persons as the Pastor of the
congregation shall designate as proper
applicants. The ceremony is simply re-
ceiving such into the church in a formal
and public way, by the laying on of the
hands OF the Bishop, accompanied by
Cody counsel. do not understand
that there is attached to it any thing OF
a sacramento nature or that it is beley
ed that any grace tlickles through the
Bishops fingers upon the head OF the
party receiving his blessing. This is
true of the low church party, | think.
The ritualistic or high church wing may
and do claim more for it. Well as it
belongs to the family or is family diff
ference leave it with them to settle. A
larger class than usual awaited the Bish
ops coming. Thirty-ive presented
themselves and stood around the chan
eel, and certainly IL was scene that
the angels would gaze upon with de
light, SO large a number turning from
the world and sin, and taking upon
themselves the holy VOWS of christiani-
ty. The venerable man Of God, i'll sa-
oerdotal vestments, with whitened locks
and impressive nce,his voice trem-
ulous with age, doing his. office with
dignity and grace. The class so large,
and combining the old with silvered
locks, the middle aged, a number OF
strong and vigorous young men, with
not few Of interesting young women.
The large church thronged with an at
tentive and deeply interested audience.
Such sight for all, has not been wit
messed in Charlestown for years per
haps. What an omen for good 80
many at once taking a decided stand
for religion, and if each one exerts the
influence he or she is capable Of doing
for God, what an addition the church
will receive and the community inherit.
| regard it as glorious day for Charles
town, bright one in her calendar
more significant i'll its aim and issue
than academic halls promise, than stocks
on change can give, than imposing ar
mics bring. 1t was in fact great re
viyal scene-talked of on the streets for
DAYS previous, to witness which men OF
businnss droppcd for the time their
worldly work and found their way to
Gods house on the week day-the
schools for the period dismissed their
pupils to attend the holy scene. The
cross, the symbol of our holy religion,
was recognised in its power and glory
among us, and had it have been posi-
bly, the universal acclaim would have
broke forth in that grand christian song
-''All hail the power Of Jesus name.
Such is the experience OH this blessed
Tuesday in one of our churches. May
the others receive similar baptisma and
additions very soon. | congratulate
the worthy Pastor on his success, and
the congregation on their accession, and
our community on the happy results.
The day dawns,-the morning appears,
the bright beams of the Sun OF right
eousness scatter the gloom and darkness.
| am no biggot-if l ever was one at
all / am not now-and though this qui-
ct and seemingly formal church with its
lengthy liturgy and service is not to my
taste and liking, yet | believe 1t has its
proper work in the evangelizing of the
world,-is owned and blessed OF God,
and | wish it success in all its instru-
mcntalities for good. TIMOTHY.
Charlestown, MAY 27th, 1878.