The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-05-24


in history, were preceded by vast unnamed, un.
appreciated, unrecognized hive of laborers, no
more visible than the roots of trees, deep hidden
in the earth, and yet from those unseen roots spring
the trunks which bear the branches with their fra
grant blossoms and their precious fruit.
The unhistoric laborer gains no glory, but the
Master will for every man life and toll are woven
something to the fibre and color of the beauteous
fabric.
4th. Our own position as Church awakens
memories tender and grateful and inspires US with
new confidence and hope. part of our people
trace their ancestry back to the noble race Of men
who we're compelled by Bourbon tyranny to flee
from their once happy homes on the fertile plains
of Languedoc, or in the soft and delicious valleys
of the Loire, and who found their resting-place on
the high banks Of the James, or along the low lands
of the Cooper and Santee rivers. Others of them
are the descendants of the men who contended for
Christs crown and covenant at the foot of the
heath-clad Grampians, or who fought the Jaco-
bites under Claverhouse at Kiecrankie, or who
at the siege of Londonderry held out to the bitter
end against James himself" and even now, their
numerous households are everywhere to be found
under the shadow Of the Blue Ridge in the Valley
of Virginia and in North Carolina. And others
trace their origin to the English settlers along the
Atlantic slope South of the 3Sth parallel, who
came out of the Established Church under the
ministry of Francis Mackenzie and Samuel Davies,
and others, whose contests for religious right pos
sess more than the interest of romance. We ap-
preciate the egacies of such Fathers and we ceave
to the principles peculiar to us now, as'they have
been expounded by Thomas Vernon Moore, and
James Henley Thornwell, among the departed,
into whose labors We have entered and whose
memories we cherish, as well as by men still
| living among us, whom we delight to honor. We
bless God that since the organzat alton of our South
ern Church there has been so much Of the unity o.
the Spirit in the bonds of peace among our people
that in the midst of their deep poverty there hal
been such Astounding lberality; and that the las
ecclesiastical year has been so rich in spiritua
fruits. Aud now the meeting of our Assembly il
this beautiful Georgian city, reminds me tina
our very first Assembly held in another city in thi
State, sent out to all the churches OF Chris
throughout the world an address containing tn
reasons of its organization the purposes OF its cor
porate life, and its attitude toward all the othe
branches of the great family Of Christ. Those pc
stions we're re. affirmed in 1868; we are ready Il
endorse them again, and to say once more in re
gard to our relations with other churches-"W
desire to cultivate peace and charity with all ou
fellow Christians throughout the world. We in
vite to ecclesiastical communion all who maintain
our principles Of faith and order; and especially d
we signify to all bodies struggling to maintain tn
true principles of the same me-honored confession
our desire to establish the most intimate relation
with them, which may be found mutually edfyn
and for the glory of God"
Brethren, as long as we Loyalty cleave to GU
Standards, and to our Great Head, and to one an
other for His dear sake, we shall be invincble.-
Only dissensions among ourselves can weaken us
A city was beseiged in modern times. Hundred
of thousands of the enemy were encamped and en-
trenched within sight OF its spires, with all tn
world to draw upon for recruits and resources
The beleaguered city could not add to its defenc
another man. Those who had long defended
were thinned by disease. and hunger, and the cas-
ualties of battle Oace they had stood four deep
then two Deep then only line Of men side by side
feeling each bther with the light touch of the shou
! der thea as the line grew more attenuated the
could only tbuch each other with the tips Of thei
, fingers with extended arms, then they stood fou
feet apart eight feet apart, and they not only stood
but repulsed every charge of dense battalions.-
, The city was never taken by assault. 1t fell be
cause defeat came on another line.
How much men can accomplish who stand i
their lot--who stand together-who stand on tn
ground of truth and right!
Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord
and in the power Of His might" Take to 20
the whole armor of God that ye may be able
withstand in the evil day and having done all t
stand" so that the ambassadors of Christ, address
ing His people in the generation that shall com
after our own, may say of MS in reference to GU
faithful work for the Master, Other men labored;
and then. to the men of that generation. in refer
ence to their er ,yment Of the blessings bequeathe
by us, land ye are entered into their labors.