The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-25
The Church, the Kingdom of the Truth.

The conclusion of the noble sermon preach
ed by Rev. DIR. Palmer, at the dedication OF
Central Presbyterian church, (Dr. Brank's)
st. Louis, Mo.
1t will not be- deemed invidious to claim,
for that portion of the Church Catholic which
goes under the Presbyterian name, a conspic-
uous devotion to the system of doctrine re-
vealed in Gods blessed Word. Her Confes-
sion of Faith covers the whole circle of doc
trine with minuteness of statement, which
many have criticized as unduly restraining
liberty and independence of religious thought.
Through her entire history, she has endeav-
ored to equip her ministry with that furni-
ture of knowledge which will render it an
able expounder of Divine truth. She has
always required the instruction from the pull
pits to be impartial and complete, accord.
ing to the proportion of faith" And her
power in the world has been precisely meas
ured by the fidelity with which she has clung
to this, as her special vocation. Nor does
she lean upon an uncertain hope: " for the
word of God is quick and powerful, sharper
than any two-edged sword, piercing even to
the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and
of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner
of the thoughts and intents of the heart. -
Heb. iv:" 12.) As the word of Revelation
and the word of Inspiration, it is instinct
with the power and life of it's divine author
ship. Therefore God Himself declares: $50
shall my word be that goeth forth out of my
mouth it shall not return unto me void; but
it shall accomplish that which please, and it
shall prosper in the thing whereto sent it"
(Isa. ": 11.) "The Gospel is the power of
God unto salvation, to every one that be
lieveth." (Rom. i: 16.) By whomsoever
received, the word becomes what Peter de-
scribes as "the incorruptible seed," of which
we are "born again" Springing up within US
in all the fruits of grace forever and forever.
Il Peter i: 23.)
In the full persuasion of that ministry
which Christ has committed to His Church,
you, my brethren, have erected this superb
s+-- at--n,a -.ls:~L.-:-su-1 1i--1-
dedication by your pastor, has now been set
apart to the exclusive service and worship
Of the Triune Jehovah. Its chambers and
appointments betray the Protestant idea,
which lays such stress upon the preaching Of
the word-not as contrasted with the spirit
of worship and devotion-but afording
through the knowledge it imparts, the ma
terials of that worship, and feeding the flame
Of true devotion as it burns upon the altar
of your hearts. Eater, then, into these
gates with thanksgiving, and into these courts
with praise Here, bind the sacrifice witt
cords, even unto the horns of the altar
May the Lord make this place of His fee
glorious,' and cause the voice of rejoicing
and salvation to be heard in this taber
nacle of the righteous! For the Lord hatl
chosen Zion: He hath desired it for Hi
habitation. This is his rest forever; her
will He dwell. He will abundantly bless he
provision, and satisfy her poor with bread
He will clothe her priests with salvation, an
her saints shall shout aloud for JOY. (Psalr
cxxxii: 13-16) And now that He hath en-
larged the place of your tent what remain
but the prayer that He may lay your stone
with fair colors, and lay your foundation
with sapphireS-that He may make you
windows of agateS, and your gates of carbur
cles, and all your borders of precious stones
that all your children may be taught of tn
Lord, and that great may be the peace
YOUR children. This is the heritage of th
! servants of the Lord and their righteous
ness is of me, saith the Lord