The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-03-22
FoR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
CAUGHT IN THEIR OWN NET.

One cold winter night since the war, three
gentlemen set to a late hour around the stove
in the counting room of one of the party
They had been companions in arms during
the conflict that had not then long closed.
They talked of the days and times before
the war, of the "hair- breadth escapes" and
incidents of the fearful conflict. They dis
cussed also the future prospects of the ris
ing little city where they resided, and tried
to forecast its destiny. They were men of
the world; but with an eye to business and
responsibility, they discussed among other
matters the Importance of church. The
place and name their little city bore was
quite high,sOunding. 1t bore the name of a
celebrated thOrOughfare in our great north
ern metropolis; but whereas the latter de-
rived its name from its magnificent breadth
and dimensions, the city of our trio took its
name from the fact that in days gone past it
had not borne very enviable reputation for
regularity, but on the contrary was regard
ed by the thoughtful mothers of the neigh.
borhood as, to say the least, not the straight
and narrOa0 way that leadeth to better
abode. These shrewd, far-seeing, business
men came to the conclusion that it would be
better for the welfare of the community to
have a church. 1t was always more respec-
table, and then it must be an admitted fact
that community of church goevs were more
orderly and regular, and it added to the
value of real estate to have house of wor-
ship in the vicinity. As far as one at least
of these gentlemen was concerned, no higher
motive influenced him, for he did not pro-
fess to be believer in revealed religion.
Well all agreed as to the necessity of a
church, and they drew up subscription pa
per, heading the subscription, each with a
liberal sum. The thing started thus. 1t
was wealthy community, and every one
gave something, so that in few weeks
enough was realized in good subscriptions to
put the church under contract. This was
accordingly done, and the work was prompt
ly finished After this came the dedication
and the settlement of a minister, with regu-
lar Sabbath services. Soon quiet and large
congregations became regular attendants
The preaching of the faithful servant of God
who was located here was eminently blessed
and what is most worthy of note, all three
of the gentlemen who first set the enterprise
in motion became hopefully subjects of the
work of grace. Two of them are honOret
elders in this little band of earnest workers
and faithful servants of the King, and if tht
writer mistakes not, the third is an active
deacon.
There may be principle here underlying
the providence of God worthy of our study
The Centurion who, though heather By
birth and lineage, loved Gods ancient peO
pie, and built them synagogue, met will
the loving favor of Jesus, and was blessed
by visit from the Saviour and enjoyed in
member of his family the healing virtue o
the Son of God. We do not claim any meri
on the part of the gentlemen alluded to-
Their motive may have been worldly, bu
we do claim that God Disseminated in faVo
Of whatever good may have been in the ac