The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-11-21
The Y. M. C. A. Anniversary.

CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH YEAR OF
| ORGAN INTERESTING
| OCCASION.
The fourth anniversary Of the Young
Mems Christian Association of Stanton oc-
Cured last Tuesday night, and was appro-
priately observed by most interesting and
profitable exercises. The large room was
crowded, and fully one-half of tho audience
were ladies. A sweet-toned organ was
brought into requisition, at which Mrs. Fultz
presided, and the music was the finest that
has been heard in Staunton for many day.
The choir embraced the best vocalists of the
city, and as their blended voices bore aloft
those stirring hymns, the enthusiasm reached
almost revival fervour. It seemed to thrill
and penetrate the whole audience, and ere
| long almost every voice was joining in the
| praises. In opening the services, President
| McIlhaney read the Twelfth chapter of Ro-
mans, and DR.. Manly made an earnest and
touching prayer.
sSafe in the arms Of Jesus was then
sung, after which the President explained
that the meeting had been called, in accor-
dance with custom, to celebrate its fourth
anniversary. This, he said, was not the &C.
casion for reports on business matters con-
nected with the Association, but was simply
an annual thanksgiving, at which various
gentlemen were expected to make short adj
dresses upon subjects relating to Christian
NOR ST. hn mi mol od n
make formal report, it yet afforded him
great pleasure to state that the organization
was in most thrifty and progressive condl-
ton, that it was doing effective work, and
that it was regarded as the best in the State
The progress of this Association and its ef-
fective work have been the subjects Of COM
plimentary comment at the general conven-
lions, and words of encouragement and praise
have been bestowed upon it without stint.
REV. DIR. MANLY
followed the President, and urged the Wig
orOus prosecution of the labor. Make, said
he, the success of the past the incentive for
still greater achievements, and press forward
with renewed determination in the holy
cause. An eminent Baptist minister of
Wales, who, as an itinerant, was accustom-
ed to drive from one appointment to anoth-
er in gig, when on his dying bed, and
around him we're gathered number of his
co-laborers in the Masters vineyard, said,
just before the vital spark had fled ssDrive
on The words were uttered in semi
trance, but those who heard, interpreted
them as command to press forward in the
work, and let those words be motto to the
members of this body.
In the course OF his remarks, DR.. Manly
gave another happy illustration. In Russia,
said he, before the Introduction Of the tele-
graph, important Information was conveyed
from the remote parts of the dominion to the
Gar by couriers. At stated distances {
Royal stables were located, and the fleetest
horses always kept in readiness. The mes
sengers of the Gar, after being placed in
possession Of the Information, were seated in
sleighs and driven rapidly to the Capital. At
each relay the horses were chan ged, and at
a word from the courier they flew over the
snow on their mission. On one occasion
courier had been ten days on the road. The
weather was bitter cold, and the faithful SER
want, unable to change his position, was
thoroughly benumbed, and could only sum-
mon life enough to speed the driver at each
relay. Finally the palace was reached and
the message delivered, when the courier sank
exhausted to the floor Every effort to arouse
him proved unavailing, until nobleman
stopped down and whispered, ''Your Excel
lency, the horses are ready" In an instant
the courier sprang to his feet and shouted,
'Away then!" So intent was he on his mas
ter's work, that nothing,save suggestion OF
it, served to arouse him from the stupor. DR..
Manly was followed by
REV. DIR. SEARS
which never fail to entertain, instruct and
leave subject for thought. His measured
tones, choice selection of words, and classic
and historic references, no less than the force
of his ideas, serve to invest his utterances
with an impressiveness which few can con-
vey. On this occasion he spoke of the great
ness OF the Christian religion, not only in its
connection with an omnipotent God, but
more especially with reference to all human
interests. 1t enlists attention, awakens
thought and excites discussions among the
most profound philosophers and statesmen
now on the face of the earth. 1t is the SUBJ
ject with those who hold the destiny of ma
lions in their grasp, it permeates all classes
of literature, and is pre- sented to the hum
blest as well as the most exhalted. Science,
reason and research are lending their efforts
to connect or separate nature and natures
God, and the minds of the careless and in
different are being led into speculation and
doubt. It is the duty Of the Christian to so
labor in the service Of the Master that these
doubts may be dispelled, these speculations
set at rest. The work is worthy of the no
blest effort, for the great hand that guides it
is the hand Of Him about whom the world
is agitated. No being on earth has ever yet
Appropriated to the importance OF Christ
For centuries past and for centuries to come
He and His work have been and will be the
theme of countless millions.
In speaking Of the Bible, DR.. Seafs said
that nothing in Pagan literature, in none Of
the writings of Confucius, Socrates, or those
who came after them, could be found an
equivalent to the 18th chapter Of Romans.
MR.. H. L. HOOVER
congratulated the Association on the record
of the past year, and in discussing the work
that has been accomplished adverted partic-
ularly to the good fellowship that had re-
suited from intercourse in the meetings. He
strongly urged upon the Christian men of
the community the duty they owed to the
cause. 1t would not do for them to claim
that their business demanded their whole at
tention. All that they had belonged to the
Lord. In this connection he recited an in
cident in his own experience, which aptly
presented the point: A horse strayed from
his pasture, and nothing was heard of it for
some weeks. At length he was informed
that the animal had been taken up by all old
man who lived some distance. He went to