The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-08-02
This service closed the exercises OF tie DAY.,
Z. JiifS 81, 1875. 81

3.sp ~ Ri n
Brethren Of the DItriet eonierenee.-l
am assigned the pleasant fask OF welcoming '
YOU to the Inequalities OF Gllalles H. CiIy p.
,ba ramess river. ysss surprised not 10 see
tha Infty spfres and imposing buildings OF
,tiis city. 81 which be had heard, so you may
sinnr1ire. Wherets your city the streets
are before YOU, and uotone Is called straight.
You win find this d city OF magnifi cent dis,
tances. and equal In extent to the famed
Babylon OF old. =.
We exterd to you a Virginia welcome to
Virginia homes. Coming. as many OF you
do. from counties full OF historical assoctH-
lions. and from our oldest city on tile plane,
with her sacred and reyered memories;
from our glorious capital that bus arisen
from her ashes and sits enthr0ued on her
eeyeu hills. ike her ancient prototype,
monument to patience and toll, allow me 70
remind you that the soil you will tread IS
the first on this continent pressed by the
foot OF civilized man.
Along the banks of the james, that washes
our southern border, our English ancestors
planted their first colonies, and among the
archives at your State Capitol you will find
carefully preserved the names OF those who
persisted in the Indian massacre at Wyanoke
and Shirley Hundreds.
Perhaps In gu2-sIiot OF the place where
we stand the beautiful Pocahontas pleaded
for the life of the first white man who eX-
pIored yonder stream THE Chickabomlny),
made famous by the early and latter history
Of this land.
We welcome you to this ancient county,
that Graded Harrison and reared Iy-
lor, and gave them at one and the same
time President and Fice-Presidcnt OF these
United States.
The soil you tread has been made historic
By the tramp OF two contcnding armies,
and the very spot on which we meet was the
scene OF one of their sanguinarY conflicts.
1t may be that some Of you will recognize in
this Christian greeting the comrades OF other
days. You will find their swords beaten
into plough-shares, and their fields. then
naked and desoIate and drenched in blood,
now waving with luxuriant grain.
You will be welcomed to the homes OF
men who nave shown that "peace hath her
victories as we'll as war"-men who have
met the stern duties and pressing RESPONSE
bilities Of life with the heroic moral courage
that bore them tr.umphantly through the
most trying ordeal to which humanity can
be exposed. You are welcomed, too, by
their noble lnatrons, and fair sisters, and
goodly wives, who have borne their part IN
restoring the comforts of home from the
dead ashes OF the past, and more than their
part in making these homes ready for your
reception.
In behalf OF the good Methodist people OF
this county extend to you an old-fashioned
Methodist welcome-a welcome from people
who will not ask whether you are rich or
poor Methodist, whether you are legislators,
congressman, or governors, but simply
whether you are Methodist q think Brother
j. j. L. has not arrived yeti. You are well
coined, too, by other friends here. Our
Presbyterian brethren will forget tile de-
crces, and vie with you in doing honor to
the memory of Wesley.
Our Churchman will turn 4 can(n)on
rather than it should impose barrier be-
tween the mother and daughter; and our
good Baptist brethren will welcome you TO
their hearts and tables.
We shall be cheered by your presence,
encouraged by your counsel. and instructed
by your advice.
We shall bear the burdens of life with
lighter hearts when you have chcercd lis
with the hope Of better life beyond.
AS the soldier is inspired with cheerful
ness and fortitude under his hardships and
trials, and stimulated to renewed eXertions
as he witnesses the noble example OF bis
daring leaders, bidding him do or die, so
we, toiling under difficulties, pressed down
by thousand cares, and struggling with
the carnal mind, shall gather fresh strength
from your bright examples, close up our
depleted ranks, buckle closer the gospel
armor, and with the eye of faith and heart
of love follow Him who has conquered
death and the grave, and prepared us in the
fright fields beyond homes that will be
free from earth'S SORROWS and ills.
May you, while realizing that it is more
blessed to give than receive, have your
hearts cheered and your strength renewed
by these labors OF love. May you from
other fields Of labor look back upon this So
cial gathering Of Christian men and women
as green spot in your memories, and may
you carry to your homes pleasant recollec-
tons OF the warm hearts, bright faces, and
happy smiles that here surround you. May
your exercises, begun, continued, and end
ed in spirit Of love and brotherly kind
ness, reflect credit upon yourselves and
bring honor to our Masters cause.
In the name OF strength, beauty, and in
nocence we bid you thrice welcome to our
homes and hearts.