The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-09-29
CORRESPOND NOE.
The Pan-Presbyterian Council.

PHILADELPHIA. PA, Sept. 25th, 80
MeSSrS. EoitorS,-Nothing since the
Centennial has stirred Philadelphia to
its profoundest depths as has the gather
ing of the great Presbyterian Council
Well it might, for Philadelphia is as you
know in some sense a Presbyterian city,
the Presbyterian Church having largely
the preponderance in numbers and in
fuence over any other, not excepting even
the Roman Catholic, and to have gather
ing within it's halls the representatives. of
the Presbyterianism of the world has
kindled its " brotherly love into flame.
The most elaborate preparations at the
expense of thousands of do lars have been
made to render the welcome of the city
emphatic, and to give munifcent express
sion to its hospitality. The Academy of
Fine Arts, with all its splendid treasures
of statuary and painting, was thrown open
on Wednesday evening for public re-
ception by the Governor of the State and
the Mayor of the city, and the vast build
ing was packed to it's utmost capacity,
though admission could only be had by
tickets from the committee of reception.
1t was the privilege of your correspon-
dent to reach Philadelphia Just in time
to enter this hall when the pressure of
the throng was great, and to be squeezed
In by fortunate pressure and borne
nOte'aS Uote7aS, not knowing whittier or for
what purpose, until | reached a point
near enough to the platform to hear the
very admirable response of Rev. Dr.
Murkland of Baltimore, on behalf of the
Southern Church to the words of welcome
from the Governor and the Mayor. 1t
might have been supposed that this pub
lie demonstration Of welcome from the
people IF Philadelphia, would suffice and
the Council enter quietly upon its work
next day. But grander and more i'm
posing pageant was in store. The Acad-
emy of Music on Broad street, the largest
and most sumptuous auditorium in the
city had been secured for the delivery of
the opening sermon; with seating ca
pacity of five thousand, it was supposed
that this space would be sufficient for the
congregation that would gather But to
give those who did not care to hear the
sermon an opportunity to see the Council
In body, a procession was formed from
the Chambers Presbyterian church which
marched through the streets to the Acad-
emy of Music, thousands thronging the
line of march to see the grim veterans of
Presbyterianism marching in line. And
indeed | must confess that although it
was not altogether according to my taste,
it was a very imposing sight. Nearly a
thousand were In line Of procession, IN
Guiding the delegates and visiting mem
bers of the Council, the committees of re-
ception, etc., and the large body of Pres
byterian ministers in attendance upon
the sessions. So intense was the desire
to be present at the opening service that
the vast crowd assembled in front of the
building, became restive before half the
procession had entered, broke the lines
and delegates and citizens came throng-
ing in together in wild confusion until all
available space on the floor, on the stage
and in the three galleries was filed to
overhowing.
The Sermon.
The opening sermon by Rev. VIM. M.
Paxton, D, D., of New York, was from
Matt. viii II, Many shall come from
the East and West and shall sit down
with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in
the kingdom of heaven" DR.. Paxton
had been appointed alternate to the late
Rev. William Adams, D. D., of blessed
memory, who was to have preached the
opening sermon, and to whom DR.. Paxton
paid a tribute in the close of his sermon
as eloquent and impressive as it was ten
der and true. Seldom does an alternate
perform a service 50 well in all regards
as did DR.. Paxton. His sermon was a
grand one upon the prominent characters
OF Presbyterianism, which he made to be
iioyallty to the person Of Christ-witness
bearing to the truth-catholicit
devotion to the cause Of education. DR..