The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-12-22

immature, the young in years or in wis
dom; Feed the lambs" Remember
the mature, the old in years or in wisdom.
" Feed the sheep" Our Master is yery
kind and gracious. He takes our POOR
service, and thinks kindly of us when
our hearts are set to do His will Toll
on dear brethren. The sound of His
footsteps is ever behind you. Whatever
your interests in those amongst whom
you labor may be, it is as nothing to HIS.
You are to be ministers to the people,.
His Joy will be your strength, if, trust
ing Him, you realize the position that
you are Ambassadors for Christ as
though God did beseech them by Won.
Beloved brethren in the eldersbin
we offer you the testimony of appreeia-
ton Of your work and labor of love
those OF your number who have deliber-
ated In this Council have helped largely
toy their wisdom and earnestness to make,
1t successful. And our experience rs
only mirror of the benefits to conere--
cation Of Jealous and efficient eldership..
In PRESBYTERIAN Churches your position
is one of honor, and opening into many
ways OF usefulness. Let us entreat YOU
to reflect on the duties of your Office.
Do not rest content with merely per-
functory discharge of them. The service
OF Gods Church should obtain more than,
mere scraps of time and fragments of
energy. Your shrewdness, your capabili-
ties Of administration, your spiritual and
mental gifts should be freely offered to
the purposes of your calling. We ask
you especially to regard the Sabbath
Schools connected with your churches as
your charge. When the elder, as teacher
or overseer, proves his interest in the,
school, both teachers and taught are
encouraged, and the right relation of the
school to the church is maintained
Brethren, be circumspect in your daily
walk. Hold up the example of life.
in the world, yet unworldly. Be in your
several places Christs witnesses-your-
selves ruled by Him, and so prepared to.
rule in His name and spirit in the con-
gregations with which you are associated
Brethren who call on the name OF
j Jesus Christ our Lord, we have realised
with most gracious power the oneness Of
all believers. We have felt how large is
the section of the family of Christ holding
the Presbyterian system. And we ask
you and others to adhere Loyalty to this.
section of the family It's history, it's.
constitution, the sim licities of its wor-
ship, and the purity of it's doctrine con-
shtute Its claim on your regard But
Presbyterianism has been to us duriner
our conference less than the consciousness
OF Chrlstendom. Christendom is one
The sea is one, although there are many
seas. The flock Is one, although there
are many folds. And so with the Church.
Inc same current of thought, the same
iorces' drifts and tendencies, appear,
sooner or later, in all Churches. None
can shut itself off from the other. of
one member suffer, all the members suf--
Ter with 1t; if one member be honored
all the members rejoice with it." MAY
we not assure the weaker Churches on
the European continent or on more dis
tant continents, of the loving regard and.
both Of the old and the new
world? May We not pledge that those
to whom much has been given will pray
for and help, with purse and with PRAYER.
those who are called to pass through T.
great fight Of affection?
:. 1t Is one Of the principles of our Al
lance that no interference in the creed
or constitution of the Churches forming
it Is allowed. We do not touch on aupht
in which one denomination stands apart
from the others. We bid you all God
speed In your several fields. We desire
that every Church may receive, in ever
increasing measure, the power of the
Holy Ghost, and that ali standing ip
their lot may manifest that charity which
"sutfereth long and is kind, which en-
Vieth not, vaunteth not itself is NOT
pulled up, doth not behave itself un-
seemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil, reioiceth not
IN iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth
lbeareth all things, believeth all things
hoPeth all things, endureth all things.
That God in His own time may heal
division all will pray; but meanwhile the
surest way Of union is for each Church.
and each Christian, to live at the great
centre OF blessing-Christ Himself In.
HIM we are one. Through Him we
shall be one in resolute and HOLY war
against the devil, the world and the flesh
one IN the longing to labor for the per
iected kingdom Of God one in the re-
2ponse OF the redeemed Even so, come,
Lord Jesus"
Commencing you to God and the word
OF bis grace, we bid you farewell BE