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

honored friends IN Philadelphia in the
preparations made for our reception. in
every arrangement for the transaction Of
our business, in the Inequalities so gen.
erously conceded, has left an ineffaceable
impression on our hearts. You will loin
us In the expression of our warmest
thanks to all who, at so much cost oil
time and means, have provided both for
our work and our comfort far beyond our
utmost expectation. The marked inter
est taken In our proceedings, as evidenced
by the crowds which have listened with
earnest attention to the papers and dis
cusslons, was most gratifying and encour-
aging. We have pleasure in certifying
that our deliberations have been charac1
terised by harmony never broken; that,
whilst on many points, differences of
opinion have been manifested, charity
and courtesy have never failed. Subjects
OF lasting Importance to all our Churches
have been freely and fully considered,
and the interchanges of thought on these
subjects, have been both welcome and
profitable. Let us say, farther that the
concourse of brethren from many lands.
declaring in many languages the wonder
tul works OF God, has proved the essen
tlal unity of Reformed Christendom, and
toreshadowed the blessedness of that day
OF the Lord, when multitude which no
man can number of all nations and peo-
pies and kindreds and tongues shall stand
before the throne and before the Lamb.
Truly the good hand of our God has
been good u pom u.s. Let us extol His
name together.
But we cannot part from the scene of
our fellowship without offering some
words of friendly counsel, and endeavor-
ing to strengthen you in the love and
service of our Lord and Master.
During our proceedings we have been
often reminded of the conflicts and nicer
tltudes of the time in which we live.
Never more called for than now is the
exhortation of st. John to Christians:
Beloved, believe not every spirit but
try the spirits whether they are of God"
You need no JUNCTION from the Holy One
to sitt the true from the false, to discrim
mate and rightly judge as to the voices
which appeal to you claiming the homage
that is due to truth All truth is welcome
to the Christian. Reverently he listens
to all that science teaches or philosophy
lnterprets: He knows that there can be
no contradiction between the works and
the word of God, that, when there seems
to be such a contradiction, either the oh
servation of the works or the understand
ing OF the word is imperfect. And he is
content to wait until the Lord Himself
shall reveal things now beyond his reach.
HIS assurance is that in Christ are hid
all the treasures of wisdom and knowl-
edge; and, amid the feverish and harsh
cries Of men, in quietness and confidence
he finds his strength May that quiet
ness and that confidence be yours
We desire, beloved in Christ, to en-
phasise our acceptance of the Scriptures
of the Old and New Testaments as the
only rule to direct us how we may glori-
fly and enjoy God The Scriptures not
only we're inspired, they are inspired for
all of us-for all men, they are breathed
through and through by the living Holv
Spirit OF God-God's word to us in the
special circumstances of our life and
history. He does indeed speak in divers
manners; there are manifold whispers
and dwellings of Himself; where there
is the eye to see, He is always present;
where there is the ear to hear, He is al
ways audible. But the one authoritive
declaration of His will for our salvation
is made In the Bible For that purpose
Holy Scripture is fully inspired. Let MS
entreat you to stand fast to the immemo-
rial doctrine of the Church of God as to
the suficiency, perfect and sole, of the
inspired word. Let us remind YOU that
the right honor to give to the word is
to use it, to teach it, to make it your
meditation, TO lay it up in your hearts
and practice it in your lives" The
literature that is offered to you is various
and abundant. We are heartily thank
full that knowledge is running to and
fro; but we ask that no literature ever
supersede the Bible; that no compila-
tions of texts or passages ever be put in
Its place that, earnestly, humbly, pray
erfully, you study the Book itself, com
pairing spiritual things with spiritual
and seeking to see the light in the light
Affectionately, we urge on you the
maintenance of worship in the family
circle. Wherever the Christians home
is, there should be the Christians altar
We fear that often, owing to the strain on
time and strength, SO prevalent among
US, the blessed exercises of family reli2
giion are hurried over, if not wholly ne