West Virginia freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1881-1886, 1885-11-18

fence and defense as did, Dab and his
brother in the day of battle, "If the
Syrians be too strong for me, then
thou shalt help me, but if the
children OF Anon be too strong for
thee, then l will help thee" We
have all been long enough in the
conflict to know that it is one of
the schemes of our foes to parley,
to endeavor to dis5uade US from
present action. Like the enemies
of Nehemiah and the Jews, they
invite us to meet them on some
plain for conference, their purpose
being to gain time, and thus put
our victory away further in the
future. Like that goodly leader,
our answer must be, ave are do
ing a great work, so that we cannot
come down" why should the
work cease while we leave it and
come down toyou ?" We come, dear
friends, to meet you on the high
plane of noble work. We would
cultivate the companionship of
tried friends, of common workers,
that there may be the less tenden-
CIV with any of US to listen to
these deceitful voices. There is an
inspiration of active friends.
Doubtless we all need it. Some
hands grow feeble, some true
friends stand in doubt.
Perhaps some of US may halt in
the way. Not that any would give
up the struggle. Not that any
would make terms with the enemy,
but the rigors of the way weary US,
perhaps, and the multiplied duties
bewiider and Cypress US. How
shall we shake off this feeling :?
How overcome this apathy? That
you and we who have come to you,
may be helped in this struggle
within by friendly conference, by
mutual encouragement, we have
come, and with deep sense Of our
need in this matter, we respond
with all heartiness to your words
of welcome. 1t is well to take en-
couragement. 1t is d noble work.
The first word of our motto is
enough to fill US with enthusiasm.
"For God" God will bless our efforts
when we do the right. The enc
my, if they cannot hold US back in
a parley will they do try, to
make us afraid, They try to per-
suade US that we are rash, that the
movement is premature, that we
endanger everything by attempt
ing too much.
They would do asNehemiah's en-
emies in their second attempt,
With bold front they lay to our
charge all manner of false motives
and purposes and then again un-
der the guise of friendship advise
us to flee, 20 hide ourselves lest we
be destroyed. Let us answer as the
same faithful one, SHOULD such
one as | flee ?" Need we flee from
the power of evil when doing SER
vice for God. Though but an hand
full, we are indeed a host; with
God on our side we are more than
they.
But then we may do more than
to grimly face the enemy and de-
wise plans of conflict when we
come together, We have come to
you, dear sisters, not with a feeling
all of sadness, nor yet altogether
of sternness. We have much to
rejoice over. We come with glad
ness and respond to your welcome
in the assurance that you have
good cheer forus as well as a hearty
welcome. We would sit down with
you and while turning our thoughts
to the future and laying plans for
futher action, we would look back
over the way by which the Lord
hath brought US and rejoice with
you in victories already won.
Everywhere the hosts are marshal
ing. The lines are being more and
more clearly defined, We begin to
know friend from foe. The dis
guise is being stripped from the
latter and the support of the former
is hearty. Public sentiment is be-
ing stirred to its deepest depths.
I