The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-01-15
The Week of PRAYER.

Last week was observed IN JnlS place
and throughout the United States and part
of England and the continent, by the nom
ritualistic churches as a week of prayer
Every evening services were held in one
of the churches. or the Young Mems
Christian Association Rooms, and given
subjects and interests of prayer engaged
the attention and supplieations of large
audiences, composed Of the members Of
the different denominations recognizing
the occasion. The services have been
very impressive and feryent, the more
so from the fact of protesting christians
of different UNCONVENTIONAL persuasions,
uniting as one people and sending up
their petitions to a Common Father for
common benefits and blessings. They met
as christians and not as sects-as relig-
ious brotherhood. and not as doctrinal de-
voices. The central and absorbing revela
tion that Christ died to save sinners was
theprevailing inspiration-the creed of the
new dispensatio1, which is above church
forms of mans creation, and that through
His intercession the blessings asked for
could alone be given. Church formulas
should not Be Objectionable to any one.
They simply bring together those who
may think alike as to the modes of reaching
common end. But the great, vitalizing
| object-the Cross-Subordinate mere hui
man devisements, and it was the recogni-
ton of this great truth, which gave to
the week of prayer it's impressiveness and
sanctity.
We have never learned the origin of this
| observance. 1t may be that 1t was insti-
| tuted in imitation of some of the feasts
modern invention to devote the first week
of the year to worship and prayer, and to
invoke blessings on the several agencies re-
cognized by the churches for the spread
and advancement of Religion. We have
seen it stated that Foreign Missions, at
one time, was the object specially prayed
for, and that by degrees the scope of the
was enlarged to embrace all
subjects of church interests. Whatever
may have been the original object and pur-
pose Of the institution, as now observed
| it is calculated to do much good-to unite
all denominations for common object
the good of mankind-and spread the
| light and truth of the Gospel and It's be-
bring protesting christians of different be-
liefs as to church government together,
and teach them to forget the mere denom-
national lines which separate them, in the
presence Of the Great Author of all good
and happiness here and hereafter.
We hope and believe much benefit will
follow the services of the past week-that
many will start the new year fortified in
good resolutions and be better equipped be-
cause of these devotions, for the encounters
with the world during the coming months
| INFORMING THE BAND.-Recently a
meeting of prominent citizens was held
for the purpose of inaugurating move
ment to supply the Stonewall Band with
new uniforms. 1t was largely attended,
and after full discussion of the matter,
the following committees were appointed
to solicit subscriptions Ward No. 1-Dr.
Carter Berkeley and W. L. Olivier. Ward
No. 2-M. i. White and T. J. Crowder.
We hope our citizens will contribute as
literally as they can to this fund. The
Band is an institution OF which the CITY
may well feel proud. 1t is always
ready to contribute its services when oc-
casion requires and to it our people must
feel no little indebted. The organization
/ is maintained by the contributions Of its
own members and recently the demands
made upon them have been unusually
heavy. Handsome new instruments have
been purchased, and we trust the citizens
will see that the uniforms are Forthcoming.
! -trH % ---->-er-<------ 1
| Weather Strips for door and windows,
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