Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1888-05-31
pREssYTERlANs UNITED.

The Inspiration OF a Good Dinner and .
Desire Meet the President and Mrs.
Cleveland Bring About Temporary Unity
of Northern and Southern Presbyte-
rians.
PHILADELPHIA. May 24.-The Southern
Presbyterian delegates met with their
Northern brethren yesterday at the resi-
dence of Mr. and Mrs. Wi>tar Morris. ut
Overlook, near this city, when they were
visited by President and Mrs. Cleveland.
When DIR. Thompson. the Northern Moder-
ator. aud DIR. j. j. Bullock, the venerable
MODERATOR of the Southern Assembly,
greeted each other there was a chorus OF
cheers, which were renewed when the
visitors entered the grounds, where the
President and Mrs. Cleveland, the
host and hostess, and the commits
sioners of the Northern Assembly
were waiting receive them. The latter
stood in double row with uncovered heads
as the Southern men, ers passed up to the
front OF the portico. where the exercises
were to be held, the venerable DR.. Brown,
of Virginia. and the Southern Moderator,
Rev. ]. K. Bullock, DID,, of Washington,
coming in for ii special share of applause.
Congressman j. Randolph Tt cker. OF Vir-
ginia, and Breckenridge, of Kentucky,
were conspicuous among the Southern lay
commissioners.
Mr.. Morris introduced the President and
Mrs. Cleveland in brief address, and the
L
much gratihed by the opportunity here
afforded to meet the re representatives. of the
resbyterian Church. Surely man never
should lose his interest in the welfare OF
the church in which he was reared, and
yet will not find fault W it'll any of you
who deem it sad confession made when
acknowledge that must recall The days
now long past to find Bly closest rela-
ton to the grand and noble de-
nomination which you represent.
say this because those of who
inherit fealty to our church as I do begin
early to learn those things which make US
Presbyterians all the years of our lives;
and thus it is that the rigors of early teach
ing by which we are grounded in our last
ing allegiance are especially vivid and per-
haps the best remembered. The attend
ance upon church service three times each
Sunday and upon Sabbath school during
the noon intermission may be irkSome
enough to boy of ten or twelve years of
age TO be we'll fixed in his memory, but
have never known man who regretted
those things In the years of his maturity.
1.-THE Shorter Catechism, though thor
oughly studied and learned, was not ler-
haps at one time perfectly understood;
and yet in the stern laoors and duties OF
after life those are not apt to be the worst
citizens who were early Taught What is
the chief end of mans! Speaking OF these
Assem- bled, the most tender thoughts crowd
upon my mnd-all connected with Presby-
terianism and its teachings. 1here are
present with me now memories of u kind
and affectionate father, consecrated to the
cause, and called to his res. and his
reward in the midday of his useful
ness; sacred recollection of the
prayers and pious love of a sainted
mother. and a family circle hallowed and
sanctifed by the spirit of Presby terianism.
l certainly can not but express the wish
and hope that the Presbyterian Church
will always be at the front in every move
ment which promises the temporal well
the spiritual advancement of mankind.
In the turmoil and the hustle of every day
life few men are foolish enough to ignore
the practical value to our people and our
country of the church organizations esta0-
iished among us and the advantage of
Christian example and teaching. TIE
field is vast and the work sufficient to
engage the efforts of every sect and
denomination, but am inclined to believe
that the church which is most tolerant aud
Conservative without loss of spiritual
strength will soonest find the way to the
hearts and affections of the people. While
we may be pardoned for insisting that our
denomination is the best we may, think,
safely concede much that is good to all 9TH
er churches that seek to make men better.
am here to greet the delegates of two
General Assemblies of the Presby terrain
Church. One is called North aud the
other South The su bject Is too deep and
intricate for me. but 1 can not help Won
dering why this should be. These
words so far as they denote separation and
enlargement should be obsolete. In the
councils of the Nation aud in the business
of the country they no longer mean re-
proach and antagonism. Even the soldiers
who fought for the North and for the South
are restored to fraternity and unity. This
fraternity and unity Is taught and enjoyed
by our church. When shall she herself be
united with ali the added strength and use
luness that harmony and union insure"
The President spoke with earnestness
and in clear, ringing voice that was
heard all over the lawn. He was frequently
appiauded, and his references to tue Ques-
ton of union and fellowship were greet ed
with cries of Good" Hear. hear" from
members of both assemblies.
About eight hundred guests were enter
tanned at dinner.