The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-11-28

Thursday evening prayer meeting, and pre-
to On the S
passover Of our desert wandertngs. A broth
er preaching the sacramental sermon from
the striking and suggestive words of Ex. XII !:
as the wells Of ElimS after the bitter waters
of "Marah."
Here, In Cesar's Court House. and for many
months, almost without interruption, the
Christ has been preached. Within these
walls many swollen congregation has as.
sembled. Some who never, or seldom, wor-
shipped in the old church, have here heard
the glorious gospel OF the blessed God" In
this place seven precious communion seasons
have been enjoyed. Whatever may be the fl-
ture OF this house, Its past has been rendered
glorious by the presence OF the Holy Ghost
He has been pleased to honor it with mani
number haye here heard His voice, and felt
as we fondly trust His regenerating, sanctify-
ing influence. Wonderful, that house con-
tied by the Holy One Of Israel, to effect With.
in 1t the new creation! This fact, of itself,
would demand an "BbeneZer" at our hands.
For His coming was in our behalf, to cheer
home "Hitherto hath the Lord helped u.s."
Nor is this all. He has here also continued
to the little ones their Sabbath-day privileges.
Ranged upon these benches. In their accus-
greatly blessed. It has known no Interrupt.
tion and never in its history has 1t attained
a higher degree Of efficiency, with larger
numbers and more interest, than here In this
Another signal mercy, which calls for grate-
full recognition: death has but twice invaded
our homes during this long period. Only two
funerals In more than nineteen months!
One of the two-who can ever forget 1t? The
solemnities attending 1t were 30 extraordina-
ry as to impress the scene and the occasion
upon the memory Of all. The casket OF be-
loved Ruler of this church, (the venerable
D1h TT of hofo Inf
the house was crowded even to oyerfowfng;
the prayer was ascending, when all at once q
storm OF great violence burst upon US. and
the building was struck by lightning, follow
awed the entire assembly. And yet no one
"Hitherto iii hath Tie Lord helped 9s.s
Here, too, we met In those solemn meet
fronted Us, threatening the concord and even
the oneness Of the flock. And yet out Of
them all we have been brought by the good
harmony Of the church unbroken, undisturb-
ed.
Though tender and sacred the memories
which now gather around this spot, and
away in better condition than we came. Our
enforced exile has been season Of refreshing
and purifying TO us: The heat Of the furnace
has but welded us the closer together: God
has been gloriffed to us and In us by the va
ried yicissitudes OF our experience: What
was dark at the time IL now clear as the noon
day. What seemed against us In the begin
ming of our "via dolorosa" has proven in the
our former House OF Worship, we would not
for years have builded new one. We felt
too poor to undertake It, But the very great.
ness and suddenness Of the calamity that
overwhelmed us, inclined the hearts OF many
to aid us, and to call forth our own supremest
efforts.
page OF this eventful chapter In our history.
as the record Of mingled fears and hopes, OF
awaiting only the addition Of one word, "F1-
NALLY,S to be forever ended, 1t becomes us to
pause, and solemnly set up another "Ebene-
zer." The day that witnesses the termination
of our desert wanderings is worthy OF q "me-
morial." The record itself is but succession
OF signal mercies. "Hiteerto hath the Lord
helped u.s." And with that as the sentiment
Of every heart, inspired with renewed love
forth from this 'way side home" resolved
to cling closer than ever to the Person and
cause OF our glorious Redeemsr
"Hitherto;" what great big word that Is.
tence, it transforms the record OF past deliv-
erances into promise Of future mercies. II
assures US. as read between the lines, that He
who has brought as safely thus far, will con-
sRns to LEAD US on even S Snie e aa sae epe ps
membrancer Of past benefits, and az token
OF future mercies, and as taltsman to shield
and protect US amid all coming trials. we will
cheerfully and confidently go forward, trust
Ing in Christ
"Then, with our waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out OF our stormy griefs
Bethel we'l raise;
SO by our woes to be
Nearer, our God to Thee,
Nearer to Thee"