The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-05-31

each Sunday and upon Sabbath-school
during noon intermission, may be irk-
some enough to boy 10 or 12 years of
age to be well fixed in his memory, but I
have never known a man to regret those
things in the years of his maturity. The
shorter catechism though thoroughly
studied and learned, was not perhaps at
one time perfectly understood, and vet in
the stern labors and duties of after life
those are not apt to be the worst citizens
who were only taught what is the chief
end of man. Speaking of those things
and in the presence of those here as
sembled, the most tender thoughts crowd
upon my mind, all con-
nected with Presbyterianism and its
teachings. There are present with me
now memories of kind and affectionate
father consecrecated to the cause
and called to his rest and his
reward in the midday of his
usefulness; sacred recollections of the
prayers and the pious love of sainted
mother and family circle hallowed and
sanctified by the spirit of Presby-
terianism, 1 certainly cannot but express
the wish and hope that the Presbyterian
church will always be at the front in
every movement which promises the
of mankind. In the turmoil and 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 established among us and
the advantage of Christian example and
teaching. The field is vast and the work
sufficient to engage the efforts of every
sect and denomination, but am inclined
to the belief that the church, which is most
tolerant and conservative without the loss
of spiritual strength, will soonest find the
way to the heart and affections of
the people. While we may be pardoned
for insisting that our demo ninstion is the
best, we may, think, safely consider
much that is good in all other churches
that seek tU make men better. l am here
to greet the delegates of the two general
assemblies of the Presbyterian church.
One is called north and the other south.
The subject is too deep and intricate for
me, but cannot help wondering why
this should be. These words, SO
far as they denote separation and
estrangement should be obsolete. In the
councils of the nation and in the business
of the country, they no longer mean re-
proach or antagonism. Even the soldiers
who fought for the north and for the
south are restored to fraternity and unity.
This fraternity and unity are taught and
enjoined by our church. When shall she
herself be united with all the added
strength and usefulness that harmony and
union insures?
The president spoke with much earnest
ness and in clear ringing voice that was
heard all over the lawn. He was fire.
quently appiauded and his reference to
the question of union and fellowship were
greeted with cries of "Good" aud "Hear,
hear" from members of both assemblies.
Moderator Bullock offered prayer, the
doxology was sung, and Moderator
Thompson pronounced the benediction.
Then the members of both assemblies
crowded up to the porch and were sepa-
rately introduced to the president and
his wife, who greeted all with shake OF
the hand. A collation. was served to the
entire party, which numbered over 800
after which the commissioners came tc
Philadelphia.
An evening reception to members ot
the two assemblies was given iu the aoad
emy Of fine arts. The president and Mrs
Cleveland were present and were accorded
an ovation from the big crowd that filled
the spacious edifice. The crush was tre-
mendous. and everybody was anxious to
get glimpse Of the chief executive and
first lady of the land; finally the
president took his station OF
the platform with Mrs. Cleveland
seated behind him. AS the immens,
assembly filed past him he shook each one
by the hand. He did not make a speech
but before his arrival short addresses
were made by Governor Beaver, of Penn
sylvania, Reverend Charles 1. Thompson
D. D., of Kansas City, moderator of the
northern general assembly, and Rev. j. X
Bullock d. D., of Washington, moderator
of the southern general assembly.
| MRS. oLEvELAND's VISIT.
PHILADELPHIA, May 24.-Mrs. Cleveland
was the guest of George W. Childs this
afternoon and was rendered lunch at the
Hotel Bellevue at o'clock. Immediately
after the morning meeting in the Academy