The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-08-28
In the Court House,

Last Sundy DIR. Grier preached to the AS
sociate Reformed Presbyterians in the Cour
House. The Methodist, Baptist and thu
Episcopal churches were closed, and various
OF the brethren of those churches were alst
in attendance. The Doctor preached from
the words, "But because Of the people tina
stand by said it." The sermon was intend
ed to impress upon his hearers the necessity
and importance Of fidelity to correct priuci
Pile, under any and all circumstances. Tha
men should ever maintain the right, NJ
matter what draft 1t might make on theil
moral courage. Quoting an extract from the
preachers own words better convey his mean
ing: :,
treason. 1t Is itself denial OF the truth. You
will remember at once the case Of Peter. To
land, his master was accused Of blasphemy
and appealed to those who heard him in proof
of his Innocence. Peter said not word. There
acquainted as Peter with the whole history OF
the Saviour's life and whose evidence could
so fully have disproved every charge alleged
against him-but yet he uttered not word
Because OF those that stood by he did not say
the failure to improve 1t. With lifelong
penitence he mourned over his sin. Many OF
you are familiar with the account given OF
Chief Justice MarshalPs interview With Ger
Writ The Chief Justice was on his way to
the seat OF Government by private convey
ance, the only mode Of travel known IN those
days. He put up at night at one OF those
public houses common on every thorough
fare at that time. After supper the guests were
seated around the stove discussing various
questions. There were several infidel young
in the they spPbngt bH
The.chief justice was devout Christian; as
he heard the cause OF his Master ridiculed and
dIshonored the fire burned within him, because
of them that stood by he could not long keep
,ity olyy
of Hume, to whom he was entire stranger. he
stated with his matchless clearness and SIM
plicity, and with overwhelming force the
proof in faver Of Christianity, ana Iaen nv WIN IN
shreds the stale and threadbare arguments
of infidelity. The venerable appearance OF
the speaker, the power or his words ana MS
evident earnestness and convlctlon IeIt DIS
hearers stupefied with amazement. He felt
that to have held his peace would have peen
base ingratitude and recreancy.to Christ. a
word in season; q word like that, now gooa
it is. It is testimony which must command
skeptical. In many instances it Is blessed to
the salvation OF souls and the glory OF
God Such faithful witnessing is to initiate
the example of Christ. "Wheneyer our love
Ing, defend his cause. Everywhere and at all
times we are required to be ready to offer our
testimony in favor of that Saviour by whose
blood we hope to be redeemed"
Ill,
not only because Of the enemies OF the truth,
not only for the sake OF the cause itself, but,
ALSO for the sake Of the Individual Christian.
A distinct, manly avowal OF the side we are
on in all the struggles OF truth is a confirma-
tion act 1t Is reassuring to ones own faith.
By noble process, the very utterance OF that
faith reacts upon 1t and imparts strength. II
gives decision. It meets the enemies OF our ar
peace, doubt and vaclllation. The Psalmlst
said, "With my mouth will make known
thy Iaithfulness to all generations" Is there
nota natural and obvious connection between
that firm resolve and the joyous confidence
expressed In the same connections: "The LORD
is our defence and the Holy One OF Israel ls
our King"
Do we not yield to an excessive reserve and
caution in this definite explicit testimony Tor
Christ. Have we not kept silent when we
were clearly called to speak? Have we not
omitted our private devotions sometimes be.
cause we were thrown with those who were
Indifferent to these things? Has not the fear
Of man, in some of its endless forms, some
times sealed our lips to testimony which
might have strengthened some weak and
batting disciple, or reclaimed some back.
slider, or arrested some wandering prodigal?
Do we believe that all men are sinners and
that they are lost and undone? Do we be-
lieye that Christ is an all-sufhcient Saviour
and the only Saviour? Do we believe that re-
ligion is the only true happiness? Then let us
do as the Psalmist did when he said, u be
lieve, and therefore have spoken" Let Us
say to those around us and about us, let us
say with direct, personal, tender appeal, III
is faithful aying," etc.