Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-02-12
AsH-wEoNesoAy oBseRvANcEs.
The Services In the Episcopal and catho-
IIc Churche&

In all the Episcopal churches of the city
the usual Ash Wednesday services, con-
Quoted by their respective rectors, were
held Yesterday morning. and at st. Johns.
in addition, services were held at night, the
sermon being by Rev. ]. Y. Downman. rec
tor of All Saints, and the first Of a course
OF addresses to young people, which will
run through the Wednesday nights OF Lent.
Mr.. Downman chose for his subject
" Confirmation" and presented it in an
instructive. interesting. and attractive
manner.
CONFIRMATION DEFINED.
IL does not initiate,n he said. "a per-
son into church membershlp. That is the func-
tiou Of the sacrament VI baptism. h 70 re-
newal OF the VOWS and promises OF baptism. IL
means ratification, an establishment, nxing
OF ono Ia his relations TO God through the
church. While 1t Is not sacrament ike pap
tism and the supper OF the Lord it has divine
authority aud apostolic precedent
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY.
The laying OF hands upon the offerings OF
the Old Testament was the act that dedicated
them to God. And so on two occasions In the
Acts III the Apostles-viz., In the efh and l9th
chapters. it Is recorded that the apostles laid
their hands on those who had previously been
baptized. In neither instance was ordination
10 the ministry thought Of In both the purpose
wes evidently to ratify and confirm the previous
act Of Philip. the deacon a. samaria, and o.
Psuls attendant ministers at Epnosus, In ad-
hitting BY baptism certain private persons Into
church relations.
GATEWAY OF ADMISSION.
Confirmation thus admits one to position In
which he can execute the two great diyiuely sp-
pointed purposes OF llfe-namely, 10 conform
oneself BY the grace OF God through the Holy
Spirit to the image OF Christ. and then, espe-
ciaily by way Of the silent ~, forceful influence
Of example. TO be the means under God OF WORK.
Ing similar change in the characters Oh others
AN EARNEST APPEAL.
The Rev. Mr.. Downman then made ON earnest
aud impressive appeal 10 those In the congrega-
ton who had not yet undertaken these two
grand purposes Of iifo to begin at once the endea
vor and to utilize the present opportunity 20 take
the necessary steps OF confirmation according "a
the law OF the Church. Aud By q very effective
allusion TO the experience had with an alarm
clock he illustrated how procrastiuetion would
dull their consciences and harden their hearts
until the appeals and arguments and warnings
OF the Gospel would fall upon list.ess aud un-
needing ears.
Mr.. Downman held tho attention OF the con-
gregation closely throughout his practical and
helpful address aud evidently paved tho way
for a hearty welcome TO those who will follow IN
the course.
The course will be completed as follows Feb
rusry 18th, DR.. Powers; February 18th, DIR.
Dashiell; March 4th, DR.. Newton; March ifth,
Mr.. Mason March 1stn, Mr.. Nash March Goth
Mr.. Trotman.
Eyangellstic services will be conducted at Sc
Johns by Rev. j. B. Newton. d. d.. rector Of
Monumental Church, every night In the mid.
week Of Lent, ct s O'Clock, beginning sunday
March Isl, ana ending Saturday, March 9TH.
In the Catholic churches the regular appointed
services were also held.