The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1892-11-02
AN IMPRESSIVE FAREWELL SERVICE.
Rev. ". C. Schacffer Delivered His Final
Discourse Sunday Night-The Lutheran
Church Filled With Il Sympathetic
Congregational ouchipg
Occasion.

1t was lovely Lords Day evening
the last October Sunday-and from
every congregation, as we'll as outside
the churches, came the friends Of tie
departing minister to hear his last
words and bid him an aflectionate
adieu.
The sanctuary was radiant in the
spiritual grace, inspiration aud oneness
Of the hour, through all which a sense
of solemnity and shade of sadness
pervaded. The chancel was graced
with floral offerings; at the sacred desk
sat DR.. G. w. Holland, President Of
New berry College, and DR.. J. S. Cozby,
pastor of Aveleigh Presbyterian church,
and in the chancel were Rev. Profes.
sors J. B. Fox and w. G. Sigh.
A double quartette opened the eXrr-
cises with beautiful anthem, which
was followed by the very appropriate
hymn, read by Prof. Fox, 'Joy to the
world" The invocation was then
made by DR.. Holland, who likewise
read the lesson. The second hymn,
"BIest be the tie that binds" was an
uounced by Prof. Sigh.
Mr.. Schaetter's texts were: II be-
lieved, therefore have I spoken" Psalm
ll6:1O; 1--WE believe and therefore
speak," . Cor. 4:l3-theme, The true
basis of religion. Mr.. Schaefftr began
his discourse with the opposite remark
that 1.-The demand that is made in
every kind Of work is for a genuine
product" By way of illustration he
regretted the possibility of a false por-
trait of Columbus on the die for the
100000 dollars that the government
proposes to have made in commemora-
ton of the discovery of America.
What is true in secular works and
ways is prominently true in religion
the SOULS experience should he the
product of siDceri -. Our testimony
must proceed from conviction to be of
any real value.
In passing from review Of the prin-
ciples which form the true basis of re-
lisien, Mr.. Schaetfer considered the
perplexing variety of beliefs among
men-alien, hostile, false forms Of the
true; those begotten of ignorance and
superstition, etc.-and proved 10y them
that the only religious result of value
comes from the deep conviction of the
soul. A profound knowledge Of eternal
truth tends 70 humility and modcsty
which retreats inlo the sileuce aud the
shadow of the Cross.
The speaker emphasized the inter-
play between belief and testimony.
The early fathers and confessors gave
their testimony before tribunals that
would commit them to the flames.
The best products of the ages were
from hearts and minds aflarne with
divine truth.
Columbus believed, therefore he EN-
barked, in the face of universal oppo-
sition, out into the darkness of un-
known seas. The day that he sailed
away by faith from Palos, and not the
day on which he planted the Cross
upon the strand of the New World,
should be made famous in song and
story.
Tennyson, England's sweet singer,
who now sleeps in the silence of the
great cathedral, in the secluslon and
retirement Of his beautiful life caught
the fire of celestial thought and voiced
it in immortal song.
The paternal character of God and
the redeeming work of the Son of Man
were happily touched upon-the Cross
of Christ was the exemplifcation of
Love.
Mr.. Schaeffer contrasted the oppo-
site beliefs of the brilliant Frenchmap,
Renan, and that of the great apostle to
the Gentiles. The former affirmed, in
the hour and article of death, 1--WE
perish, we disappear, but the march of
time goes on forever" while be of the
Pauline faith triumphantly declared,
II have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the
faith: henceforth there is laid up for Inc
a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give
me at that day."
In concluding, Mr.. Schaefer spoke
of the cardinal doctrines of the Church's
exaltation and the joys of the true be-
lever; that our Father in heaven had
made this beautiful world for our good
and created Us for his own glory; had
made wonderful provision for our
pleasurable enjoyment and happi-
ness. The speaker contrasted these
with the emptiness-the utter empti-
ness-of the life into which no celestial
light enters, no faith illumes and no
prayer and love sanctify. He urged his
and bearers to make the
text their individual sentiment: IT be-
Iieve, therefore have T spoken"
At the close of the sermon, which
was an excellent one in every particu-
lar, Mr.. .Schaefer made brief mention
of his five years. ministerial work in
the NewDerfy pastorate-of the general
courtesy and consideration always
shown him, and which he deeply ap-
preciated and would ever reciprocate.
His words were tenderly spoken in a
subdued tone as he committed them to
the protection of the Holy Trinity,
and prayed that God would be with
them until such time as in bis provi-
dence they might meet again.
DR.. Cozby begged a few moments
indulgence before offering the last
prayer, in which he said that he could
not sever the ties that bound him to
his brother without a word or two of
regret at parting. His words were
tender and touching-a pleasing incl
dent Of the occasion.
The last hymn, given out by the pas
tor, was sung with sweet and happy
effect
Mr.. Schaeffer pronounced the bene-
diction, and for the first time during
the trying ordeal betrayed the emo
tions that filled his heart. It was the
fitting close to sacred and beautiful
service.
THE MORNING SERVICE.
AS the evening service was the final
farewell of the retiring pastor to those
of his own people possibly hindered
from the morning service, as we'll to
the community at large-it being a
special service-we have made it the
fuller of the two.
Mr.. Schafer selected his text from
2 Cor. 1871. Finally, brethren, fare
WELL" etc. In this very earnest and
sympathetic discourse, in which the
pastors mind naturally reverted to the
varying scenes and incidents of the has
tening vears-the weeks, months and
seasons in which be broke the bread of
life to hungering hearts, cheered the
and offered consolation to
the sorrowing, were all grouped into
the hour before him. No wonder the
bright picture with its Sombre shadow