The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-05-29
SEVENTH PREsB1TERIAN,

Where Gordon Post Acknowledgement of
the Pastor, Rev. Thompson.
The services at the Seventh Presbyterian
church consisted of the regular Memorial
day services as conducted in the post hall.
The pastor. Rev. A. n. Thompson. and the
post commander. w. +. Tay lor, conducts
the services. which were responsive read
ings and the singing of patriotic songs.
The services were under the direction of j.
III. Gordon Post. which attended in body,
as did also the Worhan's Relief Corps.
The sermon by the pastor was chosen
with special reference to the day.
The text was the last three words
of Hebrews XII T. dead yet speaketh."
The serm on was substantially as follows:
The voices of departed comrades speak to
rs this day words of warning and encour-
agement. The first expression OF one look
ing upon US from the pedestal of thirty
such thing as this great thing is" Surely
this great Nation is a wise and understand
ing people. for what nation Is there 40
CREATE" These words were first spoken of
Israel. and their wisdom was based on
obedience to the laws Of God. What is true
of Israel Is true of us. OuE national wis
dom and greatness rest in obedience to
Gods laws. Nation after nation has re-
fused to accept this truth and has fallen as a
result. The second voice coming fresh to
us to-day from our fallen comrades who
have passed into the impenetrabie shadows
Is one OF warning against false ideas OF
national life and greatness which threaten
rs. and among these first Is the NARROWING
ideal There have been peoples that cared
not to write annals except they were writ
ten in blood The ancient Syrians were
such q people. but the prophet Nahum
tells us they passed away In fire and sword
under the wrath Of their enemies: Al
though this occasion carries US back to
most bloody civil war We are far from being
q wRr-loving people. When our great mil
itary leader said, Let us have peace" his
words touched an echOing chord In every
patriotic heart. We welcomed you back
from battles and victories with gratitude
and pride. but 1t was not because the life
blood OF your enemy had dripped from
your swords; lt was because, by your forti-
tude and bravery the God given principles
of equity and honor, on which our govern
ment is built. had triumped. An
other false idea against which the
voices of fallen comrades warn rs
is that of glory-seekinG. The pastor spoke
tories OF nations IN this respect, and. in
conclusion. said: Fathers and brothers
Of the Grand Army Of the Republic. your
earthly ranks are year by year depleted.
You who are left are less than half those
who won freedoms glorious victory; soon
you will all be marshaled on the other
side. As you remember those who have
gone before you-yet of you. though not
here in the body-so we. your
children. will not forget the
mighty inspiration of the heroic days that
are past. and We will strive by ell the vic
tories of peace TO preserve in it's unity and
honor-aye. to raise to a higher glory-that
government which you have fought to
save, and On your tombs with grateful
hearts we Will strew the flowers of honor
and affection anu teach our children, too,
10 invoke inspiration from your patriotism
as you do now from that of your immortal
dead"