Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1894-05-02
Minister'S and Laymen's Meeting.

The Ministers and Laymen's Meeting of the
Shenandoah Association, conducted in the
Baptist Church of this town April q, % and
%, was, notwithstanding the small attendance
| on the part of the ministers and laymen, in
every respect q success and an enjoyable occa-
sion. Beginning Friday night Wi tn delight
| full song service, followed by an earnest and
able sermon delivered by Rev. R. z. L. Aylor,
of Front Royal, from the text Come thou
with u.s." and closing Sunday night with q
subject that should engage the time, attention
and hearty cooperation of every true chris
tian, THE Church and Temperance" so beau
tifully introduced and intelligcntly discussed
by the Rev. Eugene Jackson, of Minnesota
Few speakers could have followed Bro. Jack
son and held the large and intelligent congre
cations on so high pinnacle of eloquence as
| he left them as did his brother Hilton Jackson,
of Washington. our moderator. Bro. Nesbit,
of Front Royal, was called up TO tell what
local option had done for Front Royal. The
comparison he made before and after local
option was indeed striking. The moderator
had learned something Of our Brother Ship
mans enthusiasm along this line and called
him forward, and he was not long in telling
the people Just where no stood in this matter
We believe our brother has been studying
I about Daniel. We'll, il Daniel was anything
like the size of shipman We can very well
understand why the lions did not tackle him.
| We beg leave to go back to Saturday morn
| ing and hurriedly refer TO some of the inter
ssting addresses. After devotional exercises
| Bro Geo. D. Wiltshire, who did not want TO
| speak before the ministers, made talk on the
Relation of sister churches to each other.
Rev. H. D. Quarles of Luray, pointed out to
the letter 1.-THE relation of pastor and people"
| We were delighted to welcome to seat with
US Rev. Mr.. Gravatt of the Episcopal Church,
who added much to the interest OF This sub
| iect by an earnest address, so filled with the
Spirit. Bro. Nesbit of Front Royal, followed
| with some happy hits.
In the afternoon "Things most conducive
to piety" was discussed by several brethren
We were glad at this time TO have with MS
Rev. DIR. A. c. Hopkins, who gave us some
splendid thoughts especially emphasizing
"purity of the heart" Brothers Clark, Of
Front Royal, and Magruder, of Zion, spoke
earnestly along this limo.
Saturday night Relation of Christian to
unconverted." It's importance was impressed
upon all as We listened to Revs Quarles and
Aylor.
or course Sunday was the best day. The
Sunday School work came first. Bro. Clark,
who is preparing for the ministry and sings so
sweetly, opened the subject and encouraged
us much along this line. Our superintendent,
Bro. Barr could not remain silent on subject
SO near his heart and of course he gave us
something good. The important subject of
the morning, How can the church impress
its teachings upon the public mind and con-
science?" was well sustained by Bros. Aylor
and Quarles How proud the Association
should be of these brethren. We would say
to Front Royal and Luray "hold them tight"
After these discussions the ordinance Of bap-
tism was administered.
How much we wished all the young people
in our community could have been present
and heard Brother Hilton Jackson's address
OH the subject How TO enlist our young peo-
pie in church work"
We have referred to the night service which
began with prayer and testimony and closed
with a hearty handwriting as all sang God
be with you till we meet again" The singing
was good all the time.
We must not close without thanking Misses
Merchant and Reininger for their presence
and lending their sweet voices in shouting the
glad tidings and songs of praise Bro. Miller,
visiting brother from Philadelphia, said
such singing lifts me up"
1t is needless to say the pastors heart was
made glad, that the meeting did him good, and
he desires TO thank all wh0 in any way took
part, and for the large attendance, good atten-
ton and perfect order.