The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-05-04
SERVICES.
The Westminster Confession Of Faith-Able
Sermons and Addresses-A Well Equip.
ped Lecturer-A Well Fought Fire-Mu.
nicipal Ticket.

Correspondence Of The Messenger.)
Fayetteville, N. G., April %.
The first session of the series of exer-
cises commemorative OF the Westmin-
ster assembly OF Presbyterian divines
took place in the Presbyterian church
last evening, and, after an impressive
prayer by Rev. DR.. P. II. Hoge. of Will
mington. the opening sermon-text:
The Form OF Sound Words'-was de-
livered by Rev. F. W. FAIRIES of Colds
bcro. The discourse was scholarly.
never commonplace, forcible through
out, and, here and there, powerfully elo-
quent-the work of an able man.
Fayetteville presbytery was in ses-
sion this morning, Rev. Mr.. Coppedge
moderator.
At 1920 o'clock Rev. R.. V. Lancaster
very happily addressed a large audi
ence on The Causes Leading Up to
the Calling Of the Assembly, followed
by DR.. Hoge, who delighted his hear
ers by a classic, a rhetorical gem,
THE Personnel and Proceedings of the
Westminster Assembly,"
This afternoon Rev. Dr.. H. G.. Hill
will be heard on The Confession of
Faith" and Rev. Hugh Craig on The
Shorter Catechism," the session clos
ing with a general discussion on The
Future of Presbyterianism;" and to-
night Hon. G. D. McIver will deliver an
address on "Presbyterianism and Edu-
tation."
Last night after the close of the SER
vices, the ladies of the congregation
held a pleasant reception to their cler-
zeal and lay visitors in the oratorium
of the annex.
Presbyterians revert to the Westmin-
ster assembly with no little interest
and pride. It's sessions embrace nearly
a decade in the annals of the church;
and its utterance to the Christian
world in 1647, after four years of labor
the confession of faith and the cate
chisms-while unattended by the mag
netic thrill and fervOr produced by
Martin Luther's 'Babylonish Captivi-
ty" 125 years before. and the citation by
the Emperor Charles V of the bold Au-
gustine friar before the Diet of Worms,
was even more profound and far-reach-
ing, Archbishop Lau had stirred the
smoldering fire years before, Edgehill
had been fought six months prior to
the first meeting of the Westminster
~assembly-the first stain of blood in
the gloomy drama OF civil War-and
two years after the PRONUNCIATION of
the confession Charles I was to eXpiate
with his life the ruthless egotism of his
assertion of the "divine right of kings"
The human mind was astir for both
civil and religious freedom.
If you ever nave an opportunity of
securing Professor Smith. of Davidson
College, to lecture on the Roentgen
ray before a Wilmington audience,
pray neglect it not. He is thoroughly
equipped on the subject, and greatly
charmed his hearers here last Monday
night. The lecture was under the aus
pieces of the literary societies of the
Military academy, and the stage vas
handsomely decorated with the cOlOrs,
notices., etc, of the two organizations.
A fire occurred at 4:30 o'clock yes
terday morning-a stable in the rear
of MI. Wilson's residence on Hay
street-which is worthy of mention
chiefly from the splendid name in
which it was fought; the work was
magnificent. Fayetteville's fire depart
ment is splendid, and its chief, Cap
tain J. D. Mcneil, the finest of officers.
May they have the best possible sup
port in the forthcoming state V
ton.
But for the drought, peas and straw
berries would be now moving rapidly
from here; so far the shipments here
have been small.
Colonel w. S. Cook was nominated
for mayor without OppOsitiOn-a high
tribute to the excellence of his admin
istration. The ticket for aldermen is
good.