Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-07-13

truth. so lovely, and so richly laden with
superlative blessing, the wonder Is that
all DO not seek her with painstaklDg toll,
with gladstone zeal, and with the cheerful
sacrifice of every prejudice. every precon-
celved opinion. and all traditional en-
vironment. Baptists love the truth, and
the wonder Is that their progress has
not been even greater. But we must re-
member. the more truth. the more oppo-
sitlon: and the sect which has the most
will be the sect everywhere spoken
against"
Baptists humbly believe they have the
truth. and alas. that there should be
any truth I'm the appendage' And they
have nothing else"l II the Baptssts were
as full of zeal, conservation. liherality,
and holiness as they are sound In doc
trine, their progress would be with ever
increasing momentum, triumphal achieve
ment would mark their course, the mil
lennium would hasten to dawn, and the
slain OF the Lord would Jay
Thick as autumnal leaves that strow
the brooks
In Vallambrosa."
CHURCHES WELL LOCATED.
Another secret of the success of Rich
mond Baptlsts Is the location of their
churches. Scarcely more important to
an army are strategic points than 10 q
denomination are suitable locations for
churches. All things being equal, an ele-
waited site is much TO be preferred. II 1t
has no other advantage, it makes the
house conspicuous. The temple was built
upon Mount Morlah, and the people said:
Come. let US go up 10 the house OF the
Lord" The Jewish can0ns decreed that
even synagogues, built wherever ten Jews
lived. should be erected upon the most
elevated ground in the neighborhood, ana
no house be allowed TO OyertOD them.
Failing of a commanding site, tall pole
rose from the roof TO advertise II. But
the most elegant and cOmmodious house
with graceful steeple that uckles the
stars, if badly located, may become as
powerless and mournful as the Cristobal
Colon. with few exceptions, our churches
have occupied eligible positions. Twenty
five years ago the seven churches OF
Richmond. like 1.-THE seven churches Of
Asia" seemed to command the whole
field. The old First held the ShOckoe ter
ritory northward, and overlooked the val
ley eastward beneath. The Second com
manded the south side and Candles HUI
plateau. Grace-Street, centrally and adj
mirably situated I'm the upper half OF the
city. reached in all directions. Leigh
street. IN the east MdANUth OfNA NhN
broad field of Church Ill., Libby HILL
and Chimborazo. Pne-Street stood In a
rowing section, half way betwixt Mon
roe Park and James river, and half way
tetwixt the penitentiary grounds and
hollywood Cemetery a. IL to keep the
people out Of one and prepare them fo'
he other. Fulton, in the little town dow
n the southeast, and Sidney, in the south
west, hold the outpOsts and extrt M
limits of the city. Thus every section w.
given church privileges. and every com
munity brought into easy reach OF the
house of the Lord. Baptists are not com
bative. and find no delight in the glamour
of war; but never was an army better
stationed than these seven churches fOi
the defence of the truth and for the pro
pagation Of the Word Of Life.
THE TWO BAPTIST COLLEGES.
Richmond College has been a massive
bulwark Of strength to the Baptists o
| the city. But for her solid front, ou
ranks might be surprisingly weaker an'
thinner than they are to-day. In various
ways and by many means she has giVei
safety and prowess TO the denomination
| Her faculty has been composed of mel
Of mark, who could not live in com
munity without eXerting an elevating III
fuence. She has drawn TO her walls o
the pride and chiyalry of the land, al
army of color-bearers, who delight L
honor the metropolis of their A!m'
Mater. She has singled out, armed, am
stationed upon the walls of our own cit
men Of might, not one whit behind IN
chiefest. She has eXerted a quickenini
and uplifting influence among all classes
from the lowest walks OF unkemp
squalor to the highest circles Of velvet
culture and refinement. She has been [
US an Illuminated fortress, shedding hsh
from her lamps upon dark waters, an
commanding with her guns the Gee
channels of public thought, and warnln
OFF piratical or infectious craft.
The Woman's College, the modest htti
sister. who in recent years has outsrow
| her short dresses and stands up almos
as tall as her stalwart brother, must no
be overlooked. How beautifully she ha
adorned the doctrines we prize, sent sun
| shine and song into many homes, an
lent aromatic sweetness to the toll o
mental acquisition How much has sh
done to make our homes happy, on