Year: 1859

Bible Presentation at Oberlin by the Ladies'
i to the Fire Department.


DEAR LEADER AT P. N. yesterday, some
5000 of our people assembled at the O6erlr
Church to witness the presentation of large
gilt Bible to the Fire Department, the present
being made by the Ladies of the village.


The three fire companies in complete uniform,
led on by the victorious Hook and Ladder Com.
pany whose active leader bore in his hands with
not less grace than pride, the weIl-eamed
trophy, the Silver Trumpet made an imposing
appearance, as they marched from Firemen's
Hall to the Church.


DR.. Morgan opened the services of the ocea-
sion with very impressive and appropriate
prayer, which was followed by an appropriate
anthem, performed by a double quartette of
choir Singers, accompanied by the organ which
was done in manner well calculated to pre-
pare the delighted audience to listen to the
words of presentation by Prof Peck, whose
services the ladies always sensible) had been
fortunate enough to secure.


Time forbids that should attempt report of
the speech Of the Professor; hint at the points
must suffice. He referred to the intrinsic mer-
its of the sacred volume, not as of speculation,
but of practical value to all. The Bible ad-
dresses man in just the right way to meet all his
real wants, it never fails for the want of COM
pretending the real character of man, as many
Of our common books of maxims do. The Bible
indicates to man that when he honestly follows
the light within, he will be elevated thereby; it
encourages men to hope for themselves, only
when they act in all of the affairs of life on prin-
cple. This done, and the Bible promises to
man the attainment of his highest good, both
here and hereafter


The Bible enlarges the compass of the intel
lect BY the comprehensiyeness of the subjects
ofwhich it treats-secures to man the confidence
of his fellows and is therefore of practical value


He argued that the Bible was of special value
to the FIRE department, organized as it is for the
public good, and with no hope of reward for
the arduous and often Perilous service perform
ed, but the Consciousness of promoting the
public good, principle of action, coineiding
with the benevolence enjoined in the Bible.


The learned Professor added: Many of you
are young, your characters are yet to be nodded,
and this Bible is just what you need to guide,
stimulate and prompt you in all the struggle
of life


Some of you arc mechanics and are engaged
in daily and honorable toll.


He who constitutes the central light of this
blessed book was himself carpenters son, and
wrought with his own hands until, without
seeming outward help, he came to be thepower
that moved and still moves the entire moral
universe.


Your associations constitute you fraternal
band; take then this Bible, let It's precepts
teach you how to preserve and strengthen the
fraterDal feelings you so much need.


After brief reference to the past and present
history of the fire department of Oberiin, the
confidence reposed in it by the citizens, and
their hopes for its future, the precious gift was
in the name of the ladies who gave it appropri-
stely delivered to ex Mayor Brokaw, Chief En-
gineer, who replied in appropriate and heart
felt words.


!, The meeting dispersed with consciousness
that they possessed better estimate of the real
value to our community of the FIRE department
of Oberlin. Yours, O.


March II, 1859.