i^^^sm. //. 9'. /o ^ PRINCETON, N. J. ^ N6 S68 187 9 BX 8949 4.^vn;,n south park Presbyterian Church (Newark, N • J • ) Record of the twenty-fifth anniversary of South Park \ (* NOV 9 1910 *) RECORD TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY SOUTH PARK Presbyterian Church NEWARK. N. J.. October 27th to the 30th, 1878. NKWAIIK. N. .r AMZI FIEKSUX & CO., STATIONEUH AMI PKIN'IEUS. 18S MAIIKET STREET. isra. ■n INTRODUCTION, The subject of the approaching twenty-fifth anniversary of the Soutli Park Presbyterian Church was brought to the notice of tlie Session at a meeting held Sept. 27th, 1878. It was fully discussed, and the propriety and utility of a suitable observance of tlie important and remarkable event was unanimously approved. Such a celebration seemed the more desirable, inasmuch as the General Assemlily of 1875, with a view to preserve the liistorical records of its individual churches, recommended that the approaching centenary of our national life should be noticed by each pastor, on the first Sunday of Juh', 1876, preaching a conniiemorative discourse, giving the particular history of his own church, and sending a copy to the Pres- byterian Historical Society in Philadelphia for preservation. It seemed preferable to tke pastor that such a history of South Park Clnu'ch should be deferred until the quarter- century of its life sliould be finished, and then a more com- plete record could be sent to the Historical Society for preservation. i INTRODUCTION. It was decided, at the meeting above mentioned, that a conference of the Session and Trustees should be lield on the following Monday evening to arrange some suitable method of observance, and that a meeting of the whole con- gregation should V)e called on the Tuesday evening following to hear and act upon an}^ plan that might be agreed upon by the Session and Trustees, and be submitted for their approval. Both these meetings took place, and the resolution of the Session as to the propriety of the observance was heartily and with great unanimity apjiroved, and the necessary measures were at once with great zeal adopted to make the celebration in every respect a memorable one, and worthy of the occasion. A large and efficient Executive Committee was inniiedi- ately selected, consisting of members of the Session and Board of Trustees, and representatives of the Sunday Schools and of the different departments of church work. The following are the names of the members of the Executive Committee : The Pastor, Chairman ; Ira M. Harrison, F. N. Torrey, of the Session ; Silas C. Halsey and Isaac N. Doty, of the Boai-d of Trustees ; David C. Dodd, Jr., and F. Wolcott Jackson, of the Church Sunday School; Jolm Y. Foster and Thomas Darlington, of the Mission School ; Mrs. J. P. Wilson and Mrs. Wm. Platner, of the " Woman's Work for Woman Foreign Missionary Society ;" and Mrs. Ira M. Harrison and Miss Emma Y. Miller, of the " Ladies' Association." The Executive Coumiittee met on Saturday evening, Oct. 5th, and appointed sub-committees to carry out tlie details of the work. INTRODUCTION. O A Historical Connuittee was appointed, with power to select and reconnnend a suitable j^erson to prepare a full and authentic history of South Pai"k Churcli, to be read at the celebration. The committee soon reported the name of John P. Jackson, whose consent being obtained, the selec- tion was unanimously approved. The following committees were also at the same time appointed : A Finance Connuittee, consisting of ten members — Isaac N. Doty, F. Wolcott Jackson, Silas C. Halsey, John Brisbin, Charles E. Young, Aaron M. King, James E. Harrison, George B. Swain, George W. Howell, Elihu B. Baker. Committee on Invitation and Reception, consisting of seven members — A. Lemassena, Jr., H. N. Parkhurst, Schuy- ler B. Jackson, M. D.Wilbur, Dr. L-a C. Whitehead, Mrs. F. Wolcott Jackson, and Mrs. Charles E. Williams. Committee on Music, seven members — B. C. Gregory, leader of the church choir ; Silas C. Halsey, W. Clinton King, W. A. Thompson, F. N. Torrey, B. F. M. Olds, T. S. Willcox. Committee on Entertainment of Invited Guests, seven members — Daniel Halsey, Isaac N. Doty, E. L. Hamilton, William Morehouse, Mrs. John Y. Foster, Mrs. R. N. Den- man, Mrs. David A. Hall. Decoration Committee, fifteen members — Robert Ryer- son, A. T. Looker, Sauuiel R. Beardsley, Wm. Underwood, Raymond Foster, Walter Johnson, William Tuttle, Heber Hughes, Mrs. William Inslee, Mrs. Vincent Wright, Miss Mary Johnson, Miss Lizzie Parkhurst, Miss DeCamp, Miss Streit, Miss E. Ryerson. Sunday School Committee, eight members — A. Parkhurst, W. Platner, George W. Howell, F. C. Willcox, Mrs. George b INTRODUCTION. Ward, Mis-s Fnderwood, Miss Mary Connett, Miss Eliza Jolmson. Committee on Social ile, fifteen members — Mrs. D. C. Dodd, Jr., Mrs. Silas C. Halsey, Mrs. L. P. Brown, Mrs. J. P. Jackson, Mrs. A. Lemassena, Jr., Mi-s. D. A. Hall, Mrs. D. O. Scott, Mrs. T. S. Willcox, Mrs. J. F. Bless, Mrs. C. E. Young, Mrs. Heniy Yonng, Mrs. J. B. Bartram, Mrs. N. Perry, Jr., Mrs. Lemuel Tliomas, Miss E. U. Camptield. These committees wei'e empowered to add to tlieii- mim- bers if necessary, especially the committees on decoration and on the sociable. Messrs. Isaac N. Doty, John Y. Foster and F. N. Torrey were appointed a Committee on Pj-inting, and Messrs. Silas C. Halsey and D. C. Dodd, Jr., a Committee on Badges. The following programme was carefully considered and approved, and unanimously adopted. It was beautifully printed on blue-tinted paper, with a richly-gilded, highly- ornamented bordei', having a cut of the church on the first page : TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY SOUTH ?J[\K P[[ESBYTE[|IAN CHU1]^CH, ORDER OF EXERCISES. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27th, 1878. MORNING SERVICE, AT HALF-PAST TEN o'cLOCK. Mxmc by Choir of South Pai'k Church. - Leader, Mr. B. C. Gregory. 1. Anthem— "We praise Thee, O Ood." 2. Invocation. 3. Reading of the Scriptnres. 4-. Anniversary Hymn. [Written for the occasion by Miss S. P. GILL.] Re'Gelation^ Chapter XIX : verses 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. "Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power," Ascribe to our *jud. in this testiviil hour. Oh praise Hiiu, ye people, with heart and with voice. His (Jhurch is His Bride ;— theu " be glad and rejoice." "To him who hath loved us!"— shont forth the refrain. Full, loud as the rush of tlie thunderine main ■ " The Lord, God, Omnipotent 1 " praise Hiiu and bless, Who clothes us in robes ot bis own righteousness. For faithfulness past, and for grace of to-day, We praise Thee, we bless Thee; and humbly we pray "The King in his beauty" to us would draw near, That pure "in his likeness" his Bride may appear. Love, honor and service we pledge Thee, dear Lnrd, We cling to Thy hand, and we leed on Thy word, Oh! "Chief of ten thousands,"— to Thee shall be given Hosannas unceasing on Earth, and in Heaven. 0. Prayer. 6. Singing — '' Arise, O King of Grace, arise." 7. Anniversary Sermon — By the Pastor. 8. Collection, 9. Anthem — "Come, let us sing unto the Lord.*' — Z. 0, Emevfio}}, O PROGRAMME. AFTERNOON SERVICE, AT HALF-PAST TWO o'cLOCK. TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF Sunday Schools of South Park Presbyterian Church. Presiding Officer, - - DA VID O. DODD, Jr. Addresses by Kev. D. W. Poor, D.D., of Pbiladelpliia, and others. [SBB SPEOIAL PBOOEAMME.] ANJSIVERSARY INSTALLATION OF PASTOR, EVENING SERVICE, AT HALF-PAST SEVEN o'cLOCK. i. Anthem — "■ How lovely are the Messengers. " - Mendelssohn, 2. Prayer. 3. Reading Scriptiii-es. 4. Anniversary Hymn. [Written for the occasion, by Rev. T HEMPSTEAD.] Not the majestic hills alone, We thank Thee, who thro' changing years Nor glittering worlds are made Thy Throne. Hast quelled our doubts and dried our tears, But Thou dost come, O Lord as well And whose large love has kept us free, With all thy cnntrile ones to dwell. Unwatched by foes, to worship Thee ; On every island, ocean— walled. That love for us still warms and thrilla. In every climate are they called. Some hearts that walk the Heavenly hiJls, To whom Thou dost in love reveal And he is left, who day by day, "What only those who love can feel. Has led us in the onward way. "We give Thee thanks for rich supply, Still pointing upward to the Son, For friends below, and homes on high. Still pointing to the Bleeding One. All common cares and hopes that bind Still saying "From that empty tomb, In sweetest union, mind to mind. Spring endless life and deathless bloom." . . , , (Rev. J. F. Stearns, D.D. 5. Addresses. - - - <-n -nr ... ^%\ (Kev. Wui. Aikiuan, \j.\j. 6. Solo and Chorus — '' Sow ye beside all waters." 7 Addresses - P*^^" ^- Few-Snnth, D.D., i. Addiesses. i^^^^ jj_ ^ Brinsmade, D.D. 8. Singing — " Glorious things of Thee are spoken." 9. Collection. 10. Anthem — " Oh .' be joyful in the Lord." - W. F. Shenoin. 11. Doxology and Benediction. PBOUKAMME. MONDAY EVENING, OCT. 28th, AT HALF-PAST SEVBN o'cLOCK. HISTORICAL EXERCISES. Premding Officer, IRA M. HARRiaON. 1. Duet and Chorus—" By Tliee with bliss." - - Ilaydn. 2. Praver - - - Rev. Rubert B. Campfield. 3. History of the Church, - - John P. Jackson. 4. Singino; — " Zion stands," &c. 5. Addresses. 6. Anthem—" Et Resurrexit." - ' - - Mozart. 7. Addresses. 8. Sino-ing — "I love Thy kingdom, Lord." TUESDAY EVENING, OCT. 29th. SILVER WEDDING SOCIABLE, RECEPTION IN THE CHURCH FROM HALF PAST SIX TO EIGHT O'CLOCK. To be concluded by an address by the Pastor, after which an entertainment will be given in the rear rooms of the church. All present, and former members of the Church and congregation, are invited to be present. WEDNESDAY EVENING, OCT. 30th. SILVER WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT Of the Sunday Schools of the Church, from 5 to 9 o'clock. Ice Cream and Refreshments. 10 AXNINERSARY SUNDAY. This programme was faitlifuUy adhered to, and carried out to the letter. Tlie attendance was very large at all tlie meetings throiighout the entire celel)ration, and the effect on tlie minds and hearts of tlie people was all that <-iiuId be desired. The cliurcli was compac^ted and drawn together in bonds of Cln-istian affection, and greatly lienetitted in every way, and God was ghn-iticd. It was a time long to be remembered after tliey who particijjated sliall have passed away, and tlieii' ])lai-es lie tilled by others. ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY, The tirst commemorative service was held on Sunday morning, October 27th, 1878. The day was beautiful and bright. The audience was very large, and represented the strength and vigor of the congregation. There were seen also many from the oldei' Presbyterian CUnu'ches of the city, who, liy their presence and their attention to the services throughout, manifested their own personal interest and their continued attai-lnnent to the religion of tlieir fathers. The following account of the services is copied from the NeuKirk Daily A'hvrtiirr, and gives a correct and suffi- ciently full re(-ord of the events of the day : QUARTO-CENTENNIAL. THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVEESAEY" OF SOUTH PARK PKE8BYTE- BIAN CHUECH THEEE SERVICES Y'ESTEEDAY ADDRESSES BY PEOMINENT MINISTERS. The silver wedding, or twenty-liftii annivei'sary, of the Soutli Park Presbyterian Clmrch, began with special services yesterday, and will continue this and to-morrow evenings. Yesterday morning Rev. Dr. Wilson, the pastor of tlie church EXTRACTS FROM THE I'RKSS. 1 1 for tlie entire period, preached the anniversary sermon ; in the afternoon the Sunday School anniversary was held and a Tuimber of speeclies were made, and in the evening the installation of JJr. Wilson was commemorated with addresses liy Rev. i)rs. Stearns, Aikman, Few-Smith and Ih-insmade. Large aiidieiK^es were present at each serviee. THE DECORATIONS. The decorations were composed chiefly of evergreens, potted palms and fragrant flowers which were tastefully and artistically arranged, the most imposing object on entering being a coUossal arch, which spanned tiie entire space over the pulpit, and displaying in silver letters, u])on a l^hie ground, framed ui flowers, the following legend : " 1853— Rejoicing in Hope— 1878." It was supported by eolunms hidden by rare grasses and ferns, amid the loose texture of which exotic flowers were strewn, apparently at random, liut pi'oducing a brilliant effect and forming a gorgeous piece of floral architecture. Over the preacher's desk tlje blank wall displayed an emlilematic anchor of similar texture, and the gas-light standards at the ends of the desk were gracefully trinmied with delicate vines mingletl with roses. At the head of the centre aisle and almost hiding the pulpit, were other designs, the most con- spicuous being surmounted by a tall spreading palm tree which gave a tropical effect to the scene. Tiie galleries were heavily festooned witli wreaths and clusters of palms , ivies and other ornamental shrubs were placed in the spaces between the columns above, altogether displaying a pro- fusion of material and tasteful ai'rangemcnt tliat surpassed any previous etfort in church decoration in tiiis \icinity, lint it was chiefly remarkable for t!ie evidence it gave of the pro gress of aesthetic influences among Christian ladies who liave formerly avoided them. THE MORNING SERVICE. The large accommodations of the church were fully oc- cupied at the morning service by a congregation which included nearly all of the rcgulai' attendants and many of those wlio have been connected with tiie church in some of the twenty-tive years of its existence, several coming from a distance to join in the celebration. In tlie pulpit were the pastor, the Rev. James P.Wilson, D.D., Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Hall, and Rev. William Aikman. 12 EXTRACTS FROM THE PRESS. The services opened with an anthem hy the lai-ge chorus choir of tlie church, led by B. C. Gregory, "We Praise Thee, O God." An invocation was then pronounced by Dr. Wil- son, and the reading of the Scriptures followed by Rev. Dr. Hall. An original anniversary liynm was tlien sung, com- mencing : " Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power. Ascribe to our God in this festival hour." It was followed by prayer by Rev. Dr. Aiknian, and the singini; of "Arise, O King of Grace, Arise." The reverend pastor then preached the anniversary sermon. He chose as his text, I. Kings, viii chapter, .57th and 58th verses : " Tlie Lord our God be with us, as He was witli our fathers; let Him not leave us, nor forsake ns; that He may incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, which He commanded our fathers." SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27th— Afternoon Service. THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE S SUNDAY SCHOOLS. Tlie following account (if the exercises is believed to be in all points correct, and is also from the Newark Daily A (Ivertiser. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY. There was an equally large attendance at the exercises of the Sunday School Anniversary, which began at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. Drs. Wilson and Stearns were in the pulpit, and on the platform were the presiding officer, Mr. David C. Dodd, Jr., and leading, past and present membei-s of the Sunday School. The hymn, " Coming, Gladly Coming," opened the exercises, followed by reading of the Scriptures, prayer and reading of the Commandments with responses from the Sunday School. Mr. Dodd read an original poem, dedicated to the pastor, KXTEACTS FROit THE PRESS. l'-^ after wliich the qnarter-feiitnrv repurt of the Sunday Sclionl was read by Mr. Frank C. Willcox. It reviewed tlie history of the Sunday School at length, detailing the work of each year from its foundation as a mission school at the Cliestnut street depot, in 1851, by tlie late John P. Jackson. As it increased the mission l)uilding in Mull)crry street was ei'ccted. When the churcli was formed tlie Sunday School of the #chm'c]i and the Mission Scliool became se])arate. The sei'- vices of Mrs. Dr. Wilson, the late John P. Jackson, Gen. Joseph C. Jackson, A. I. Gillett, Miss Mary Gill, Jos. D. Doty, Robert B. Camptiekl and otliers were ;illudee received only througli the senses, the sole medium of access (known to us) to the outside world. Our liodily organs are agencies for this end. But there, in heaven, all (so far as we know) are purely spiritual, and nothing is necessary as a previous indispensable t)R. WILSON'S SERMON. 23 arrangement to affect and impress the soul l»y the eye, the ear, the voice. All thei'e, probably, is pure sanctitied mind. Here the public worship and service of the sanctuary are divinely appointed for propagating truth, for maintaining ordinances, as alike indispensable to tiie Christian and to an unsanctitied minil. Here the arrangement is to convert men, to win souls to Christ, to re-establish interrupted har- mony between man's soul and God's sjiirit, to rekindle on the extinguished altar of the human heart a holy flame. Here, to effect this, appeals are to be made to every prin- ciple of man's nature that can be readied and touched. We aim, in accomplishing this, to cover as much ground as pos- sible ; to press into the service and cause of religion every- tliing that is accessible and serviceable. But there no such thing is needed. All is pure and simple service — the com- unniion of saints with each other and with the Father of spirits and His Son. Here we are conHned to place, laden with the griev:inces of a cumbersome body, obliged to sit around an instructor, dependent on oral communication, under necessity to call the soul off from a seductive world at stated times and appointed places, to break the continuity of impression, so wearing on the sj^irit, so destructive of all better tendencies. But there unimpeded motion — time and space, the natural antagonists of the soul — are removed and disappear forever ; unrestricted inter-communion, like the commingled radiance of star with star in a clear night, or like lamps in a hirge illuminated room — one vast congrega- tion, one mighty temple, one constant, universal, overshad- owing of the Divine presence ; and then one eternal Sabbath. On earth God in His wisdom and iutinite knowledge of what is best, has chosen and appointed a certaui method of setting forth His truth and making it signiticant and opera- tive ; and we may be sure He will not suffer us ever to set it aside. And although He can, in His sovereignty, com- municate grace tln-ough any channel, yet it is our folly to look for it except through such channels as He has been 24 DR. WILSON'S SEEMON. pleased to ordain. If ever the righteous suffer by a cessa- tion of these appointed instrumentalities, and if the want of the public assembly in temples of woi-ship would be an irre- parable loss, then what will become of the impenitent? Close the churches and silence the voice of the living minis- try in this land and on the earth, and what a death-shade would deepen and extend far aiid wide ! The printing-press, as has been said, might work with all the steam power of the universe and nuiltiply a thousand-fold copies of tlie Bible, and the distributing agents place them in every room in every house in the land, so that tliere should not be an individual unprovided with the bread of life, but what then ? Wliat, after all, have you done to save men from utter forgetfulness of eternity, utter neglect and contempt of their God and Savioui' ( Comparatively nothing ! The words of Holy Writ are that it is by " preaching that God is pleased to save them that believe." Private reading of the Scriptures can never take the place of the public preach- ing of the Word — nor secret meditation ever take tlie place of the Supper of tlie Lord. It is the preaching of the Word that makes the reading of the Word. " Bibles without preachers would be Bibles without readers." It is usually from something heard in the sanctuary that the man goes home and opens his neglected Bible and reads and tliinks and prays. It is from some text penetrating the conscience while sitting under the preaching of the Word that tlie hearer departs to open and peruse a volume, one sentence of wliich has such power to pierce the heart. So that not only God's clear and certain Word shows that preaching is the great appointed means of spreading truth, but fact and observa- tion corroborate tlie statement. Nothing can take the place of oral instruction by a standing order of men ofiiciating by Divine autliority and in houses set apart for the service of God; and though John saw no temple in heaven, the very fact shows that there must be temples and sanctuaries for worship on earth. DK. WILSON'S SERMON. 25 We meet tlieu in tlie temples of God's grace to seek and supplicate His favor. But what is that presence and power which we trust we have seen and felt in this sacred place and for the continuance of which we are met to-day to seek and pray ? God in His essential presence is everywhere throughout His illimitable creation, filling, sustaining and moving on all things in His wide domain. He cannot cease thus to be present unless He cease also to be. Tjiis is not then what we especially seek. There is another peculiar presence limited, perhaps, to the times of the old dispensation, like the appearance to Moses in Midian in the burning busJi, and the Shekinah also. This may be called the miraculous or extraordinary appearance of God. It seemed to impart holiness to the places where it was manifested. But there is another and third sense in which Jehovah is said to be present — that is, with every believing mind — signified in the promise, " Whei-e two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them " to cheer and encour- age and bless ; and wherever a pious soul is lifted up in faith and love to heaven, in the sanctuary, the closet, Ijy the wayside, on the mountain-top, or on the pathless deep, there God's presence and power may be enjoyed. This is that which to-day we earnestly desire and seek. We have no idea of any imparted sanctity in the edifice itself that shall give mysterious efficacy to the religious services conducted here. This is never our purpose nor expectation in assem- bling here ; but it is beconung to pray that He may meet His people here from time to time with tokens of His grace and love ; that His Word and ordinances, as here adminis- tered, may be attended with power from on high ; that no false doctrine may ever be taught here, no doubtful prac- tices ever be recommended ; that here true worshippers may assemble and continued victories be won over Satan and tiie world and sin. There is an admitted and most powerful principle of association in all minds' that prevenfs connecting with a 26 DR. WILSON'S SERMON. sacred place ideas and thonglits alien to its solemnity and to the reverence tliat should ever prevail here. The man that has no such feeling when he enters the sanctuaiy of God, but comes in thoughtlessl}', as he would to a place of amusement or of trathc, or as he would to hear a public lecture from the rostrum, is not only devoid of the senti- ments that should dwell in the bosom of a Christian, but also of those proper feelings that he should possess as a man. No noise, nor confusion, nor disorder should ever intrude here, nor should the voice of unhallowed mirth ever break the solemn stillness. Every association, every recollection should tend to tranquillize the mind and spiritualize it and raise it from earth to heaven ; the impression should be that when your feet tread these (!Ourts you are withdrawn from the world and its scenes, and have come to wait in the au. dience-chamber of the " King of kings." God's glory is set forth in nature's wonderful works and His praises ut- tered by her myriad \'oices. The dewy freshness of morn- ing, tlie declining glories of evening, the verdure of Spring, the changing hues of Autunm, the solemn grandeur of the starry worlds speak His praise and glory. But the woi-k He does in tlie temples of His grace far outshines any inferior manifestation of His character, and will last when tlie evanescent loveliness of Spring and the fragrance of its flowers has departed and the very heavens tliemselves are rolled together as a scroll of shrivelled parchment. Soul can never die. Its affections will expand and grow under tlie more genial influence of a nobler condition ; and then the fondest recollections and tenderest associations will be with those places and persons that aided in preparing us for that better state. Fields of human strife, where men court fame at the cannon's mouth, will find no remembrance there ; halls of forensic display, where the great ones of the earth debate and settle the destiny of nations ; palaces of wealth and royalty, where mirtli and song and wine turn life's hours into one unbroken scene of amusement and revelry ; the DR. WILSON'S SERMON. til marts of commerce, whei-e the Midas toucli turns everything into gold, and where fortunes are made and broken in an hour — these and such like will not be wortli a hearing amid higlier immortal interests. But it wiW be said of the taber- nacles of Zion (and we trust of this place, too,) " This or that man was born there." Long may tlie pure doctrines of the Gospel be here taught — long may streams of salvation here flow ; may no unhallowed tongue ever be here moved to pervert the Word of Life ! We, to-day, cleave anew to the doctrines of the Reforma- tion — those doctrines in the strength of which the martyrs triumphed in flames and passed in chariots of fire to glory — doctrines in the firm belief of which we confidently expect that this church shall be blessed in tlie future as in the past \vith revivals of religion by effusions of the Holy Spirit of God. Our motto is that immortal embodiment of Protest- antism and evangelical Christianity : 1. "The Word of God only— Tlie rule of our faith and practice." 2. " The grace of Jesus Clirist only — The ground of our hope." 3. " The work of the Spirit only — Tlie eflicient agency of our salvation." The principle of our doctrine and government is the widest charity to all. We rejoice to co-operate with all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and who aim to Iniild up His kingdom. We claim as Presbyterians no ex- clusive ground of labor, but we work with all others ; we can do most in our own way, and rejoice to let others do the same. We welcome all to the great field, the world, and are ambitious oidy to do the most good. We love our Churcli, because we love our countr}' and the church uni- versal on earth. We hold nine out of twelve essential doc- trines of faith in common with all other evangelical denom- inations. We differ from our Methodist bretliren in tliat we put God first and not second in the order of salvation of 28 DE. WILSON'S SEEMON. a human soul ; we differ from our Episcopal bretbi-en in that we hold that all ministers in Christ's Church are equal and do not believe in lords over God's heritage ; we differ from our Baptist brethren in that we can come into the Church as families (according to all God's covenants) and not as individuals only — of the mode of baj)tism we care nothing. We glory in the things in which we agree with other denominations, and are not ashamed in the things in which we differ. We here set up our Ebenezer. Thus far the Lord hatli helped us. By His favor we liave reached the present point, and l)y His grace onl}' we stand. If any should now ask wliat is meant by setting up an Ebenezer, the answer is plain. I would reply in passing: 1. It means a disposition to give God all the glory for every blessing that has come from His hand. 2. It is disowning our own wisdom and skill and man- agement, and giving God all the thanks, distinctly recog- nizing His hand, confessing our want of merit, and tracing through secondary causes all prosperity to Him who " doeth all things after the counsel of His own will." 3. It implies an open jirofession of the truth with a con- sistent example and attendance on the ordinances, diligence in the pious training of children and in the improvement of our several talents to the praise and glory of God. i. It implies a dedication of ourselves to His service, de- pendence on His grace, and a purpose and desire of walking with Him all the rest of our lives, until He calls us hence from toil to our crown in heaven. Brethren, let us remember time is short, and when another season like this past twenty-five years of history comes around again may those who then survive set up another Ebenezer to a long-suffering, most kind and most merciful God. I look forward from this point where we all now stand ; our stay here will be short ; ^dth these external things we shall be conversant only for a little while ; here some shall come and bring their burdens and lay them down at DK. WILSON'S SERMON. 29 tlie feet of Jesus ; here some of tlie present generation with wlioni our responsibility is interwoven sluill accept tlie long- rejected overtures of mercy and find the balm for a l>roken heart ; here the believer shall sit down at the Supper of the Lord and have his soul rapt away to the temple of which the Lamb is the light; iind here the Gospel shall be to some of you and your children the " savour of death unto death." I roll back the curtain of a few fleeting years and I see another congregation gathered in this place, all unknown to us, and whom we sliall never see, tilling up these seats — an entirely new generation floating down on the stream of time ; I hear another voice speaking from this sacred desk, pleading with dying men ; I see then and there, as now, some sinner, as yet unborn, with a lieart alienated from God, harder tlian the nether millstone, slumbering away tlie golden moments, and some devoted messenger of God weep- ing and ui'ging his lingering flight from tlie " city of destruc- tion " to " the city of God ;" I see multitudes here listening to the words of eternal life, and I see them from the bosom of eternit}' looking back on this holy place with liigher notes of praise or with a deeper tone of anguish ; and, oh ! I liear the voice of lamentation and woe at the memory of oppor- tunities lost, mercies slighted witliin these walls. But let us draw the veil and contemplate brighter scenes. I see these pews tilled with devout and pious woi-sliippers, souls hungering and tjiirsting for the bread of life — fathers and mothers, Imsljands and wives and their children here inquiring foi- Jesus, and He will meet them here and bless them. Young men I on you the mantle of a pious ancestry must fall wlien your fathers go up to dwell witii God. There is room kept for you around our altar and in our hearts. We want you to come with us. Oh ! there's room for you in the Saviour's mercy — room for you in lieaven. Come — help to bear the ark of God. Tlie world needs j-our activity and your strengtli. The Cliurch calls you, and God expects you. ' 30 DR. WILSON'S SERMON. I have said uothiug aliout the dead of this church in the last twenty -five years. I couhl not ; my heart is too full. They are our dead — part of the host who have " crossed the flood." The noble men and noble women whose hearts were in this church and whose hands were ever ready for service here to Christ — we miss them in the eldership, in the board of trustees, at the communion table, in the sanc- tuary, in the Sunday School, in the meetings for prayer, we never cease to mourn their loss. They tinished their woi'k and have departed from us for a season. Methinks their spirits hover over this assembly to-day and regard us with deepest interest and with tender love. They are among the " cloud of witnesses " that darken the canopy of the sky, and they are waiting to welcome us and call us to their lofty abode. Yes ! yes ! we come — we come ! The tones of their voices steal upon our ears in solemn, beautiful cadences, and animate us to higher eflbrt and holier self-consecration, and, God helping us, there is not one of us who does not seek salvation through the blood and righteousness of Jesus — not one who shall not share with you the throne and the diadem. TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS OF SOUTH PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Eend at the Anniversary on October 27th, 1878, by F. C. WiLLcox, Sec^y of Church Schools. The excellent and carefully prepared histoiical narrative of the church Sunday Schools, by Mr. F. C. Willcox, Secretary of the School, is here ei^en in full. The quarter-century report of the Mission Sctiool, prepared for a previous public occasion, by Mr. Thus. Darlington, was kindly put into the hands of the publishing committee. It is necessary in the historical connection, and is full of interest; it is also given in full There must unavoidably be an incidental going over of the same ground in two reports of the Sunday School work iu the same church— especially as the Church School was second in time, and had its origin in the Mission School. We liave met tliis afternoon to celebrate the twenty -fifth anniversary of the schools connected vdih this church, and we would extend a most hearty welcome to all present. Our whole force consists of a parish and mission school, each having an infant department attaclied thereto. Although the Mission Scliool is a little more than twenty- five years old, and our own regular anniversary does not strictly occur until December, still we both join with our fostering church on this joyful occasion, and gladly accept the invitation to add our history. The report, which it is now my pleasure to present, cover- ing as it does a quarter of a century, must necessarily be brief, and confined mainly to facts. And we earnestly trust that no heart will be grieved if, through inadvertence, some ■faithful and earnest worker sliould not be meiitioned ; for it is almost impossible in this sketch to pay a just tribute to all those faithful ones who have been among us. From the i-eport of Mr. Darlington, read at the Silver Wedding of tlie Mission School, from the memorv of some 32 EEPOKT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS. of our older teachers, and fi-oni the earlier records, we have been able to collate the following facts : About 1851 the Mission School was started in the old Chestnut Street Depot, under the superintendence of Mr. John P. Jackson, Sr. In 1853 the Parish School was started in the chapel, and the infant department also liad its origin under tlie very effi- cient management of Mrs. J. P. Wilson. In 1854 the Church School moved from the chapel to the present lecture-rooms. Here the school was very ably man- aged, with Mr. Ralph Pierson as superintendent, and Mrs. Eliza Armstrong, lady superintendent. The school was rapidly increased, and it was witli mucli pleasure that the teachers saw the gratifj'ing results. At this same period Mr. Asa Wliitehead taught a very inter- esting Bil)le class of young ladies. In 1856 Mr. Arcliibald Parkhurst was elected superin- tendent of the Mission School, and held that position till 1860. The same officers as in the pre\'ious year had charge of the church schools. During the next two years there was no change in the officers of either school, except that Miss Mary H. Gill, in 1857, took charge of our infant de- partment. It was in this same year that Mrs. Wilson organized a Bible class for young ladies, who met for an hour and a half previous to the morning service of each Sundiiy. During the eleven years in which it was faithfully taught by its founder, forty-three ladies received instruction, and when, in 1868, Mrs. Wilson, on account of indisposition, was obliged to give up the class, tliere was the most gratifying result that all of her scholars had become church members, except nine, who were communicants on entering the class. In the next year (1858) Mr. Ralph Pierson was reelected • superintendent, Mrs. Armstrong lady superintendent, Dr. WoodhuU secretary, and Mr. Hastings librarian and treas- urer. The whole number of scholars at this time was five hundred and seventeen, apportioned as follows : Mission KEPOKT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 33 Si'.liool, one luiudred and tit't\'-seven ; Cdnruli School, one luindred and seventy-fonr ; infant depiirtnient, one hundred and ten; Mrs. Wilson's Bible class, thirty-four; ano.eu most judicioush' expended mider the direct personal supervision of the society. Mention nuist be made of oui- weekly prayer meeting, wliich, M'itliout doubt, has Vieen our most efficient means of producing and keeping alive the interest of all in their work. Here have we taken sweet counsel together ; here have been strengthened the hands which hung down; here liave we found cause to praise Him who giveth songs in tlie night. THE BENEFIT ACCOMPLISHED. A few of our number have been transferred from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant, one of whom, E,ev. Nathan P. Campiield, here first received his cidl to the sacred office. The names of others are : Alfred E. Allen, A. E. Ballard, Jonathan Bailey, Crawford, Walter Harris, Lewis Harris, Simeon Pierson, Miss Eliza B. Brown, Miss Uruniiuoiid. At no time have we seen greater reason for encourage- ment in our labors than at the present, and we rest confi- dently in His promise who said, " He that goetli forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him'' — Ps. cxxvi. 6. In 1780, it is generally believed, Kobert Raikes com- menced the Sunday school. A hundred years have not yet passed, ami we learn from the statistics of tiie convention held at Atlanta that the Sunday school army in this country and Canada now numbers 6,843,997 scholars (privates), with 894,793 teacliers and officers. What a matter for congratulation to every true patriot, philanthropist, and Christian. Now that the Papal power and the Ottoman Empii'e are being broken, dotli it not appear that the stone cut out 42 TRIBUTE TO THE PASTOE. ■witliont hands shall become a great mountain and fill the whole earth? The following affectionate and tender trilmte to the pastor from the superintendent and officers and all the teachers of the Mission School, and signed by them individually in the original manuscript, was read by Mr. Darlington. It is too highly appreciated to be omitted in the permanent record of the transactions of this memorable occasion, as it will ever have its place permanently in the heart of its grateful re- cipient : Newark, N. J., Oct. 27, 1878. .Rev. Jas. P. Wilson, D. D. : The undersigned, ofiicers and teachers of the Mission Sunday School of the South Park Presliyterian Church, cannot permit this anniversary occasion to pass without giv- ing a formal expression of their feeling toward you as their pastor and friend. The twenty-five years which have elapsed since you commenced your pastorate, and this school started on its career of usefulness, have been memorable in the spiritual history of nearly all of us. Some of us have in this period, through your influence, been brought, as we believe, to a saving knowledge of Christ, and, as we hope, to an acti\T.ty not altogether fruitless in His service. Some of us have labored with you from the l:)eginuiug in the work of both Church and Sunda}' School. AU have enjoyed, tu-st or last, the benefit of your instructions and example. We wish now, standing amid the recollections of the years whose results are to-day gathered into sheaf, to testify om- sense of yom- fidelity, and our appreciation of the value of your work among us and around us. You have maintained the stand- ards of sound doctrine ; have taught and illustrated a genu- ine, practical piety ; have resisted all compromises with the spirit of worldliness; have faitlifully warned against the Im'es and temptations, especially, that lie in wait for the young. Twining our bit of rosemary about the " white stone " of this anniversary day, thankful for all the precious memories TKtBUTE TO THE PASTOR. 43 It commemorates, we pray, unitedly, that tlie years as tliey <£0 may bring to you prospei'ity, peace, and the sohice of that perfect trust whicli has its foundation in the promises of Him wlio never forsakes His own. Very sincerely yours, John Y. Foster. Isaac N. Doty, Jean. R. Wliite, Arch'd Parkliurst, Lizzie Parkliurst, Thomas Darlington, Mamie Pierson, Alex. T. Looker, Thomas Darlington, Jr., George W. Howell, Helen Wilson, Daniel Halsey, W. G. Wagoner, Oscar E. Day, M. B. Gardner, Samuel Clark, W. A. Thompson, E. Alex. Underwood, T. W. Disbrow, W. C. King, Mrs. V. N." Wright, J.Wm.Tuttle, Lavinia Morehouse, Lizzie M. Blake, Lizzie Baldwin, Huldah N. Clark, M. C. Underwood, L. A. Doty, Mrs. Wm. A. Thompson, Mary A. McDermit, Mary C. Johnson, M. Cornelia Brown, Maggie Baird, Mrs. Morehouse, Laura E. Foster. 44: TRIBUTE TO THE PASTOR. AN OFFERING FROM A SUNDAY-SCHOOL SCHOLAR OF THE SOUTH PARK CHURCH TO THE PASTOR. ON THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, ISTS. I. The silver circle closes to-day Of our quarter-centnry passed away ; We meet once more at this sacred hour To tbiink the Lord for the strength aud power That have led us un through years gone by. Those years that from memory never die. II. " Our days are as gi-ass," the Psalmist saith ; For what is our life?— 'tis Init a l)reath ! A few short days, aud tlie race is run. Like a story told, a sweet song sung ; The words lloat by, and the music seems Like far-off melody heard in dreams. III. Oh ! friends so loved, who have passed away Like moruing mists at the dawn ot day, Since, under the ehu trees' peaceful shade The corner-stone of this church was laid, Your ransomed spirits, fair and bright. Are watclnug us from the realms of light ! IV. The years of the past are dead aud gone ; The preneiU is ours — we journey on. The banner of Christ in hU right hand, Who thro' all these years has led our band ; Whose lo\'ing voice has proclaimed tlie ti'uth In the ears of age and wayward youth. V. Our hearts beat quick, aud our eyes gi"ow dim, As we think of all oiu- Ouide has been ; He has helped us bear our griefs and cares By kindly counsel, by eaniest prayers ; And Ills tender words sweet comfort brought To the aching chords of the moumer's heart. VI. Our youth is past — let us hasten on. Still looking east for the rosy dawn ; Still pressing on through the future years, "Till the Resurrection mom appears ; When from earth this church of ours shall rise To the Church Triumphant in the skies! EVENING SERVICES, SUNDAY, OCT. 27TH. TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INSTALLATION OF THE PASTOR. Ill the evening a great congregation assembled. Every seat in the spacious edifice was filled, and chairs were placed in the aisles to accoiiimudate the throng of worshippers. On the platform were seated Drs. Wilson, Stearns, Few-Smith and Brinsinade, and Rev. Dr. Wm. Aikman, who were the officiating clergymen at the installation of the present pastor, twenty-five years before. Tlie exercises commenced with the singing of the anthem, " How Lo\^ely are tlie Messengers," by the numerous clioir of the chnrcli, after wliicli prayer was offered b}' Rev. Dr. Taylor, of Clinton Avenue Reformed Church. Dr. Wilson tlien read a selection from tlie Scriptures, after whicli an original liymn, by Rev. Thos. Hempstead, was sung. It commenced : " Not Uie majestic hills aloue, Nor glittering worlds* are made Thy throne.'' These interesting services were followed by addresses from tlie clergymen above-named. These addresses were exceedingly eloquent, able and impressive. It is a matter of great and lasting regret to the committee that they are not able to give tlie very language of tlie sjieakers in full, as it was uttered on tiie spot. It was their intention so to do, and arrangements that were considered to'be adequate and final had been made witli an experienced short-hand writer to be present and take down tlie words as they fell from the lips of the distinguished speakers. But an entirely unforeseen and unexpected event at the last 46 DR. J. F. STEARNS' ADDRESS. moment, greatly to the disappointment of the committee, disconcerted their plans. The address of the Rev. Dr. Aikman, tliongli delivered- withont notes, was fortunately written out, and was kindly furnished to the committee for publication. This we are happy to give in full as it was delivered. The remarks of all the other speakers we are able only to present in a frag- mentary foi'm, as they could be gathered from the news- papers and from the recollection of tlie gentlemen themselves. But, after all, it is only a meagre outline, a mere skeleton of tlioughts and remarks tliat were very rich and suggestive, and tliat made a deep and evident impression on the minds and hearts of the crowded assembly. The committee regret that they can not give them to the public in a complete form. DR. J, F. STEARNS' ADDRESS, Rev. Dr. Stearns, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, made the first address of the evening. He said that for twenty-five years the pastor of the South Park Church and himself had labored side by side, and there had never been a jarring note in their intercourse. He spoke principally in regard to the early history of the church in which he was standing. When he first came to Newark, in the Autumn of 1849, there were here, of the Presbyterian denomination, three well-establisiied and partially endowed churches, viz., the First, Second and Third. A fourth (the Central Church) was self-support, ing, but liad only a very inadequate, house of worship. DR. J. F. STEARNS' ADDRESS. 47 Three otliers were just struggling into existence — one of them already organized, havdng a pastor-elect and a small house of worship, built partly Viy donations from the mem- bers of other congregations, but not yet dedicated ; another (now tlie Park Church) organized, and holding service in Libi-ary Hall ; and the third worshipping in a small frame building, but not organized as a church. There were, besides these, a churcii of the colored people, very weak and dependent, and a small nucleus of a German congregation, neither of them having a permanent house. All tlie pastors in active service, and on the ground, except one, were now men, strangers to their congregations and the community, and strangers, comparatively, to each other. Yet, the speaker said, he could bear witness that they, including himself, saw eye to eye, and acted hand in hand It was shortly after this that the proposal to attempt the founding of another new Presbyterian ('hnreli began to be considered. Some people thought that the condition of the feebler churches hardly justified the establislnnent of an- other. It seemed like a dangerous experiment, for the population of Newark then was less than 40,000. The at- tempt was made, however, to meet the prospective wants of the community, especially of the great population crowding and forcing its way into the limits of the city. The first step was tlie formation of the Newark City Mission Society. This churcii, he said, was in a measure the outcome of that society which had erected the Mulberry Street Chapel. That chapel, by agreement with the subscribers to the building fund, reverted to the South Park Church when it was established. The Doctor spoke of some of those who first took an active interest in the organization of the new church, and of the grief with which he parted from those who went from his church to establish this. In this con- nection he mentioned the names of John P. Jackson, Sam'l 48 DR. J. F. STEARNS' ADDEE8S. P. Smith, Aaron Carter, Jr., Asa Whitehead, Ira M. Har- rison, Captain Ezra Nye, and others, who had been members of his congregation. In all twenty-nine members left the First Churcli for the new one, and among them he conld not refrain from paying a tribute to the memory of Mrs. Eliza Armstrong, long since passed away, whom he spoke of as one of the nolilest women in the community. Dr. Stearns produced the original pencil draught of the form of organization, saying he little expected to be able to show it to such a congregation as this so many years after. He said twenty nine memljers went from his church, twenty- one from the Third Church, four from the Sixth Church, four fi'om the Central Churcli, and two from others. Tlie South Park Cliurch was organized on the 20th of March, 1853, and of tliose who took part in the services all but one, the late Dr. Eddy, were pi-esent at this twenty-fifth anniversary. Doctor Stearns spoke of his experience dui'ing the inter- vening years since he took part in that oi-ganization, and when liis remarks were ended many tearful eyes were no- ticed in the congregation. He spoke wdth evident emotion, tlie anniversary recalling many circumstances in his career as a minister in this city which Were naturally calculated to tduch the tenderer feelings of his audience. When the church whose twenty-fifth anniversary was being celelirated was born he was a pastor in this city, and ever since he has been identified with the religious movements connected witli its growth. Dr. Stearns" whole address was touching and highly in- structive, and will not be readily forgotten. DR. J. FEW-SMITH'S ADDRESS Rev. Dr. Few-Smith spoke eloquently of the liistory of the South Park Clnirch, and of the good feeling and pure motives with which it was started. Tlie speaker " well remembered tiie installation services, whicli took place in the First Presbyterian Church, and the trepidation with which he delivered the charge to the pastor, the learned Professor Wilson." After recalling other incidents, the Doctor referred to the long pastorates in Newark, which, lie said, reflected credit alike on pastors and people, and for which he gave the fol- lowing reasons : 1. These pastors Iiave faithfully preached the simple ti'uths of the Gospel of the grace of God ; and this has been tlie sum and substance of their pulpit services. 2. They have been remarkably free from the exciting and injurious sensationalism of the times on the one hand, and from an ultra-conservatism on the otlier. 3. They liave also been wide awake to passing events, to current discussion, and to the spirit of the age. Tliey have adapted their preaching to the necessities of their people, and have brought tlie great and ever-changing phases of re- ligious thought, public morals, and social life, to the test of the Word^of God. This has been true of other denominations also. (Here the Doctor paid a graceful tribute to Kev. Drs. Scott, Pol- hemus, Rowland, Cookman and Fish ; and also to Arch- bishop Bailej' and Father Moran of the Roman Catholic Church.) 50 DK. J. FEW-SMITH'S ADDKES8. 4. The pastors have been sustained in their labors by con- gregations who appreciate all this, and who are willing to work ; by excellent elders, deacons and trustees, and by a stable and church-going people. Dr. Few-Smith closed his admirable address (of which we are able to give so meagre a sketcli) by a glance into the future and a glowing picture of what this church would yet accomplish for the kingdom of Christ and the salvation of Bouls. REV. DR, BRINSMADE Spoke of the memories which the occasion revived, and thanked heaven that he had been permitted to be pres- ent, little as he anticipated that lie would be. He said he was "glad to be permitted to say a few words, and to speak of those persons who were either of the board of trustees or of the session, who have gone from among us and ' do rest from their labors.' I knew them, perhaps, as intimately as any one here to-day, and I am happy to pay a tribute to their memories, and also to give thanks to God for His goodness and grace so richly bestowed upon the church from that time until the present, and ask for the continuance of the same rich blessings." Tlie ten- der words and touching reiminisceuces of the aged and ven- erated speaker deeply affected many of the audience. He seemed to stand ready and waiting his departure, which indeed was much nearer than any at that moment antici- pated ; for in less than three months his spirit winged its everlasting flight, and lie had entered into rest. DR, WM, AIRMAN'S ADDRESS, My Brother and my Friends : ' I feel that when I bring to you my warm coiigratiilations to-night that I must also congratulate myself on having the privilege of being present on an occasion so rare and so delightful. When your letter of invitation, after some wandering in the mails, reached me a few days ago inviting me to be here, I read it with a glow of pleasure, both because such an event as this was at hand, and also that [ had been thought of in connection with it. Had there been nothing- else, my friends, the friendship of more than a quarter of a century which I have been permitted to have with your pastor would have In'ought me hei'e. As the years go on we find that among tlie many precious things which God's providence kindly permits us to liave, not the least sweet and blessed are our friendships. He who can clasp the hand of a friend and feel the electric touch of the old affec- tion, as it is softened and deepened with tiie lapse of years, is rich indeed. So it was that when I received your invitation to be here on so joyous a day, there was nothing for me but to come. "We stand and talk to-uigiit (if twenty-live years of pas- toral and church-work. Happy the pastor and blessed the people — and few such there are — who are nh\e to iiail such an anniversary as tliat wliich you celebi-ate ! I l)ring yon my warmest congratulations, and I join witli you in tlianks to the Great God who has measured tlie 3'ears so graciously to you both. Twenty-five years of pastoral and church life I We speak the words easily, but what a wealtli of meaning is in tliem ! Consider tliem in tlie view of the intellectual work 52 DR. WM. AIRMAN'S ADDRESS. whicli they have witnessed. Whatever some other men may think of tlie work of a preacher and a pastor, I know well that your minister has never looked upon his work as an easy or a simple one. These years have been to him years of work — I will use the stronger word — they have been years of toil. To have been for twenty-five years abreast of this age, amid all the discoveries and advances of science, amid all the overflowing abundance of books, in a time when the literature of every subject is on the table and in the hands of every hearer — to be able in such a time to lead the thought of a congregation such as has gathered within these walls — all ! my friends, that has not been achieved easily or carelessly. It has been paid for by toil. Your minister has .gone up to great outlooks and seen vast prospects witli mountain ranges and cloud-covered domes, forests and smiling fields, with glimpses into unfathomable skies ; he has come back and told you of it all ; but that lias cost labor of climbing, it has meant steps often weary with the journey. He has brought trophies and spoils to you, but they have been from hard-won battlefields, where difliculties and doubts have been met and vanquished ; you have enjoyed the spoils, but you have not seen the sweat of the conflict. He has rolled treasures at your feet, but it lias been because he has gone down into deep mines and toiled sometimes in darkness for them. He lias spread feasts before you, but only because he has sown and reaped with Spring and Summer toil. So the years in their rich fruitage have come to you, but all the while they have had work for him, and who can measure their priceless value for that { And how much these twenty-five years mean when you remember what they have done for you in the domain of thought and spiritual experience ! What new vistas they have opened before you, what new insight into God's word, what new views of Christ and His salvation ; what new DK. WM. AIKMAN'S ADDRESS. 53 hopes have they awakened, what fears have tliey quelled, what fountains of love and joy have they opened ! Some of their influence you have seen and understood, and have been grateful for ; but probably their lai'gest and best power have never been l^y you appreciated or even known ; it has touched you so gently and noiselessly, it has been so con- tiinious and regular that you have not perhaps recognized it. But it has been none tlie less powerful for that. Twenty- five years of influence from a thoughtful ministry (aside from its spiritual forces) upon individual minds and hearts and upon familv life as it touches them not only in supreme moments, but in the walk of ordinary days, may well chal- lenge our profoundest consideration. These twenty-five years, too, have an intense meaning when you remember that they have been for you twenty- five years of love and sympathy. During them all you have been the object of his perpetual solicitude and care. You have been carried in the heart of this pastor. Few, I am persuaded, understand what tliis is. Here is a part of a minister's work tliat many people never think of. • You will recall a scene related by more than one of the Evangel- ists, where, at the close of a day of labor, as the sun went down, they brought the devil-possessed, the sick and the sorrowing, the accumulated suffering of a whole city, and laid it upon Clu'ist the Saviour. I think it was an eye-wit- ness that narrated it. He saw the look of mingled pain and weariness that came over tlie face of Jesus, and the old words of the prophet suggested themselves : " Himself took our infirmities and bare our sicknesses." A true pastor un- derstands this. It is his work to sympathize with his peo- ple, to take upon him their griefs, and to have his heart wrung with their sorrows. This tells upon a man. Many a time he comes home, all weary an