Rev. T. S. Wynkoop, pastor of the Western Presbyterian Church, preached an appropriate G. A. R. sermon at the 11 o'clock service yesterday. His text was a part of verse 33 of the twelfth chapter, First Chronicles: "Fifty thousand which could keep rank; they were not of double heart."
    "A great gathering of soldiers is here," said Mr. Wynkoop. "They have come from all parts of the country. They haven't come to fight. These men have been here before. They were here thirty years ago on an entirely different mission. This city has never given such a hearty welcome to any other body who may have been its guests. She is glad to welcome the veterans.
    "Providence long ago indicated that the United States should be a free nation. The question which was decided by the late war was whether the United States should be two nations or a great confederacy of States. This great question, I trust, was settled for all time thirty years ago, when these same veterans came with stern resolves. The war was one of the greatest blessings that this people ever had. How glad and how thankful should we feel to-day that these men who fought our battles for the preservation of this glorious Union are with us.
    "There are certain lessons illustrated by that struggle which I trust are remembered. First came the Christian's duty of patriotism, and nowhere is this considered more a duty than in the Anglo-Saxon race. This should be not less now than in former days; it should be our ruling spirit to love and cherish that flag that is the emblem of this great nation. God grant that this love of country's good shall pervade all those who embrace our citizenship. We see in many cases the settlement of foreigners by themselves perpetuating the German, French and all other languages and customs. There are more persons than ever before in this country in whom we should look to inculcate a true spirit of patriotism.
    "Another great lesson brought out by the war was the spirit of self-sacrifice. It was not on pleasure intent that these veterans came to protect our country. They came with a solemnity and a stern purpose to suffer and die if necessary for the flag which to-day is the emblem of their patriotism. The suffering and trials of the war are over. Men have been left with broken limbs and bended forms. Hardly one of these men but had a mother or sister at home. Many a one had wife and children. Think of the tears and prayers offered up by the loved ones at home. I trust that you will look upon that procession on Tuesday of these veterans with a feeling of true American patriotism. Then there is a spirit of discipline which means that each man has his place and knows where it is. There is a great desire and effort in life to get into some one else's place, but to those who have kept in the ranks, they know what discipline is. It means that every man stands by his fellows and that his fellows will stand by him. The raging of battle reminds that some are in authority over others. The recognition and obedience to authority means the success of the battle.
    "The war is over, and the veterans, God bless them, were young soldiers thirty years ago as they marched up the Avenue with a steady step, standing shoulder to shoulder, with their bronzed faces plainly saying that they were glad it was over. They will again march on Tuesday next over the same ground that probably some of them have not trod since. They are here now as our guests and friends; let us give them a royal welcome."
    In his opening prayer, Dr. Wynkoop referred to Mrs. Harrison's illness and prayed that God would comfort and bless the household of the afflicted chief magistrate.
    A series of chaplains' camp fires will be held in the church every morning at 8 o'clock, beginning to-day, with the exception of Tuesday morning.

Source:

Unknown, "Entitled To A Warm Welcome," Washington Post, Washington, D.C., Monday, 19 September, 1892, p. 2.