Sermons Preached by Tennessee Circuit Rider Rev. Edwin R. Shapard from 1866 - 1871

Sermons preached by Rev. Edwin R. Shapard in Tennessee from 1866 - 1871

A.     Perfection (#8)

(Hymns: L 526, C 533)

December 23, 1866 this sermon given at night in Springfield, Tennessee

Heb. 6:1, “Let me go on to perfection.”

This doctrine is hard to understand ... I invite your minds to candid consideration of it. Divest yourself of all prejudice and determine to adopt it as a doctrine if you are convinced that it is according to scripture. It is certainly a desirable state, and if we can attain unto it, it is our duty to make the effort. You endeavor to perfect everything which you undertake in the world; mechanism, law, merchandise, farming. Why not in Christianity? Do not ask the question, “Who is perfect?” and try to excuse yourself in that way. There are more persons perfect than you have any idea of. It would be impolite to announce it to the world. For it would be an invitation for the darts of the sinners and lukewarm Christians.

                God has commanded us to be perfect. He does not command us to do anything which is impossible. A father commanding his child. The commands – To Abraham, “Walk before me and be thou perfect” (Gen. 17:8). Christ to the multitude, “Be ye perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 4:48). Paul to the Corinthians, “Be perfect be of one mind” (2 Cor. 13:11). To the Hebrews, “Let us go on to perfection” (Heb. 6:1). Here are the commands which we cannot turn to suit our notion, hence we must find out what this perfection is.

                Perfection is a higher state of grace than justification, for the persons commanded to be perfect were justified. In the text, Abraham, the Corinthians, if perfection had been no higher state those persons would have been commanded to hold fast the profession which they had made.

                It is attained before the hour of death. Nothing unholy can enter heaven, we must be holy. The commands of God are to the living and not to the dying. Examples of living men are given as evidence. Noah was a just man and perfect in his generation, and Noah walked with God (Gen 6:9). There was a man in the land of us, whose name was Job, and that man was perfect and upright (Job 1:1). What one man has attained unto others can. What has been done, the like can be done again under similar circumstances. We have the Christian dispensation to work under, which is more propitious than the patriarchal under which they worked. Examples in the New Testament, “Herein is our love made perfect” (1 John 4-17). Love is the essence of Christianity… He who possesses perfect love is a perfect Christian. The reason why we have no more examples of perfection in the New Testament is the Christian commended not themselves.

                The time to attain unto perfection being thus settled, we examine its nature. You say there are no degrees in perfection. I acknowledge it, illustrated by the perfect parts of the human body. If I build up a structure of perfect parts, certainly the structure is perfect. There may be parts which do not belong to the structure which are imperfect, as a perfect scholar, a perfect mathematician. So you cannot require me to be perfect in those parts which do not belong to Christianity. We will take the parts of a Christian character. “Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind (Matt. 22:37, Deut. 6:5, 10:12). What is wanting, every affection is engaged to its utmost limit. Fear and obedience, “Fear the Lord and serve him with your whole heart” (1 Sam. 12:24). “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:23). Praise, “I will praise the Lord with my whole heart” (Psalms 111:1, 138:1). Here are four of the principal ingredients of Christianity, every one perfect. All servile fear is cast out, all hatred, every evil affection. This is Christian perfection. Can you adopt it as a doctrine, believe in it and practice it?

                Perfection is not absolute. Our perfection has limitation, as does that of angels. God alone is absolutely perfect. We cannot be freed from error, mistakes and ten thousand other imperfections we are liable to. These do not affect the purity of intention, or the heart. My physical system is not rendered imperfect by my stumbling. Locomotion does not belong to the frame, nor does liability to err belong to Christianity. Perfection does not make us infallible.

                The consequences of perfection. “The blood of Christ cleanseth us from all sin,” (1 John 1:7) and from all uprighteousness. As there is no sin there is no guilt. Salvation from fear, “There is no fear in love for perfect love casteth out fear,” (1 John 4:18). From wrath,” for we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Rom 5:9. “Having these promises let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1).

                Directions for attaining perfection, Christ to the young rich man. “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me” (Matt. 19:21). Or in other words, Keep the command. “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). “If any offend not in word the same is a perfect man” (James 3:2).

B.    Heavenly Rest (#9)

December?, 1866

Hebrews 4:9, “There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God.”

                How pleasant it is after the fatigue of a hard day’s labor, to enjoy the rest of evening. The machinery of the system is worn down. The head and the heart have lost their activity and the whole man sinks into a wearied seriousness; then by the magic of rest the frame revives the mind assumes natural vigor and the heart its accustomed tenderness. It cannot be appreciated by the person who is not accustomed to labor, but the sturdy farmer, the active mechanic, the delving student realize fully the meaning of the word rest. The inspired writers have chosen this word to express the heavenly home. All understand it. The cottager amid the mountains, the worn down slave, the student, etc. all know it.

                What is rest? It is not the opposite of labor, but of wearisome labor. Some labor may be rest from other labor, as travel on foot after a horseback ride. Again, the mind is never inactive. Awake or asleep it is at work. Only by a change of subject of contemplation can it find rest. It may be that if the mind was separated from the body it would never tire. This life is a life of labor, toil and fatigue, no place to rest.

                We contend against the wicked, from hell and from earth, their assistants are the passions, natural affections and the carnal man. The elements are the allies. Our neighbors use their influence. The wicked assume different forms.

                A tempter, it steals upon us unaware. It has appeared to Judas, Ananias, Sapphira, Solomon, David, the Angels in heaven. A Persecutor, While the tempter leads the persecutor drive, formally the Christian’s death was the martyr’s triumph. The persecutor now appears in a different way. The sinner calls us long-faced hypocrites. The lukewarm Christians would laugh at our pretension to perfection. Our pretensed friends divide us. Our open enemies afflict us patronage is withdrawn, and beggary and want is the conscientious Christian’s lot. There is no furlough granted, no discharge but death. But beyond we can adopt the language of Job, “There the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.”

                Ours is also an aggressive warfare. The Christian is to save the world. He breasts the hatred, anger, and malaise of the devil. He helps the child of God and rescues him from the mad storm. The missionary – Your hear yearns for the salvation of souls. You go forth “save a soul from a death,” and ”cease at once to labor and to live.” We contend against doubt, bodily affliction and false doctrine.

                Canaan is a type of the heavenly rest. The pilgrimage is the life, the land of Cannon is the rest. “Come unto me all ye that are weary and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). The Sabbath is a type of heavenly rest. A day for the worship of God, and diverting our minds from earthly pursuits. There will be rest for the pilgrim, for the Christian, for the body and mind. Rest from labor, from trouble, doubt, sorrow, and providing. Rest in feasting mind and body. An eternal rest.

C.    The Abounding of Grace (#52)

(Hymns: L 460, 7s 185, C 563)

August 4, 1867 this sermon given at 11:00 a.m. at Springfield

March 15, 1868 this sermon given at 11:00 a.m. at Manchester

August 22, 1869 this sermon given at night at Hobson’s Chapel

June 3, 1870 this sermon given at night at Bell Buckle

Rom 5:20-21, “But where sin abounded grace did much more abound; that as sin hath reigned unto death, even as might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord.”

                The ways of providence are mysterious. “Great is the mystery of Godliness.” Yet there are some things which seemed inexplicable we can understand by careful and prayerful study. One great stumbling block, “Why did God permit Adam to fall.” Without giving any reason, we assert that grace abounds where the effects of the fall are. We will examine the nature and extent of sin and its consequences, then the nature, extent and consequences of the grace of God.

                To sin we may attribute all the evil in the world. All pain, affliction, etc. proceed from sin. Some say that there is as much pain as pleasure in the world. We deny the assertion, for if all the pleasure was removed, earth would be a hell. Where is sin committed? Where does it exist in action? Everywhere, in every person and place, in some more than others. In our country less than in heathendom. Profanity, Sabbath-breaking, (hurting) children, midnight revels, the sinks of crime in our cities. Among heathen there is murder and robbery, not only among all people but in every relation of life – domestic, social and political.

                This sin in principle, abounds in the heart. The seat of good and evil. We all possess an evil heart, hatred, malice, envy and every other evil springs from it. Bitterness, strife and evil deeds. “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” Jer. 17:9. Instead of love, joy and peace reigning, all the malevolent affections are natural to man, and it requires an effort to restrain. Instead of loving heavenly things he loves that which perishes.

                Sin abounds in the mind. It no longer communes with God. We often mistake the evil for the good. It causes the difference of opinions in churches. Ignorance with all its attendant evils as the result of sin.

                Sin reigns in death. Death is caused by sin, and the attendants of death, such as sickness, sorrow, pain and disease. That furrowed cheek, wrinkled brow, etc. Sin reigns by causing us to dread the future.

                God gives grace, and “where sin abounds grace does much more abound.” Grace meets every necessity in human nature. Though sin may not be destroyed, the evil consequences will to a great extent be removed. 1st, Grace restrains the actions of men. By grace we are prevented from being cannibals, offering human sacrifices. The grace of God introduces peace, prosperity, and safety among the civilized. It enlightens the mind, elevates the affections, and in every way makes man better. 2nd, This same grace acts upon the heart. It does not crush out the sin but it predominates, it changes the object of the affections. I had rather be among furious lions than among men destitute of the grace of God. The benevolent disposition predominates and we “weep with them that weep and mourn with them that mourn.” We help each other and charity rules, our affections are upon heavenly treasures. 3^rd, By grace the mind is cleared. Ignorance, superstition and infidelity are banished. It admits the light of heaven and dispels darkness and gloom. Look at the countries who have taken away the Bible. Dogmatism and every other evil. Grace causes Christians to bear with each other. 4^th, Bodily death is not overcome by grace but its sting is removed and death is a sleep. The attendants of death are mitigated, old age is rendered pleasant. 5^th, We have no dread of the future.

D.    The Works of Men Perish but Those of God Shall Endure (#60)

(Hymns: L 770, S 576, C 771)

November 24, 1867 this sermon given at night at Manchester

March 8, 1868 this sermon given at 11 o’clock at Springfield

June 6, 1869 this sermon given at night at Hobson’s Chapel

1 Peter 1:24-25, “For all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass, the grass withereth and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever, and this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

                Everything human is temporary. Human life a dream, our time a streak. In the text we have a forcible expression. To understand this we must first know what is meant by “all flesh.” Every thing which is entirely human in its conception, primarily human life. View its swiftness and uncertainty. The context shows that immaterial things are referred to. Human philosophy, government and human works. What is human philosophy? All has passed away – why? 1st, It claims no authority and hence does not demand consideration. 2^nd, Every thing human is imperfect and must change. The brightest lights have perished with their grand conceptions. In some things man has advanced one invention giving way for another. Mechanical philosophy.

Human government shows the same decay. Flattering themselves that they are established upon the eternal principles of justice, but as certain as they live they must die; Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Macedonia, Carthage, Rome, Barbarous nations of the north. Nor can we expect the present nations to remain. Strength, genius and talent have proved of no avail. The benevolent institutions of man also fail (masonry alone excepted).

The world also asks, why are human enterprises so futile? 1^st, His conceptions are imperfect and his plans must adapt themselves to the impure state of man. 2^nd, His plans can claim no more authority that human wisdom has. 3^rd, God reserves to his church the execution of these plans. What an awful responsibility rests upon the church. With human enterprises man has glory for a while, but his glory is as the flower of grass, passes away before his work.

“But the word for the Lord endureth forever.” By the “word of the Lord” we understand the doctrines and the practical workings of those doctrines as found in the gospel. Why should they endure forever? 1^st, They are perfect in conception, nothing could be added or taken from them. There has been no improvement in theology. It has no seeds of decay in it. 2^nd, They have the accompanying influence of the author. This Spirit enforces the truth, delivered from the pulpit, read in the Bible, etc. 4^th, The word of God claims authority, and we believe it because God said it. This is arbitrary, absolute authority. 5^th, That system which gains hold of the minds of the masses will last. Mohammedanism, Paganism. The practical demonstration which we have that Christianity has stood the strongest tests gives us assurance that it will still triumph. Jews, Roman emperors, persecutions and inquisitions. Infidelity with its shrewdness used as alloys, reason, geology etc.  All these have purged the alloy and shown the pure gold. This same word is that law by which we shall be judged in heaven.

E.     Intermediate Place (#69)

(Hymns: C 688, S 685)

January 5, 1868 this sermon given at 11 o’clock at Manchester

September 12, 1869 this sermon given at 11 o’clock at Hobson’s Chapel

February 6, 1870 this sermon given at 11 o’clock at Bellbuckle

January 18, 1871 this sermon given at 11 o’clock at Pleasant Hill

Luke 23:43 “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” As we must so soon die, we are interested in the study of where we are to go, the nature, subjects and preparation for that existence.

                Minds of men are bewildered about the habitation between death and the resurrection. The question is what becomes of man immediately after death? The body is laid in the grave, but this is not the man. This was only a medium for the soul, during temporary habitation. The spirit can dispense with it, and exist and live without it. Death is a separation of the two. The body goes to the grave. Where does the spirit go? Analogy teaches that it does not die! Heathens have gained the idea of a future existence, Transmigration. Revelation gives the only true idea of this future home. Then, 1^st We will direct your attention to Scripture evidence. 2^nd Draw conclusion, and 3^rd see what is the occupation of spirits.

                Hebrew Sheol, Greek Hades, translated indiscrimenently Hell or Grave. It literally means a place of departed spirits. Christ descended into Hades. Dives lifted up his eyes in Hades. These two could not be together in finale. We must understand what Hades is. Christ descended into it, while at the same time he was with the converted thief in paradise. Then paradise is a part of Hades. Dives was in Tartarus.  Then Hades is divided into  two apartments. Lazarus was in one and Dives in the other. They are in sight, which is evidence that it is not final. Although in sight, an impassable gulf lies between.

                We have other evidence. Christ had been with the converted thief in paradise, but when he rises, he says that he has not ascended to his father. Afterwards in the presence of his disciples he ascends to his Father.

                Samuel and Saul. We would ask, “Why is the judgment set for a particular day?” Then all the hosts shall be judged. Is this only formal. “Depart from ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” We infer from this that they had not entered that existence, and that even the devil and fallen angels have not entered. “And the angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” Jude 6

                These must have existed somewhere. Some say they were in Tarpon. This is inconsistent with the image of God. Contrary to reason for the spirit exists independent of the body. This idea is beneath the heathen idea. Inconsistent with scripture. Dives and Lazarus, some say that this is a parable, but this illustrates a truth and it was during the lifetime of his brothers, before their probation was ended. God is not the God of the dead but the living, and he is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

                We cannot believe that Christ was in Tarpon for three days, but he and the thief were in  happiness. 

                The flight of time is as the succession of ideas, hence, a thousand years will be nothing. Why does Paul desire to be absent from the body to be present with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:6-8, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” It is not a state of purgatory or probation, but destiny is sealed at death, “for there is no work, no device, nor wisdom, nor knowledge, in the grave whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:1. Then prepare today, for tomorrow you may be in Hades.

                Conclusion – There is some place not far from the earth where the spirits await the resurrection. There are patriarchs, prophets, priests, kings and Christians. There you will remain. If righteous they are in paradise, if wicked in Tartarus. Then will all men, fallen angels and probationers from other spheres appear. 

F.     Tyre, Sidon and Sodom (#78)

(Hymns: C 419, L 830)

February 23, 1868 this sermon given at night at Manchester

August 13, 1869 this sermon given at night at Hobson’s Chapel

Matt. 11:24, “But I say unto you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee.”

                Tyre destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. Sidon gradually decayed. Sodom under Dead Sea. Several useful lessons to be learned from this record. In studying the bible we should first be impressed with the idea that God does right and we should attribute our ideas otherwise to our ignorance or weakness.

(1) All men are judged according to equity, and all places and nations are thus judged, and punished or rewarded. All have the grace that bringeth salvation. All have light enough to be saved if they use that light. (2) Some places are more highly favored than others. Thus with C, B, and Cap above T, S and Sod. The former enjoyed the teachings of Christ, while the latter were in darkness. Yet these cities were destroyed on account of their wickedness. (Vindicate the justice of God) 1^st, Every place which is condemned has enough light to render its sin inexcusable. 2^nd, God has never destroyed places for the want of information but because they did not improve what they had. Where little is given, little is required, where much is given much is required. (3) God destroys places which would have repented if they had had privilege equal to others. 1^st, Temporal destruction does not imply eternal destruction. The infants of Sodom. 2^nd, As adults were inexcusable, he exhibits equity in destroying them. They cannot claim the extraordinary privileges, for God has promised these to none, only of his mercy does he give. Their destruction is in the grand development of his plan. 3^rd, He does not consign to eternal damnation until he has given ample opportunity to repent, for “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” 4^th, God preserves places because of the righteous who may be in them. Sodom and Gomorrah, C, B and Cap. (4) God is more merciful to some than to others. His special blessings. To Jews, not on account of merit but mercy. It is for some grand design, the salvation of multitudes. He gives talents to further his kingdom. We should be grateful for the extraordinary blessings which God has given us. (5) Parable of the workman. The eleventh hour man receives of God’s mercy. The first receives of his justice. (6) There are degrees in heaven and in hell. The fate of Sodom will be more tolerable than Capernaum. What will be the depth to which persons of this day will sink? 

G.    Measure of Righteousness (#83)

(Hymns: L 460, C 456)

April 5, 1868 this sermon given at 11 o’clock at Manchester

March 7, 1869 this sermon given at night at Hobson’s Chapel

Matt. 5:20, “For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

                In the word of God we are not left with commands and precepts only, but with illustrations. The scribes were copyists of the Scriptures. Printing, not having invented every thing, was manuscript. They thus gained a considerable knowledge of the scripture, were (consulted) for their wisdom. The Pharisees were a sect of the Jews. Righteousness embraces both principle and the active observance of the requirements of that principle. The S and P possessed some of the characteristics of righteousness.

                1^st, A devotion to the church, and to the division to which they belonged. It is a commendation to a man to say that he is devoted to his branch of the church. The difficulty is to avoid bigotry. The claim to infallibility and dogmatism. The tenacity with which we cling to our own church is an evidence of our belief in its doctrine. The earnestness with which we pursue others is an evidence of the want of moral honesty and sincerity. You are to exceed these Pharisees I that you possess charity, forbearance and a willingness to help the erring. Their devotion to sect was superior to devotion to catholic church, and they would therefore pervert the teachings of the scriptures to suit their sect. “The words of the scribes are lovely above the words of the law; for the words of the law are weighty and light; but the words of the scribes are all weighty.” They introduced as religious exercises washing before eating, fasting twice a week, paying of tithes… They exhibited devotion to sect by making proselytes to sect, disregarding  the moral influence upon person. They exhibited their bigotry by having nothing to do with others. Their sin was not devotion but was the principles which actuated them in this devotion. They were hypocrites. They loved themselves and hated others. It is characteristic of perfect righteousness to love every one.

                2^nd, Another (part) in their righteousness was a devotion to forms and ceremonies. The church has always had its forms. The Pharisees were tenacious in the observance of forms, as observing Sabbaths, eating meats, prayers, fasting, public exercises. They neglected the spiritual impact. Worship without from is a confused mass of sparkling jewels with no practical value. System, action and form will bring the whole into full power. Form only is a skeleton without substance, a sketch without painting. We are to exceed the S and P by having spirituality in our worship. Look at Christ’s teachings on retaliation, adultery, filial piety. The Sand P taught that form was superior to moral. The power of godliness should enter our affections, feelings and thoughts, and permeate our whole nature.

                3^rd, A desire and effort to learn the Scriptures. The law, law was ever before them, and they were scrupulous in numbering verses, letters, etc. They preserved a knowledge of them by others reading them. Shame on us who have the printed copies always before us, many regard searching the S as the last Christian duty. The Pharisees search the scriptures to establish their own sect and considered tradition superior to law. We are to exceed them in receiving it as superior to tradition, reason, history and everything else. The ipsedixist of God should be above every thing else. Upon what a slender thread hangs the moralist and formalist. Christian, awake from your lethargy your righteousness is to be great. 

H.    Divinity of Christ (#86)

(Hymns: L 101, C 157, L 92, C 102, C 71, L 650, C 295)

April 19, 1868 this sermon given at 11 o’clock at Manchester

August 15, 1869 this sermon given at 11 o’clock at Hobson’s Chapel

October 4, 1869 this sermon given at night at Shelbyville, C.P. Church

December 25, 1870 this sermon given at 3 o’clock at Ebenezer

Matt. 1:23, “ And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Around Christ hang the attractions of the Bible, upon him centre prophecies, types and sacrifices. In him is a God, and by his is salvation. We cannot devote too much time to the study of him. He is called Christ, anointed, set apart for the salvation of the world. His very name signifies previous existence. If he had none how ere those before the Christian saved. In accomplishing this salvation he has often appeared on earth. To Abraham and Sarah, to Moses, to Elijah with Hebrew children, etc. His last appearance was in a bodily form, etc. With this divinity in man we speak. We approach with reverence. We judge his divinity by titles, attributes and actions. 1^st, By titles – Lord, same as Jehovah of O.T. “Prepare ye the way of the Lord” Matt. 3:3. Jehovah is the incommunicable name of the Hebrews. It means eternal God. 2^nd, God – Names god given to men and imaginary creatures. In the title are all the excellences and glories of the limitless powers. No two  beings can possess limitless powers. He who is called God is the only God. He is “Emmanuel” “God with us” Matt. 1:23. “And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord” Luke 1:16 “The word was God” John 1:1. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glories appearing of the great God and our savior Jesus Christ” Titus 2:13. “Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever” Rom 9:5. 3^rd, He is son of God. Not after flesh. The charge against his was he claimed to be the son of God, thereby making himself equal to God. The Father acknowledged him hi son at his baptism. He is called, King of Israel, Word, Lord of Glory, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Words and adjectives are piled mountain high.

Attributes. 1^st, Eternity. There is nothing from eternity but God. Christ is from eternity. “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever” Heb. 13:8. “In the beginning thou hast  laid the foundation of the earth… thou art the same and thy years shall never fail” Heb. 1:10-12. “I am the first and the last” Rev. 1:17.

2^nd, Omnipresence. “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” Matt. 18:20. “Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world” Matt. 28:20.

3^rd, Omniscience. He knew men’s thoughts, which men, devils and angels do not know.

4^th, He is self-existent, has life in himself. Resurrection. “All things which the Father hath are mine” John 16:15. He is thus co-possessor with the Father in all the glories, possessions and involvements of heaven and earth.

Works, Creation, Doctrine not proved by number of, but explicit texts. “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made” John 1:3. God “hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” Heb. 1:2. He gives forever to others, Luke 10:19. He calms the tempest, he casts out devils, he cures diseases, he raises the dead. He is worshiped, “Lord Jesus receive my spirit,” says Stephen. Benediction. He claims authority, “I say unto you.” What advantage is this knowledge. Give us exalted conception of Christ, and we are released from the groveling idea that a man has saved us. 1^st, We see a God, man, divinity breathes, communication is affected. Earth is not a blank, law exists, and God is known. 2^nd, By the presence of the divinity, the man is rendered an acceptable sacrifice. We also see an exhibition of the love of God. Not man for man, but God for man. Stooping, condescending, humbling and emptying himself into a man; Then rising with the energy of divinity, bursting the gates of death, and ascending in a halo of glory, bearing the sins of man upon himself. Thus by divine and human nature together, he holds heaven and earth together.

I.      (No Title, 1Cor. 1:21)(#90)

(Hymns: C 476, L770)

May 31, 1868 this sermon given 11 o’clock at Manchester

November 1, 1868 this sermon given at night at Hobson’s Chapel

1Cor. 1:21 “For after that in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to some then that believe.”

                “The world by wisdom knew not God,” we direct attention.  At the present day, in the light of this century we cannot fully tell how much we are dependent upon the direct revelation from God.

                The beginning of our wisdom is the idea of the existence of a God. Creator and preserver. This world would be a blank without this idea.

                Governments are sustained, and laws are enforced by it. Without it, as there would be no government, no safety, no social communion, no elevated conceptions of God’s works, no language. Man did not arrive at the existence of God by reasoning. Reason only combines ideas, previously existing. What would unite to make of one element in the idea of God? You say that “the heavens declare the glory of God.” It declares the glory after the idea exists. You learn this from revelation. Another says the idea is innate, it falls upon you to prove it. Your only argument is that all humans have had an idea of his existence. They gained it through tradition and the farther we go from Jerusalem the more corrupt. If the idea was innate, then all men would have the same idea.

                Process of reasoning. Chance is about what it will come to. Too absurd. Many in this day believe in chance. Even with the bible before me I am afraid to tax my mind with infinity, eternity, etc.

                No suggestions of an eternal, self-existent being would spring up in the heathen’s mind, he derives it from God’s word as soon as suggested we accept it. The Bible never attempts to prove the existence of God. It asserts it, and the first sentence he is introduced into our presence without notice. The assertion is as a demonstration. You may forget the proof, but the conclusion is always plain.

                Left alone, man is paralyzed helpless. He breathes and lives and dies. Inspiration(moves) him, and at one touch he is transformed. Suppose that the Bible stopped with the idea of existence and then some exhibition of his glory. We would view his natural attributes, which would awaken terror, etc. but in his word, his chief grandeur we would not see him.  Providence does not explain his love.

                Rewards and punishments are indiscriminately mingled. We are dependent upon the Bible for the idea of triune God. By it we confute polytheism, etc.

                The origin of every correct idea of God is from scripture. To know a ruler, study his laws.

J.     Talents Without Religion (#92)

(Hymns: C 619, L 617)

June 7, 1868 this sermon given at night at Manchester

1 Cor. 13:1, “Though I speak with the tongues of man and of angels, and have not  charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

                At first view this seems paradoxical. Angels tongues without charity. There are evil and good angels. Man may possess very exalted powers and be destitute of religion. By speaking with tongues of men and angels is to possess exalted powers of eloquence. Man’s eloquence, whether natural or acquired, it may be improved. The orator rules the multitude, their reasoning and affection. Sources of eloquence are articulation, gesture, rhetoric, logic, pronunciation. The orator is the natural leader of men and is out of his element when he is subordinate.

Some difficulty about the meaning of tongues of angels. We are not to be diverted from the main idea, eloquence. Angels are eloquent in spiritual communication, not visible, nor physical, but still powerful. Some men are eloquent by a look, some by work. Galileo, Woman. Some men are eloquent in mind, some are eloquent by silence. These are the same spiritual exercises which angels have, and they are developed by the good or bad. Combine these together, you do not make one step toward salvation without charity. These accomplishments may exist without religion. We are often carried away by the eloquence of a preacher when he has no religion. We may see eloquence in literary addresses, at the bar, in the forum, etc. In many places where there is no pretense of religion. The number of words spoken and the seeming zeal, do not signify that the persons possess the principles inculcated by those words. Those who are most ready to discuss theology are generally least religious. Often under the beautiful flower is a venomous serpent. So beneath seeming zeal for religion, there may be selfishness, vanity and ambition. There is no religion in an instrument, or means or form, they may be used for good or evil. Same instrument may be used for the damnation as the salvation, the Sacrament may be a means of damnation. Under the external, a structure of Charity should lie. This gives tone, character and virtue to the act. The Christian possesses charity. In this is virtue, morality and innocence, which secures friendship with God. Love is the chief affection, though other affections are not destroyed. Every talent then is turned to a laudable use.

Eloquence without charity will profit nothing, God looks not at the external but at the internal. As religion is the subordination of the will and affections to God, it is better than mental attainments. Where charity there is happiness, but where mental attainments alone there is misery. Where charity exists there is peace. There is little peace where men talk most. Conversation sweetened with love is heavens best privilege. Divest your talent of everything moral, only leave that which pleases the ear, and you are “a sounding brass or tinkling cymbal.” Only one sense is gratified. Clothe eloquence with reason… Look for purity within. Judge by the fruit, not by the sound. 

K.    The Yoke Easy for All (#105)

(Hymns: L 538, S 398)

November 15, 1868 this sermon given at Hobson’s Chapel

Matt. 11:30 “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Christ is now addressing all {members} of religionists, Jews, Platonists, heathen, gentile. These had made religion hard to understand and its practice unbearable. Judaism, once simple was rendered heavy by tradition and jargon. The philosophy of heathen was burdensome, hence they bring upon the words of Christ, when heaven come… This text has not only an individual application but also it refers to the general characteristics of Christianity.

                We desire to show that it is easily understood and practiced by all me. Separate the pure from mixed Christianity. Pure Christianity consists in the experience  of the benevolent affection toward God, and the Malevolent affection against those things opposed to God, and the observation of the true (two?) Sacraments.

                The exercise of the affection is religion in its nature. The other in practice. The external or practical Christianity is but restraints upon the expression of affection – Sabbath a day reserved to prevent you from devoting your whole time. Lord’s Supper to prevent you from making everything  symbolical. As catholic picture, crosses, etc.

                Many of the forms and ceremonies of the church are temporary, local and human. They are conveniences and helps, vis – ritual, written prayer, a position in prayer, time or accomplishment,   but when we substitute the external for internal we do wrong.

                The internal part of religion is adapted to every time. There has been no system of religion, philosophy or government which suited everywhere.

                The practice of human systems worship the rising sun – exposing the body to enemies, - philosophy confined to a few in certain locality. The systems died as soon as their teachers were gone.

                The religion of Christ suits every chine, can be practiced anywhere, they need not change our instructions. The truths are the same every where. The same worship every where, but never burdensome. The symbol of Christianity is the same every where – do we not do wrong in Christianity with human forms?

                Man cannot invent any system which will apply to the whole earth, England – Ireland – India. Rome fell by her strengths – Macedon by her territory. So with denominational church distinctions – they cannot apply every where and during all time. Methodism, Presbyterian, Roman Catholicism. Give it strength it becomes intolerant, burdensome. This is not the case with pure Christianity divested of human additions.

                It is adapted to every change of locality. It being from the heart, the inner man. The same affections required of all – love, fear and adoration; all can possess it. He who teaches that it is requisite for me to use some form while another should not is teaching that which God does not teach. The demands of God are inflexible but not grievous. I use forms, my church uses forms but it does not unchristianize others because they do not. The form is not the worship but only the selected polity of the church. The religion of Christ suits all classes, rich and poor. Nothing injurious, nothing distracts from enjoyment, nothing hinders from support. The poor and procure it as well as the rich. It is suited to all ages. The child, the young man the old man. The invalid. The sick, gives a balm to the wounded, it cheers the faint. It points upward and sustains the declining.  It does not need amendment, it is adapted to the varied intelligence of man. It reaches the ignorant while the educated reach to it.

                All are it subject, and we need no law pointing out citizenship.

                The effects of religion are the same all over the world. We may not understand its mysterious working but its fruit is always alike. Humanity, love, and their exercises are the workings of Christianity. He who teaches doctrine whose effects are different, teaches false doctrine.

L.     Every Christian a Teacher (#118)

(Hymns: L 252, S 271)

January 31, 1869 this sermon was given at night at Hobson’s Chapel

1 Cor. 14:1, “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”

                The mission of the church has ever been the same. The mission is to instruct, to enlighten, etc. The church is the human instrument of divine appointment. With bible in hand, and assisted by Christ and Holy Ghost, it teaches the church is a centre ___(?) an influence. To prophesy – is to teach, especially the way of salvation. A high and holy prerogative.

                “Follow after charity.” Cultivate the spirit of mercy, benevolence, and love which will actuate you to labor, will make it spontaneous to teach.

                “Desire spiritual gifts.” Desire spiritual attainments or qualifications, i.e. knowledge of God, of his word and works. We apply to the adept for instruction, you should be qualified to teach Christianity – to instruct the penitent, “but rather”, peculiar force. If your own happiness and peace and joy cannot arouse you to “follow after charity, etc.” do it for the good of others. Duty to neighbors, sinners, children and heathens demand it. Incentives to exertion, 1^st the greatness of the work. 600,000,000 of souls are to be converted, your neighbors are to be saved and the Christian novice to be instructed. If you are not (willing) to teach, you have failed to obey Paul.

2^nd You have but little time to work in. You study years to prepare yourself for business. Now long at the advance which you make before you are prepared for the duties of a Christian life, the object of your existence.  If I had a fortune to make I would commence early, not delay until other habits are formed. Employ a clerk.

3^rd The infinite issues – to save a soul. You, when a sinner applies to you, do wish you knew how to instruct him. A moment lost, an opportunity gone… and his estimate of Christianity lowered. The seed of a raisin, the falling of an apple. If you have failed to prepare, commence now and obey Paul.

How am I to teach? 1st In the Sabbath School, bend the twig, you urge that you are not qualified, it is not your nature. Change that nature and qualify yourself. Rather be a successful Sabbath School teacher than a successful merchant. 2^nd By (communing with )members of the church. The novice is admitted into new society, new habits, etc. He needs instruction, hear his infirmities and instruct him. Many backslide because they do not receive proper instruction in the church.

While the church is a hospital, you are not always a patient. You say it would be presumption in you. Paul says to Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth.” Moses urges his inability, God was angry and took much glory away from him.

Other consideration. Man is so constituted that unless he is an active participant he does not enjoy, nor enter into the merits of a work. Solomon says, “ He that watereth shall be water also himself.” Prov. 11:25 If you do not work, do not eat. Teaching to others impresses the truth more deeply upon us. To teach God’s word, his works, of his spirit, etc. The attainments necessary are good of themselves. Charity is good, etc. Spiritual gifts are good. To be at ease among Christians, to be at home among the best of people, and will entitle us to the association of angels hereafter.

 The rewards are great. In heaven a man will be rewarded for his (part). Sheaves, souls and stars. If I study and work and save many souls, it will add to the brightness of my crown. What will you do if you have made no exertion. Emulate each other in doing good. Paul in this chapter places spiritual gifts above the gift of tongue. Then I will be more honorable than Peter and the other apostles were on the day of Pentecost. If I fail to use them, my condemnation will be great.

M.    (No Title, John 17:15)

(Hymns: L 896, C 481, 7s 572)

April 25, 1869 this sermon was given at night at Hobson’s Chapel

June 11, 1871 this sermon was given at 11 o’clock at McMunns(?)

John 17:15, “I pray not that thou shouldnest take them out of the world but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”

                Christ has given to us a few prayers.

                Preface -1^st  The effort and result of Christ’s efforts, is to benefit every faithful follower.  2nd He does not pray unless there is a possibility of that prayer being answered. 3rd We cannot claim more than Christ is willing to ask. Man is a being who sustains three distinct relation to the thing around him; 1^st A physical being, a relation which he sustains to matter. 2^nd A moral being , a relation which he sustains to persons, by a law of some superior. 3^rd A spiritual being, a relation which he sustains to spiritual intelligence, or to angels, saints and God.

                The first relation is dependent entirely upon his contact with the world, he is not physical unless he is earthly.

                The second and third relations are entirely immaterial. The morality  of an action arises from the conformity or nonconformity to a law. As long as we are under this law our actions are moral or immoral. The law is caused by the relations which we sustain to each other and to the great lawgiver. When we are freed from this relation we will be no longer considered moral or immoral, but if believers we shall by constantly pure – not moral, for moral is a relative term.

                The spiritual existence is independent of the physical or moral. It is immaterial, not dependent upon matter.

                Paraphrase – I pray not that these united relations may be dissolved but that the person may be preserved from the evil or guilt.

                The soul of man wants to be released from its bindings. It desires to be released. It is bound, it is confined. Christ prays not that it be released, but only kept from guilt.

                As long as man is in this condition, he is subject to afflictions, to pains, to sorrows, etc. These arise from his physical structure. Christ does not even ask the Father to remove affliction from his people. It is part of Christians to be poor, afflicted, sorrow and mourn. He does pray that you may not be guilty in that. That your moral and spiritual existence may be such that you will not suffer. Often do we see the spiritual man rise above the carnal. Paul – I count all the things but loss that I might win Christ.

                Examine this prayer, “Keep them from the evil.” “Sanctify them through thy truth.” Separate them for holy purposes. Every Christian is thus separated. The very moment that you crossed the threshold, quit you sins, that very moment you were separated for God.

                Separated not scattered, but united is one, ”as thou, Father, art in me and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.”

                As Christ gave them his glory, he prays that the Father will show them his glory. Ver. 24

                This is his prayer, who does not desire to be included into his petition? Do you?

                It is for your good to remain longer, and for the good of the world. You may be perfected, carrying sheaves with you. You may be the means of saving others. We may be saved from the guilt or Christ would not have asked for it. You need not say that as I am in the world I am guilty. As Christ has prayed for your freedom from guilt you may be freed.

                We cannot asked to be released from the world – to die. God has a work for each and every one of us. Abide your time, work today, live above the world, while you may hallow it by your influence.

N.    Value of the Soul

(Hymns: C 599, C 348, L 331)

August 8, 1869 this sermon given at Hobson’s Chapel

Matt. 16:26, “What is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul.”

                A soul exists in every living, sensitive body. We will offer some remarks in answer to the following question. What is the soul? What relation does it sustain to the body? What is its value?

                1^st, The soul is the spiritual part of our existence. It is the immaterial part. The soul is the man. That body which you see is not the man, but is only the case which encloses the man. Illustration – A watch and case. Its location in the body we cannot tell. We are apt to ascribe the mind to the head, the affections to the heart, whether or not this is right we cannot tell. We cannot locate the spirit by sight or hearing, all we know is that it is in this body. It is the life, the animation, the existence of the body, without it the body would decay. As we cannot describe a spirit, we cannot describe the soul. To gain an idea of it we appeal to your own consciousness. You know that the matter about you does not think, nor hate, nor love. It is the soul. Matter has no power to think, it is the  seat of thought. The mind is one of its parts. It is the seat of the affections. It loves, hates, envies, bears malice, etc. It is the seat of guilt or innocence. No one blames the body for crime but every one blames the soul. It is the seat of all of the greatest suffering of life. Your laws may punish my body, but they do not reach the foundation of suffering. I may be hanging upon the gallows, condemned for supposed guilt, and that very  act may release one from suffering, instead of causing suffering. If the soul be guilty, all the applause of the world cannot remove the suffering. It is then the seat of all enjoyment.

                The body is only an instrument which the soul uses for a time. The body is the medium of communication to the soul, and the medium of communication from it to object without. It is not that ball that sees, but it’s the medium of communication to the mind. When the soul leaves the body, that ball is as perfect as ever, but there is no vision connected with it. The soul exists independent of the body, though the body cannot exist independent of the soul. The soul is incapable of decay, but must constantly expand, whether increasing in its capacity for good or for evil. The body can decay, and any part of it that is separated from the soul will decay. The soul bids defiance to death, in fact death is only a separation of the soul from the body. The soul released from the body is capable of greater enjoyment and of greater misery that it is while confined to the body. The body is a restraint upon it.

                Here is the value of the soul: it is the life the eternal life. It is the happiness, the thought, the affections, the all. It is the support, the stay, the comfort, the foundation of joy, the communion with all. What would it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul? It would be worse than the man who would kill himself for money. He receives his pay and the very moment that he receives it he becomes incapable of enjoying it. If he should receive his pay and the soul to be given over at death , it becomes a poison in his bosom, making the soul more and more corrupt. The soul is retained after the world is gained, though lost to all happiness and made susceptible of all misery and the capacity for suffering is increased, and its certainty of suffering is rendered doubly certain by your gaining the world.

                This soul is in your charge, as little ability as you have to manage it, you are compelled to decide its destiny. It is more valuable to you than all the balance of God’s creation. What will you do with it. Exchange it for a little of the filth of earth, or love all else and save it. May God help you to decide aright.  

O.    Evidences of the New Birth (Conversion)(#54)

(Hymns: 7s 545, S 466)

August 19, 1869 this sermon given at night at Springfield

John 3:8, “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh or wither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” This passage was used by Christ, when conversing with Nicodemus concerning the necessity of the New Birth. It is essential for “except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

                It is not a natural but a spiritual birth and must be spiritually discerned. It’s important relation to our salvation demands that we should understand it. We will examine 1^st, it nature; 2^nd, the evidence of it; 3^rd, the urgency of our having the evidence.

                The nature of this New Birth, it is spiritual as is evidenced by the many passages of scripture which speak of being “born of the Spirit.” 1^st, It acts upon the spiritual nature of man. The mind and affections. It is distinct from the natural birth, for Nicodemus knew the natural but not the spiritual. The tendency of the mind is changed. The mind is elevated from earthly to heavenly things, he looks not so much at utility as duty. The affections are changed. Hatred once ruled now love predominates. Once fear urged to action, now love draws to God a complete transfiguration of the whole spiritual man.

                2^nd, The work of the individual is by his spiritual powers, not an exertion of the body but the mind and heart. “Believe on the Lord, etc.” This belief is not a (sure) assent, Christians trust, rely, faith is an action, assent requires no exertion.

                3^rd, The author is a spiritual person.

We examine the evidences, some depend upon confirmation, others upon Baptism. Some upon some wonderful and astonishing change years ago, after prayer at the altar. We give our opinions. 1^st, It refers back to conviction, godly sorrow, repentance then faith. We claim that a man knows when he exercises faith. Some persons feeling (bad) over destitution, cast themselves upon the mercy of God. He reveals himself unto them suddenly, their hearts go out after God, his church and all people. This is conversion.

                Analyze this. 2^nd, Some do not have this bright manifestation. It may be days and weeks before they receive it. They need not be any the less certain. Compare what you are now with a week or a month or a year ago (continue this).

                3^rd, There is another class who are always doubting and fearing. The importance of the subject is more than they can bear up under. They are nervous. This person is more apt to live in strict obedience to God’s command than the others. He fears to offend, dreads the justice but does not sufficiently consider the mercy of God. Can we have the witness of the Spirit? We may be deceived, is the argument of some. This does not invalidate the testimony. You may as well assert the writer of the Bible may have been deceived. God can satisfy us as them. You are now converted. Your relation is changed but your evidence has not ceased. You now have the evidence of your own spirit , as well as that of the spirit of God. You were “alive from the commonwealth, and strangers from the covenant of promise” Eph. 2:12. Now you have “access by one Spirit unto the Father”, you are “fellow citizens of the saints and of the household of God,” Eph. 2:18-19.

                Present evidences – 1^st, One principle characteristic of this state is faith not speculation. The devil have this, Nicodemus had this, the centurion at the cross had it. Still they are not saved. “Ye are the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ” Gal 3:26. “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” 1 John 5:1. Evidence of true faith. 1^st, Death to sin. “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin” 1 John 3:9. You then are born of God if you do not sin. “But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin, etc. – being then made free from sin ye became the servants of righteousness” Rom. 6:17-18. “But now being made free from sin and become servants of God, ye have your fruit unto holiness” Rom. 6:22. Thus in principle and action you are freed from sin. 2^nd, Another fruit of faith is peace. “Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Rom. 5:1. Christ promised such to his disciples, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world givith give I unto you.” This is lasting peace, not followed by a storm.

 2^nd, Characteristic of the New Birth is hope. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord” 1 Peter 1:3. A lively hope, founded upon the evidence received from God through faith. “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” Rom 5:2. Your hope must be by faith into the grace of God, no other foundation will do.

3^rd, Love is the great characteristic of a Christian. Is your love changed? What is now the object of your love? This love is ascribed to the spirit. “Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us” Rom 5:5. Its nature, with the whole soul. We are not displeased at God’s providence. “Every one that loveth him that beget loveth him also that is begotten of God.” It rises superior to personal prejudice. It leads to obedience. “If a man love me he will keep my words” John 14:23.

This is the evidence. Have you got it? Does it continue with you? The world judges by your actions you must judge by your nature.

P.     Practical Atheism (D-9)

November 14, 1869 this sermon given at 11 o’clock at Bell Buckle

September 3, 1871 this sermon given at 11 o’clock at Oak Grove

Psalm 14:1 “The fool hath said in his heart “there is no God.”

One has said that “ no one but a fool would have said this.” Is it true?

Meaning of the words – Fool – a sinful fool – a churl, a fool in that in which he should be wise. Not in opinion but in principle, he says – “in his heart.” Not in his mind or life.

                “There is no God.” The opinion of very few if any. A few more deny his providence, while many deny him in their heart. There is a great difference between opinion and principle. You may have very correct opinion while very corrupt principle. Opinion is the conclusion of the mind for which you do not deserve much credit. Principle is the conclusion of the heart. Your opinion did not change at your “new birth but your heart did.” The idea that the fool, although not venturing the opinion that “there is a God” asserts it from his heart.

                The heart is judged less by the expression of the life than by the actions, that may be (__?) but this deliberate – common courtesies – Judas.  Peter in moral courage. Man is to be judged more by what he does than by what he says, especially so in Christianity. Your professions are worth nothing unless your actions conform. If you do not reverence God in your life you have less reverence in the hearth, illustration – a child in love to his parent, - the atheist is to be judged by the actions, not by the expressions. Paul speaks of some, “who profess that they know God, but in works deny Him.” (Tim 1:16)

                Examine your actions – two assertions; 1^st every sin springs from atheism in the heart.  2^nd all virtuous actions proceed from an acknowledging the existence and attributes of God, while vicious actions proceed from a denial of it.

special actions; 1^st You study God’s will not to obey it, but to argue, uphold your sect, etc. This is denial of God in the heart, it is delighting more in the sect than in God. 2^nd We find you delighting to raise objections to the performance of God’s will. The beloved and pure John did this Mark 9:38 – You often object to “love you enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you.” Matt 5:44 3^rd opposition, to God, which is denial of his authority, is shown in a neglect to learn his will, difference between knowing ___ and affectionately.  4^th Opposition may be shown by contempt of His will after learning it.

Nearer to the heart – 1st if you acknowledge God in the heart, you will often commune with him in secret, for true desire to take our best friend aside and talk to him in private. When that friend is away you often talk of him in your family. Do you speak of God or pray to him in family? 2^nd we slight the service of God, any excuse will do to keep from preaching from family or secret prayer. The we rush through with the service, it is too long (a note to Lords Supper) which is an acknowledgement that the heart may not be in it. 3^rd We offer marred and unclean sacrifice to God, thus denying the honor due to God. We offer that which cannot be used for other purposes. We give “two mites” as little as will satisfy conscience instead of all we have, the ragged money goes into the hat – collections. In the mind we acknowledge that something is due but in the heart we deny it.

                We are atheists, shown by our making self, instead of God the chief end of our existence. Selfishness in the great barrier to Christian duty. Exhibited . 1^st We work because what we do is agreeable to self, not because it is honorable to God. In success we honor to ourselves, and in defeat we dishonor to second causes. We are concerned about our own honor not about the honor due to God. Seen in another’s oaths, - I am to be honored, but all your actions should converge to God. You may thus throw away gratitude, love, honor and worship to God. 2^nd God occupies a subordinate place. 1^st we talk more about self than about God. God is not in all your thoughts. It is difficult to concentrate your mind upon the sermon. 2^nd We are unwilling to perform those duties which will not promote our own interest, will you defend the church when it costs you money, reputation, etc. You will not pray except when necessity demands, when you have some selfish undertaking or when you or your family are sick.

                Are you righteous? With the heart man prevails unto righteousness? Rom 10:10.  Religion of Christ deals more in the heart than in the mind. If you are only a righteous man in opinion you are “without God in the world.” Can you expect to have God after death when you deny Him in life. 

Q.    Prophesies Concerning Christ (D-10)

November ?,1869

John 5:39, “Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.”

                Should be translated, “Ye search the scripture.” Christ appealed not to those who were ignorant of the scriptures. They had many incentives to study and understand it. 1^st, It taught of their civil government, genealogies, etc. 2^nd, “In them ye think ye have eternal life.” I do not expect to convince you that Jesus is the Christ, I ask you to examine the foundation upon which you stand. We refer today to the prophesies of the physical appearance of Christ.

                Their extent is remarkable. Four thousand years, different times, nations, and particulars. Some are humiliating, some honorable, some seemingly contradictory, and contradicting nature itself. Christ meets all, fulfills all, and infidelity has been driven to the subterfuge that they were written after the fulfillment. 1^st, Gen. 3:15, “He will come, the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpents head.” Jacob says, “Shiloh will come.” And he tells the time, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah until Shiloh come” (Gen. 49:10). If this had been the only prophesy we would have been satisfied that Shiloh had come.

                2^nd, Daniel tells the time, “Seventy weeks (490 years) are determined upon the people and upon the holy city, to finish the transgression and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to anoint the Most Holy” (Daniel 9:24). At the exact time Christ exclaims, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Haggai, encouraging the people to work upon the second temple, says “The glory of the later house shall be greater than the former, saith the lord of hosts, and in this place will I give peace, saith the lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:7). Before that temple should be destroyed, “the desire of all nations shall come.” It was fulfilled, Christ enters the temple, claims it, fills it with his power, and expels the profaners. Malachi tells us that he shall come, Mal. 3:1.

                3^rd, From whom he should descend. 1^st, From woman, a human being, “The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head” Gen 3:15. 2^nd, A descendent of Abraham, Gen 12:3, The boundary narrows, Isaac, not Ishmael - Gen 36:4. Then to Jacob, Gen 28:14. Then to Judah, Gen 49:10. “To him shall the gathering of the people be.”  Jessee   is chosen, “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stump of Jessee, and a branch shall grow out of his root” Isa. 11:1. From David, “Behold the day is come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous branch and a king shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth” Jer. 23:5. A gradual narrowing and each time imposture is diminished. Now we cannot trace the genealogy of the Jews, which proves that Christ has come.

                4^th, The place is specified, “But thou Bethlehem Ephrathah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall be come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel” Micah 5:2.

                5^th, Peculiar circumstances. “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bears a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” Isa. 7:14. A reckless assertion unless (proved). Isaiah must have doubted, but the  assertion stood seven hundred years, and many said, how can this thing be, Christ cut the Gordian Knot.

                6^th, He was to perform miracles, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped, then shall the lame man leap as on hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing” Isa. 35:5-6.

                7^th, Zachariah tells us of his entry into Jerusalem. He shall come unto thee, O’ Jerusalem, “Lowly and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foul of an ass” Zach. 9:9. Zach tells us of his betrayal for thirty pieces of silver, and that his price was to be given for a potter’s field (Zach. 11:13). Isaiah and others inform us of the manners of his sufferings, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair, I hid not my face from the shame and spitting” Isa. 50:6. “ They gave me gall for my meat, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink” Psalms 69:21. “They part my garments among them and cast lots for my vesture” Psalms 22:18. “Not one of his bones is broken” Psalms 34:20. There is no prophesy the most minute but that it is fulfilled in Christ. It was nothing but blindness that prevented them from receiving him.  He was their chief topic, they were anxious for him, they were mad at his pretensions, they crucified him, they suffer the penalty. Oh the wickedness, ingratitude, envy, murder, that was in them. They would have (compromised) earth for their victim, robbed heaven of it glory that their own passions might be glutteal. They called for the punishment of hell upon them and their children, rather than believe that Jesus is the Christ.

                8^th, He is to rise again, “My flesh also shall rest in hope, for thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither will thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption” Psalm 16:9-10.

                9^th, He is to ascend to heaven, “Thou hast ascended up on high, thou hast led captivity captive, thou hast received gifts for men, that the Lord God might dwell among men” Psalm 68:18. The books of the prophesy  are closed. Here is a portion of the prophesy, Christ has referred the Jews to these. The evidence that he is the Christ becomes more and more conclusive every day. The seventy weeks has expired, the second temple is destroyed, the scepter is departed from Judah, the genealogy of Jesus and David cannot be traced, the gentile have been corrupted and the probability of identifying a Christ has passed. We wait until his second coming. Can we doubt it? He has promised us that he will bring us up at the resurrection morn, clothed in white, purified and saved. Let us constantly receive the testimony. Wait for the “manifestation of the son of God.” Then will we be with Christ and the final confirmation of prophesy will be the “righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their father” Matt. 13:43. “They are they which testify of me.”

R.    Eating and Drinking Unworthily (D-13)

November 28, 1869 this sermon given at 11 o’clock at Wartrace

1 Cor. 11:29, “ For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eatheth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

                Many stumble at this passage because they do not know the context, refraining from the Sacrament. To understand the passage we must understand the context. We must know the crime aimed at, and we must not apply the text to any thing which is not the legitimate conclusion. The sin aimed at is plainly stated by Paul. Your difficulties are anticipated.

                1^st, Crime. “There are divisions among you.” Some were of Paul, some of Apollus, Some of Aphas, some of Christ, because of these divisions they divided in the sacrament. Here all Christians should unite. Divided preferences should be laid aside, for all of Christ. Paul does not so much condemn the different sects as their eating separately. If this division invalidated the Lord’s Supper then it will today. This is an argument against close communion.

                2^nd, The second objection. There are heresies among you. Heresy is some wrong opinion on a fundamental doctrine of Christianity. I do not know what this wrong opinion among Cor. was. Are you an Atheist, Deist, etc., do not come. If your false opinion creates a want of love, stay away?

                3^rd, These persons eat their regular meal and mixed with it the elements of the Lord’s Supper. Thus not discerning the Lord’s body. To discern the Lord’s body as a symbol they should have separated the elements from the regular meal. They were guilty of mixing the holy with the unholy. These were the crimes which made them unworthy to partake of the Lord’s Supper. I suppose that you are not guilty.

                Required Qualifications: 1^st, Baptism. They and only they who had been circumcised were permitted to partake of the Passover, A standing law among the Jews, hence the uncircumcised gentile was excluded. The converts at Pentecost were immediately baptized and then admitted to eat and drink (Acts 2:41-42). 2^nd, The baptized regenerated man, all acknowledge this. 3^rd, The baptized penitent, (for such were the converts at Pentecost), as soon as you determine to lead a new life, you should use it as a means of grace. 4^th, The lukewarm is entitled to it. There is a confession of sin in our Ritual. By partaking you renew the covenant.  Preparation necessary. Do not carelessly partake, for this would be irreverence. 1^st, Examine yourself. 1 Cor. 11:27, As open criminal cannot claim to be a follower of Christ, so ask yourself, am I a criminal. Come confess and be forgiven. Our Ritual contains a good confession. 2. Confess and Repent. Every sacramental occasion is a renewal of the covenant. To renew you must satisfy the old score. Do (it) by penitence, read 1 Cor. 5:7-8. As the Jews in their Passover cast all of the old leaven from their homes, so cast all the old sin from your hearts, then partake in sincerity and truth. Incentives to partake. There is no form and ceremony initiated by Christ that is unnecessary. He who would neglect that which Christ gave him to use would treat heaven-born privilege with disrespect.

                1^st, Incentives. Christ commands it. “Do this in remembrance of me.” You must obey the commands of Christ whether you feel like it or not. Those of Israel who willfully  neglected to partake of the Passover were cut off from Israel, so you will be cut off from the spiritual Israel. Numbers 9:13.

                2^nd, Incentive. Honor paid to Christ. “This do in remembrance of me,” i.e. in honor of me. As we celebrate the action of great men, so celebrate Christ’s actions, in the way which he has sanctified. Your personal righteousness, your alms, your rejoicings, etc., do not  confer the honor which the Lords Supper does, for this is the sanctified means.

                3^rd, Benefit to the church. It’s about the only place where the most of Christians agree to meet. In missions, ministry, economy, in our minor doctrines. But here most of us will meet as we will meet in heaven. It causes union. It renews Christian fellowship. It is a separation from the world and the distinctive marks are drawn.

                4^th, Personal Benefits. A place for calculating latitudes or longitudes, Christian communion, an event in the Christians life. It is a means of grace. I do not see Christians live without it.

                5^th, It admonishes us of second coming of Christ. Now we are cleaned from guilt, then will be purified and transformed, “You do (here) show the Lord’s death till he come again” 1 Cor. 11:26.   

S.     Untitled (same passage as November 28, 1869, yet more developed and probably later date)

(Hymns C 69, S 389)

1 Cor. 11:29. “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eatheth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

                Many persons use portions of scripture in such a way that they bring destruction upon themselves. This may be done by misunderstanding the meaning of words, by not knowing the context, and by not understanding the history which occasioned the expressions which are used. Many have stumbled at this passage of scripture and have thus brought upon themselves spiritual injury, while others have brought upon themselves an entire apostasy. Often have we heard those who had refrained from partaking of the elements oat the Lord’s Supper, in excuse for so doing, say that they were unworthy, and that they were afraid that they might bring condemnation upon themselves by so doing. We propose today to explain this passage of scripture so that if you refuse again it will be without excuse.

                To understand this passage we must understand the context. To know what is meant by eating and drinking unworthily, we must know what sin is practiced among the Corinthians which meets with the disapproval of Paul. Knowing the sin which is aimed at we will know the meaning of the text and we are not authorized to apply it to anything which is not a legitimate consequence from this meaning. We are not left to profane history or tradition to learn this, nor even to conjecture, but Paul has given to us some plain and explicit references to the sins referred to, and these render the sacrament taken in that way to be taken unworthily. Your difficulties are anticipated and you can here see whether you are included among the number or not. The first characteristic. 1^st There are divisions among you. 18^th verse. Some of these persons, claimed to be of Paul, some of Apollas, some of Cephas, some of Christ, and because they were divided in partaking this sacrament. This above all others is where every person who is a Christian should come. Whatever may be your individual preferences, let there be no division at the table of the Lord. We should eat at one common table, and whether we be followers of Paul, or Apollas or Cephas, we should unite in commemorating the death of Christ. These Corinthians had a separate table for each sect. In the writings of Paul he does o not seem to censure so much the difference of judgment as the divisions which this difference causes. If this division caused the Lord’s Supper to be invalidated in the days of Paul it will do the same now. In this I find an argument against close denominational communion. 2^nd The second objection to the Corinthians is that “there must be heresies among you”. By heresy is meant that which is contrary or opposed to common consent. Heresies is intimate linked with divisions, one growing out of the other. We are astonished at the sudden outburst of unchristian doctrine, so very soon after their proclamation by Christ and his immediate apostles. A heresy is some wrong fundamental and essential opinion. What this was among them we have no means of judging. We would only in the application ask, you if you entertain any opinion inconsistent with a Christian character? If you are an Atheist, deist, disbeliever in Christ, or any such you should be excluded from that which is in remembrance of Christ. If your false opinions create a want of love and a want of Christian union they are certainly sin. 3^rd These persons met together bringing their regular meals with them, and they did eat that meal at their own tables, or at the tables of each sect, part of the meal being used in remembrance of Christ. There by failing to discern the Lord’s body. To discern the Lord’s body in the symbol they should have separated it from the balance of the supper. Then blessed and broke and eat. They were thus guilty of mixing the holy with the unholy, the sanctified with the common. They even eat and drank to excess, to drunkenness. Thus failing to discern the Lord’s body, and eating and drinking to drunkenness.

                These are the sins which the Corinthians practiced. These are the crimes which rendered them unworthy to partake of the Supper of the Lord. These are the crimes which caused them to eat and drink damnation to themselves. Are you guilty as they were? As long as you cling to this guilt do you stay away from this table, for you will thereby increase your punishment. We do not suppose that any of you are guilty, hence you must hunt out something else for an affliction.

                As you are not so guilty that you will be excluded, you may be desirous of knowing what qualifications are requisite. Required Qualifications. The Communicant must have been baptized, or rather he must be a member of the church. They and only they who had been circumcised was permitted to partake of the Passover. This was the standing custom of the church, and all gentiles were thus excluded until they became members of the church by circumcision. The converts, upon the day of Pentecost, were baptized the first thing after conversion, and were afterwards admitted to the Lord’s table. Acts 2, 41, 42. All acknowledged that the regenerated man, who has been baptized is entitled to his place at the table, as no on e disputes this it is unnecessary for me to argue it.

                The baptized penitent is entitled to it, (for such were the converts of the Pentecost). Whenever he determined to lead a new life he should use this sacrament as a means of grace, for thus it is recognized in God’s word.

                The one who has become lukewarm is entitled to it. In the sacrament there is included a confession, and by partaking you express your determination to lead this new life. He who has been cold and neither cold nor hot should come forward and renew the sacrament between himself and God.

Preparation necessary. We do not say that a person should carelessly partake but he should with seriousness, solemnity and with due thought. He who would carelessly partake of the Lord’s Supper is as guilty as he who would partake of it from improper motives. The first preparation is. 1^st Examine yourselves, 1 Cor. 11:27. As he who is in open violation of any command of God is forbidden to claim to be a follower of Christ. Examine yourselves whether you are or not. Coldness, lukewarmness or want of spirituality is no excuse, but only the active participation in any crime. If you have any hatred against your brother, have that settled, if you are cultivating any evil afflictions, cure yourself of them. To cure yourself of any sin, the requisite is to confess and be forgiven. Whatever may be your sin, whether of omission or commission, confess it to God, and ask for his forgiveness. The Ritual of our church furnishes us with a very appropriate form of confession, and this is repeated every time the Lord’s Supper is taken. If the congregation was to heartily unite in this, there would be a better feeling and a more worthy eating and drinking. To accomplish this we would recommend to you to supply yourself with a ritual and whenever the confession and prayer of consecration is repeated, do you unite in it. Every Sacramental occasion is a time for the renewing of the covenant between us and God. To renew a covenant you must satisfy the one with whom you covenant with regard to the former part of your life. If there be no charges against you, satisfy the one who has a right to complain. This cannot be done by any personal righteousness of your own; by confession, penitence, and faith you may approach God and receive forgiveness of your misdeeds. Only that injunction of Paul on another occasion, “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Cor. 5:7-8

                As the Jews in the preparation of the Passover, cast out all the old leaven from their homes, and prepared the Passover in new vessels, so prepare your hearts, by removing all guilt and uncleanness from your souls, and partake in sincerity and truth. You can make this preparation, you are culpable if you do not.

                  Incentives to attend to this. There is no form nor ceremony in the church that is of no use. Especially do those which were instituted by Christ, himself, bear upon themselves a world of weight and meaning, as well as incalculable benefit to all concerned. He who would neglect that which Christ gave him to use, would certainly be treating heaven-born privileges with disrespect. You should be aroused to a strict performance of this duty. 1^st Because Christ commanded it. “This do in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19. 1 Cor. 11:25. We are not authorized to treat any of the commands of God with disrespect. He will certainly punish us if we do so. It [follows?] from that it is not a matter of choice with you whether you partake of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. You will be cut off from spiritual communion with God as soon for the disobedience of this command as for any other. You may say that you always feel condemned when you partake. It is not because you regard it as optionary with you whether you partake, not considering that you thereby obey the command of God? Those of Israel who neglected or refused to partake of the Passover were cut off from Israel. This Sacrament takes the place of that, and you will be cut off from spiritual communion with God if you neglect this Sacrament. “But the soul that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the Passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people.” Num. 9:13

                2^nd Another incentive is the honor to Christ, “This do in remembrance of me”. i.e. in honor of him. As we would celebrate the actions of great and good men so celebrate the great actions of Christ, thus conferring honor upon him. As he is deserving of honor. He asks that it be conferred in this way. He has sanctified this means and by attending to it you do honor him. It is as little as he could ask. Your personal righteousness, your alms, your rejoicing do not confer the honor which the Lord’s Supper does, for these are not the specially sanctified means.

                3^rd Another incentive is the benefit which is conferred upon the church. At present it is almost the only church duty in which a great majority of Christians meet. We are divided in our Missionary work, in our ministerial work, in our economy, in our minor doctrines and in many other things are we divided, but here almost all Christians meet, not as sectarians but as Christians. May God hasten the day when we shall all have no hesitancy in meeting around this common table. It causes class union among Christians; it is the place for renewing Christian fellowship; it is also the place for separating from the world. It is the grand distinctive line, drawn by Christ himself.

                4^th The personal benefits should arouse us to a strict performance of the duty. It is a place and time for solemn, serious self examination for communion with Christians, for calculating our position and relation, our latitude and longitude. It is a point to which we tend, and event in the Christian life, a centre from which we go. It is a means of grace. Do not deprive me of it. I do not know how Christians live without it.

                5^th It keeps in mind the death of Christ. It is to celebrate. It admonishes Christians of the Second coming of Christ, when he will deliver them from the last remains of sin. By his death he has delivered us from the guilt of sin; at his second coming he will wash away the last vestiges of sin, purify us from our corruptions, both soul and body, and transplant us into the habitation where all incorruptible, pure and heavenly. “Ye do (here) show forth the Lord’s death that he come.” 1 cor. 11:26. You are not to discontinue it, but until he shall come and thereby render it useless, you must do this.

                Many other things might be said which would bear directly upon this subject, but we hope that this is sufficient to accomplish our object. We would now answer what it is to eat and drink worthily. It is not as an unworthy person. We are unworthy of any grace which God gives to us. If we should refuse to use the graces which God gives to us until we should feel that we were worthy of them we would never use them. Paul even considered himself as the chief of sinners. It is the grace, mercy and gift of God. He does not expect us to be worthy, but the more unworthy you feel, the better you are prepared to partake. It is not that you are weak that you are unworthy, for this very reason you should eat and drink, that you might be strong.   This is a means of grace, it is to strengthen you. If you were strong without it, it would never have been instituted, Christ would never have required it of you.

                You feel that you are unworthy, your feelings do not belie your condition. You are unworthy and you will never be any better until you do your duty. Suppose that your rule was made applicable to the pulpit, and all the officers of the church. Who would fill the pulpit? How often would it be filled? As for myself, I would never enter it altar, I would never say a word from this desk. God has made my duty and when I feel that I am honored by the work, and feel the promptings of duty, I dare not refuse to work. The more unworthy I feel, the more inclined I am to cast myself upon God, and the stronger I am through him and the greater good is done. You may eat and drink unworthily, by continuing in open sin, by cultivating and not restraining evil affections and evil actions, by refusing to confess your sins. Or you may eat and drink unworthily by doing as from improper motives, you may do so from selfish motive, to obtain preference before the world, or some such design. I suppose that there is not one here who would do so from this cause. If there was, this sermon would do no good to him, but it would need some mighty convictions from the Holy Ghost, some anathemas from heaven, enforced only as God enforces them. Such a one would be thus “eating and drinking damnation to himself.”

T.     The Intercession of the Law

(No Date on sermon)

Heb. 7:24-25, “He ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

                Distribution of the work of God- Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Governor, Intercessor in heaven, Intercessor with man. Roman court. Why not arrange some other plan? Law is only an instrument of writing. God ever present action. Rigor of the law. Intercession brings mercy. Gratitude to an advocate. Christ appears for us before the throne of God. We are criminals without access to heaven. We are guilty, excluded from the courts of heaven. Outlaws. We do not ask for justice. What plea can he offer? There are no mitigating circumstances, the sin was committed knowing the consequence.

                Our condition. We have no access to the court, no claim upon its thought. We do not want justice, we have no argument in our favor. He is condemned, a guilty conscience makes his heart a hell. He looks above to the frowns of God. He sees before him the penalty upon his posterity. Beneath him eternal death. Then Christ cries, Father have mercy, have mercy.

                Mercy, indiscriminate mercy is not commended. There must be some show of satisfaction and some penitence.  Christ is the advocate. He “made intercession for transgressors” Isa. 53:12. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” Luke 23:34. We cannot understand how the mind of God is affected, nor how much it must be the influence upon it. One thing we are assured of, the Father is so much affected by the intercession of the Son as to have mercy upon. How does the Son plead? Either by presenting his body or by address. If by address we have it, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” Luke 23:34. The intercession of the Son is effectual, while no other person could succeed. “Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me, and I knew that thou hearest me always” John 11:42.

                Subjects. Sinners – Isa. 53:12, Luke 23:34. If he were to accuse you would fall into hell.

                The Righteous, Rom 8:34, 1 John 2:1, Heb. 7:24

                Effect. Salvation. 1^st, from sin. 2^nd, Guilt and penalty of sin. 3^rd, If we do sin it secures forgiveness, 1 John 2:1. The substance of his petition may be judged. John 17. Preservation in unity, sanctification through the truth, glorification. Thus we are secure, “neither death , nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God” Rom 8:38-39. This salvation is to the uttermost. A continued, everlasting priesthood. Effectual, may we believe him.  

U.    Christmas Sermon

 (No date)

Great events are annually celebrated throughout the world, from many of these events calendars are made. The Olympiad with the Greeks and Romans, the Protestant Englishman celebrates the battle of Byrne, we of the U.S. annually pay honor to Washington upon the anniversary of his birth (22^nd Feb.). Upon the 4^th of July the Declaration of Independence of the United States was made and we celebrate it. We celebrate the birth of our parents and children. Different fraternities have their anniversaries, the masons celebrate the birth of John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. The ancient celebrated their Olympiad by Olympic games. The English Protestant celebrates the Battle of Byrne with a mixture of religion and patriotism. We, the birth of Washington, by patriotic speeches, because he was a patriot. The masons celebrate their anniversaries in a manner appropriate to the persons, and recommence their existence by the installation of new officers. We celebrate the anniversary of a parent’s birth or marriage in a manner appropriate. Who would dare celebrate your father’s or mother’s anniversary with drunken revels. The drunkard seldom reaching his golden wedding, hence there is no chance for him to celebrate that with revelry.

                Today we celebrate the birth of Christ. Great events all for memories appropriate. The event which determined whether England should be ruled by Catholic France or Protestant England was the Battle of Byrne. The event which was the outburst of the growing feeling in America was the Declaration of Independence. These and similar events are of interest to a few people, a country or a portion of the country, and the world at large would hardly have been affected had they never transpired.

                The event today is the grand point of interest to every being who has ever or will ever exist. The birth of the Savior of the world. From Adam to the infant unborn when the trump shall sound at the last day, the focal point of happiness or misery was the birth of Christ. From the polished Englishman to the degraded Hindu, from the negro in the jungles of Africa to the equinox in the frozen North, there is equal interest in Christ. We celebrate this event today, not because we are Americans or Englishmen  but because we are Christians. How should it be celebrated? I would feel insulted if any one was to propose to celebrate the 9^th or 12^th of January in a way that would reflect upon the honor or integrity of father or mother. It would be an insult to their memory which the affection of a child would resent. Now when you propose to celebrate the 25^th of December in any way than in honorable to Christ, every one who has the love to Christ in his heart will feel his soul rising to resent the insult. The great study of us should be how to celebrate it so that we might derive the greatest benefit from it, and pay the greatest honor to Him. An imaginary St. Christopher calls the children together to receive the presents, and the many stories of the chimney corner are related of Santa Claus, as the children gather around and examine the contents of the stockings. These incidents lose their joys as we grow older, and our ignorance and superstition pass away. Who loses his interest in referring to Christ, and who laying aside the false notions of Christ loses his respect for Him?

                What may we learn today? 1^st, Is the 25^th day of December is really the birthday of Jesus? My opinion is that it is not, for the following reason. The shepherds were feeding the flocks at night. They never did this [at] this time of year. Astronomers tell us that the star which appeared did not at that appearing, become visible that time of the year. 2^nd, How came the 25^th of December as the day for the celebration? Years afterward, the birth of Christ being celebrated so many different days, it became president for some one day to be settled upon. So the persons delegated to fix a day, settled upon the 25^th of December rather as a compromise between all of them. From that day until the present, this day has been the one celebrated by the greater number of people.

                It is a day of rejoicing because the Savior was born. He who had been promised for four thousand years now appears. The suspense is relieved, and unmistakable evidence that this is he, is presented to the world. It is a day of rejoicing because of the triumph, for the skeptic’s had not believed that Jesus would appear. He appears though and a grand triumph of faith which was held in suspense for four thousand years.  Other triumphs were in this. A triumph of righteousness over unrighteousness, a triumph of purity over corruption, a triumph of peace over war. The brilliancy of other triumphs passes away sometimes before the death of the principal actors. The brilliancy of the triumph by Jesus increases as years pass away, and the brightens of Christianity will shine more and more until the redeemed are called around the throne of God to shout Hallelujahs forever. It is a desecration of Christianity to engage in those things which are not consistent with the spirit of Christianity. We too frequently turn ourselves loose on this occasion to engage in sinful practices. Rioting, drunkenness and such things are not only to be avoided ordinarily, but especially now. If we go to excess in anything, let it be in the worship of God. The whole Christian world can rejoice with us and the angels of heaven are desiring to look into the things which we see so plain before us.

The tendency of the world is changing. The dance, the drunkenness and all such things are giving away to the innocent amusements of the children. The egg-nog, the hurrahs, etc. are giving away to the feasts of cheer and good things around the family table. All these are being concentrated to the house of God. Here we are today, the children have had their pleasure, now the older persons unite in praising God. Let us be happy but let our happiness be in love and purity.

V.     Christian Perfection

 (No date on sermon)

When any new work springs up, any new organization claims our attention, we naturally ask, what are the characteristics which claim our attention. Luther came before the world and demanding attention. What was the ruling idea of his life,  “Justification by faith alone”. It rang in his ears and throughout all of his sermons and lectures, “the just shall live by faith.”

                Wesley enforced this idea of Luther after the world had practically departed from it, and urging his followers on, he presented the fact that there was a higher and holier state of life than is attained at justification. This life he calls and it is called by his followers. Christian perfection. We hesitate to present this subject for we are going into relations that the world and ordinary Christians do not enter into. It is difficult for us to explain justification, regeneration and such (cannot do so to a sinner) to the Christian. When we go to a higher state we are lost, for several reasons. 1^st, Our own souls have not so clear an experience as to allow us to analyze the state. 2^nd, The paucity of words  is so great that the ideas cannot be expressed in human language. Experience alone gives to us a knowledge of it. God in his economy has admitted no defined limit to the attainments of the saints. He takes us from the sinks of pollution, corrupted by contact with Satan, and at the first step washes, cleanses us and admits up without condemnation, but justified into communion with Him. Man cannot remain still, but must advance, a momentum presses him forward, or a gravity draws him backward. God provides for him, and in the moral world enables him to be perfect in the sphere in which he may exist.

We look at the reasonableness of the fact that perfection is attainable. Every thing that God made was good and although contaminated by the fall of man we still see perfection throughout the whole physical universe. “God also made man perfect, but he has sought out many inventions.” There are no distorted, unsightly figures in natures work, because these have remained more under the control of God. May we not reasonably suppose that if we submit ourselves more unreservedly to the dictation of God we shall be restored to the state of perfection similar to that of earth.   

Scriptural Evidence. Whatever may be our reasoning when we find the expressions of scripture our own conclusions should submit. Commands – Matt. 5:48,”Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,… On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” Matt 22:37-40. Promises – “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath raised up a horn of salvation for us, as he spake by the mouth of the holy prophets, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life” Luke 1:68-75. “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9. Here we have the promise that we can serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness and then he will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Prayers – Christ prayed to the Father that “I may be in them and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one” John 17:21-23. “and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our lord Jesus Christ” 1 Thes. 5:23-24. Eph. 3:14-19, I pray for you “to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge that ye may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Here are three prayers, many more could be given. Does Christ and Paul ask for things which are impossible. “Oh that we might pray to know the depth and length and bredth and height of the love of Christ” Eph. 3:19.

Exhortations – “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” 2 Cor. 7:1. “Let us go on unto perfection” Heb. 6:1. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” James 1:4.

Examples – Enoch, Heb. 11:5; Job, Job 1:1; Zacharias and Elizabeth, Luke 1:6; Nathaniel, John 1:47. Paul recognizes many who are perfect. “We speak wisdom among them that are perfect” 1 Cor. 2:6. “Let us therefore, as many as  be perfect, be thus minded” Phil. 3:15.

We have given commands, promises, prayers, exhortations and examples, what more is wanted to satisfy that the scriptures teach this doctrine. The principles taught in this doctrine are taught by other denominations, in fact there is no church that will deny that at some time in life or at death it is necessary for us to be perfected in order to enter heaven. What is this Christian perfection? You ask me. I can say as God through Christ, prophets and apostles urges us to go forward to the attainment of it. If we submit to their leadership, accept of their helps, we will certainly attain unto it. Though we may walk by faith alone, we are sure to attain for Christ leads and he promises.

Too many Christians are satisfied with just  enough religion to get to heaven on gratitude to God, disposition to do good to others etc... If there be such in this community, let me urge you to arouse yourself from your present feelings, for you must advance or go backward. Again, some persons are trying to find the happiness desired by a change of church relations. They will always be disappointed. They are like many persons moving to and from the eureka of wealth and are growing poorer and weaker at every move. Now, if the mover was to locate upon some moderately poor land, by industry, economy and such things, he would soon be independent. So if a Christian would cease to hunt for the easy ways to heaven, and use faith in Christ and perseverance, he would soon be nearing the happiness desired.

An explanation of the doctrine is necessary. Negatively. It does not mean absolute perfection, but perfection in our relation of life. We are not to be perfect as angels or as Gods, but perfect as Christian men and women. Angels are constantly approaching to the perfection of God, but never will reach it. 2. Nor angelic, nor Adamic perfection, for in these the mind is clearer, and the mists, clouds, etc. are less heavy, while the communion with God is more direct. 3. It is not a perfection in knowledge, we know but “in part”. While we know enough to meet all the demands of our sphere. 4. It does not free us from temptation. Satan has the audacity to tempt the Son of God himself.

                1, It does mean, perfect love. A love which embraces the whole soul, mind and body to God and to our neighbor as ourselves. 2. Complete sanctification, every faculty, energy, thought, work is to be submitted and subjected to God. You submitted before you were converted, at the altar you said, here Lord take me, thy will, not mine be done. This submission is not only to be the temporary or sporadic feeling but the ruling and constantly increasing feeling of your life. 3. It is a maturity in the Christian graces. “Giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity” 2 Peter 1:5-7. At conversion you had faith, nothing else. By the mercy of God he justified you because you had this, “courage, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity” must be added, practiced and we are to become matured in these graces. When we possess all of them we are perfect Christians, just as that child in its mother’s arms is a perfect human being. It grows, expands under proper nourishment and becomes a perfect child, afterwards a perfect man. So my brother you may possess the Christian graces at one month of age, but you are too far from the strength, the stability, the higher knowledge and experience of after life. My brother as long as one of these graces is wanting you are not perfect, even in your sphere.

                Is this state of grace attainable? God urges us to it. Does he mock us? Examples are given in the scripture of persons who have attained, “the hand of God is not shortened.” Our own doubts, fears, lethargy and such keep us back. When can we attain unto it? Now by faith, we can attain to that state and strength suited to our advance in Christian life. Tomorrow we are to go higher, and as we grow older we are to mature, until we become the tree bearing fruit at all times and pure and perfect fruit. We may do our whole duty today, tomorrow we can do more, and as the graces increase, we increase in effect. May God help us to be more consecrated.

                These are the difficulties which we are expected to answer. So few attain unto this state. So Christ says, “few there be which enter the straight gate.” Few men become wealthy, but this does not discourage the thousands who are seeking fortunes. Few men have perfect health, but I would be a fool to reject all remedies which would add to my health. Few men become fine scholars, very few men are pure English scholars, but still you urge your child to a perfection in knowledge. I am not satisfied that there are very few who attain Christian perfection. A few weeks ago I could find twenty, thirty or more persons in your community who were thoroughly consecrated to God. You were perfect babes, you suffered Satan to warp, dwarf and break some of your limbs, and now you may be far from your former state of perfection. A difficulty is some persons whose privilege it is to be perfect children, try to be perfect men, and some earthly Christians try to be perfect as angels. This doctrine tries men. May God make us perfect in whatever sphere we may be in.