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Show 191. FADED ADDRESSES 1 LARGE CONGREGATION i pastor of First Presbyterian II ' Church Talks on an Iii-I Iii-I fercsfing Topic. I If .Before a largo congregation, as- cqmbled at tlio First Proslyfcrian I1 cliurch Sundav morning, the pastor, Dr. ') "William jNL Pnden, preached au inter-h inter-h csting eermou on tho subject, "Who or I 1 What Hinder?" lie basod his remarks .' on Gal. 5:7, "Ye did rtin well; who did hinder vou that yo should not oboy tho truth?"' Ainonp: other things, Dr. Padcn 1 said: ' 1 1 Is usual to plcnd tho thwartlngs of I circumstance!:. You might think that Frovldenco lint obstructed our development develop-ment by special Injunction. One pleads advorslty. hard times, hard lines. Wo hnve had so much tdchnose, so much flnnnclal trouble, such (logging hard work. Many of tho Good Shepherd's sheep aro scattered on tho stormy and dark days. . And yet adversity may bo a phaso of God's providence. As ruch It has drlvon or drawn many a trustful and loyal soul closer-to his friends and God. Others plead prosperity. They are so busy. They must attend to their business. busi-ness. They aro so much engrossed with . their new oxen, now farms or now homes that they havon't time to think of their neighbors or God. They must clothe and I Rrlirirtl fhlr rrnwlnt- fnmllloH. Thnv nre engrossed In home comforts. Their spc- I j clal friendships absorb them. Their ln- 1 tcrest In this or that reform or this or 1 that social movement or club crowds out l the Author and Source of all wholesome moral and social progress. They drop out , of Christian fellowship and neglect the one Institution which, next to the family. Is worthy of first support and Is ossen-I ossen-I ' tlal to tho human soul and human so ciety. And yet success Is also a phaoo of God's providence, and blessed !s the man or woman who makes his success in teaching, business, home or social life on t occasion of outspoken gratitude to God . gratltudo shown In thanksllvlng and thanksgiving. Many others nre hindered by changes of circumstances. You move Into a new quarter of the town or to a strango city; too often the last thing adjusted Is your r church relations; too often the last thing j taken up Is your Christian activities. You 1 make homes, but not church homes. You seek fellowship, but not Christian fellowship. fellow-ship. You get your children Into school, but not Into Sunday-school. You become an active, voting citizen, but not a confessed con-fessed and active Christian. Tho perils arc much tho same, whother your move Is from the material standpoint for better bet-ter or worso. Any change ought to bo for your moral and religious betterment". Changes of residence or circumstances are phases of God's providence, and may bo and should be marked by lncreaso of gTace and usefulness. ' |
