Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1869-09-26

becomes a sublime virtue; If good, then
desertion is infamous.
Combining our view to thehumau side Of
the question, in the beginning Christian
ity was an experiment. It's strength was
not known; its principles had not been
practically tested in the lives OF men; its
power to save was but vaguely under
stood. NoW all is changed; it is no longer
an experiment; il has ceased to be nov
elty. As divine system, IL is safely IN
trenched behind the3Accumulated testi-
mony of the ages. Men may have for
meriy done, In comparative innocence,
that which they cannot now do without
incurring deep guilt and shame. To de-
sert Christ would be admissible on some
such conditions as these: First, If it were
probable that Christ would desert you; ;
second, if by deserting Him you can md
a better leader; third, If Christ requires
ANYTHING (even according to the hu-
man standard of right and justice)
wrong or unjust; fourth, if you
have reason to question His power
To save you; fifth, if you can gain one
good thing-living or dying, in time or
eternity-that YOU cannot enjoy in him.
Who. then, can desert Christ? What
must be the moral condition of that man
who can deliberately desert such Savior
as Christ is? Men have deserted Christ,
but have they made themselves happier?
Ask the secret chamber-ask the couch
that gfyes no repose, the pillow that yields
no sl1mber-and these shall speak of
wretched life, an uneasy spirit, misery
and despair. These men walk the earth
like discontented ghosts, seeking rest and
finding none.
Again: When you desert Christ you de-
sert, /. Humanity's best friend; ?. Him
whom God has annointed above allothers;
8. The only representative you have
N, |. III Cd
thab while we might have many in Heav-
en- dear to us--as our parents, children,
etc, still Christ il our only representa-
tive there. Friends, loved ones, may
plead for us, but only the voice of Christ
is potent. He alone can save.
Let US now inquire who 1t is that de-
serts Christ. /. Those who leave his doc
trine for some other; 2 Those who for
sake his ordinances and worship; 3. Those
who show not his spirit; 4. Those who
love him less than the word; 5. All who
refuse to submit to his authority. The
speaker elaborated each OF these, and 9th
or points, very briefly, observing that it
was his purpose to be suggestive rather
exhaustive,
Finally, When may we desert Christ?
I. When we can demonstrate that man
Is all animal; 2. When we need no mer-
ev; ?. When men cease to die and go to
the Judgment; 4. When sin becomes
better, and more to be desired, than hoi-
ness; ). When the sinner, becomes strcpg-
or than Christ.
"Till then-nor is my boasting vain,
Till then I'll boast Savior slain,
And o may this my glory be,
That Christ is not ashamed of met"
The Sayior's life on earth was proto-
type of his spiritual existence in the for
tunes of his Church. Was he treated
with ingratitude by those most deeply
indebted to him2 So, ever since, has he
been treated with ingratitude by those
for whom he laid down his life.
Was he betrayed into the hands Of his
enemies by one Of his prafessed friendsr
90 mas he been betrayed, countless times,
hy those who have sworn allegiance to
his throne. Was he sold to his murderers
for money? So. in their greed for gain,
have some bartered his blood for gold.
I'VE are conscious Of giving but q naked
abstract OF a sermon thai Was heard with
deep attention by large audience. The
reverend gentleman will preach again
this morning at l0k o'clock in the same
church.