The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-08-07
PlRK AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH.

How Christ Is To he Observation-Disclosures
OF Heart Better Than TheOloay-Serm0n by
Rev. DT. Dixon, OF su3 us'a, Ga.
The Rev. James Dixon, ID. d., OF Augusta, Ga, Of
lciated at morning service in Rev. Dr. Andersons
church, Park avenue and Thirty ninth street, and
preached from the text Matthew XVIII, Sex
cept ye be converted and become as little children
We shall not enter into the Kingdom or heav en-
lie gave the following Illustrations OF the manner in
which Christ revealed Himself to the different types
of character with which he came in contact Plac-
ing Christ in the centre of various groups, we find
HIM first refusing to crafty the curiosity Of the
scrlbes-who asked by what authority He acted
because they without sincerity; but we
lind Him Immediately and complacently
revealing himself to the blind man whom he cured,
and who sought to know Christ that he might be-
lieye in HIM. When the rich ruler was told by the
Saviour distribute all his goods to the poor, and
when that young man faltered and Turned away,
Christ did not modify His terms; He requires com.
pliance with His conditions, and there is but one
narrow way,
ONE GATE. FOR HUMANITY TO HEAVEN.
They broupht to Christ sinful woman, and saiI,
'Moses commanded such woman to be stoned
10 death-wnat sayest thou ~ The Saviour assumes
The obligation OF the law, but tells them none but
purity can punish, and, writing with his finger on
the ground says, "Let him that Is without cast
the first stone" IL was enough, and each man, self
accused. shrinks out OF the temple muse on WIS
dom II was impossible to baflle There stood the
guilty creature alone before the Good Shepherd. He
looks on this daughter OF shame not with eyes baz-
ing with anger but filled with pity, and tells her
that He condemns her not, and bids her depart ana
sin no more. How much better to
FALL INTO THE HANDS OF GOD
than into the hands OF mem The Pharisees took
counsel how they might entangle Christ in bis talk.
HIS life deGed criticism, but they sought to asten
some word or sentence on which 10 1ndict him.
80 --o>SN"
complimented him in the most skifu manner telling
him Master thou teachest the truth and cares tor
no man. They knew human nature and land their
plan accordingly, but were signally dereated. When
thev inquired s IL lawful to pay tribute TO Cesar ~
Christ taking CON- asked, .'Whose image Is this ~
to Cesar the things that Cnsars and to God the
things that are God's,' and the purity and loyalty OF
Christ remained III all their brilllancy and integrity.
These words OF Christ prove that
RELIGION is NOT sUBvBRsIvE OF LOYALTY,
political obligations or national order. Christ tells
himself the kind OF questions that will receive
his loving attention. We must become as little
children. All the realms of tue universe are open
to the child. There is no sentinel In the paths OF
the Infinite who dares to refuse Him admission
Before entering the realms OF knowledge. truth and
beauty must have the gulleless spirit OF little
chud. Pride ana curiosity in vain PROFOUND ques-
tons 10 eternal wisdom. God 1orbldS
MERE SPECULArlSTS
to build tabernacle on His holy ground. II we
look all events with the eye Of child Will see
traces OF the Fathers hand everywhere. AS little
children we can understand the meaning OF Biblical
revelations. while the Book remains sealed TO the
sefsatls1ed nOary critic VINO boasts exactlude to
cold and heartless theology. II you would call for
eXpounders OF
listen with the of child and believe with the
heart OF cnlld and TO the angels VIII be given
mission TO tell you marvellous things, and you Will
be charmed with the beauty OF the revealed Word
and transported with Its visions OF God. Childhood
OF heart an indispensable condition Of admission
10 the Kingdom or heaven.