The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-08-12
CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Apostle Thomas q sceptic and
Whst Should BE the Influence OF Ills
Example-SermOn by Rev. How ard
Kingsbury, OF Ncwark, Ohio.
cosey little church is the Central Presbyterian
church in Fifty-sxth street, near Broadway. II is
kept open during the summer months, though, Of
course, with the attendance good deal diminished
rom what it is the rest Of the year. In the absence
Of the stated pastor the pulpit was occupied yester
day morning by the Rev. Howard Kingsbury, Of
Newark, Ohio. He preached from the text John
TX, N-2e-"But Thomas one OF the twelve was
not with him." &c. In the quiet church at Copen-
hagen, he began, are statues Of the twelve
apostles. Thomas is represented with ruler in
his hand-a symbol of doubt. Though little is said
of Thomas in the New Testament, he always stands
forth distinct NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. forth
DOUBTISG APOSTLE.
1t was characteristic OF Thomas to doubt with all
the vehemence Of his nature, but equally strong
characteristic was to believe with like vehemence
when his doubts were removed. After reviewing
the various rectas regarding this apostle in the
Scriptures he proceeded TO speak Of the doubts
pervading the minds Of the other apostles. Some
were disappointed because Christ did not come
clothed with the sceptre Of power and assert His
divine sovereignty. When Chrlsts mission was
fulfilled this disappointment was removed and all
doubts removed Of His divine nature Thomas,
plain, prOsaic mind demanded proofs OF Chrjst's
cruci1ction and temperance. These proofs were
furnished him by Christ. The doubts then Vanished
my Lord and my God" he exclaimed and
HEARTY, USQUEsTIONING FAITH
followed Could II be accidental that these Charac.
teristics OF Thomas thus plainiy brought to
view There was a lesson intended here-a lesson
ofthc greatest significance 1t was lesson for all
doubling ThOmases in the future, lesson evolving
hrmest faith from the strongest scepticism. The
doubt of Thomas WAS Of the strongest kind. He
would not believe the testimony OF his associate
apostles. He must see and know for himself 1t
was for this reason that Christ said, M0re blessed
ts he who believeth without seeing.n The fact is
that most OF our faith has to be based on the testi
mony OF Others and our conclusions formed on such
testimony. All knowledge must come through the
senses, or by reason or testimony. The proofs are
inherent, but must be consistent. The same truth,
nc enforced, held good in the matter of
RELIGIOUS FAITH.
There was no more reason to believe In the exist
ence OF the First Napoleon than OF Jesus Christ. Yet
many insist on seeing and touching their Christ,
and thus die Christless. To believe In Christ one
should nut himself IN contact with those believing
In i;,...a. Nothing can overcome doubt but faith.
Life becomes a meaningless puzZle-a mighty
blank with the principles OF iat. losing sway over
the minds OF men, II We believe In Him, II we open
our hearts to Christ, He will reveal himself as
clearly to US a. he did to Thomas. 1t is told Of
regiment maj ching over the
DESERT WASTES OF ABYssiNIA
that they were parcbed with thirst They saw lake
Of clear, crystal water, surrounded by palm trees,
0ad bescught the guide to take them 10 this lake
fhst they might drink Of Its cooling waters and re-