New-York tribune., 1874-03-30
THE CHILDREN OF THE CHUCH.

TAs Rev H. r. Molishnke a 81 Pa,Ts Luts>rss Church
st. Peters German Lutheran Church, at
Forty siIthst. and lie ngon-aye crowd ycster
day morning by a congregation gathered to witness the
con Hrmation children DIR. f. f. Moldehnke. the
pastor the text for his confirmation sermon from
Thessaonians ill., 20: For yo are our glory and joy
The following Is the substance OF his discourse: The
highest mission pastor have is tn lead souls to God
His rejOcings unutterabe when he sees the people
for whom he has labored esfying their belief aud the
children OF his parish fockiug into the church His sor
row. the other hand us just great il careessness
and unbeef follow his efforts Souls saved for God
his glory and JOY" To those present who have chill
dren for whose welfare they responsible, especially
commend the words OF the text Teach them that their
safety, their enduring happiness, and your greatest
honor through them will exist In their intimate fellowship
with Christ dear children To those about to be
Armed would say Seek the honor Of becoming through
Jesus glory and homer to your parents. AS Cornea
when asked whero her jewels were, displayed with
pride her sons you, by your exemplary conduct
and devotion to yonr Savior, fill the hearts OF your
parents with such hOy pride and joy, that they pointing
10 you will say: Behold our jewels; our children are
our glory and joy. bcseech you to duly realize the
Importance OF the step taking lest nred by the
OF the world, instead Of blessing you become
curse, instead of glory; you become the means OF
sorrow to tho grave This holy Confirmation day will
have n dee eper significance to you as Won grow older
Like flowers wisely and IN due transplaned you
while young have been set IN the garden OF the Lord
evil days come IN which battles with the world and dis
ging doubts will try the sou An honor and JOY
10 the church. you stand to-day children before the
face OF the living God; before Him 10 whom
Abba Futher Picture 10 Yourselves this infinite Father
In his diving sacrifice, redeemed all children msns
Because of the price with which you were bought and
the lofty nature OF your Redeemer henceforh in
life lay aside what Is childish and day by day increase
i'm the knowledge OF the living God For our joy
and our glQy Grow more aud nOre to understand that
the most profound happiness is found in faith in God
When you shall have become aged the thoughts, the
habits the beliefs begun in childhood Will be ike an
chors TO the spirit Beginning in yonr youth life that
is hid in Christ IL You endure faithfully, with added
wears will come increasing strength, aDdlng rest III
esus Not only your parents and the church. but good
angels and Christ himself are Interested in and watchu
over your spiritual welfare. To ALL the question OF your
endurance 10 the end Is OF the deepest moment 10 the
pasor who year after sets the seal OF
ON the Young, often the prayer that all who may
be severely tempted shall be led by the spirit out
of the depths. lie understands that youth is
mems OF the world, the flesh, ana
the devil Like Joseph may you, when tempted, say
How shall do evilf The body wnloh God mas
given me IL a temple OF the Lord" Cling TO the Church.
for 10 s the rightfu dwelling OF God III any one would
make light your belief regard him "a the destroyer OF
your soul To the boys especially would say remain
true We hope the best from you, although you live In
an age when for TO live regardless OF
the truth Christ Jesus. Through much trlbuation
must we enter the kingdom OF heaven Luther has said
that Gods word requires no Justification that IL VIII
Justify itself Remember that the right weapon for
battle with the world Is Gods word. the true leader
Christ To the end Of life regard Christ as your strong
hold Your defense and then shall ye all truly be our
glory and 10Y. Again, Luther has said that 10 OF
worth proportion he Is useful Let the girls hold
rigntdoing. On pious women depends the welfare of
he