New-York tribune., 1874-09-14
THE MARTYRDoM OF CHRIST.
IN. Rep Leon Pons he French Proestam Eptsoopai Ohu

IN. R.p Leon Pons French Protestant Eppal Church
The Rev. Leon Pons, the new pastor OF the
French Protestant Episcopal Church in Twenty-second
st. between Fifth and sixth-aves preached his nrSt
sermon yesterday. The reading desk aud pulpit were
draped with Grape account Of the death OF the former
pastor NJ Pons took his text from CAL w. IA; but
God forbid that should glory in the cross OF the
Lord Jesus Christ by whom the word Is cruoned Win
me and unto the world"
ro-day said the PASTOR shall speak Of the founda-
ton OF our faith upon what is based hope In Christ
Il is not rash my part TO speak OF the great suffer
ings OF our Lord. You will remember In reading the
book OF Job how, when his trials came upon him In
rapid succession his friends came to comfort him. but
remained silent long while because they saw his gTef
was too for words. 1t was trial that was alto
gether inexpressible. Tnus also with Jesus.
he remained silent As this subject is
haustible. shall speak briefly on several points
only; Christs being iorsaken by God by his disciples,
the reacbery OF Judas the cOwardce Of the Jews and
wickedness OF his disciples He goes 70 Oyet where
he often resorted to hold communion with his Father,
and there away from his disciples he prepares himself
for the great trial by PRAYER on Father he cries,
bitter. II 1t be possible TO remove this cup
nevertheless not ,, as VIII % but M dny WI" sinner eg
deserving punishment aud he himself feels the whole
weight OF the OF the world. your sins and mine HIS
cpes for comfort but finds them asleep He returns to
His Father whom He still fiads inf. xlbe Again lie
retrsees His steps 70 HIS disciples ana nnds t4e @ asaa
What does He dol Forsaken by God, Ho continues
praying m his strength BEGINS 70 I b "nen 9 w 9S Se
DONE" he cries. When the floods or tribuation rise
ening TO overwhem you, fear be discouraged.
Throw yourself with childlike confidence on your
Father for the hand which raised these trials stay
tnsFr violence and restore calmness and peace.
Christs prayer increased with his agony. 80 also
whatever may be your tralsthe loss of beloved pa
rent or friend mlsorunes and troubles through life
your prayers increase While Jesus continues pray
ing let US what awaits him below. man at the
head of a band OF armed men. This man Judas,
VINO mad lived with and followed Christ for three
years. whom Jesus had treated with
all the tenderness of his tender nature, who had
seen the miracles wrought by Jesus who had heard all
His teachings and had been initiated into the mysteries
OF the Divinity This turns round and betrays his
master. What does Jesus answer 10 thisi Does He
Worthless traitori No! lie greets him in friendly
manner My friend, what do you wanti Not
only does He speak TO hun gently and forgive him. but
even allows the traitor to kiss him. Friends, wnat
example is this to forgive our enemies and treat them
as friends When forget our duties and almost
give way passions Of avarce, hatred, and
venge, let and remember the example set By
Christ. Ny friend would resist Christ, would you
against such kind, forgiyng friend, would you be-
tray hint Jesus had reason TO trust to the fidelity
Of his disciples after all their protestatlous OF
friendship. But the moment danger appeared they ali
forsook Him and fed He had especial reason to believe
Though all men should forsake thee vet will
sake thee When the DanS st made its
and he attacked Malchus. but when he saw
last positively denied Him. Friends following at a dis
IA a sign OF wayerlng faith. Ii shows that your
first love has abated ana Is In danger or changing at
last into total Indifference. That is the with many
When Jesus attempts TO speak He is struck
face the witnesses perurers aud His judges
TONERS.
Friends the blood Of the martyrs that flowed In France
at OF St. Bartholomew at the siege of La
Rochelle at the revocation OF the B1ct OF Nantes and
on and other places calls for revenge
blood poured out for Jesus the blood OF
fathers. aud demands OF you duties. 1t commands to
hold the faith In Christ which they handed down
you pure and undefiled. AS when individual or ma
on has distinguished Itself by herosm and honor 1t is
bound keep its record undefed 1t your duty to
show yourselves true, upright Christians forgiying
nur Master.