The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-07
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH.
''wHAr THINK " Of CHRIST SERMON 81

"wHAT THINK IL OF CHRIST SERMON BY
REV. WILLIAM HAYSE LEAwELL
At the Central Baptist church. Forty-second
street, between seventh ana Eighth avenues, yes
terday morning Rev. William Hayne LeaweIl OF
South Carolina, preached TO a large congregation.
The text was taken from Matthew XIII, AZ
swhat think ye OF CnristYr Among the most
frequent topics or ordinary conversation is that OF
greas heroes. The reason is obvious. Those
great men have nlled a large space in the eyes OF
the world, have occupied prominent place in
the mighty events OF time; their actions and in
nuence have changed the destiny OF nations and
they have filed the earth with the glory or their
achievements. one often SAYS what one thinks OF
great men not because his opinions Will alter the
state OF affairs, that his voice OF condemnation
or OF praise will poison the repose or make glad
music in the hearts OF these buried cheftans, but
because they have made the history OF the world
II cannot, therefore, be otherwise than Interest,"
ing TO ask after the life and character OF Him VINO
changed the era Of time and planted kingdom
within, ana not antagonistic 10 otner kingdoms
when knows no limitation as to time, territory OF
subjects. II no other good could be received
from such an investigation but determination OF
cHRisT's EXACT INFLUENCE
IN framing nig character, still should pronounce
for close study OF Ills life. But when We remem-
Der Hls life spent for the redemption or
mankind, and that lie has hung the destiny OF our
race upon correct belief in Him, the question
assumes an Importance paramount 10 al othefs
and nome ntOus TO the soul OF every living man.
Christ mas cam upon our faitn. He not only
commands mat VIC believe IN Him, but gives MS
ample reason for 20 dong without siutiiling our
selves, with0ut binding our Judgments 10 tolow
the tendency o our warm sympathy, or without
compromising ourselves In the smallest particular.
Again, lie has claim upon our confidence, based
upon His personal resurrection. The resurrection
o. Jesus CHRIST Is capable OF clear demonstration,
the DOUBTS OF inndes TO the contrary notwlth-
standing. He was cr1cihcd, pr0ane history
tells rs; He was lad in the new tomb OF Joseph
oil Arlmathea and He was not found on the morn
ing Of me third day Ills disciples believed HIM
10 nave risen. Are they mistaken, who left all
and follow Hin; VINO were win Him IN Gays OF
darkness ana nights Oi sorrow. who knew HIS
person, yea, TIE very tones OF HIS voice ia Peter
mistaken Peter. VINO cursed and denied Him,
and on whom christ turned tnat gaze which
burned into The yerr ncart Of the false and COW
ardy dscipe Is jesus mother mistaken
Does mother lOrgef her children Tue
disciples we're not weak-minded mcn. The
iact tnat they are called "unlcarnedr IN the
gospels does NOT establish the notion OF Ig-
nurancc tho phrase merely means they had not
Oeen trained IN The schools Of the rabies. Christ
has claim upon our love well our faitn.
Men sometimes love those VINO do not have ana
who 40 not want 10 nave any claim upon their
hearts, while they often refuse to love those VINO
nave every claim upon them.
This claim OF Jesus IL based upon His love for
our race. When great oenefactof benefits .