The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-01-18
LAST SUNDAYS DIsC0URsES.
At Trinity Church.

The Rev. Andrew Hull, ID. d., rector of
ChIists church, Montpelier, ofliciated both
morning and evening. In the morning a
larger than ordinary congregation assembl-
ed and listened 10 a discourse on "Chrsti-
anty and ido.atory," giving an account of
the might, power, achievements and cul-
ture of the ancents, and the courage re-
quired of the humble followers of Christ
to preach His gospel.
In the evening he also delivered a dis
course suitable for the Epiphany season.
The following is an abstract of the morn
ing sermon. DIR. Hull took the following as
his text
We have seen His star in the east and are
come TO worship lltm-St. Math. ii2.
If light be n term proper to be used in
representing the doctrines of the gospel
then darkness must be used in represent
ing the doctnes of idolstry, for the gospel
arose upon and overCame idolatIy. That
which was true was light. Idolatry was
leading the world astray and the gospel
was given to reclaim the world The Jews
| had once been the true worshipers, and
were in possession of the true doctrine and
| law. Daring the prolonged struggle be-
tween the religions Of the Jews and the
| Genties for the upper hand, sometimes
the one and again the other was uppermost,
and to certain extent their religions in
terchanged until both parties had, for ex-
ample, sacrifices, and sin offerings, and
| temples, and mysteries, and holy, days.
Among the Jews and the most learned of
the Gentiles it was thought that the time
had come for the appearing of the ''Shiloh"
"The star of Jacob" the "Prince of
Peace" 1t was the deep interest in this
expectation which started the three wise
men of the east on that journey Of inquiry
toward Jerusalem, on which the wonder
full star appeared, moved before and
guided them This manifestation of Christ
to the Gentiles, the light arising in the
darkness, this opening Of the Gospel and
perpetual warfare against Idolatry, is what
we mean by the term Epiphany. ST. Paul,
the thirteenth apostle, is the one who more
especially set the battle in array between
the disciples AID ldolatrY. Idolatry in that
age had all the skill of inventive genius
all the art of poetry its acute philosophy;
its gorgeous professions; its affecting sac
rifices; its impressive worship; its con-
quering armies it's successful generals il
had magnificent temples; eloquent orators
| CpIeDIaltu Dl5tOIlbiiS AuQ
poets. The child, taught idolatry among
his fret lessons, grew up without the
dream of departing from it. The phif5so
pher could not look beyond it and safely
speak his thoughts. The warrior must cal
upon the gods to aid him or his soldier!
would have no confidence in his yalor
The magistrates must swear by the gods OF
lose his ofic1 The orator rate lMaF,s b IF 8G1is s 68
| frr1fY Eat
must bear witness of the wisdom of th,
gods. Without exageration, the earth. III,
sea, the heavens may be said to hay,
swarmed with gods and goddesses. Tn,
vallies the cities, the groves, the hills, tn,
seas, the islands, and the mighty expanst
above had their respective deities ant
thoughts of the gods were mingled wit al
thoughts of government, agriculture, war
commerce, education, or art
In some respects they were our superi
ors, as in eloquence- Demoshenes anC
Cisero. 1t was in this age that st. Pau
was to 60 forth and invoke the converting
power. Undaunted, because guided by
the holy spirit, he entered Corinth to plan
the church therein among people opuen
and studious Thessalouia. corrupt will
idolatiy; Philippi, the city of sooth savers:
Ephesus. with its temple Of Diana, and it.
silver shrines and image, said to have faller
from Jupiter and which Aisa and a CONT
nent worshiped. But Jesus was with hin
and gave him strength. Thus the Epiph
any, or manifestation of Christs coming
Is an event not to be forgotten. We fee
that upon us the true light is fallen. Have
we vanquished all the idols from before
our eyes and all idoatorus customs from
our brain? In the period of that larger
and last Epiphany, in vain will indulgence
say, 81 am pleasure :" in vain will dishon
esty say, 81 am gain y in vain will skep
tcsm say, 81 am reason" for the great de
ceiver will be in chains and Christ viii be
the light OF the world.