Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-04-18
At the First II. Il. Church.


The Easter services at the First Methodist
church yesterday morning were unique
beautiful and impressive. The announce.
ment that the pastor, Rev. S. G. Smith, would
deliver sermon for the special benefit of
Damascus Commandery, Knights Templar,
together with the unusually attractive char
acter of the musical programme, called to-
gether a large congregation, and 1t is not ex-
ceeding the bounds of propriety to say that
the artistic and entertaining services were en-
ioyed by all present.
An attractive and notable feature of the
surroundings was the grand and beautiful
floral display. In whichever direction the eye
gaZed were encountered the most rare and
elegant exatics. The pulpit was especially at
tractive-a bank of callalillies rose from its
front, and flowers of great variety, and in
endless profusion were scattered all around.
The singing and Instrumentation of the Or
chestra reflected an added charm to the taste
full and appropriate scenic effects, and the Ia
dies and gentlemen acquitted themselves in a
most artistic and creditable manner. The mu-
sic was from the oratorlo of the Seven Sleep
ers, and some of the best gems of the beauti-
full composition were rendered in manner
that was highly pleasing.
The Sir knights appeared at 1890 O'Clock.
They were commanded by Eminent Command
er Monfort and were in undress uniforms.
They numbered In all about fifty, and marched
10 the reserved seats in the center of the church
with precision and skill that spoke eloquent
ly of the perfect training undergone. They
presented a very neat and imposing appear
ance.
The symphony and chorus from the orato-
rio, "Hear Our Heavenly Hallelujah Ring
ing," was rendered by the full chorus of forty
voices and orchestral accompaniment, led by
Prof Priem. The requirements of the selec-
tions were exActing, but it was rendered in a
manner that was really magnificent.
The duet, "Where the Tears of Sorrow
Flowing" by Miss Scribner and Mr.. Lufsky,
soprano and tenor, was given with great feel
ing, and produced pleasing effect.
Miss May Priem sang "God be Praised,
there is Peace" in Il very charming manner.
She possesses a pleasing alto voice Of unusual
power and compass.
A duet and chorus, with orchestral accom-
paniment, led by Miss Daisy Davidson and
Mr.. A. Lufsky, was gived in grand style, and
with nerve that was quite magnetic.
TIE SERMON.
The sermon was eloquent and effective, be
1ng based on Paul's frat letter to the Corin-
thians, xv:Ly-"O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victoryY'
IN commencing, the reverend speaker al
luded TO the great event commemorated in the
VI
reetion was told and characterized as the most
momentous event that the world had ever
seen. On that morning, Easter morning, the
speaker would direct the attention of his hear
ers to the strange and majestic vision of the
angel, who on swift pinIon descended
from heaven to where Christ laid
and rolled away the stone. 1t
was q sad, sweet picture;-the weeping
women, the doubt and fear of the disciples,
the trembling of the soldiers, and about them
all was to be seen the influence of the man of
sorrow. He had been among the lowly of the
earth, cast down, reviled and crucitied; He
had risen to be the king OF kings; immortal,
infinite, enervating. So it was that Chris
tianity came to commemorate Easter, bearing
its hands laden with flowers and with its heart
swelling with song; it was the outbursting of
the victory; the triumph.
1t was this fact of mans relation to death,
told again in the story of the resurrection,
over the existence of man being the shadow
of death At his feet was the grave and the
coffin. No other creature feared death but
man. He alone dreaded the fact of dissolu-
ton. But no other creature but man could
meet death with JOY and gladness. Death was
of ancient origin; it was on the earth before
man. Millions of creatures had perished be-
fore his advent on the scene of nature. twas
after sin had entered the garden that Gods
voice came as music to the ears of Adam.
Well might the apostle exclaim: death,
where is Thy sting. o, grave, where Is thy
victory" The sting of death is sin; the help
of sin is in The Lord. Since Christ had walk
ed the earth and suffered, mans work and life
had become sacred Office and ministry.
Comrades, you need not look afar off to catch
some vision of his glory. He is nearer than
you think for; Jesus is ever near to those who
suffer; 'Inasmuch as We have done it unto
these, my brethren ye have done it unto me
also.'
The ancient conflicts were fought with
battle-aXe and spear; the ancient warrior went
forth equipped for the battle.
But there are other battles TO fight; con-
hicts against wickedness and spiritual dark
ness. Go forth into the struggles OF life; gird
on the armor Of truth and the breast-plate Of
righteousness; not like the ancients, with
battle-axe, lance and sword, but 60 We forth
armed with the sword which is the spirit of
God, the blade of which is mercy and the
hilt the word of God.
o, comrades, be loyal to the good and the
right; there is q fight yet to be fought; the
mystic rider, Death, Is swift III coming, and he
will be glad to meet you; the trumpet sounds;
the lists are ready; it is the King of Terrors;
is there no arm to save? No eye to pity? All,
yes; there is a flash of light from afar; a glo-
rious Saviour comes; he is armed with the
sword of power: he beats death back and man.
kind is saved.
The speaker closed with an eloquent exhort-
alton.