Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1882-03-28
LIVE PEACEABLY"
IF 1t be Possible, Much Lieth in
You, Live Feaceably with all Men,"

IF 1t be Possible, as Much as Lieth in
You, Live Feaceably with all Men,"
Upon the above foundation, the Rev. E.
E. Sturgis, of the Second Presbyterian
Church, based one of his most useful and
interesting sermons, Sunday.
We regret exceedingly that we can not
print the discourse in full, but even then it
would lack the pleasant and pointed deliv-
cry, which helped SO largely to give it a
hold upon the minds of his hearers, that
will doubtless result in better and purer
lives. Let us, however, present some of
the ideas which he advanced; that if posi-
BILE their influence may be extended:
First, it is impossible for an earnest and
conscientious man to live peaceably with
all men at all times for his duty as a man
to do all in his power to overcome and put
down evil in its various forms, would ne
>cessitate incurring the enmity of evil doers.
Paul could not and did not live peaceably
at all times; for he quarrelled with Peter
and Barnabous. Moses could not
and did not live at peace with the
erring Egyptians; and it was to his credit
that he could not and did not David could
not and did not live peaceably with sinful
Saul; and it was to his credit that he did
not and could not. Christ himself did not
live peaceably with the Pharisees and tenn
ple-deflers but said that he came "not to
bring peace on earth but sword" hence,
we see that it is rather discredit for a man
to live peaceably under all circumstances.
On the other hand, it is right to live as
peaceably as we may, and stin do our duty.
he fn 10 Va
have no right to trespass upon the rights of
others, to cheat, overreach or injure our
fellows, either in person, property, feelings
or privileges. Secondly, We should avoid
all occasions of needless provocation and
offense." This is not easy to do at best
but many seem to try to provoke others
in every way possible; they speak
rudely, designing to arouse the wrath
of some fellow being and create discord.
Some people seem to pass through life clad
with roses, while others seem robed III
prckles and spines. Others are busybodies,
meddling with their neighbors' AFFAIRS some
must be giving advice, whether it is called
for or not, while others are Obtrusive, and
no privacy is safe from their invasion. Still
another class are too positive and extreme;
no one else can be right" their views are
always the wisest, and all sensible people
will see the faet-think they. By being SO
pronounced, impatient and exasperating,
this class manage to destroy much peace in
the world.
In the study of peaceable living, you will
observe that few create more discord than
tale bearers" The Bible calls them tat
tiers" Like the buzzard. they scent every
thing unpleasant, or foul, far and near and
haste to possess 1t.
There are also those who cause much
trouble by ridicule, satire or coarse wit.
Many processing Christian feels justified
in the God dforbidden "filthy expression"
under the cloak of wit or satire.
Another cause of discord in the world is
offensive habits; in his opinion, no one has
any right to have disagreeable habits or un-
kindly manners.
Again, for the sake of peace, it is often
duty to yield our rights and give way to
others; rot to give up our principles, and
moral rights, but rights of SO.
eial and business life. Many will
Never! No! no no! 1 will never sub
NIT to any such imposition; my rights
must always be respected" Yet how much
better to remain quiet and bear a wrong to
keep peace. In the study of peace, we
ought to keep silent in regard to our views
and opinions on some occasions-for in
stance: l have no right to ex-
change pulpits with my Baptist brother
and preach sermon railing against INNER
sion, or with my Methodist brother and di-
late on the doctrine of tCalyinism. Neither
has any one right to come into this pulpit
and extol as praiseworthy any doctrines or
opinions that were known to be repugnant
to this congregation, or advocate things not
accepted or practlcel by this church. 1t is
noble also to acknowledge fault and ask
for pardon. There is much need for this
quality We often wrong each other in the
world. The trouble enters society, church
es, and even families.
We are common family, have "a common
father, and discord is not brotherly, much
less Christian. 1t is evidence of q small,
mean life to take affront easily, and be Of
Tended at trifes We shall not regret the an
cry word unsaid, or the the violent blow
not struck, when we reach the close of life
and take last look backward.