National Republican., 1883-04-09
some GOSPEL TRUTHS
Enunciated From the Various Washington
Pulpits Yesterday.
First Sermon Of the New Pastor Of the
Metropolitan M. {. Church.
fhoroughnsss as ExpOunded by tho Rev. Dr.. Bartlett
at the New York Avenue Church.
Rev. DIR. RanISin'a sermon-Indian Mis-
slons and Other Missionary Exercises.
LET us GO FORWARD.

OO w OIS w AND
REV. DIR. e, D. HUNTLEY's FIRST SERMON AT
THE METROPOLITAN NJ. E. CHURCH.
The Rev. DIR. i. ID. Huntley, late president
of Lawrence university, Wisconsin, who was
transferred by the Baltimore conference TO the
pastorate of the Metropolitan NJ. L. church of
this city, preached his first sermon before q
large congregation in that edifce yesterday
morning. DR.. Huntley is large, we'll pro.
portioned gentleman of middle age. He has
pleasant voice, and speaks rapidly and
fueptly.
He took his text from Exodus, xiv, Is ;
Speak unto the children of Israel that they
go forward" DIR. Huntley said the Israelites
upbraided Moses for having brought them
out OF Egypt. He was as greatly surprised as
they were at the turn of events. No one
could have imagined that Pharoah would at
tempt to bring them back to bondage after
the experiences which had preceded their
departure. The magicians had been con-
vinced that God was fighting for the Israel
ties In the plaques. Pharoah's chief men had
been convinced and had begged him to let
the children of Israel go. He yielded at first
only so far rs TO consent that the men should
go and sacrifice to their God, while the women
and children should remain behind. But to
this condition Moses would not accede until
at length Pharoah not only permitted them
their 1ocks and their herds, but he urged
them to depart lest God in his wrath should
slay all the Egyptians.
After such an experience IL is doubtful
whether any one would have dreamed that
Pharoah would follow the Israelites to take
them again into bondage. But so it was and
in their terror it was natural for the fugitives
TO turn to Moses and implead him for relief.
What could he do2 He had as yet received
no word from God as to how he should carry
himself in this emergency, and would it not
have been natural for him to have construed
the circumstances as command2
The Israelites were Gods chosen people, and
If Moses had interpreted the circumstances
into q command of God he might have rea-
soned that He who had wrought miracles in
their behalf when they were in actual bond
ago now that they had been led out would
expect them to show their appreciation
of liberty and themselves to be
worthy of it by fighting for it,
and SO at least to Cooperate with the
Divine emancipation and retain by arms, sup
plemented it might be by continued miracu-
lous assistance, that freedom which had been
given by the Almighty. But Moses had not
given commands to Pharoah without first re-
ceiving orders from on high. Neither did he
propose to command the children Of Israel
without first making inquiry of his God. He
knew, for he had Gods word for it, that
somehow they should get to the land of
Canaan, but he did not know the road, nor the
experiences by which they should be led. So
he said, "Stand still and see the salvation of
God, which He shall work for you this day
for the Egyptians. Whom ye have seen this
day ye shall see them again no more forever.
God shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your
peace"
Here we see something Of the character of
Moses. In an emergency, having no specific
orders, he rested on general promise. He
would not allow the people to be scattered by
fright, and he would not command them to
turn upon their foes. The first would have
shown lack Of faith the second would have
been presuming on the miracles God must work
in order to preserve the people. He yielded
to neither of these temptations. Not know
ing the mind of God, he simply assured the
people that God would fight for them, and he
encouraged them to stand still and see saliva
tion. Then he turned to God and cried until
at length the Jehovah gave the command,
Speak to the children Of Israel that they go
forward"
The history connected with this text teaches
many lessons. Gods children should not be
frightened by dangers nor discouraged by
difficulties. There are dangers and difficult
ties threatening the church to-day. They are
to be made use of. By the right use of them
they shall develop both individual and de-
cominational Christian character. Whatever
Is before us when the order comes from God
to go forward our business is to go. We can
find enough enemies in front. We must go
promptly, for prompt action takes advantage
of present opportunities Prompt action in
taking advantage of present opportunities be-
gets an enthusiasm which renders the action
pleasant and leads us to form the habit of
looking for opportunities for tho performance
of such action, Let us 60 forward also cheer
fully, and God will help us to overcome our
enemies as he assisted the Israelites to over
come theirs.