Morning journal and courier., 1883-03-12
Trinity M. E. Church.

Az Lesson From the Life of Ahab-The
 Random ShOt-Duty and the Question
 Of Results.
 A beautiful day filled with sunshine brought gladness to our church going peo- pie, many of whom listened with devout in- terest to Rev. Dr. GoodselPs sermon at Trim ity M. E. church yesterday morning. The text was selection from the 1st Book of Kings, 22nd chapter, 34th verse, ''And cer- man drew a bow at 8 venture" The story of King Ahab recorded in this chapter is not without it's significance. Blinded to every good impulse, greedy of gain, this wicked king sought every opportunity to crush those who would not yield to his base desires. Flushed with many victories he still believed there was for him no defeat. In his attack upon Ramoth, although warned by Gods prophet that he would fail, he was reused up to the precaution of disguising himself in battle that he might not prove too conspicu- ous 8 mark for the archers of Benhadad. Yet the text tells us that the bow drawn by certain man at 8 venture pierced his armor and his chariot flowed with his blood. The pastor invited attention to the character of Ahab. The scriptures teach that he "did
 
 career was one of prominence but it was also one of evil and wickedness. A wicked king was taken out of his place in the world by what seemed to some as chance, mere ven ture. Yet the retribution for sin is sure. In walking in Gods way lies the path of safe ty In the complications of modern life we see ventures in business and happy is that man who can see the broadest way out of the future. There is not so much an element of chance in Christian life. There is a grand confidence that we shall succeed We be- lieve we shall conquer in the end Now in Christian labor we cannot tell whom we may influence at all times and so we ''draw the bow at 6 venture" But do not understand that that there is no stability in religion. Remember that God is 9 certainty and the command given us ''oocupy the field till I come," is certainty. But the imperfect hold we, have upon the truth into error. No church is right above all oth- CTS. We have methods, so have others. Churches attract according to a certain tone. A form of worship attracts; the minister has often to present the truth at venture rather than not present it all. The bow must often be drawn at Q venture when we consider the characteristics of men. Then there are the moods of men. It may be when the trumpet ought to sound there comes up vail in the preachers heart. It may be also that some of the people are sad and the pastor does not know where the arrow shall strike When the bow is drawn who shall send the arrow but God We can only fall back up- on the thought ''Lo am with you till the end of time" God has promised results God often brings us to point where we can see beyond. The cry is to-day what has God wrought2 We must still work, and pray, and sing, and watch for the results as they come to us. Gods ear is always open to catch the first glimpses of B soul who is ready to turn toward Him.
 In the evening the Rev. Dr. John H. Yin cent, of this city, occupied the pulpit, and preached sermon full of intense interest, embellished with many striking thoughts so characteristic of the speaker, who has had such extended fields of usefulness in his Sun | day school work to which he seems so espe- | cially adapted.
 Dr. Goodsel gave notice that the revival meetings would be continued every evening | this week except Wednesday and Saturday. The evangelist Rev. MT. Thurston, who has so ably conducted them, will be present only on Monday evening, as other engage ments demand his presence ---,,- ,-,~--,-,---.