Morning journal and courier., 1884-02-11
Our Great Authority.

Jesus Christ Our Authority, the Theme
 of Rev. MT. Nichols at Trinity Church
 Yesterday Morning.
 At Trinity church yesterday morning the assistant minister, Rev. Mir. Nichols, preached to large congregation, taking his text from the fifth chapter of Matthew and twenty second verse: "But say unto you" Tho theme was the authority of Jesus. He said in substance: The circumstances under which these simple words were uttered made them impressive. Christ had been speaking to the Galileans of their law. He proceeded to give them law of his own. On She one hand was IsIasls great law, on the other 2 simple mans word. It was extreme arrogance unless he had the right. Either he was the divine son of God or a pre- suming impestor. He spoke as one having authority and he had authority. We want an authority. Man invariably goes to the bad unless he has an authority. What shall bring him back? Christ's word We need an authority that can command rightly. think that whenever Christ's word is really Socrates and Marcus AureliuS and the others that have not heard him, heHthens both of the old and present time, when in the awakened revelation, will, if they are true and right minded hearts, own him as their own. We need authority in our beliefs. We want par don and truth. The Roman Catholic church assumes this authority and that is how it diff fers from others. It speaks and acts author itatively. Why 1t has such power is that so many are unwilling to face problems for themselves, as each one must at the last in his own personality. It is cowardice that drives men into Catholicism. The crseds of some of our churches, that of Luther, for ey- ample, are for the same purpose. There is but one way, and that ia for each man to exercise his own individuality. But what if a man is astray? Who shall guide him2 Jesus Christ iG such an authority. He speaks clearly, distinctly, fearlessly. He says alone and emphatioally: But say unto you," like some commanding spirit in a storm when all men are running hither and thithsr, who gives commands and many lives are saved by obeying. The voice of Christ is like that of the Creator when 1t said: "Let there be light" and there was light. The Christ of the New Testam ent has the authority of that of the Old. Jesus Christ is the focus figure of the ages. To him date back our hope
 
 centres about him. His life was spotlsss. He stands alone in his exalted and pre- eminent truth and holiness. There is no doubt in his utterance, no shadow in his vision. What 1oes Christs voice of authority say to us? Two things. First, that the inward man is the true man. That is what this chapter means. We are apt to bother ourselves over externals and details and allow the meaning to escape our attention. The ers- lore, control your temper, for temper is murder; control your secret thoughts, think we'll before you speak, for thoughts and de- ires and affections are what God looks at. The second is more important. To me one sentence sums up the whole of Christianity. is principle, not rules If wo could learn this. Be 8 Christian; be and aot do. People ask themselves, shall at end church when the church is open? shall take class in Sunday school? l shall not ,ovet; I shall do no murder. Of course do lll those things. Be Christian Then go onward. Take your place and your stand md own Christ in his appointed way. Live t and preach 1t by your living.
 What does Christ say to the sorrowing hearts in his presence? He says there is an 'ternity, and Christ knows. He brought 'ternity down to earth. Life begins here md now and not apart from those who have ,one before. We are in the same service, lope, work, progress, eonsecration, leader hip beause of Christ's authoritative voice. mid all our uncertainties there is one certain oice of authority. We want to know and 10 right What shall we do? How can we now the right? Who shall tell us except )hrist? He says. 'tBut I say unto you" I, he personality alone worth needing. You, he personality which you alone know about. .et the two be united. Do you and he come ogether.