The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-05
SERVICES AT THE CHURCHES
Rev. DR.. Jeffrey breaches at the Union
Meeting in TOmlinsOn Hall.
Attendance Somewhat Misunderstanding
to Cease Unless the People Attend Them
IA Boy Evangelist at Fletcher-Place.

Are You WatcnlngF o6ateu upon tHo plat
form were Revs. Jeffery, Jenckes, Haines and
Gantz, of this city, and Rev. Carr, of Franklin.
Mr.. Haines led in prayer.
DR. Jeffery prefaced his sermon with remark
ing that number of the ministers of this city
would be perfectly willing to forego their vaca
tons and assist in the services at the hall if the
audiences would come. That these meeting are
kept up from Sunday to Sunday, however.
would depend upon the encouragement they re-
ceived.
He took as his text Romans seventh chapter,
fifteenth verse: For that which do, allow
not for what would. that do I not; but what
hope, that do l." He said that Paul here de-
scribed conflict which every human being is
mere or less conscious. He says in substance
that he approves of some things that he does not
do, and some things of which he does not APP
prove, those things he does. And this is an ex-
preston of feeling that is found in all the hu-
man race. There is something that tells men
what is right, that approves Of what is right,
that tells what is wrong and disapproves of
it, yet man is constantly led to
do things that are wrong, and that he knows
are wrong Every man is endowed with this
moral sense which makes him aware of this con-
fiict between right and wrong. The province of
conscience is to tell a man to do what is right
There are some questions upon which one may
have wrong opinion without having bad con-
science. There are questions upon which per-
sons may honestly differ and with good con-
science, but when you come within the realm Of
conscience, every man is prepared intuitively
TO say what is the right thing to do. Yet
every finds himself inclined to go in
the way of doing the very things of which he dis
approves. No education can so rervert con-
science as to make the worse appear the better
thing to us. The law Of God is written upon
cry mans conscience. The Bible is not required
to tell you what is right aud what is wrong. but
simply to enable you TO avoid the wrong and 40
the right Ovid the Roman poet, who lived
hundreds of years before Paul, substantially said
the same thing when he said. II find myself not
doing the things of which approve, and con-
stantly doing the things OF which disarprove."
You are constantly saying, THAT is wrong"
''that is mean" that is dishonorable." The
English language is full of words making moral
distinctions in regard to human conduct. We
become very eloquent over the meannesses of
other people. You can denounce the wrong in
your neifhbor, but when you look in the glass
you are not ashamed of yourself. Let him who
is without sin. the particular sin of which he
accuses another, cast the first stone The
proverbs of all nations are based UPON the testi-
mouy of mans homage to the right. We exalt
and glorify the right as against the wrong.
l blundered yesterday into a barber shop,
where, in a glass before me, was an lndelcate
picture l made up my mind never to visit that
harber-shop again. If | had spoken about it,
the man would probably have excused himself
by saying that it attracted customers to bis shop
that people liked such things l might have
asked him il he would be willing to have his
child see that picture. That man could not have
given All honest excuse for his conduct Art is
in the line with right and justice. Slavery could
not be painted to appear right You can not
paint a drunkard in way that
will make drunkenness command respect Every
man has his ideal of what is right. Even inf
deity has to take its and lay il at the feet
of the spotless man Jesus of Nazareth. Inger-
soil. at a dollar head, may go around talking
against the Bible. Suppose he make you de-
spise it as the revelation of God, he can not dis
prove its morals make it reason why you
should go home drunk to night and beat your
wife. Voltaire Rousseau-all the inidels
-Renan, are all fain to pay their tribute
to the spotless character of Jesus Christ
in whom the world has found sin. In the
growth of mankind all trace the bringing of the
race into conformity with the man of Nazareth
Yet men are so perverse that though they know
the right they do the wrong. Some men feed
upon the faults of their Christian brethren as
upon carrion. They say ha, la, when good man
has fallen. Is that the way to do-to rejoice
over the fall of your fellow-man? Perhaps there
are persons here tonight who claim to be ladies
anu Rentleiuou, anu YET rlulculo SDrlsLlanlIy
No gentleman. lady will ridcule the con
scientious belief of any one Men love darkness
rather than light, Whya Because
their deeds are evil, and they fear
the light lest their deeds shall
be proven. 1t is the disposition of vice aud dis
honesty to assume a reputable name. They
steal the livery of heaven to serve the devil IN
That beautiful word lady-go down to certain
houses of vice in this city, and find it used
there. If you would call them by the strong
and honest Saxon word that fits them, you would
have trouble. You tell man that he is a scoun-
drel, cheat, a liar, how he will fire up. He re-
sents it. though he knows it is true, simply be-
cause he is an involuntary witness to the differ
ence between his higher and lower nature.
DR.. Jeffrey closed with fervent appeal to
all to change their ways and come to Jesus
Christ, the great physician. You not asked
said the speaker, to be perfect. Come with your
imperfect natures to Christ; like the publican of
old, say. 'God be merciful to me, a sinner" and
he will abundantly pardon you.
DR.. Jenckes prayed, the song "Why Not Come
to Him Now?' was sung, and Rev. Carr, OF
Franklin, gave the benedicton.