Jamestown weekly alert. [volume] (Jamestown, Stutsman County, D.T. [N.D.]) 1882-1925, 1889-03-07
SACRAMENT OFF CONFIRMATION.
Bishop Walker explains the origin
and meaning OF the ordinance to a
lapra arr1Snnca '.''' .'ss rs .is.- ~ ..r.

and meaning Of the ordinance to a
large audience. &s'' - t"''>''j .'.
A large congregation assembled yester-
day morning and evening in the Episco-
pal church to hear Bishop Walker. AT
evening service large number of stran-
gers were present some Of whom seemed
rather lacking in conrtes b ncglecting
to rise with the rest of the congregation
After the beautiful service Of Evening
Prayer and an anthem nicely sung by
Miss Young, the Bishop delivered ser
mon from St. Mathews, 5. 80. ''But I
say unto you, that ye resist not evil; but
whosoever shall smite thee on the rls ht
cheek turn to him the other also"
The Bishop delivered a powerful dis
course from this text. He is an impressive
speaker although reading his sermon
from manuscript causes his delivery to
lose much of it's grace, from the neces-
sity of keeping his eyes upon his book.
He said that it would be foolish to sup
'ly, the lesson intended to be taught was
that while it was mans duty to take
proper steps to defend himself from in
jury, he should not harbour any feelings
OF revenge. ~@ g.
1T would destroy the foundation of
society ii wicked men could prey upon
the innocent without fear Of the conse-
quences, but men were very apt to con-
fuse what they did out Of personal hatred
with their duty toward society. 81
r After the sermon the bishop asked those
who were thinking Of being confirmed to
remain behind as he wished to deliver a
short address upon the origin and neces-
sity of that sacrament. He explained
that there was no efficacy in the mere
ceremony Of the laying on of hands, but
there must be o fervent desire to receive
the Holy Ghost.
During tho forty days which our Lord
passed on earth after his resurrection, he
instructed his; apostles in the care OF the
church, and immediately after his, ascen-
sion, We read that they went up and down
Judea, Confirming the churches" "@ The
great danger to be guarded against was
thinking that there was any virtue in the
ceremony alone, without the dasire oi
the heart. his practice Of renewal oi
the pledges made to God, at the time OF
reaching maturity, has come down to Us
from the old Mosaic law, by it the man
renewed and confirmed the pledges which
his Godparents had made for him at
baptism. s..-. ..t.a -...
Many to whom he spoke on this sub
ject replied "that they did not feel good
enough" if this was really the truth they
we're Just the persons who should be con,
firmed, as the Spirit would be given tC
aid those who re ,eived the sacrament in
truly humble spirit, feeling that they
could not stand alone. 5... -
When he spoke of giving up the world
he did not mean that all innocent amuse-
ments must be given up. It was often
said that the Episcopal church was more
liberal than many others ia the matter OF
dancing and attendance at theaters, and
within certain limits that was true, but
we do not encourage worldliness. There
we're certain dances and certain theatri-
Gals which no true Christian would in
dulge in, and although the communion
would not be denied you for attending a
dance, you should always be very care
full that your example does not lead 9th
ers estray. He could take this position
because he had never danced or attended
theater in his life, and I'LL should be
careful not to abuse the liberty granted
them by the church. Confirmation will
be given after Easter. ..