Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1890-08-23
Sunday Reaatas
EDITED BY REV. e. L. LEEPER.
CHRIST'S SERMON IN THE UPPER
CHAMBER.
Northwestern Presbyterian.


ciples were gathered around the
Master. He had spoken strange |
words to them, the full meaning of
which they were scarcely able to
grasp. He was about to leave them
and go whittier they might not fol-
low. A thousand precious memories
Of the past doubtless crowded in upon
their minds-the pleasant walks in
the fields and by-ways of Galilee the
journeys to Jerusalem in his compa-
ny, and his wondrous teachings by
the way; the helpful talks at the
close Of the day, when the multitude
had dispersed, and they were once
more alone with their Master. To
this little company he had been all
in all-their guide, counsellor, and
adored Lord. They, who had lived
in closet relationship with him, knew
all the fullness of his love, and the
perfect holiness and self.sacrifcing
devotedness of his life. He had been
their pattern and leader; as he guild
ed they followed, as he directed they
went forth. To him they had
brought all their difficulties and hard
questions, and he showed them their
errors and explained the mysteries.
And now, instead of the establish
ment of his kingdom and glory on
earth, he spoke Of cruel suffering and
death. The hearts of the faithful
men were sorely troubled, and Jesus
knowing their distress addressed
them in words full of consolation and
cheer. He gave to them, and,
through them, to all his disciples
l. A panacea for trouble. 1t is the
common lot of all to suffer; the rich
and poor alike are one in this. All
have experienced the anguish of be-
reavement and loneliness. Heart
trouble is the trouble of the world,
and Christ alone has prescribed a
sure remedy-"believe." "Believe
in God, believe in me, Faith, and
still more faith"-this is the cure for
grief, If bowed down by some great
sorrow or care, believe more in the
divine providence of the all-wise
Father who guides all things, and in
the love of the interceding Saviour
If religion has not brought comfort
and joy to your life get a firmer grip
of Christ, come nearer, and lay hold
of the promises of God with stronger
faith. To believe more is the only
medicine for troubled hearts. Look
to God, and not Peter-like, to the
waves, and your sorrow will vanish,
and the tears be wiped away.
II. A glorious outlook. Christ bid
the troubled ones forget earthly
things, and look off to Gods country
to the heavenly home, in the Faith
er's house, and the place at the Faith
er's table awaiting them. He gave
them a glorious hope to hold fast to,
and a promise of a home with him
and an etertinity spent in his pres
ence, where there would be
ono sorrow, nor any signing,
Nor any tears there nor any dying ~
He gave them a sight Of the better
land, and of the great homecoming
and vast family gathering. There
will be no unexpected ones, no stran'
gers. Each one is looked for, and
the place prepared. The Elder
Brother has gone before to make
ready, and welcome the rest.
III. A sufficient creed and cultus
II am the way, the truth and the
life" In this brief statement Christ
gives the keynote of the Christians
faith. The kings highway is the
only way into the kingdom. None
gain an audience with God who come
by any other way. A mans creed il
not an unimportant item, as is some
times suggested. He must believe
that Christ is the only way to Goo
and salvation. To know Christ is Il
know the truth, and to live in thu
light. His words are words of sol
emn truth; his actions confirm hi
words ; he is truths representative
The Spirit which he sends is thu
Spirit of truth, and leads none int
error. Having a sound creed, W,
need code to live by. Christ is tn
life, the rule by which we measure
our conduct. He only lived a perfec
life--perfect in the fulfillment ofdut,
to God and man. He only, as GU
new life, living in us, can enable u
to follow in his steps. Christ is tn
root of all spiritual and eternal life.
". The dispensation of the Spirit