Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-09-05
"wHY AM 1 A PREsBYTERIANs"
The Theme Discussed by Rev. G. NJ. Afford
ut the Third PresbYterIan Church.

The Theme Discuss ed by Rev. G. n. Afford
at the Third Presbyterian Church.
The Third Presbyterian charch has
been closed during the summer months,
during which time extensive improve
ments have been made to the edifce.
The Third church is now one or the
most handsome both in exterior and IN
terror appearance, in the city. Hand
some souvenir invitations had been is
sued for Yesterdays services, and a
large congregation assembled. In the
morning q special song service took
place, after which Rev. G. M. Afford,
the pastor, preached an interesting ser
mon on the subject-"Why am l a
Presbyterian?" Text, l Peter 3-15,
''Be ready always to give an answer to
every man that asketh you a reason OF
the hope that is in YOU"
In his predatory remarks, Rev. AL
ford said he did not wish to say any
thing derogatory to other churches.
There are certain conditions Of life over
which we have no control, but when
the condition of life is matter OF
choice, everyone who makes a choice
should be able to give reason FOR it.
Being a Christian at all is matter OF
choice, as no man is compelled TO ac-
cent Christ. When 1t is matter OF
choice, you will be held accountable
and responsible for whatever you are.
Going back of it all, he would ask why
he was O. Protestant for PresbyterianiSm
is the strongest form Of Professionalism.
He was q Protestant against church
which was not spiritual but temporal;
whose only dream is that she will soon
hold the reins of this govern ment, and
by her spirit Of intolerance overthrow
the public school, destroy all other sys-
TENS OF religion, and make men every
where bow the knee to Papal authority.
II am Presbyterian, be said, "be-
capse l believe Presbyterian doctrines
are moro in accord with the teachings
of the Bible, than those OF any other
church." The doctrine of foreordina-
ton is the only sensible view OF Gods
dealings with this universe. 1t is bad
enough for men to be going it blind, but
far worse for God toobe governing the
world by chance aud haphazard, with
NO nre-arranged plan. A man might as
well oppose the foreknowledge of God
as His foreordination. God could not
know what was going to happen unless
ne had so ordained il. He is undouot-
edlv conducting the affairs OF this world
bv well arranged plans, which are sure
to be carried out.
~ believe in the Presbyterian doc
tripe of the reception OF children into
covenant relations with their parents"
Ii shot God aRRanfS the
narents, and makes no room in the fold
for tbeir children. Baptism is the badge
Of acceptance, and that badge IS placed
ON parents and their children alike.
The last General Assembly made 1t
clear To the world that Presbyterlans
look unon the Bible as the only infalli-
HE rule Of faith and guidance. Mans
resson does help US to know God and
His will. hut reason is erring, aud can
NOT be accepted as an infaiiiole gulde;
The church helps as 10 know God and
assists us in the Christian life, but as IL
il made Nd of errlng mortals, 1t cannot
he infalIible. The Presbyterian Cnurch
teaches that while the reason and the
church. are lights In the darkness OF
this world, yet they are only human,
and canrot be placed on par Win the
divine word OF God.
The open communion table OF the
Presbyterian Church is in harmony Win
~ Rihle and the desire OF man. Christ
;nv,tes ali who love Him to come to his
tahIe. and love and faith are the only
Pihle tests of true discipleship, and the
true disciple should have free access 10
this feast.
Lama Presbyterian because l be-
lieye its church government Is ooIn