, 1892-07-25
TICKLE FEELINGS.
Difference Between Sentiment and
Principles in Religion.

Ups and Downs of Christian Living
--POOr Health vs.. PIety--Inde-
pendent Thinkers--VaIue of "a
High Standard.
Rev. F. E. Drake, of the First NJ. E.
church, preached very interesting and in
istructive sermon at the morning service
yesterday. AS can be seen from the sub
tended synopsis it contained many sug-
gestions and truths of practical benefit to
protesting Christians
The Christian religion is one both of Joy
and Of principles. 1t gives pleasure and
regulates the individuals conduct. Emo
ton, however, is not criterion of right.
We should not hesitate to do good because
we do not feel like it. Mere feeling Is un-
tain and unreliable A person may be
ruled and governed by settled principles of
right, while the feelings may rise and fall,
come and go. There are several causes for
the variations of feeling that we sometimes
experience. Temperament is very i'm
port factor. You will observe the same
traits and dispositions in a person, so far
as temperament is concerned, after his con
version as before his conversion. We are
not always going to dwell on Mt PiZgah
There may be physical reasons. Indeed
our health has great deal to do with our
spiritual condition. And then our gloomy
feelings may come from disposition to
doubt as to the success of the gospel, God s
power to keep, etc. 1t may arise from false
brethren. Who has not had false breth-
ren2 You say such things ought not to be.
l grant it, But we must look at things as
they are and not as they should be.
1t is possible for man to be constantly
fearing ana obeying God and still be in
darkness.
What is to be done2
Trust in the name of the Lord. Let none
of these things move you.
There are a number of traits ofcharacters
that we always admire in a man no matter
where exhibited. We admire man of in
dependent thought. A man that strikes
out and reaches conclusions for himself
A man that breaks loose from his environ.
ment and is original. We admire man
who has courage, and we admire a man
who is constant in his convictions. But
there is danger at this point. The man OF
Independent thought is liable to go too fal
and get away from the truth. He is apt tC
indulge in vain imaginings. We admire
the courageous man, but not the unreason
able man. You admire the tenacious man
but for the obstinate man we have no ad-
miration.
To become man of mark you mus
have the leading elements of character frs
described
All this supposes rule or standard o.
character somewhere. That standard
must be a lofty one. The man whose
standard is not above himself will never
rise above himself. The man strikes out
on an independent course of thought and
conduct must have high standard
We estimate what man says by what be
is. The man who breaches one thing and
lives another had better quit his preaching
or change his mode of living. The indie.
pendent thinker must be conscientious
We dare not trust him otherwise. These
independent thinkers, if they would only
be conscientious, how different would be
their conclusions. PauPs coptrolline
thought and motive was that he would dc
right regardless of the cost.
There must also be a purpose. You
must do something. Do not sit down and
wait for something to turn up. That man
who fills his position to overhowing will
soon be given a greater measure, An aim
less life is dissipation.
With convictions, a purpose, a high
standard and added to these, faith in God
man will not let anything trouble him
His spirit will rise above the vexations o.
life.
In closing, the striking elements in Paul.
character were ViYidly portrayed How
Paul separated himself from Barnabas al
Troas, and went to Macedonia to preach
in the face of repeated warnings that be
would get into trouble; how he went
straight up to Jerusalem knowing that per
secution awaited him there; and Later
going directly to Rome only to be cast into
prison and be beheaded. Even while living
in Jail and waiting for the summons to thC
headman's block he wrote: For am now
ready to be offered, and the time for my de
parture is at hand. 1 have fought a gooC
nght, l have finished my course, 1 have
kept the faith"
The heroic elements of Paul's character
were commended to such as desired to ac
complish some good in the world.