The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1893-03-27
SUNDAY SAYINGS.
Good Friday What It Means to Us
Seeking with a Whole Heart
Consequences Of Walking in
the Light.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Good Friday is the anniversary OF the
greatest event in the worlds history
the crucifxion OF Jesus Christ, unless we
except the miracle OF his resurrection
But these two events belong together;
neither could have occurred without the
other.
The death Of Christ upon the cross of
Calvary Its meaning to US OF this nine
teenth century and this work-a-day
world-let that be our theme. Find the
truth taught in 2 Cor. 5: IA, Is: "For the
love of Christ c~onstraineth us; because
We thus judge, that il one died for all
then were all dead. And that he died
for all, that they which live should not
henceforth unto themselves, but unto
him which died for them and rose again.
There are two prominent thoughts in
these verses:
/. The vicarious sacrifice of Christ.
A vicar, says Webster, is lone deputed
or authorized to perform the functions
of another" Satolli, the papal delegate
to America is the vicar or representa-
tive OF the pope OF Rome, because he has
received authority to act for the pope.
The governor OF q state is in a sense q
vicar, inasmuch az he executes the laws
for the people. Now Jesus Christ is hu-
manity's vicar because he represents hu-
manity at Gods Judgment bar. This is
true in two senses: (l)..Jesus Christ is
the victim OF mans sin. 1t was human
ignorance, malice, envy, selfishness, hate
that caused the crucifixion of Gods eter-
nal % 1t is true that you and / did
not actively participate In 1.-THE schemes
and plots OF the Pharisees, did not assist
the soldiers in arresting. Jesus, did not
join our cries with those of the murder
ous rabble who shouted, "Crucify him.
cruelty him." still less did We drive the
nails into his hands and feet or thrust
the spear into his side. Nevertheless, in
u hearts to-day are the same sins as
caused the DEATH OF the innocent Re-
deemer. The human mind has become
more enlightened since then, but the hui
man heart is just as corrupt now as ever.
In so far as we have been rebellious
against God, have harbored a revengeful
spirit, have been Journalists, skeptics,
cowardly disciples, false friends, oppos-
ers OF goodness, whatever evil we have
done, in that degree and SO far we have
participated in the evil Of which Jesus
fell a victim and have joined our cry
with that OF the rabble who shouted,
"Crucify him." He died for our sin.
His blood lies at our threshold. (2) Je-
died for us in the sense that his sac
rifice 10 our sacrifice. God has been
pleased to credit mankind with the ben
efits of Christ's death. Two things the
erring children needed to restore them to
their Heavenly fathers favor, innocence
of heart and rectitude OF life. We had
neither OF these. Jesus had both. His
death paid the debt OF our past trans
g~ressions. His perfect obedience to his
fathers will is ~graciously credited to u
account and by His spirit He promises
to impart to all who believe that holiness
of heart without which no man can see
the Lord. Read l Jno. 81.
III. Briefly we must say that the ef-
feet upon us of receiving the unspeak-
able gift OF pardon and eternal life
through Christ's death ought to be that
we shall henceforth live not for ourselves
but for Him who died for us. And the
of such devotion will be found in
the gratitude and affection OF our hearts
to Him who loved us and bought US
with his blood.
M. E.. CHURcH.
Evening subject: - "Wholehearted
seeking" Text:-"Now set your heart
and your soul to seek the Lord your
/ Chron. 22-19. Here is q com
mand Of God to US all. 1t is from one
who has authority, and whose authority
be respected. Until we can live
OF God, we are naturally
and legally subject to him, as the child
to its parent. What is meant by "Set
your heart and soul" etc? The scrip
teach at least three faculties Of
the soul or heart, which must be exer-
cised in wholehearted seeking.
/. The will: The sower OF self de-
struction. Resolution. The rudder Of
The unseen motor power.
Daniel "purposed in his heart" etc.
Christ said to his disciples, "Settle it
in your hearts" etc. Paul said
For to will is present with me-" This
will power governs and directs all volun-
tary action. It has power over the mind,
whether in memory, reasoning, concen-
or direction. II has power over
our members debating every action.
VIII is sovereign, the members, slaves.