The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-09-18
REV. NJ. l.. WELLS.
His Last Sermon Preached at Grace Church
Last Eyenin1.

His Last Sermon Preached at Grace Church
Last Evening.
DR.. NJ. l.. Wells, pastor of Grace M. T..
Church. preached his farewell sermon last
night. The theme presented by Dr.. Wells
was the comparative influence of atheism
and Christianity in the moral and intel
lectual development of man. The text
chosen for the sermon was John xviii Be-
lieve me for the very works sske." These
words were spoken by Christ.
DR.. Wells said: Atheism and the re-
ligion of Christ have for ages been at war,
one with the other. Atheism has not been
contented with denying tho existence of
God. but has opposed the teachings aud
institutions claimed TO be of divine origin.
In this particular atheism and intdelity
ore synOny nous. Both claim that the re-
ligion of Christ is q myth and superstition,
and that the race could have advanced bet
ter without that religion. But the intiu-
eDces of the two teachings a worked
long enough to demonstrate fully their
power. The best proof We have of the In
t~iuences of these two forces is in q comparl-
son of the nations which have lived under
the Christian religion with those under
atheism, buddhism, Mohammedanism, and
all the other religions. As for atheism. it Is
q mere denial and has no fixed doctrine.
VIZ can OILY JuQ&o IIOUl tuo tc8CuluRS " Il -
few of it's most noted followers. Some
plead for liberty. temperance. honesty and
virtue. Others soy but little or nothing for
temperance and virtue. But there is moth
ing found In their teachings better than
the teachings of Christ. The hopes of
atheists for good moral results from their
teachings are in favor of Christianity. A
com parison OF nations accords with this
view, and tho difference In Advancement
oiasDt nations fan enn1o5 be Purely ,s 0r;s aG,
over three thousand years ago
among those who believed in God.
From that time down to the present educa-
ton has had it's real growth among the
believers. The best colleges that have
sprung mp in England and America were
founded by followers of Christ. We have
had very little to give evidence of such
forces working under the influences of
atheism.
I'm the department of the arts and litera-
great stimulus in producing the highest
aud noblest results.
"One of the best proofs of the
correctness OF Christs teachings is
that illustriOus writers have devoted
their attention to this subject more than
all others combined.
THE moral influence of atheism and re-
Iigion can be seen most plainly in the great
reformations of the world. In the abolition
of slavery we find no atheist working in
the front rank. This is true of oil ages.
"The Christian religion has perversiOns,
but &c should not be held responsible for
them. The church ie now struggling
against corruptions existing within Its
borders. But there is q true religion which
By degrees Is gaming supremacy. To-day
we find en- army of those true workers 20
ing throughout the world e~xpounding the
teachings of Christ. lifting up blind, ignOr-
ant and suffering humanity into the light
of His teachings. 1t is that power which is
elevsting mankind, and atheism can
furnish proof of no such resultsU