The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-03-27

Rev. Allen, OF the Sixth Presbyterian Church,
Regards II n Disease.


Rev. Allen, OF the Sixth Presbyterian Church,
Regards 1t Disease.
Rev. Z. A. Allen. of the Sixth Presby.
terrain Church, preached last evening to q
full house. His subject was backsliding.
He chose for his text Prov. xiv. II The
backslider In heart shall be filled with his
own ways"
''One of the most important things in
any discussion is definitions" said the
minister sDet Us then, In the beginning,
clearly understand what we mean by the
term 'backslidlng.' There is q crude no.
tion that we Calvinists do not believe in
bsoksliding. Nothing could be further
from the truth. The doctrine of Calvanism
on this point is simply this: That regener-
alton is forever; that. although the regen-
crate man may backslide and become way
ward. he will not become an apostate.
81 adopt q son into my family. He be-
comes wsyward. but he is still my son.
He asks forgiveness l grant it.
for for he has been been nv SON ali
the whIle.n The speaker then gave his
attention direct to the text, which was
closely followed, treating OF backsliding
anu results. He continued: "a disease
sometimes eats into our vitals before We
are aware. Our ship in fog may dash to
pieces on an unseen rock. BacksildinR be-
gins unexpectedly; like @ dangerous die
ease it steals into our systems. and take
tine disease we can better apply the remedy.
"Baoksliding begins in the heart. The
leaves of fruit tree begin TO fade. curl MP
and wIther. No fulIness of life. no fruit.
thing gnawing at the seat of life-the
heart. Men fail as trees do-after gradual
decay at the heart. Keep thy heart with
all diligence, for out Of it are the issues OF
llfe.' 1t is well for rs to also remem-
Der that q backsllder in heart is not
always backsllder in life. He may still
attend to church duties. May be Jealous
worker In external things; may show nom
est pride in church success. in fine build
ing. good music, etc., and still be back.
slider He may have the form without
the spirit.
Some of the signs of backsliding
Is loss of relish for prayer. The
prayer meeting is no longer a
joyful place. He has no interest IN Gods
word. There was q time when his con-
science was tender. now he can look on sin
lightly. He cares no longer for spiritual
work. Dear friends. do any of these symp-
toms fit your casef If SO beg you TO be
concerned. The commanding cause Of
love of the world and rejecting duty. But
the baokslider shall be filled with his
way. His 10 fault finding way; nothing
seems 60 him right; he becomes pessimist;
his is way of doubt; his Is way of de-
spair."
The audience listened with the closest at
tention throughout the sermon. Rev. Allen
closed with strong appeal for backsllders
to ask for forgiveness and claim their in
heritance. as they were still children.
though wayward children.
Evangelist OF PugiIistic Ancestry.
At the Propyl@um. last night the Rev.
Alfred Mace. evangelist. preached the
opening discourse of series of meetings
which will occur the coming week. A
large audience heard the first sermon with
the words of the evangelist. Rev. Mace is
lately of London. England, where he was
once engaged in business. Contrary to the
expectations of many present he did not
handle the gospel rough shod on the seDsa-
tional plan. but instead impressed
his hearers with the fact that
and educated, and endowed with
power to preach an eloquent intelligent
sermon. de talked last night upon the
vital importance OF preparation for the
coming of divine judgment. pleading fer
vently In the interest of Christianity. Rev.
Mace possesses q clear. strong voice, and
leads in the singing without the aid of an
instrument. He Is a small. ark-complex-
toned man, wears full black beard. and de-
IIyers his sermons attired in modest bust
ness suit. The meetings will continue this
week, each evening. Between IL and
o'clock every day Bible readings will be
given for the benefit of young men.
sixsy-Four Children Confirmed.
Sixty-four children. thirty-four girls ana
<b;vxv hovs ~ara coufrpad n = thu Z,o,, NJ
E. Church, at 10 O'Clock. yesterday morn
ing. Rev. j. G. Peters officiating Aspecial
sermon, from Mathew vi, SO. Seek you
first the kingdom of God" was preached.
The house was crowded to the doors. There