Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-18

bers Of this kingdom and Is to ourselves that
though dead we shall never die.
coNoUEsTs OF The CHURCH.
Once more and finally, the glory Of the
church is most wildly and impressively ex-
hibited in the conquests which it has achieved
and the destiny which awaits it. 1t was or
ganized and established for the one great pur-
pose OF making real, effective and universal
the reign of Christ upon this earth. The
human instrumentalities employed for it's
preservation and extension were not only weak,
but seemingly despicahle and mean. The
enemies against whom from its birth it was
| called upon to contend, not alone for conquest
but for life itself, were active, mighty, maiignan,
and numerous. All the powers on-earth and in
hell were leagued together to destroy it. Glance
for moment at the two opposing forces. az
during the early ages they are drawn up in bat
tie array for a worldwide and time-enduring
conflict.
Here, on the one side, are all the appetites
and passions OF the carnal heart; here the
learning and the philosophy, the art and the
science of all the schools; here religions and
| superstitions venerable and hoary with an
tiquity," the lords many and the gods many of
Olympus and the Pantheon; here the might OF
a numberless priesthood: whose influence, yea,
very livelihood. depended upon the issue Of the
contest. Here were the fasces of the lictors, the
swords Of the DICTIONARIES and the imperial
power of Cesar. And there, on the other side
are a few ilhterats, obscure men and women,
with a strange story of one Jesus, who had been
crucifed, but who. as they asserted. had risen
from the dead, was the eternal Son of God, and
offered everlasting life to all who would believe
on Him.
THE TRIUMPHANT CHURCH.
Was there ever seen in any warfare before OF
since such disparity Of resources and strength
Confning our view simply to earthly agencies
and means, was it ever more demonstrably sure
that victory must perch upon the standards of
the mightier host? And yet as We all know,
and as even infidel history records, the exact
reverse occurred. This feeble little band with
their strange story, like Sir Artegals man OF
iron Talus, with his fail went right ON through
their myriad foes. shouldering aside or tramp.
ling in the dust whatever opposed them until
in less than three centuries they planted the
banner of the new kingdom on the very palace
of the Caesars. Since then, unchecked by tenn
porary eclipses and defeats, despite periods Of
weakness, disaster and loss, it has gone on and
on, steadily charging the bounds of its heavenly
sway. The patron of learning, the handmade
of art and science, the implscable enemy OF
tyranny and lust and greed. the emancipation OF
soul and mind and body, the revealer of God.
the representative Of Jesus Christ, it has dried
more tears, stified more sobs, comforted more
stricken hearts, done more to ennoble, purify
and rejoice the souls Of men than all other
causes combined.
What vivid and eloquent object lesson does
this great republic furnish of its benefcent in
huence and power. How visible has been the
hand of God. how potent for good the church
OF Christ in all the ss~Y-H" our wondrous his