The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1893-08-28

The purpose Of the prayermeeting indi-
Gates the advisability OF preparation.
(a) 10 ID the place and opportunity Cor
the expression Of the rsligious expert
ences and life OF the church. II sort Oil
drill ground where soldiers Of the cross
may 60 through the spiritual manual OF
arms. (b) It 10 designed TO be- an aid 70
growth in grace and knowledge OF the
truth. Our reasons OF religious growth
and declension are identical with the
use or neglect OF tins means OF grace.
TEL It aids IN the cultivation OF the
devotional spirit. Songs OF Zion sung,
in unison, and prayers offered IN, agree
ment," are most potent. When Moses
came from communing with God, super
s~titious idolatry was offensive. "a. It az
fords rs opportunity to know each other
better, that we may scripturalIy spro-
woke one another" Then we exercise .
kindlisr Spirit, q more gracious charity
towards each Others ~peculiaritiss and
weaknesses.
That each member Of this church may
make such use Of the means Of grace az
that he shall be prepared to draw neal
into the inner circles among the spirits
OF just msn made perfect is the prayer Of
your pastor.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
"A SPLENDID opportunity lost" was the
topic Of the morning sermon. Text:
Acts 24:25. sand as Paul reasoned Of
righteousness, temperance and judgment
to come, Felix trsmbled, and answered
go thy way for this time; when n have
q convenient season I will call thee"
| Here we have Q splendid opportunity
and q pitiable abuse Of it.
Felix, the Roman Governor OF Pales-
tine had been born Q slave bat had OBJ
tanned his freedom. He became IN sue
~cession q courtier, an officer Of troops, q
governor. He evidently possessed con
siderably force Of will and energy OF
character.
But he was q ~disgracefully immoral
man. Drusilla with whom he lived was
not his lawful wife. As governor he had
repeatedly WINGED at the violation Of the
very laws he was sworn to uphold and
enforce. He had encouraged assassin
alton and robbery within his jurisdiction
and had himself shared the spoils Of the
violators OF law.
This was the man before whom and
his profligate wife, st. Paul the apostle
by special invitation preached Q sermon.
Here then a thoroughly ~irreligious and
immoral man enjoyed the rare oppor-
tunity of hearing the foremost repre-
sentative OF the christian religion ex-
pound the doctrine of that religion for
his especial benefit. That day in the
Judgment hall in Caesarea was the most
critically monentous day in Felix's life.
That day il ever, he held in his own hands
his immortal destiny.
Paul .sreaacned." Notice that the
Christian religion 10 susceptible Of
argnmentative defense. It 10 not mere
sentiment. II 10 not based upon fables
It's doctrines commend themselves TO the
reason. It's fundamental facts are mat.
tiers OF well authenticated history. You
may know these truths il ysu will. The
agnoatic 10 NOT one who cannot know
God but one who does not want TO know
Him. 80. Paui's theme was righteous.
nsss, temperance and judgment II
COME" That was q timely theme
Right doing, s~elf-control flor that i
what temperance is) and the Judgment
that awaits ms all were snbiecta
sminsntly we'll suited to that sndienoe
Just how Drusilla received these truthl
We are not told. But upon Felix they
made q most profound impression
AFselix tremblsd." We may believe that
az he sat there listining to the earnes,
words Of the apostle he went back in
thought over his past shameful life
The very woman who sat by his side wai
there in defiance of both human anc
IutVtuo Jaw LIE nGk1N0N C0Ah1A 8AOOA 0lS
OF cruel murder must have been painted
upon the canvas Of memory In showing
~colors 40 the word of God which j
sharper than amy two-edged swort
pierced his guilty soul and cut ava,
EVERY disguise. The foundations Of th'
Throne OF Satan within him were shaken
Il would have been easy for Felix u
change masters. and become q servant o
Jesus Christ. Here was the ablest ant
yst thu klndestof Christian tsachers I.
assist him. But hs dssidedhimssl o. .
many others have done snnce by saying
AGo thy way for this time when ! hav'
aconvsnient season / will call for thee.
But the convenient season" neve
fssrnss Felix zhad frequent interview
. with Paul after this but his object wa
,tnok ID slsarn tie DOCTRINES Of th,
Christian religioA-- He basely wished i
, ~sscufs . bfibs nom Paul % . condition
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