The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-11-19
WAS A BIG SUCCESS
THE LIVING CHRIST, AND TODAY"
That Was the Subject Of an Eloquent and
Able Address by the Rev. Or.
Thomas Cooper.

Dr. Thomas Co0per's pleasant Sun
day afternoon for the people" brought
a very large congregation TO the opera
house yesterday afternoon. The house
was crowded from the gallery to the or
chestra row. Members OF all congrega-
tons were there; people OF all sects,
and people OF no religious views what
ever; poor folks and rich sat side by
side and enjoyed the exercises. The
service was one that win be long re-
membered. II seemed 10 strike a re-
sponsiye chord In the great audience,
Tor the singing was spontaneous, and
the Interest was at all times intense.
When the great audience was pleased
at some particularly good thing, Il
showed its appreciation by the usual
method-that II, by applause. DR.. Coop
efs Two addresses met with especial ia
vor; each time the doctor concluded
the audience demonstrated It's appre,
citation by tremendous applause. II was
a most novel and successful meeting,
the only one of the kind ever held In
Helena. To many IL demonstrated be-
yond all question that peoples church
would meet with popular favor In this
city.
DR.. Cooper was assisted In the service
by Rev. John III. Shelton and Rev. w
w Love, Judge Armitage led the con-
greg ational singing. The meeting open
ed promptly at $3.50 by the singing of
the hymn From All That Dwells Be
low the Skies" This was followed by
scripture reading and prayer by Rev.
Mr., Shelton. Next came the prelude.
This was an eloquent address by DR..
Cooper upon the relation of the living
Christ to the social fife OF to-day.
Ar1ong many things else of interest, DR..
Cooper said:
"Buda, Confucius and Zoraster are
cead; only the influence OF their writ
ings remain. But Christianity is a vital
system only because In IL Jesus lives;
and the living Christ is not less inter-
ested In the life OF to-day than he was
in the life of the world 1000 years ago.
TRANSITION of religious belief so
characteristic OF this age, the problems
associated with capital and labor, th,.
best social aspect of city life, not less
than the developments OF science and
the glories OF art, ought not to be, are
not, divorced from the reign of the
Nazarene."
Referring in glowing language TO the
delight of Montana over Helena's re-
cent victory. the doctor said: There
was one bright face looking down from
the glorious heavens of truth upon the
thrilling scene. On the demonstrate
of the gratitude, by which our people
recognized the sacrifices which so many
of their leaders had so joyfully made in
the cause OF truth and righteousness,
fell the benedictions Of Jesus. Then,
too, the moral sense of the people OF
Montana Indignantly repealed corrup-
commonwealth rose To scourge the Of
fender Christianity scored another tri-
unph.
ITO make men good" concluded the
doctor. To make men true, to inspire
them with the impulses of love- 10 im-
pei them to deeds of chivalry, was the
motive of Christ in touching the springs
of human life to-day. Therefore we
gather around him to-day surrendering
our wealth. talents, culture, taste, yea,
our very lives, TO his service. and crown
him Lord of ALL"
DR.. Cooper's address was followed by
a duet by Madam Medini and Mrs. Hem
ry Foote. Next came recitation by
Miss Florence Fisk. and Throw Out
the Life Line" solo by Mrs. d. y.
Carpenter with the chorus by the peo-
Pile. This was followed by an adress by
DR.. Cooper on "Luke's Cartoon of the
Prodlgal."
DR.. Cooper's address was character
istlcally original. He took a view of
the story of the prodigal that was most
interesting and logical. his exposition
of the picture was wise and touching.
Instead of denouncing the youthful
wanderer In terms of severity. as is so
often done. he found characteristics
that merited a qualified approval; for
instance. the prodigal son coveted only
what yas admittedly his own; resolving
upon a reckless career, he refused To
shock the moral sense OF his father. or
the fine feelings Of his sister by fling
ing around the homestead the shadow
OF a guilty life, and he went into far
country. Moreover, when poverty over
took him, this child OF indulgence was
not unwilling To earn his bread by me-
NAL toll. All that followed was praise>
worthy. In his dHzed soul picture of
innocence and home loomed up. Back
10 that home he traced his lonely and
weary steps.
At this point the doctor dealt scathing
blows at that spirit still regnant I'm re-
ligious circles which makes II hard for
man 10 reform, and In thrilling Ian
guage he demanded help for the weak.
and sympathy for the man who. with
strong crying and tears, was struggling
TO free himself from temptation and sin.
The great audience was vlsably moved
by his closing appeal TO young men pres
eut TO avoid the mistakes of the prodi-
gal and shelter themselves from coming
retribution I'm the mercy of God.