Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-03-19
PALM SUNDAY.
RE REV BISHOP PETERKlE CONFRWS LARGE
CLASSES IN P. Z CHURCHES,
And Delivers Three Ssrmons-In the Roman
Catholic Churches-lnnresing Services
il Other Churches.

Ri. Rev. Bishop Geo. W. Peterkin
oficiated at the services at St. Lakes
P. Z. Church on the Island, last night,
and administered confirmation to class
OF about twenty. The knowledge that
Bishop Psterkin was TO preach served to
attract probably the largest congrega-
ton that ever assembled within the
walls OF the church. Every seat was
occupied and the aislss we're crowded.
Many persons were unable TO gain ad-
mission, and returned 10 their homes.
The services were Of very interest
ing nature. The music was an espec-
tally pleasing feature. The vested choir
rendered number Of selections in fault
less style. The regular exercises pre-
ceding the sermon were followed, and
the RI. Rev. Bishop selected for his text
the words OF the Savior, Behold, l
stand at the door and knock"
In his opening remarks he explained
the words Of the text, and called atten-
ton to the importance OF giving TO
them their proper significance. II
person receives some direction or COM
mand he wants 10 know the authority OF
the person who speaks. The words OF the
text were spoken by God to John, and
ought to come with the force OF author
ity. They are the words of the glOrifOd
Master, spoken from heaven. From
the throne we would naturally ex-
pect words of authority. They
are, in one sense, words
OF authority, but they are also words
Of love.
When Christ was on earth he said:
ask and you SHALL receive, seek and
you shall find, knOck and it shall be
opened unto you" IN order TO form a
slight conception Of His love, compare
the words OF the text, Behold, / stand
at tho door aHd knock" He knocks at
the door, meaning that He appeals for
access to the soul OF man. His love
is the eternal love. We are told by
the Apostles that He died for all Of US.
Should not this constrain US 20 love
Him in return.
Christ appeals also to our hope. 1t is
the hope of accomplishing anything
which inspires US 10 the most ardent
efforts. He has set forth much in the
Scriptures to inspire our hopes OF eter-
nal reward He appeals also to our fear.
By these means,-by appealing to our
love, our hope, our fear-he eBdeaYorS
TO get access 10 our hearts.
To bs more specific, how does Christ
knock az the door Of our hearts? He
speaks first by His word, which comes
TO US through the Scriptures. He
knocks by His spirit, which comes to us
directly. lie knocks at our hearts
through His church, The very exist
euce OF the Church Of God is an argu-
ment that cannot be galnsaid. 1t speaks
for ITSELF Spiritual miracles are being
daily accomplished through the Church
Of Christ.
God knocks at the door OF our hearts
in these ways. Shall We not open wide
that lie may enter? How long BE has
been knocking at the door Of your
hearts, and yet He represents Himself
as standing. You must not expect this
always. The spirit of God is sovereign,
and the time may come when He will
cease knocking. We read in the Goth
chapter Of Matthew that the door was
shat for the foolish virgin who came too
late. With many OF US, the doors are
not only closed, but barred. We must
draw the bars of pride that interfere
with the access Of the Master TO our
hearts.
He seeks our hearts to give US His
grace, His blessings. What will be the
result If we keep the doors barred with
unbelief? Every mans conscience an
swers-no graces, no blessings. Let Us
heed the knock Of God at our hearts,
open wide the door that He may come
in, and thus all the expectations OF our
faith will be abundantly realized.
The class which was confirmed num-
bered twenty or twenty-five persons,
and the ceremony was very impressive.