The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-01

Christs to the one original Christ of these
gospels and let him speak Tor himself on these
things.
The coming of Christ was the advent of a
new power in the world, destined TO affect its
politics, its morals and its religion. 1t is al
ways a question how such q new power will
treat existing affairs. When new Emperor
or administration comes into power, men Of
III classes ask the question how is ii going to
affect us? Men in position and out of position,
rich or poor, capital and labor, prisoners or
exiles in far lands ask that question. No en-
peror ever came with such purpose, power and
permanence as did Christ. Time at last rids
Christ came to stay. Christ started on that
last journey from the most northern part OF
Palestine. There on Mount Hermon he was
TRANSPORTED IN the presence OF disciples. Some
thing of his power and glory shone out upon
them. He is entering the fifth act OF the
tragedy of his life. What he was in act and
spirit will soon appear.
The enthusiastic disciple had strong eonvie-
tons as to both. Long had he walked in lowli-
ness, but now they had seen his kingly power.
He viii draw the sword, ne viii assert his dig
nifty, he viii rebuke Indifference, he viii put
down opposition. As a king he will set his
throne in Jerusalem. They were eager to be
there that on Palm Sunday they might greet
\lis accession with hosannas. But with infinite
patience he tried to rid their minds OF that no
tion. Declaring that as he had been he would
continue to be lowly, that instead of crown
and a throne there would be thornS and a
cross.
That the spirit of his power was the spirit OF
self-saerifce, that his reign was to be not over
the bodies but the hearts of men, and that his
Ecepter was love:
AS his disciples they concluded that as they
were chosen out of all their countrymen to be his
closest friends they would receive the positions
of first importance in his kingdom. Human
nature is constant in its fiber. They were dis
eussing and dividing among themselves the
cabinet offices.
Taking little boy on his knee as a concrete
lesson he solemnly assures them that unless
they abandon such worldly ambitions and be-
come as trusting and humble in spirit as that
child they should not enter his kingdom, much
less hold high office there. Cabinet positions
are for childlike men. They were thinking of
what great deeds they might do to win a favor
ing place in this kings heart He assured them
that the one who stoops to child like this and
puts his arms about him in helping love or pity
Is the one that viii lie deepest in his hearts
favor. Since he was to be king he would now
show his royal power against all indifference
and opposition, and, as they were his chief
officers they would begin their honored service
by rebuking all such. Hence, when on that
journey they found man casting out devils
in the name of Christ, but who did not follow
them-they forbade him. He was a good man.
He healed and helped his fellow-men. He did
1t in the name of Christ.
If l catch any fair glimpse of the masters
spirit he means that men or women who for
his dear names sake stoop to heal, to help, to
cheer even q little child, and that with only a
cup OF cold water, are working for him, even
though they do not follow US a Presbyterian
church, and, let me say it, any church. Christ's
language and figures are intense. He meant to
be intense. He is speaking his last words on
earth. He was speaking not only TO those mar
row-minded men, but to all narrow-minded
ypzffnTever.
The Son. of Man came not to destroy but to
save. Fire And sword. Force-how dear to mans
instinct How far from Christ's spirit Christ
taught that love is the one invincible power in
the moral universe. Fire answers fire. Sword
clashes on sword, but love awakens love. AS
Osiris conquered Egypt with music Christ will
conquer with patient liberation. 1t is that con
fident standing on the calmness of power in
herent in Christianity that he would have US
practice.
In closing will say that the true spirit of
Christianity exists right here in my church.
Ny home is California, and l win continue to
labor in her field.