The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-04-16

Rev j. X. Mason and Bishop +. NJ. White
Preach Excellent Sermons,


St. James Episcopal church had its fun
share of worshippers last Sunday, both
I'm the morning and after ool. The
music was magnificent and the choir was
as efficient as ever, greatly adding TO the
impressiveness of the services. Notwith-
standing the bad weather, the Sunday
school in the morning was well attended
and the collection taken up by the chill
dren for missionary purposes realized
the sum Of N67.74, while quite a number
of pupils are still TO be heard from.
Before beginning his sermon In the morn
ing Rev j. X. Mason announced lat
the ladies Of the sewing society would
have their usual Easter sale I'm the lee
ture-roOm Of the church tomorrow com
mencing AT noon and ending at +. NJ.
Mr. Mason preached a mastery sermon
on Isaiah V. 4: What could have been
done more to my vineyard. that l have
not done in it?" He said there was no
difficulty to understand how man has
to make such a confession as mentioned
I'm the text. At some time and in some
way every one is made to feel the short
ness Of human power and OF human
resources. In the dark hours OF adversely,
when we are struggling against misfor-
tune. we feel as If we lose everything
in our power. 1t seem like presumption
the omnipotcnt God and think that he
would say, "What more could / have
done?" God is saying this through his
minister and yet there are men 20 be
found who sit in stolid Indifference and
say that there is no such God He said
ii once, and he did all he could do for
us then. He has done more still and
reached His arms out to the people.
The words mentioned above. which were
spoken by Isaiah form the close OF
long line Of prophesies. 1t was not only
intended for the people then living, but
also for us. If 1t had force in Isaiah $
DAYS and in the days when the Lord
smoke. how much more force does IL have
to-day. What more could have been said
and what stronger argument could have
been used? God never creates anything,
no matter how small, that he does not
expect something from II according 10
it's ability. We should not think, be-
cause God never laid his arms upon us,
that he does not disapprove If we do not
bring forth what he expects 1t Is only
for His great mercy that we are spared
so long.
II was the saddest day in the life Of
Jesus Christ when He wept aloud while
the great enthusiastic crowd shouted:
"Hosanna." and to-day God will rather
look with an eye Of pity upon many con-
grcgatiOns who pay more attention 10
outward appearance than TO true wor-
ship. The greatest satisfaction 10 God
is. when we show in our lives that we
possess the right understanding OF His
kingdom
Many people are keeping away from
God because they are afraid at the be-
ginning that they will not hold out
while others say they don't know enough
or don't understand IT sufficiently IL 49,
however, a great delusion and deception
10 be kept from God I'm that manner.
1t Is a sin for a man, who knows that
there is only one Bible, to stand wait
ing and not to come to God. IL Is the
worst sin to wait, when there Is no other
possible escape from sin, and If we refuse
TO come to God. how can we wonder that
He finally give us up?
At the close OF the sermon Mr.. Mason
celebrated Holy Communion, which was
partaken of by very large number OF
worshippers.
In the afternoon at s o'clock Bishop
=. NJ. White preached a powerful and
! instructive sermon on confirmation, and
at it's close he administered the rite OF
confirmation TO a class Of twelve male and
/ eleven female persons.