The Washington times., 1895-05-27
POLITICS TO Be IGNORED
DIR. Radcliffe Defines Policy Which
He kiIl Adopt as Pastor.
His Pulpit VIII Not Be Employed for
Literary DIsplay-He win Preach
Christ Only.

Rev. wallace Radcliffe, D. D., ,pastor-elect
OF the New York Avenue Presbyterian
Church, occupied his pulpit yesterday morn
ing for the first tine since he returned
with Mrs. Radcliffe from Michigan, whether
he had been to arrange for the transfer of
his effects TO this city.
AT the beginning OF his discourse yester-
day, and at the close, the new pastor in
some measure outlined his Iolicy in the
relation he VIII hereafter sustain TO the
people Of his new charge and as minister
OF the Gospel OF peace.
II hope TO preach to you this Christ,
he said, "a comprehensive, present Christ.
THE church is not an isolated church nor
the Gospel a mited Gospel. This pulpit
VIII not be used for the preaching of poll
tics, nor for literary effort or display, but
for Christ, aud Him only"
The text upon which Dr. Radcliffe based
his discourse was selected from Colossians,
1-2s: Whom we preach, warning every
Ran in all wisdom; that we may present
every man perfect"
1.-The commission - he said, sis to
preach 1t conPTeheuds tie work rot of
a priest, but preacher. The commission
is not LIMITED 10 time or occasion. The
pulpit is not to die cut, nor the preacher
to be superseded. His voice is never to
be supplanted by printing machine or
photograph He will not give way before
other agency. When tie preacher becomes
a priest, the life OF the church becomes
mechanical.
THE true Christianity does not mean the
saving of part of a wreck. The true
Christian does not sing, Leave the Poor
Old Stranded Wreck and Pull for the
Shore This commission means the true
development of humanity; it means more
than the saving of brands from the burn
ing, and represents the knowing and do
ing OF the work as angels do in heaven.
1t puts the trumpet To the mouth and com
nlands the message, %, eaTthi o, earthl
Hear the word of God Is there any
other commission so good and broad.
1.-The proclamation is not limited in its
application. IL includes every man
Modern theories are limited. 1t is only
the gospel that casts down all partition
walls. 1t is not only the center of the idea
of justification by faith, but the center
of all doctrine. Scientists may differ
about the creation of the earth, but back
OF all their facts / place the person of
Christ, who was in the beginning with God.
can accept all the theories presented
that are correct. all that has been ascer-
tained ofcreation, or they become perfect
theory about the person OF Christ.
THE pulpitis not TO preach alone cruci-
fled Christ, nor appeal always TO those
in sin. The goodness of Christ is insult
ficient until We recognize His goodness
If He be not God, He is not good
Dr. Radcliffe stood in the presence of
a very large congregation and among his
auditors were all, or nearly all, OF hisofficial
helpers The pulpit was adorned at the
side with a collection Of handsome, rare
| flowers The services were conducted
without the addition OF extraordinary
| features.
The pastor alluded with pleasure TO the
| fact that he s at last settled in Washington
/ and said that within few days permanent
pastoral relations viii be established. He
will, for time, be unable to meet all the
requirements, but viii go at any call among
! the sick, the aged, and the distressed. He
and his family are stopping at the Cochran,
and viii wait until autumn TO occupy the
parsonage.
The offertory number, Turn us again,
/ o Lord" by Gluck, was sung by Mrs Dr.
1 Gardner.
Dir. Radcliffe's congregation has arranged
] to tender him and Mrs. Radcliffe recep-
ton in the lectIre-room and parlors of the
church next Wednesday evening, between
the hours of s aud II O'Clock.