Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-05-27
MEMORIAL SERMON
Delivered by Rev 5. j. Boyle to the
Martins Ferry 6. \. X.

Martins Ferry &. \. X.
Yesterday afternoon Rev. S. J. Boyle
delivered the memorial sermon to the
Thoburn Post G.. A. r., of Martins
Ferry.
Not a very large audience was pres
ent. The old soldiers turned out in
full force, however.
The stage was handsomely decora-
ted with flowers, bunting and flags.
1t was occupied by Richard Brown,
James Tannehill, Joseph Hanes, VIM.
H. Hobbs and Revs. w. B. Hartzog J.
w. Robins and S j. Boyle; also a choir
consisting Of seventeen well trained
voices under the leadership Of j. c.
Gray, with Miss Edith McI<im as pi-
anist which rendered some excellent
music prepared for the occasion.
Rev. S. J. Boyle, the speaker Of the
afternoon, took for his text a part of
the ninth verse of the fifth chapter of
st. Matthew: Blessed are the peace
makers He opened his sermon upon
the subject of the continual fighting
that was going on between the lower
creatures of the animal world. and
finally lead it up to that wonderful in
vention, man, and showed that he too
was engaged in the same thing. On
referring back to history, ancient and
modern, he stated that it was simply
a history Of warfare from beginning to
end. The Old Testament was a his
tory of war after war, defeat after de-
feat, down through all generations.
He then referred TO the peaceful life
lead by Christ during his time upon the
earth, and how ever since His ascen-
sion the world had been engaged in
war, conquest, victory and defeat
He spoke Of how our country sprang
into recognition through war and how
after we became a nation a war sprang
Up between our people.
His view of man was that he had
disposition TO rule, q disposition to
bring everything under his control.
He spoke Of how Christ came to this
earth and found people and nations
striving against one another and how
Christ had commanded different ma
tons to tight for their rights
He stated that when the soldiers
answered the call Of the North they
were doing no wrong, as they were
fighting for right and just cause.
He made reference to different wars
during the time of Christ which were
for right and just cause and were
approved by Christ. In looking over
the history Of the world he stated that
he had found many instances in which
men fought for their rights. Should
there have been no call or declaration
Of war at the time of the rebellion this
land of ours would have been divided.
and that having been accompl shed
State sovereignty would have been es-
tablished, such as South America pre-
sents to-day and their conditions.
Instead Of peace we would have per-
petual warfare waged all over the
country.
Looking at the causes of the war
would not justify opinions. The causes
OF it date from away back in history
and finally lead up to such a state of
affairs that il was absolutely necessary
that men should rise and fight to con-
QUer peace.
He said the man that subjected him
self the most would have TO do so the
most, and TO throw Off this subsection
he must rise and conquer peace.
Here he referred to the Peace So
ciety and its aim to establish peace
without war.
Taking another view of his subject.
his opinion was that God had always
given us as a people success i'm our
conflicts, and that his hand had man
aged the discovery and settlement OF
our country
He stated that if Spain. the people
who discovered this country, had laid
the foundation of its government it
would have been very much like South
America, q country in which rey0lU-
tions and wars are continually arising.
His opinion of the matter was that
God turned back the tide from that
source altogether, and through Che re-
ligiOus prosecutions Of another people
who were seeking liberty. came 10 this
country and laid @ foundation OF lib
erty good and strong he then spoke
Of how these people started up and car
ried ON slavery tim ii manifested such
q degree that God wrought conflict
against it through his instrument
man. He said that it was very JUS
tifable cause to fight for. and that the
relatives and friends Of those who had
gone to the front TO fight were in SYM
pathy with them
In his closing remarks, he said:
There is not one of you Old soldiers
but what realize now what YOU have
passed through, the terrors and hard
ships endured, and how, when you re-
ceiyed the news that the war was end
ed and peace was declared, it sent a
thrill of JOY through You.
He stated that he hoped for years
and years and years, that not "a memo
rial service would be held but what
representatives Of the Grand Army Of
the Republic would be present
In closing, he spoke concerning Christ
as the peace-maker between God and
man, and ended by saying: Believe
the proclamation of peace from God
and peace viii be yours.
Oyr W.T. af vour o1.u price at the