The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-02-27

pulph III IdIC"CA OiSSOuiSCS SohooJ q
large congregation assembling to participate in
the final service of his Ravenna ministry, and
to listen for the last time to the voice of the
faithful Rector and friend, from the chancel OF
the sanctuary to which he was called five years
ago.
1t was an able sermon, weaving together the
lessons of the day and those suggested by past
associations and the impending separation of
Pastor and people. 1t was an embodiment of
50 much practical truth and valuable thoughts
of local utility and interest. to say nothing OF
its general bearings and application. that wa
herewith publish limited synopsis of its lead
ing features.
The text was taken from the s7th Psalm and
End verse: "Very excellent things are spoken
of thee. thou City OF God"
To the Psalmist the City nf God was Jerusa-
I lem. When any one cast by word or action a
slur upon city or temple. popular passion waxed
/ INTO religious fanatcism.
When any one wrote or spoke highly of its
1 beauty or grandeur of situation, nothing gave
/ so much satisfaction to the sincere worshpper
Finding fault with a city or community caus-
es writer or speaker to become very offensive
If we cannot speak in words of appreciation, it
may be better not to say anything.
Now God hath not one, but many cities. This
is the thought Augustine develops in his work,
The City of God"
Every congregation is at least house in thai
city.
Christians are panied often by the captious
criticisms of unbelie vers on the church.
Towns, as individuals. acquire regulations
for good or evil.
What contrast is there in Scripture between
the Church IN Corinth and Philhppi! What
Iexcellent words he writes of the Phillpian con
Igregation!
In closing my ministry here, l wish to speak
only excellent things of this city OF God.
| have not been in any place during my min
istry here equaling. much less surprising Ra
VIENNA for situation. While believing there il
| opportunity for improvement in higher things
yet cannot this be said of all towns, large o.
small2
In some respects my removal is against in
clination. but the pressing desire for a full min
istry in one church Is my reason.
My purpose in speaking of your excellenc'
does not proceed from aaItery. Excellence il
not perfection. 1t is a grace of contrast;
in community where knowledge is not widely
diffused, one who knows the mere rudinents L
Iaccounted fine scholar. In religion. the more
the attainments, the greater the anxiety abou
our state. is the rule.
| This parish needs home for the nj mister
and will have it as they have a mind to work O
feel or see the need of it.
What lesson our church history from 1885
to 1895. teaches US. Had the congregation beef
asked to do at once what has been accomplished
by degrees, it would have seemed impossible
came here in 1889. Since then large sun
of money-large for us-has been expended IN
repairs and ornamentaton. II was not all rails
ed by one effort. but was the result OF many
endeavors. Christ would have US do one thing
in ourselves and at one time. not troubling our
selves about other perfections.
The Ladies Aid Society deserves much credit
The Kings Daughters also had an honorable
share in the restoration of the visible edihce
Neither would pass our excellent Vestry by
Yet it would be iuvidious me to mention {
,ew by name. where all were equally Jealous
THIS Church has be n blessed in the past by
some members remarkable for liberallty and re
lIglous life / call to mind one whom 1t wa
not my privilege to know-Mrs. Cornella c IN
stock. There ought to be memorial to he
IN this building.
Some may say that these remarks concern
only the outer fabric of the material house
/ However. when there is righl spirit, it vii
show itself in such way.
In Bethany Jesus was the honored friend and
| constant guest He loved them because of theil
| refinement and evident desire to please. by many
| tokens of delicate attention; and he is still
pleased when His people beautify His sanctuary
and sees in the work worthy excellency.
When we praise excellence in congregation
1t is not to exalt the individual or the church a
The expense of Christ.
Christian excellence is not requirement Of
| mental capacity. 1t is Christ in us, filling oul
| hearts and working out its due result. This i:
| charity, the subject of this days meditation
| doing for others as God has done for US.
In dwelling on your excellence, the object is
not to quiet. but to urge you on
One kind word OF encouragement will i'm
plant the seed of a new life, almost To be
pItied is that congregation whose minister is all
ways finding fault, never mentioning the past o
endeavor and excellence. l am justified as the
Psalmist was in saying, Every excellent thing:
4 are spoken of thee, thou City of God"
And now through no compusion We have
come to the parting of the ways. do not want
to say with Paul. ''Ye shall see my face no more
1 hope to see you again. not as your Rector
perhaps. but as your welcome friend. We shall
do as they did at Miletus, kneel down and ask
Gods blessing.
"Yea, very excellent things are spoken oi
ahee, thou City of God. They shall prosper
that love thee. Peace be within thy walls and
ple.teousness within thy palaces. For my
brethren and companions sake will seek to do