The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1896-12-23
SERMON TO THE ARCANUM.
REV. J.e H. CARPENTER PREACH
ED TO THE LOCAL LODGE.
A Large Congregation Heard the Dis
course at the aptist Churc h
Sunday Morning.

Sunday Morning.
The annual sermon to the Dawson
lodge of Royal ArGanum was preach
ed at the Baptist church Sunday morn
ing by Rev. J. Howard Carpenter.
The members of the order met at
their hall, and at II o'clock marched
to the church in body go strong, Ar
irving at the church they occupied the
front pews, which were reserved for
them.
After praye by Mr.. Carpenter the
members sang the opening ode,of tn cir
order, when the discourse, based upon
this scripture, followed:
Old Testament-"TOfe feed the hun
CRY, to loose the bonds of the Oppress-
ed and break the yokes of the burden
ed.' New Testament-"If any pro-
vide not for his own household, he has
denied the faith, and is worse than an
infidel.
The right or wrong of action, said Mr.
Carpenter, depends upon the motive
aud its approach or departure from
the Bible standard. On this ground
let us see Gods motive in providing
for man in the original creation, and
especially in rich provision in redemp-
ton. In creating man God showed
benevOlence in the benefiCence of His
provisions for mans comfort and
happiness. First, He made all things
needful for man, then made man. In
the redemption, after the fall of man,
Gods motive was pure love. Listen to
Jesus: "GOd so loved the world that
He gave His only begOtten son, that
whatsoever believeth in Him should not
perish but have everlasting life" Lis
ten at John: "Herein is love: not
that we loved God, but that He loved
us, and gave His son to be the prOpiti-
alton for our sins" So in discussing
fraternal orders we must see if their
motives Ere pure and their actions in
keeping with the supreme law. | as
sert that, first, the family is a divine
institution; that mOnOgamy is Gods
will that pOlygamy is the child and
mother of lust. Second, that God de-
signed the family to be sovereign, local
and self-supp0rting that society
should be the creature of independent
families, and that the parents are
taught by precept and example to lay
up something for the family support
when the parents shall have been call
ed hence. Third, that it is not right
ArCanum as such, neither any other
secular or business organization how
ever noble their motives; but in so far
as such institutions recognize the
Deity and do good to men it is lawful
to commend them. Fourth, there is a
gospel Of works as we'll as of grace.
The gospel of grace is for sinners only,
teaching them free and full salvation
by faith alone in the Redeemer. The
gospel of works is addressed alone to
christians Tor saved people. BY this
gospel they are eXhOrted to do all they
can to honor God and help humanity.
This is set forth by James, who says
"Pure religion and undefiled before
God and the Father is this to visit the
fatherless and widows in their afflic-
ton ard to keep himself unspotted
from the world" Fifth, | can most
heartily endorse the principles and
objects of the Royal Arcanum. Their
shining shield bears the m onogram
"V. G. M. "-Virtue, Mercy, Charity,
while their object is to provide a safe
and sure possession for their widows
and orphans when they themselves
shall have been called from labor to
refreshment. The God of all grace
keep us, and bless US, and cause His
face to shine upon us. Amen.
The services concluded with an ode
by the Arcanum and the benediction by
Mr.. Carpenter.
The sermon was an able and interest
ing one throughout, and was attentive
ly listened to by large congregation.
~~~ ~----
Lewis sn,,yv flake Crackars at 0anialS