The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-02-04
oDRAwryG Mon 10 GOD."
4 Highly Instructive sermon by Rev. H.
A. Bagby.

a Bagby.
Rev. II. 4. Bagby. the talented ana
popular pastor or Cavalry baptist
church. on Pine and Grace streets mas
been prCf ching series of sermons from
the Fpisue Of James. They have been
remarkably fresh, cogcnt and instructive
discourses.
on sunday. the MIN OF the series was
delivered before a crowded house. The
theme was. Drawing Nigh 10 Goo.
James iv.1-l0 The speaker opened with
an introductory anecdote of q late emil
nent Statesman, Who made $50 pfetensioh
to d religious life. but whose library
shelves were well filed with works on
theology and morals. When asked lt
he read and believed them. be replied,
Eyes. [ believe what they teach. but
the world the flesh, and the devil are
too many for me-" So TO many d ls
sumcient excuse from ntr oi ffcbth1,
ana pietv that their human nature ana
their temptations are too strong 10 ne
overcome. The apostle controverts this.
one man with jehovah is always On the
majority The three factors in this dis
cussi0n are God, man and the devil Man
il tine Intermediary He is the desire or
both. James says submit 10 Coo, resist
tho devil. Christ illustrated both tenn
pers: be submitted 20 bis parents he
fought the evil one In the great tempta-
ton i'm the wilderness. III one comes
in submission So God, he must come VITA
clean hands and a pure heart. come with
soul. tears. and troubled as the prOdisal
WHO returned 20 his fathers house
III" said the speaker, there ls pco-
pie on ear1h that esteem the pearl above
all wealth IL is the Arab, but the story
is told of one who came in his hunger io
am abandoned camp in Jhe desert See
ing bag which he hoped contained
bread Tor his famishiug body, he greedily
seized it TO find IN it only gems. In his
bitter disappointment be- dashed IL from
him. crying. TRASH So 10 me soul hun-
cry for the bread or life VIII Doe the sem
suous attractions OF the world.
There is a practical side TO this text
First, 10 those who have fond the value
OF nearness 60 God, there IS the call 90
cOnstancy. As resistance must bee con-
slant so nearness 10 God must he invaH-
able. The only time when evil has
wounded you was when Ike Peter YOU
followed afar of Let not the mouse try
his strength with the lion in the open
fields.
Also TO those who want Gods power
for usefulness and Gods companiOnship.
A graphic and telling contrast was drawn
between the superior power often OF the
church. The mission I'm It's weakness
draws nigh 10 God. and carries its ban
ner 10 successful victory. The Church,
grown and stable. realizes tine superior
character Of the resources that lie with
In herself and failing 20 draw nigh 20
God, grows inefficient in saving souls.
What a power was EnOch's IRE who
walked with God. II Nv comforting was the
Emmaus walk 10 the Borrowing disciples
lie viii lift you up The speaker closed
with an anecdotc of Queen Victoria. who
went unknown into large paper mill
and was shown 10 her surprise. the pro-
cess OF manufacturing the finest fabric
out OF the s0iled rags OF the street. After
a time her identity became known and
she received from the mill package.
1t contained q sample OF the finest pro-
duct stamped with her qikeness. and
along with It a note saying this was
made out OF the black rags from the
highway.
So God can take our sotled and blurred
natures and wash them and make out OF
them the pure and the be iutiful. STAMP -
with His likeness Draw nigh 10 Him
and He will draw nigh TO YOU and give
you His power. His cOmpanionship. and
Ills transforming grace.