Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-04-26

Sonal Choice-AcceptanCe OF the
Gospel Not a Matter Of Compul-
sion-The Spirit of the Gospel is
Opposed to Forcing Men to Be-
come Christians.
Although it was a very disagreeable
evening, a large number of Island peo-
pie assembled in Thomson NJ. e.
Church last night to hear a sermon by
a former pastor, Rev. George c. Wild
ing, D. D., of Jersey City, n. ].
Rev. Mr.. Wilding was pastor of the
Thomson church eighteen years ago,
and was one of the most popular pas
tors in the church's history. He
is effective in the pulpit and his
earnest, eloquent words last night made
a deep impression. He preached at
North Street NJ. E. Church in the morn
ing. His evening discourse was from
the words of Joshua: Choose We whom
We shall serve" The speaker said
these words were like the utterances Of
the noted soldier, Grant, whose SEN
fences were always short, terse and full
of meaning. They were words of per-
sonal character. There Nis something
very searching and-personal about the
gospel of Jesus Christ. There is al
ways something searching because we
see into human faces in the Bible as
in a looking-glass.
There were two thoughts in these
words of Joshua. The nrst one was
that the service of God is a matter of
choice. There is no compulsion on
Gods part. The gospel is as free as
the air. God makes no response for us,
and we must make up our minds for
ourselves. 1t isn't the spirit of the
gospel to force men to accept Christ
and God has too much respect for mans
personality to make use Of cOmpulsion.
Every person stands between two pres
ences. divine on one hand and satanic
the other. and the individual always
has the casting vote. There are those
who expect to be saved by the righteous
ness of their mother, their father, or
other near relative. Transmitted
Righteousness, however, does not go far
in the kingdom of Cod People are not
saved by the righteousness of
others. but by personal choice.
Personal choice implies personal
responsibility - that we are account
able to God for the choice we have
made. Three things enter into choice
investigation, decision, action.
The second phase of the text is that
the choice ofGod is a matter of service.
To many church members it is a rev.
elation that any service is expected OF
them. Many feel that they are to give
respectc biity to the church. A king
wants subjects Q leader wants soldiers.
If you come into the kingdom at all you
must come in as soldiers. The whole
thought is that of service. The church
is full of people VINO are willing to do
nice. pleasant things, but God calls for
service. and he is to decide what posi-
ton one should fill In that service
which every subject of God should give
there should be a desire to represent
the kingdom for which we sand. The
sneaker said he had a great admiration
for the zeal with which the class OF
travelling statesmen displayed in work
ing in the interests of the houses they
represented. If the institutions and
business establishments of this country
were managed as the churches are they
would break up within six months. One
of the all-important things in the work
of service is JOY. When people serve
with enthusiasm it is amazing how
much it counts and how contagious it
is among others.
The matter of choice does not admit
of delay. and the speaker gave several
reasons for deciding the custom now.
One reason was on account of the ma
ture of sin. 1t is deceitful. No per-
son ever comprehends it until it is too
late. Sin is hardening He can listen
to a sermon tonight without being
Scared. who, ten years ago, was moved
to the deepest emotions. Sin is unsat-
isfying. and man will never get satisfac-
ton until he puts his heart and hand
into the keeping of Jesus Christ. Sin
grows by indulgence, and every ability
of sin grows by SHINING. Other argu-
ments for making a choice tonight is
because of the fraility of human char
acter and the changing tendencies Of
human life. There are three arguments
for service; it enlarges and ennobles
you: by it we bless our fellows, and it
will glorify God.
LEFT FOR NEW YORK.
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