The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-09-27

Israel in memory of the late Rev. DIR.
Nelson S. Rulison, bishop of the Cen
tral Pennsylvania diocese, and the
other was the Improvement noticed as
a consequence of recent extensive
renovations.
The most marked change was in the
three aisles and the space back of the
pews, which had been laid with tiles.
Every piece of black walnut, which is
the wood used exclusively in the fur
niture, had been oiled, and these two
extensive renovations, together with
the stained glass windows, handsome
memorial pulpit and the memorial
reading desk, both of brass, the brass
topped font and the bright evidences
of thorough cleaning to every part of
the interior-all this showed a most
marked Improvement.
The tiling is extremely plain in de-
sign; the squares are small and show
a prevailing color of dark gray, brown
and soft toned ecru, the latter the body
color. 1t has in it's favor durability
and cleanliness and has resulted in
lettering the acoustics. This latter
was apparent from the inning of
yesterdays services. The G. Oense of
tillng was borne by the Noman's
guild.
1t is intended at no far distant day
| to enlarge the chancel by the addition
| of ten feet toward the alley at the rear
of the property and an increased width
| of eight feet. The tiling will then be
| extended to in front of the peWs and
| to every part of the chancel floor
which will be reached by marble steps.
In his sermon the rector showed a
| rare and true insight into the great
| character and personal attainments
| and life of the much revered bishop.
| The text was blessed are the dead
who die in the Lord. Even so saith
the spirit, for they rest from their
labors." Mr. Israel said:
The state of the departed has always
| been a question Of the greatest interest
| to men. The widest theories have been
propounded and received support. Men
| have sought amid the clouds and in the
deep for a solutions have made use for
| arguments sake, of the very creatures
| Of the earth, and all this without sat
isfying the longing of the human heart.
one point investigation appears to set
| tie for every seeker, and tnat is the
| immortality of the spirit. Few indeed
there are today who in the face of the
universal human craving will attempt to
the soul into decay. The infinite first
cause, God Almighty, has impressed the
mind of every honest investigator with
the certainty of the existence of a crea-
tor, and the assurance of life hereaf-
ter. To the many, who have held fast,
the teaching of Gods revelation both
through men and His own Son, ii APP
pears that little good do these investi-
gators receive, for to them who believe
God has revealed not only the immor-
tality of the spirit but its definite place
and purpose in the state after death
In fact, the promise to the child-like has
been fulfilled in the earnest Christian
by simple confidence in the teachings
of Holy Scripture. A confidence so sure
and fixed as not to be disturbed by any
discussion that may rage over the mean
ing of words or distinction of authors
Fixed they are because the spirit of Goo
has spoken to the spirit of man within
them until they know that without con.
troversy great is the mystery of Godli
ness"
ON IMMORTALITY.
Following upon the confidence In i'm.
mortality comes Immediately the ques
tion, what is immortality? We know
that the body decays and returns to its
mother earth, bearing with it that mys
, terious formation we call brain. Tn,
: immortal touches us as we stand at the
|
hearts before the silent clay as nevel
when instinct with life had the indi
Vidual impressed us. If the immorta
! then be not the body, which We see
there is nought left us but the life-th,
l life which is instinct with will and ac
tion and reason. This we call soul anc
, | according to St. Paul, there is also II
; conjunction with this SOUL the spirit
The rational and the spiritual most mys
{ | teriOusly combined, making the indiVid
ual man, whose body is but the draper!
which covers and makes manifest tn
q | specific characteristics which were il
soul and spirit. This immortal part o
| man continues its existence after tn
death or dissolution of the body in som
condition or state suitable to its peculia
| conditions This conclusion is absolute
|, | ly necessary upon our acceptance of tn
: fact of Immortality. 1t is Inis state o
condition which eXcites interest In tn
, mind of every thoughtful man.
, OF this state we have no knowledge
| except as the Holy Scriptures teach us
Z IL Is true that men have speculated an
I, | drawn their conclusions from false prem
! | ises endeaYoring to secure rest and com
! | Tort to that craving of the nature 70
, | immortality IN renewal of the physica
) passions and appetites hereafter, or Il
? the development of a Nirvana of dream
2 | repose, or in a departure of the sou
I into another creature, and in many othe
! ways, seeking for peace which can com
! only from conclusions in harmony wit
the needs of human nature. 1t is in tn
Scriptures alone that we find statement
I and conclusions which minister TO tn
Z heart of mankind as the living dew, [
the thirsty grass; on which men In leay
|, ing find comfort TO their whole being
confidence which Is not disturbe
though the earth should be moved an
\ the sea roar In an agony of destruction
These statements founded upon Il
most distinctly taught basis of immoI
Z | talitY are feW lndAnd md urn,,Id 90.