Smyrna times., 1897-04-21

/ p
q. b. Taylor and Pastor Estlin. the
latter during the course of the evening
giving some fitting remarks. Thepro.
gram consisted of singing, both bv
school and choir, and responsive read
ings.
AT THE METHODIST CHURCH.
Like the other churches, the Meth
odist's paid especial attention to the
Easter decorations. In front of the
pulpit and around the chancel was q
rich display of blooming flowers. so ar
ranged as to make the decorations mora
beautiful than on former occasions
There were geraniums, begonias. mag
nollas and golden rod mingled together
IN Springtime lovliness and these
banked en- mass in front of the pulpit.
made a very pretty effect as viewed
from the main aisle.
The services opened with a sweet
voluntary by Mrs. Marion Coverdale
and then the choir sang "The Old
Easter Anthem, which critics saw has
never been improved upon. 1t was
sung with inspiring effect.
Rev. Adam Stengle took his Easter
sermon text from Mark 1914:
Afterwards he appeared INTO the
ete0en as they sat at meat and 1o-
6Fdided them 1Ojth their ullbcIief ana
hardness Of heart, because HeH be-
HcUed not them aUhich had seen hin,
after he lOaS risen.
Intidelity has alleged that the disci-
pies were too credulOus respectino tho
resurrection of Christ-that while thev
were honest and sincere, they were
easily imposed upon and accepted nm
authenticated rumOrs and statements
OF irresponsible persons, as matters of
fact without proper investigation. And
that, therefore, their testimony is nm
reliable and should not be received.
The purpose of the sermon was to
show that this allegation is not Cnlv
unsupported by any facts i'll the case.
but on the contrary all the facts and
evidence bearing on the matter show
that they were entirely too incredulous
and slow to believe. Christ himself
rebuked them for their incredulitv and
stubborn unbelief, as in the text.
The evidence of their incredulity and
slowness of heart to believe was their
rehearsal IN detail, showing that all of
the disciples were at first unbelievers
IN the resurrection, and did not be-
neve until Christ himself appeared to
them and demonstrated the fact that he
had risen. And they did not believe
until unbellef became impossible, and
when they were finally convinced they
demonstrated their faith in everv con
celyable way unto death.
Then If oyer-credulity weakens testi
mony it follows that increduIitv
strengthens it. So that the previous
unbellef of the disciples makes the tes
tlmony Of their subsequent faith
stronger.
We ought to be glad that they
doubted at first, because it refutes the
allegation of infdels, because it shows
how kindly God deals with sincere
doubters and because it shows us away
out of our doubts.
In the afternoon the Sunday School
occupied the auditorium of the church
and gave very interesting program.
Unfortunately there was compari.
lively small attendance. Superinten-
dent John H. Hoffecker took charge of
the exercises and Mr.. w. O. Hoffeck
er lead the singing The following
was effectively rendered:
Coronation BY School.
Prayer-Pastor
Singing by School.
Opening Address-Lee Washington.
Easter Carol Glass of Bows.
Scripture Reading.
Recitatiou-M Maynard Griffith.
Chorus Infant School.
Press Recltation-Laura Vansant.
Singing by School.
Recitation Mildred Hudson.
Recitation, The Easter Message
Mary Crow.
Easter Praises-Class of Young Ladies.
Chorus Infant Room.
ReciJation-Elsi Mcdowell.
Recitation, First Easter Morn''-Emma
HAZEL
Chorus, He Lives" Glass of Girls.
Recitation, The Easter Guest"-Helen
Collins.
Chorus-By School.
Owing to the slim attendance the
collection taken for the liquidation of
The Sunday School debt was only a
little over $15.