The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1897-12-30
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1897.
LOCAL NOTICES



A Christmas Sermon.
Observance of Christmas is not confined
to religious rites. Memories of Christ
are revived, but the sacred observance is
confined to few among Protestant
churches. Christian ministers desire to
bring about more religious dedication
of the day. There is too much friv0lty
and worldliness on Christmas. Christ
mas morning the services at The NJ. E.
church were conducted by Rev. w. r.
Weaver The attendance was small. A
few members of the CommanJry were
present. Mr.. Weaver delivered an ex-
cellent sermon. Hymn 1873, "Joy to the
World, the Savior has Com-," was sung,
and the second chapter in Luke was read,
on the birth of Christ. Mr.. Weaver
chose his text from Matthew % "a. This
chapter is reproof Of the Pharisees on
the question of the identity of Christ.
Mr.. Weaver said he desired to call atten-
ton to the question among the Pharisees,
"What think ye of Christ?'' He said
there were many questions of philosophy
which make no difference as to mans be-
lief; but of some philosophers it is i'm
pOrtant. Philosophical questions have
no effect on mans moral character. He
spoke of the methods of business men.
It makes some difference II the methods
grow out of false principles. Mr.. Weaver
said it is of some importance what he
thinks Of men, but his opinion does not
affect the mans moral character if he
entertains wrong opinion of men. pro-
yided his heart is right. 1t makes diff
nntruthful motives. His opinion is of
some importance on his belief of Jesus
Christ. This belief makes some differ
ence on his moral character. Mr.. Wea-
yer meant what you think of man means
little or nothing, and forms no moral
character. but what you think of Christ
means all, it means a moral character.
Mr.. Weaver discussed the identity of
Christ. 1t was a truthful Christmas SER
mon on the birth Of Christ He said
there was no room for Christ's birth; and
there is Nc room in the world today for
Christ. If we should burn up all that is
called christian in the world there would
not be much left. Not more than 5 per
of the church membership contain the
number of christians in the world, and a
large percentage of this number are only
nominally christians, and they have not
learned to embrace Christ regardless of
what people think. There were no
churches ready for Christ to ccme, but
there may be some in church who are
ready to meet Him.
Men do not please God from choice.
They would please men first. They may
please both, but the natural inclination
is to first please man.
Mr.. Weaver said God had chosen the
weak things to confound the mighty.
He drew an example from the discipline
shown by mother and father. The
mother touches the heart of her unduti-
full son, but the fathers stern principles
remind him Of wrong and Furnishes him.
The weak things call into activity the
principles of Christ. The work in the
heart and not in the intellect make men
appreciate Divine things.
Christ came not to send peace but to
send sword. Christ's religion divides
. community. While everybody Is in the
service Of the Devil there is harmony.
1t is an absolute necessity to know
Christ. II man stands well and with
authority, he must be acquainted with the
foundation upon which he stands. In
our moral character and standing we
must know Jesus Christ.
What would ye have? What do you
think Of Christ? Do you stand on the
Rock of Ages, said Mr.. Weaver in con-
clusion. He said he did not know the
hearts of his hearers, but may this be
the happiest Christmas of your lives.
The chief end Of man is to glorify God.
This it the first Christmas sermon de-
livered in the NJ. E. church, when Christ
mas falls on a week day. There have
been Christmas sermons delivered when
Christmas fell on Sunday, or on Sun
day near Christmas.
Passengers arriving at Chicago by the
Chicag0. Rock Island 4 Panif3o Pr can