The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-03-07
CHRlST'S FIRST MIRACLE.
Topic of II. A. Grants Sermon Last
Night in A. NJ. T.. Church.

Rev. II. A. Grant, B. D., pastor of the
Howard Place African Methodist Epis-
copal church, preached last evening on
"Christ's first miracle" choosing as
text John ii, Ill: And the third day
there was a marriage in Cana of Gal
lice: and the mother of Jesus was
there" The speaker in part said:
Much has been said in reference to
Christ performing a miracle in creating
wine on this occasion, and many have
drawn from this fact an argument in
favor of the use of Intoxicating bever-
ages. The facts in the case will not,
however warrant such u conclusion.
There is no evidence that the wine which
Christ created on this occasion possessed
/ any Intoxicating principle. 1t is evident,
from the remarks of the ruler Of the
feast, that it was different from what
they had been using, and far superior in
its quality. If we consider the miracle in
connection with the subsequent teachings
of Christ and his apostles on the sub
iect of temperance, the presumption that
he did not create an intoxicating beVer-
age is very strong
We have preset ted his social character.
| Both Jesus was called, and His dis
ciples, to the marriage Christ was not
recluse. He did not withdraw Himself
from the society OF men, but freely as
sociated with them, not only in the midst
Of sadness and sorrow. but also OH oc-
casions of festivity and joy. lie showed
his sympathy and fellow-feeling for them
without approving of or indulging in any
I of their vices.
Another important truth presented in
| this passage, in reference to Christ is
| the absolute noWer which he exercises
hna niN 10 N
| in many respects, great power over ma
ture, in controlling and utilizing its
forces.
IN these instances the various forces
exist in nature, and are only discovered
and applied by human ingenuity. But
Christ possesses a power above nature
a power that can control nature in a
manner contrary to her established laws.
He has only to speak, to look, to will,
and nature obeys His behest, and the
work is accomplished. In the case be. Jre
us there is no intimation given that any
outward, visible means were employed
to turn the we ter into wine.
This miracle, had Christ never per-
formed another, would be sufficient TO
prove him Divine. We are told in the text
that In the performance of His very first
miracle He manifested forth His glory"
Christ placed a high estimate on works.
He said on one occasion, my Father
worketh hitherto, and / work" Work is
the measure of a mans ability and the
true index to his character. All men of
renown are renowned for their deeds.
The glory of character is presented in
the grandeur of achievement.
The world, in carrying out its vast en-
terprises, demands work. Mere theor-
lists, who speculate and dream, are not
the men who promote the interests of So
ciety, develop its resources, and secure its
highest prosperity. 1t requires men of
resolution, of energy, of action, in every
department of business. TO insure success.
So II is in the church.
That which we can do for ourselves, we
have no right to except God, by divine
interposition, to do for us. The servants
could not turn the water into wine but
they could fill the voter pots with water,
and having done what they could, Christ
performed the rest