The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-10-31
AN ARMY WITH BANNERS.
Rev. DIR. Fairs Sermon at the InCs-
pendent Church.

pendent Church.
Rev. DR.. Fair, pastor of the Independ-
ent Presbyterian Church, in his sermon yes
terday morning, presented the analogies
between an army and the church. His
text was taken from the Song of Solo
mon, GA: IAN army with banners"
An army, DR.. Fair said, presupposes-a
state of war or the possibility of its oc-
currence. The existence of an army i'm
piled that the safety of a country is i'm
perilled, that dangers threaten it's homes
and affairs, that there are enemies to be
subjugated or expelled. However brilliant
and imposing the appearance of an army
may be, yet beneath its floating banners
and martial music there turks deep sig
nificance
The existence of the church presupposes
a state of moral and spiritual warfare 1t
implies the safety of the world is imper-
illed, that enemies threaten the souls of
men. These enemies are none the less
real and dangerous. although they are IN
visible and spiritual Every Christian Is
to wage daily warfare against the world
the flesh and the devil. Through His
church Christ goes forth to conquer in
EQUITY and subdue His enemies. The term
sacrament meant the Roman soldiers mill
tary oath, by which he bound himself ta
obey his centurion, to follow wherever ne
should lead, and if need be lay down his
life for Rome. The church is not to be a
hospital or hot house, but an army, with
banners, composed of brave and stalwart
warriors, fighting the great fight of faith
The text teaches, too, that the motive
makes the soldier. The flower of an army
Is not made up of what the ancients call
ed mercenaries, but patriots whose souls
are fired with love of home and country,
and who hnUa infp1I;o Of
the gravity of the issue at stake. Lonidas,
with 800 of such patriots, kept at bay
thousands of these mercenaries. The
church needs members who serve from
grateful love and a recognition of The
momentus issue at stake. It Is the crown
rights of our kingdom, the supremacy of
good or evil in the world, the salvation
of the race.
The text illustrates again the unity
which should exist in the church. An
army consists of different divisions, brig
AIDES and regiments, but these constitute
an indivisble unity. Keeping step, obey
ing one will marching under one banner.
So the various denominations should make
but one church, loving, helping each 9TH
er, marching under one banner, working
for one aim, the coronation of one king.
Lastly, the text conveys the idea of VIC
tory. In the day of triumph armies
spread their banners and they fiutter
proudly in the breeze. mat VIII De a
great day when the church comes up VIC
torious from the battlefield of time, and,
sweeping through the gates of heaven,
furls it banners before the throne of God.
This universe Is destined to see a grander
triumph than old Rome ever witnessed.
Let Christians take courage and hold
higher their banners of battle. The day
is coming when their tired Hands will lay
down the sword and take the fadeless
crown.
Many soldiers were present who entered
very heartily into the music and their
presence impaired interest to the service.