The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-04-09
LESSONS FROM THE GROSS
EAST DAY SERMON BY REy. 4. IT.
 HALL.

Delivered at United Fast Day Service at United Church-The Cross Stands for Complete Devotion-our Civilization Needs More of the Spirit of Altruism.
 The united Fast day services yester- day were held in the United church, and large congregation was present. Rev. A. M. Hall, pastor of the Taylor Memorial church, preached an able sermon on "Lessons from the Cross" It is given in full below:
 LESSONS FROM THE GROSS.
 The cross of Christ represents the Christian worlds greatest tragedy as well as it's brightest hope. It has an important place in the gospels, in the apostolic preaching and theology, and in the thought of the Christian church. Nor has it lost it's interest as a subject for speculation. But it stands to-day in new perspective. Of this age, more Lildn dly Cetl It bC oeblo OiS' things have passed away and behold all things have become new" God is conceived of not as apart from his ere ation teaching it by cold law, but as superior to, yet immanent in all life. Society recognizes that crime is not to be suppressed by law and police and punishment or a general proclamation of pardon, but by reformation of the t1 l. @F+ Auction has been succeeded by induc- tion, speculation by empyricism and by this practical method the supreme test of every plan of salvation as set forth in the creeds, is does it save. Life is no longer regarded as an entanglement of fate but as a mighty system sweeping on to perfection according to a Divine plan that annihilates the distinction between the upper and lower worlds, time and eternity, and makes the king i. dom of heaven righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. From these changed viewpoints it is impossible to see old doctrines in old lights, and al- ready many efforts are being made to harmonize the doctrine of the cross with modern thought. This, however, is the work of the schools. The church patiently awaits their labor and will hail with delight any theory they may present that is consistent in all it's partsA
 But take 1t, this is an hour of medi- tation, devotion and inspiration. At such time the soul longs for the posi- tive and constant. And apart from the theories that come and go with the temper of the age the cross has had a positive, constant influence on religious life. The elements of this influence are to be found where the Christ life over- laps the human life. Herein lies the philosophy of the incarnation. The trouble with speculative thought has been that it has laid stress on the ex- traordianry and marvellous. It has placed the brace of divinity between Christ and man and there tried to bring Christ down from above and man up from depravity, without allowing them to approach each other. If Christ was most Devine upon the cross it is be- cause here he was most human. Mira ---cles do not lead to crucifixion. The cross is the culmination of his work as JosepI's son struggling with the nar- rowness, hypocracy and bigotry of his age for a. larger life, freer though and brighter hope. What then are the principles set forth in this life of strug- gle?
 The cross stands for complete devo- ton to one supreme purpose. To doubt life came to Jesus with it's glittering prizes. The temptation must have been more than an allegory. Wealth, power and glory were at his command but he flung them all aside saying: "Get thee hence satan for it is writtenthou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve" The one end of his life was to do his Fathers will.
 What more needed or impressive les son could be taught than that men should have one high aim and follow it to the last. Our forefathers are some- times criticised for the intensity of their life. But the trouble was not with their intensity. Without it they never could have wrought out the solution and founded the institutions that come as our cfoiced heritage. Their vision was limited and much to them virtue seems to us narrowness. But judging from the objects for which men spend their time and enegies has there not come with our greater improvements and more comprehensive life @ lessen ing of intensity and letting down o1 purpose? Is it true there is a growing tendency to be content with the quest for pleasure, or the qualification of the greed for gain? Is there an increasing disinterestednesS, a reliance on some outward support? Is conscience be coming commodity on exchange and honor cloak in which to play the fool? If any people lose it's grip on the eternal principles of truth and right, ii 1t lose that impelling desire to attain the ideal, no material improvement car compensate, or system of government or power of war save. This history de clares in no uncertain voice. The prob lens of this age are greater than those of the last. Note the social education al, financial and international problem: that are pressing at this very time fol solutionl The need of the hour is con 7 yiction, mighty absorbing conviction that will lift men above the small ant base and hold them to one sublime pur pose. That will enable each one ''tt move, modest, kindly, all-accomplishet wish
 Not swaying to this faction or tt that Not making his high place a law less perch of wronged ambitions. Nor { vantage ground for pleasure, bu through all this tract of wear wearins