The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-08-22

Rev. C. E. Clarke, pastor of the Thorn
SON NJ. E. church, preached an eloquent
sermon yesterday morning in which he
criticised the lack Of interest in spirit
lial matters on the part OF many who
have grown lukewarm in the cause. The
minister cited number OF reasons
"why we are not what We should be-"
Mr.. Clarke chose for his text the 18th
verse, 4th chap. Of GalatIons. The whole
chapter, he said. wac a mild rebuke to
the Galatlons for lack of deep interest
In the cause they espoused. They had
grown cold in their devotion and were
then asked the question contained in the
text. This question, said Mr.. Clark. is
appropriate to any church. 1t is dlM-
cult mater to ind congregation to
whom 1t will not apply II will also APP
ply to the individual rs we'll as the
church, for none of us are as enthusiast
tic as we should be. The minister then
gave g. number of reasons why we are
not what we should be. One great rea-
son is the neglect of prayer, and the
neglect to pray in the right manner. No
man is himself in the presence of the
multitude, only when he enters his
closet and realizes that he is alone with
God, can he pray as he should.
That we lose our interest in spiritual
matters was illustrated by the following
incident: A child once asked It's father
the question, as God dead?" NO" re-
Piled the astonisked father, why do
you ask?" Because" said the child, II
never hear you talk to Him as you used
TO-"
AS water is to the plant, 50 is spiritual
life to the soul. Two plants may be
growing in the same gasden. both sur
rounded with the same soil. both receiv-
ing the light of the sun, yet one is seen
to droop, wlther and die, while the other
continues green and Hourlshing.
The reason of this is that one is
watered, while the other is in this re-
spect neglected,
Henry " once asked the Duke Of
Alba IL he had observed the recent
eclipse OF the sun. mo" was the reply,
II am too busy with the things of this
earth to pay attention to the things Of
Heaven" We are. said the minister, too
much in the same condition, we do not
have time TO devote ourselves to Heaven
ly matters.
A Scottish hero in company with
small band, was once closely pressed by
an opposing force. His saddle got GU.
of repair and he calmly dIsmounted tn
aS'n, Before he had completed the task
HE pursuers we're almost upon him, but
the delay was a wise one, for the horse
thus relieved, sped away like the wind.
II was his thoughtfulness which had
saved his life.
A second reason given was the lack OF
enioyment OF Christian duties. The day
will come, exclaimed the minister wheh
we will serve God. not because we must
hut because We mag, too many OF us
act as though we were under task MAJ
ters, we should serve God for the pleas
ure we get out Of II.
A third reason Is that we are no lon
ger as benevolent as we should be; we
should devote our memory, our talents,
our skill, our all, to the service OF the
master.
an abbot once went to the altar to pray.
20 him md
heCued that he would assist her to Sc
cure money for the release OF her son
who had been captured and was being
held for n ransom He said, Madam,
the treasury Is empty, all can do for
Won ia to pray" no" she said, Il
must have money. Give me the silver
candle sticks from the altar, that 1nay
sell them and get the necessary money"
After a moments hesitation, he COM
piled with her request, with prayer to
God TO forgive the gacrilege.
With evening came flood OF light
and looking on the altar the abbot be-
held, IN the place of the silver candles
sticks, others OF gold. Thus was this
simple benevolent action rewarded.
There is also great danger OF get
ting too enthusiastic over side issues.
A great and good phildnthropist once
uSeu MS time uuu Ihvhtb III oSt'H'ihb
the conditions OF the persons OF Europe,
while his son became pest to society.
Another reason Is we grow worldly
in our manner OF living. We neglect
.'the church for worldly things. Have
q good time" said the minister, but
/, devote your best talent to spiritual
I matters.
y We should also be progressive; never
stand stIll /, or grow less enthusiastic.
Mr.. RoVland Hill once saw child on a
rocking horse. "Ah," said he, that Is
like too many Christians; much motion,
but no progress"