The times., 1899-10-30
THE TRUE RELIGION.
Discourse of Rev. Frank VI Bristol
at the metropolitan Church.

Discourse of Rev. Frank VI. Bristol
at the metropolitan Church.
Rev Dr. Frank NJ. Bristol, pas or OF the
Metropolitan NJ. E. Church, delivered
discourse at the IL o'clock service yester-
day against the policy adopted by some
OF the lattef-day creed makers, who en-
ploy the teachings Of some eminent philos-
pher rather than those of Jesus Christ as
the basis for their religion. The minister
took his text from the eleventh. verse,
third chapter Of the first Epistle TO the
Corinthians in which it is taught that
the doctrine OF Christ is the ou4y true
spiritual guide to men,
DR.. Bristol described the solidity of the
foundation upon which Christianity is
based, and pointed out its remarkable
strength after a test Of centuries No
philosophy has endured as long asserted
the speaker, and after a lapse of a COM
paratiyely brief space of time the devotee
who bases his hopes upon the teachings
OF any philosopher finds himself without a
religion.
This instability of philosophy indicates
the fTailties of our own opinions" con-
tinued Dr. Bristol, "and amply illustrates
the meaning Of the eminent person who
said that philosophy becomes a bankrupt
after brief space Of time, and its follow
ers must find for themselves new reliS-
ion. Religion is more than sentiment,
more than emotion and is based upon the
word of God, which has strength and
breadth inconceiyable. Christianity is
religion of light and love. OF perfection
and power, law and practice scienca and
sentiment 1t satisfies the heart, the in
tellect, and the life and is applicable and
comforting in all things.
Religion has developed differently in
different persons. In some the emOt onal
side has been given prominence to the eX-
clusiOn of the practical Mysticism has been
the appealing element to many, and this
has found its way into their church ser
vices, which abound in mysterious cere-
mony. The belief which eXaggeratcs the
supernatural shows narrow -mindedness on
the part of its followers. Religion must
satisfy the highest development OF mind
and soul, and this the Christian religion
does. Even in this age Of thlo,og.cll un-
rest the careful student admits the spirit
uaI authority OF Christ. He is the oIly
true source OF Cody inspiration The
prophets and disciples, while they have u
place in the Bible, are only agents II the
true head. Peter is not the autho-i iy aud
Paul did not attempt to establish author
ity other than that of Jesus Chris. He
fought against being deided and pointed to
his master as the authority. No creed
no school, or sect is the foundation, and
only Christ enjoys that distinction
No man can say that ciyilizat on is
outgTowiug Christianity We do no. nov
need nor never shall need new Iounda-
tion. Now we have men who call tAem-
selves progressive who say that they have
outgrown Christ We have gone beyond
need of him. they say. Such man IS
decCiving himself, but no one else. Lave
we built or can we build a moral stluc-
ture of the breadth and strength OF thae
developed by the master?
Men of religious pre-emiaence have
thought that they could forego the au-
thority of Christ. making themselves tho,
intercessors and foundation. They have
established a religious hierarchy which has
sought and in some cases maintained a
union Of the state and church to the detri-
ment of both and the Generalization Of
all"
President Mckinley did not attend tbs
service yesterday, as IS his usual custom.