The times., 1899-10-09
ADVICE TO DoUBTERs.
Rev. DIR. Rennie Mt the New York
Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Rev. DIR. Rennie mt the New York
Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Rev. DR.. James Rennie, of Glasgow,
Scotland, occupied the pulpit at the New
York Avenue Presbyterian Church yester-
day morVing Despite the inclement
weather, the auditorium of the edifice was
filed and the congregation followed the
sermon of the visiting minister with deep
attention. Before the address Of Dr. Rem
ME, Rev. DR.. Radcliffe, the pastor of the
church, offered prayer in which he espe-
cially asked for divine intervention in
South Africa; that the difficulty between
the South African Republic and Great Brit
ain might be amicably adjusted, and that
the threatened war might be averted be-
fore blows are struck. DR.. Rennie took
his text from St Matthew xi:6, in which
Christ said: Blessed is he who shall not
be offended in me-"
These words" said the minister, "ex-
press a universal truth. They were ac-
tuated by the doubt existing in the minds
of his listeners. They were intended not
only to fit the cases of the doubters to
whom they were spoken, but to those of
all ages. There have been doubters in all
past ages, and among them men who af-
forwards accepted the word of Christ.
These men We're seeking the truth. The
same doubts exist today, and on all hands
there those who cannot see the truth
as it was taught by the Saviour. Christ
did not seek to convince those who differed
from him by calling them hard names, but
rather endeavored, to point out to them the
facts in their true light by counseling with
them. His method of dealing with such
persons can be followed now with the same
results.
The words of the text suggest two
thoughts, the speaker said. THE first is
that there is much about Jesus at which
men take offence. This is a surprising
statement. but true. 1t is not to be won
dered at. Grant that he was the Son of
God; that he came to save the souls OF
men; that he died to atone for the sins OF
the world; that he was crucifed and rose
from the dead grant all these things, and
it is not wonderful that men have taken
offence at Jesus Christ. Such being, so
perfect SO far above the ordinary man.
cannot but generate jealousy and create
offence in the minds of men. Some Chris
tians will ask, What is there about my
Lord that can offend? Were not his life
and teachings perfect? Did ever a philoS-
opher, philanthropist, or Jewish rabbi add
SO much to the precepts adopted through
out the world?'
What are some OF the grounds upon
which men base their objections? They
are to be found in his person, his doctrine,
his God and the fact that he himself was
a godly man. All these facts are contrary
to the reason of men. His doctrine was
stumbling stone because of it's pure spirit
uality and divine authority. The idea that
man cannot lead moral life without close
afiiliation with Christ is a strong doctrine
which many cannot accept. Christ's as
sumption OF divine authority is offensive
| But he being the word Of God cannot
preach from the same platform with others.
II he were to teach without assumption
of authority, as did Confucius, Plato, and
Aristotle, there are many who would come
to his feet. But he will not do this. The
| last and greatest offence 10 men IN the
doctrine, is the idea of Christ upon the
cross-his shedding of blood for the atone
ment Of the sins of the world Men who
| abhor the shedding OF blood cannot see
| that 1t was necessary.
There is in Christ, after all, no reason
| able ground for offence. By saying SO,
| point out the unreasonableness of those
who find his teachings Objectionable. Is
the cause for offence in Christ and his doc
| trine or in the unbeliever himself? lt is
| due to a misapprehenson of the spiritual
bond between Christ and man. Is it rea-
! sonable to reject a thing because Of its
mystery? Is it reasonable 10 demand OF