The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-01-23
TO A CROWDED CHURCH.
An Interesting Sermon by Rev. j. L. AL
britton at the Mountain View.

-Ah AhaSIestiHs SeT1On Dy rev. u. !. Al
britton at the Mountain View.
Rev. J. L. Albritton preached most
interesting sermon in the Mountain
View church last night to crowded
house. There was standing room only
to those who were a few minutes late.
The pastor drew beautiful lesson from
the 18th chapter of st. Luke, the story
of the prodical son: THE scribes and
Pharasees were dissatisfied with the
conduct of Jesus, who they declared
was going a little too far when He Wis
tied publicans and sinners, ate with the
rich men, and bestowed blessings upon
the common herd. Jesus then spoke to
them, saying: What man of you, hav-
ing hundred sheep, if he lose one of
them, doth not leave the ninety and
nine in the wilderness and go after
that which is lost until he find it?"
Then Jesus told them about a certain
man who had two sons. The younger
of them said to his father: Give We
the portion of goods that falleth to
me-" The father delivered the goods,
and the young man took his departure
into a far country, and there wasted
his substance with riotous living. There
arose a famine in the land, and he be-
gan to be in want.
This true story of the times of Jesus
stay on earth finds counterparts in all
sections of the universe to-day. There
are in the world many of the class
called by the Methodists "backsliders."
They are away from the tender relig-
ious influences of home. and have
learned some new ideas" They have
heard that Christ did not perform any
miracles or do any of the things which
they were at home taught to believe
that He did. The first thing they know
they are dissatisfied with the church,
with the old family bible. When, for
example. the young man leaves his
home and all that is dear to him, he
does not intend or expect to deviate
from the path he has so long trodden.
Oh no, he surely can never forget those
loving words of advice which are poured
in his ear by a noble. pure Christian
mother. He'll just go out West and
make his fortune by multiplying ten
fold the goods his father gives him as
his portion.
But it happens that after he forms
new acquaintance he spends his money
in riotous living. He is without means
and forced to do work not to his liking
Maybe he won't work at all. 1t is then
he becomes dissatisfied reckless. He
goes into places which he would not
even think of visiting when at home.
He has now switched off from the path
of spiritual sweetness he used to travel
a home.
Here the minister referred to that
famous oil painting at the worlds fair,
Breaking Home Ties" the mothers
hand on the boys shoulder. the father,
grip in hand, standing in the open door
way. through which is seen the carriage
in waiting. 1t is an impressive picture
1t speaks volumes, and it speaks in a
pathetic tone.
The pastor warned his hearers to be-
ware of the danger SIGNAL in life Don't
be too anxious to cater altogether to
society. There are other and more es-
sential things to cultivate, and don't be
ever dissatisfied. The world is not
large enough, rich enough to satisfy
the craving of a disconnected spirit
In the afternoon Mr. Albritton ad-
dressed a large audience composed en-
tirely of men. Both sermons We're ably
delivered.