The age-herald., 1900-04-23
THE SEVENTH YEAR
 OF HIS PASTORATE
Dr. Gray's Long Service With
 First Baptist Church
CELEBRATED YESTERDAY
the Congregation = An Eloquent Sermon Preached by Dr. J.
 M Frost of Nashville

One of the largest congregations that ever assembled in the First Baptist church greeted Dr. Gray yesterday at the close of his seventh year as pastor of the church.
 The occasion a notable one and the services were beautiful and impressive. The interior of the church tastfully decorated with evergreen and cut flowers, through the courtesy of William H. Lind say. and pr. Gray was given strong evil dence of the love and esteem in which he is held by his people. Dr. J. NJ Frost of Nashville preached the sermon.
 pr. Gray made only a brief mention of his labors during his pastorate. It is gen erally known that the trustees of Howard college twice in the last four years quested this church to release Dr. Gray to help pay the debt on the college prop erty Besides giving the pastors time the church has given several thousand dollars towards the liquidation Of the debt on the college ard other denominational work. During the seven years of Dr. Gray's pas torate he has received 469 members into the church. The present membership is 569. They have raised nearly $50,OOO for all pur- poses during the present pastorate.
 It had been announced week ago that collection would be taken yesterday to pay off the balance of the church debt but unforeseen hindrances had prevented some personal work among the members and the personal collection was not taken. Tine collection will be pressed and very shortly the church expects to be entirely free of debt.
 Dr. Frost's Sermon
 Dr. Frost's manner is easy and deliber- ate. his style clear and simple, and his il- lustrations appropriate and striking. His text was from Acts 10:36, and he spoke in part as follows
 My text is a parenthetical clause, but contains a profound thought. It affords opportunity to say something on The Di- vinity of Christ. I would prefer to say the Deity of Christ. The divinity of Christ is now being thrust forward as subject of discussion and bids fair to engage public thought more than at any time in years. Let it come. Christ's divinity can bear the test The text says, He is Lord of all Now, then, let an arch furnish the ilIustra- ton for our study for the morning. An arch must have five things. Two pedestals for foundation, two upright columns and the key. Every boy here sees that. Now let us complete the arch in the divinity of Christ. What shall we make the founda- tion? One pedestal is his supernatural birth, the other is his supernatural resur- rection One of the upright supports is his supernatural works, the other his super natural words, and the key to the great majestic arch is his peerless, superhuman character. Angels announced his super natural birth and called the babe in the manager Christ the Lord. Angels also an nounced his supernatural resurrection when they said to anxious disciples: He is not here; He is risenl From his first miracle at Cana of Galilee to that night of the betrayal where he restored the severed ear Of the High Priests servant, his mir aculous works testify to his divinity, and more than we are wont to do should we lay stress on his divine words. "Ye must be born again; I am the water of life;' T am the bread of life; the way, the truth and the life;' Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest" Those were new thoughts for the world, my brethren. They bear the stamp of divinity.
 Influence on Thought
 What practical turn shall our thoughts take in view of this great subject? First let us reflect more and more on the deity of Christ as the great factor in our ner- sonal salvation. Blot out his divinity and you blot out your Saviour. Secondly, let us not forget in our work for God our de. pendence upon his divine son for help He is tender and gracious. but is full of di- Vine majesty. Lastly, let us recognize his providential ruling over the work His is the omnipotent hand that upholds all things. This great personal, matchIess divine Christ has furnished the brightest inspiration for preachers, singers and workers in all the ages. Let us crown him Lord of all. Let the singers come let the hills clap their hands, let the sea roll up its mighty pillows, let the stars sing. let the angels come down. O, let us crown l him Lord of all"
 At the close of the service many pressed | forward to shake hands with Dr. Frost and l Pastor Gray. Evidently the sermon made l profound impression. General Shelley. l an old acquaintance of Dr. Frost came | forward to thank him for the sermon, and SC did other visitors. Dr. Gray was cor dially congratulated on the work achieved under his pastorate and members assured him of their hearty support and their de- sire that he might continue another seven years, and longer, as their pastor
 Dr. Frost occupied the pulpit again at the night services which were also largely attended.
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