Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-04-30

Rev. Charles NJ. Oliphant delivered a
very thoughtful sermon to a large con-
gregation at the First Christian church
last evening, taking for his theme,
obstacles to Church Progress" The
minister's remarks, which were greatly
appreciated by those present, were in
substance as follows:
"Selfshness is the spirit that makes
possible all the obstacles to the pro-
gress of the church. If a man con-
trolls himself he will not be a stumbling
block to the church.
Peter the Great said once that he
had conquered nations and civilized
his subjects, but had not been able to
c~ivilize or conquer himself. He who
travels from the low ground of selfish
ness to the high plain of ~benevolence
goes from restitution to plenty, from
b%arrenness to fruitfulness. Are we
selfish or unselish? Are we barren or
fruitful?
DISTRIBUTING the Word of God is an
obstacle to church progress. Ministers
do this by lowering the dignity of the
Bible in ~lecturing in pulpits OF the
Lords day when they should preach
the Gospel. A professed Christian may
do this by neglecting to do the will
Of Christ. Infidels and skeptics dis
credit the Bible in not searching the
scriptures to see If they are true.
The decay of faith in certain quar-
tiers is an obstacle to the progress Of
Christ's kingdom.
Many say that the thought of ON
verting the heather to Christ is pre-
posterous. These fail to see the effects
of the gospel in many heather
tries. With God all things are posi-
BILE. Some persons have 40 faith in
the work of the church. This pessi-
mistic spirit is very injurious.
THE many unconverted people in
the church is a serious obstacle. These
were not fully convinced Of sin.
Their conviction was not thorough.
Hence they are wavering in their faith
and life. These people are too weak
spirited to help the church. These
are sometimes dictatorial. They, al
though inexperienced, are too much
disposed to dictate the policy of the
church. If they had the submissive
spirit of the Christ they would not be
dictatorial.
"The defiant spirit of those outside
the church is another obstacle. The
Lords day decorators, the divine law
violators, the profane, the scoffers, all
these defy Gods law and hinder the
progress of the church.
1.-THE irregular attendance upon the
public means Of grace furnish another
obstacle. Many attend church only
when convenient, when there is a spe-
cial service, when the weather is ia
vorable (dry weather Christians), when
there is a protracted meeting, and
probably once on a Sunday.
They formed these irregular
habits years since and find it difficult
to overcome them, but this irregular
attendance still interferes with the
growth and prosperity of the church.
Giving strength to other things that
should be given to Christ and His
church is an obstacle Our powers be-
long to God. He holds us responsible
for their use. How are we using u
powers? For Christ or the world?
1.-THE lack of spirituality explains a
great many of these obstacles. The
spiritually minded Christian, instead
of detracting from the church, is CIV
ing constantly of time, talent, money
and loving and devoted service to
make the church prosper in every
possible way. A thorough consecra-
ton to Christ will remove these OBJ
stacles and make the church a greater
power in the EARTH"