Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-01-15
THE SIGNS Of TIE T|MES.'
A SERMON by REV. ELEPHANT AT
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
YESTERDAY MORNING.
THE PROSPERITY OF A NATION
Thought to Depend Largely Upon
the Character of C~itixenship,
righteousness and Justfce-Rapid
Progress in Missionary Work
Among the Natives of other Conn
tries.

Rev. Charles M. Oiiphant delivered a
fine sermon upon the theme. "The
| Signs of the Times" at the First
| Christian Church, yesterday morning.
A large congregation attended the SER
vice and the minister's remarks were
interesting to- all.
Rev. Oliphant said that but few of us
reflect that over four centuries ago
this country was unknown to the peo-
pie of the Orient. Little did the peo-
pie of Europe think that such wonder
full results would come from the
heroic efforts of Columbus, who stood
in his age as the pioneer of progress
and enlightenment. But a portion of
the physical world was known before
Columbus in his expedition made pos
sible a worldwide exploration. He
opened up a channel between the East
and West. His work has been contin-
ued and almost all places in the earth
have been explored. Others have en-
tered into his labors. This exploration
was necessary before other achieve
ments could be made.
Continuing Rev. Oliphant said that
the church has been exploring mems
hearts. After Columbus discovery peo-
pie coming to this country from vari-
Gus parts Of Europe. brought with
them the gospel and this was but a
continuation of the work done by
Christ's disciples in the earth church.
He then referred to the principle of
Christian missions. He said that we
enjoy the blessings Of missions and
ought to be grateful for the mission
airy work that had been started in this
country by the early settlers. Gratitude
for our blessings should express itself
in missionary work. After America
was discovered the different languages.
of the old world were soon spoken in
the Western Continent. To-day nearly
all languages are spoken in the United
States. The English language is
spoken in all countries. Wherever
missionaries go, also goes the Bible and
it has been translated into nearly all
the languages. The discovery of
America also served to bring together
people from different parts of Europe.
The many trials they experienced to-
gether in a strange land caused them
to sympathize with each other and it
was this sympathy that led to the for
nation of a popular government.
America has developed a higher grade
of civilization. which has become
worldwide in it's influence. 1t is read
lily realized that the prosperity of a
nation is dependent upon the character
of citizenship, obedience, justice, hon
esty, righteousness, intelligence. Chris
tian citizenship is becoming world
wide in it's influence. The teachings
Of Christ are gradually becoming more
widely known among the natives in
various countries and through this
work to further the cause OF religion,
the kingdoms of the world shall be-
come the Kingdom of Christ.
In speaking of the emancipation OF
the slaves and the joy of freedom, he
remarked that all men can be emanci-
pated from sin.
The minister then turned attention
to worldwide organizations, saying
that the people soon after America
was discovered began to organize to
successfully combat the tyranny of
Great Britain. Lawmakers, political
parties and all successful elements
have been organized. The forces of the
church have also organized. 1t was not
very long after the country was set
tied that the church appointed officers
and the successful forces were brought
together. Missions, Sunday schools
and Young Peoples Christian Societies
are all under one motto: 1.-THE World
for Christ" Now with such converg-
ing lines as these. with such signals
in the horizon, with such thunderclaps
booming in our ears, and such light
ming flashes Illuminating our path, we
ought to believe that God is in this age
and that He is challenging His people
to carry forward His work as never be-
fore. GO We into all the world and
preach the Gospel to the whole crea-
ton"
nHTTIr IIuuINruT