The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-12
MANS POWER FOR GOOD
Upon Him Is the Duty of Leading
the World Into Better Paths.
To Him Is Given the Opportunity to
Omen the Door to the king-TOday's
Victory Not to he Wrought by
Angels Rev. Luther Is. Will
son Mt the metropolitan Church.

The sermon yesterday morning at the
Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal Church
was delivered by Rev. DR.. Wilson, and was
founded upon the tenth chapter OF the Acts
Of Apostles. verse 5.
Or. Wilson, in the course OF his sermon,
said that this chapter sets before US one
of the critical events of the history Of tbs
church. Even the embarrassment that
must have surrounded the fallen Roman
soldier did not prevent him from sending
his prayers up to tbs Ete-r.si 1t had been
the custom of this man not only to pray,
but TO bring his household as near as
possible, into Tie presence of the Eternal,
showing that his love was not narrow
love, but broad sympathy. seeking the
good of humanity. God is not unmindfui
of that man; heaven is interested in him;
his prayers have been heard. 1t is the
law of the kingdom that he who follows
the light which he has shall have clearer
light, and he WHO does his duty today TO
the best of his knowledge shall be the
better for it tomorrow.
Who is better qualified to open the door
to the glory of God. than a man who has
been inspired with the light OF God?
DIR. Wilson went on to say that mes
sengers come unasked and unbidden. so
far as men are concerned. The demands
of God came always in unlooked-fol' times
and men. 1t is to man that God has given
the power to bring the word into better
paths. God has turned over the work Of
highest ministry TO man The infTinities
of the BROTHERHOOD may be upon him; the
letters of prejudice may hamper him; the
remembrance OF unworthiness may pain
him; the smell of the tanners trade may
cling to his dress, and yet God has re-
served for him the lofty privilege of
bringing men TO a knowledge OF the highest
truth, of righting the wrongs of ages, Ut
leading the world out of the shadows into
the clear light.
You must give broad definition to
that word ministry. said the speaker.
Once to Joshua the angel appeared out
side the walls OF Jericho, but the battles
for the progress of humanity are for men.
God has turned over the ministries of the
world to the common man. the man OF
infiTmities, whose mind is sluggish to
grasp the truth, and whose heart is pos
sessed of old traditions. Unto man is
given the opportunity 10 open The door
unto the king, and put the human hand
into the clasp of the pierced hand Of our
Saviour and rejoice in a larger liberty as
child OF God God has given over to
man the reconstruction OF society, of min
istrations to men. and, mind you, he
means abroad ministry. The victory that
is to be wrought today is not to be
wrought by angels, but by men. 1t is fer
them to draw the sword for justice; it
is for them to go out into the highways
with the sword, and advance love, liberty,
and charity.
.s-T~t--
angels but for men. and such men as we
are. Once for Elijah the angels spread the
feast, but now for the discouraged and the
faint: men must provide the table. Once
for Peter an angel opened the prison gate;
but now men must unbar the doors of un-
Just and debasing conditions and lead the
way to larger liberty. Once an angel told
the story of the resurrection, but now We
must hasten to all the world and publish
the good tidings.
Jesus took upon himself not the form of
an angel, but that of man. when he came
and suffered and died, so he could show us
how to minister to mortal and sinnin man.
II the angels of God could come into our
homes, and could lead our children into tn.
ways of God. then cur homes would be
bright as heaven. But it is not to be thus
II is for you and me to do this; to do the
ministeriRg to man. He who is to do the
work should be one who, if he has sinred.
has also wept. Unto such, God has COM
mitted the ministry of reconciliation and
all holy ministries. But the man whom the
world is needing is the man renewed, bet
ter in every sphere. If God has honored
us by giving to US such a chance he means
that we are to be at our best for the task
he sets u.s. that is clear.
Brethren. Cornelius is looking your way
your work it would be done well. make
sure of that; no place would be wanting
the worker. The age is waiting for you
to come. The burdens and cares of men
are heavy unless you lift them. The wall
of sin will rise TO heaven and the wrongs
that have long outlived their day will curse
the world unless you answer the call. The
conquest of the world is waiting you; there
is no need of failure.
"Oh. men-frail. comprised about with
infrmity, with the embarrassment of a
Disappointing history-I hail you today! II
is by heavens direction that Cornelius is
sending for you. Arisei Out of your sleep
awake, The messengers are already at
your door. Arise: arise, The greatest
honor in the world is to help God and
your age. You have but little time to
serve.
II you have not the surname which wit
nesses TO your penitence for failure to
your faith in Christ. and to your reception
of the sanetifying, the empowering, of the
Holy Ghost. then weep, believe. look up
and, answering to the call, go on your mis-
sion and prove your right TO the honor
of heavens mention. I'd rather have your
chances today than TO stand with the an
gels; I'd rather fight for the victory, con-
scious that we met the opportunity and re-
sponsibility of life right we'll
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