The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-02-18
BISHOPS LETTER READ
SERMON OF THE REV. MIR. STANLEY
AT CHRIST CHURCH.
The Class of Men He Likes to See at
His Services-Rev. Bacon's Ser
Inon-Other Services.

Rev James E. Stanley, rector Of Christ
Church, delivered a sermon yesterday
morning on why other Men go to
Church" This was in answer TO the one
he delivered on the preceding Sunday. the
subject OF which was, why Some Men
go to Church" Before the services be-
gan, however. Mr.. Stanley read a letter
written by Bishop Francis, which he re-
quested should be read in all the churches
of the diocese 1t was upon the observ-
ance of the lenten services. In 1t ne
urges self-denial, saying that those who
bring this upon themselves shall profit by
it. He also asked for more strict OBJ
servance of Friday, which is to the church
a holy day. and yet there are more social
functions on this day than upon any other
during the week, and he wishes these to be
set aside to certain extent.
Mr.. Stanley then said briefly in his SER
mon. There is less moral stringency
placed upon men to-day than ever before.
Men do lot now have to go TO church UNI
less IL is their own free will which leads
them there If one neglects the duties of
God he need not fear the public at large;
but 1t has not always been so. There was
a time when everyone had TO respect the
Lords day by worshiping all of or a
part OF 1t. But as it is now no one has
to go to church, no one has to worship,
unless. he is so inclined, and 1 can say
that / do not regret this state of affairs,
for If men are left to observe their re-
ligious duties as they see fit 1T shows that
they are honest in their convictions.
am not speaking of those churches that
offer something enticing. | am not speak.
ing of those churches that offer to the
public great exhibitions of oratory. L am
not speaking of any church that draws
people TO II under any circumstances but
those or their own desires
Church going may become habit, we
have habits in everything else. Anything
which We do constantly becomes a habit;
Tut finally the habit of going to church
will die out il there are not some stronger
forces and environments behind one. which
makes him feel that he must do his duty
It viii soon e fad eur aWaY ony We an All RnoW
the duties or the church; we know that
II has long been q moral stringent upon
the community. The great work of the
church is shown when the state refuses
to put taxation upon it. The church is a
great moral institution, and its influence
is for the best in any society. 1t is a
means by which good. law-abiding com
.nunities are made. 1t is also the mea ms
by which TO raise good Christian citizen
ship. 1t is in the church where people
Set the stronger views OF life. 1t is there
where the wear and tear of life may be
brought together, and where the soul may
be rested and prepared for the rougher
ways OF life on the morrow. We will find
In the church or God, no doubt, many men
of many motives but those who do come
with honest intentions will be helped, and
II is the latter class who derive the good
from the church. We are as the great
bridge which spans the river drawn over
by only slender thread we are drawn
nearer and nearer to the throne of God"