The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-05-06

with the Spirit, and set apart to most
holy office That was great day in
the history of Gods ancient people Here
tofore they had had no great high priest,
no one to enter into the Holy of Holes
and plead their case before the Mercy
Seat 1t thus marked a new departure,
the introduction into higher and better
life Exactly so does Christian unity. 1t
is a holy thing, and as such marks great
progress in the divine life which we all
are nedeavoring to live. There is a sweet
perfume and diffusiveness about it. 1t
ran down upon the beard, even to the
skirts of his garment.
1T was this complete amounting that
came to some of US four years ago We
felt it and under its blessed inspiration
we have labored together in a most de-
lightful unity. Indeed / never saw or
heard of a more united, happy and ag-
gressive people than you have been dur
ing these four years, and look at
the most glorious results Here they
are. Read them carefully and learn
well the lessons of faith and loyalty they
teach. Infants baptised, during the four
years, So, adults 1874. Total number of
baptisIns 1877. Added to the church by
letter 346, on confession 279. Total add1-
lions 625 Members removed by death
SO, dismissed or dropped III. Total Of
removals 215. Leaving net gain Of 40.
Present membership, active 1.15Z, on re
serve roll $50. Total membership 1902
What record of Gods love and mercy
this is Is it any wonder that our hearts
grow tender and our eyes fill with tears,
when we pause just for moment. to
count Gods benefits unto US not only
numerically but equally so financially.
Money raised during the four years for
foreign missions So, 063 90, home missions
$4,O69 90. Total for missions $7,131 90.
For other benevolences $12, 1873 90 Total
for all beneVOlences $19, 314. co. Gongre-
gational expenses, including repairs and
payment of mortgage and all other old
debts, $35, S3S. 90. Total of all money
fead for. al o.
member the Lord thy God, says Moses,
for it is he that giveth thee power to
get wealth. If that be so. what an evil
dence do we have in these financial
figures of Gods goodness to U.s.
Behold, how good and how pleasant
it is for brethren to dwell together in
unity. We have dwelt together for four
years in almost perfect unity, and here
are some of the most encouraging re-
suits Surely it pays both in a finan-
cial and in a spiritual sense to be KIND
and patient. loving and forgiving. The
Astounding of these and kindred graceS
is not only like the precious Oil upon
the head but also like the dew or Her
mon that deEcendS upon the mountains
of Zion, for there the Lord commands
the blessings, even life for eyermOre-
This is just what God has done for US
He has commanded the blessing, and
what a blessing it is2 Who can measure
or in any way estimate It's full value
both for time and for eternity Look
around you and behold this beautiful
edifice in which we are assembled. What
a. marvellous Transformation has been
wrought within these walls. 1t scarcely
looks like the same building. Every
thing about it is indicative of Gods
presence and blessing Not only has
the great mortgage, which for SO many
years almost discouraged your efforts,
been paid, but all other financial obll-
cations have been honestly and prompt
ly met, so that today we can as church
say we owe no man anything but love
To pay SO far as we can this great debt
is now our high and most holy ambition.
We know how good and pleasant 1t IS
for brethren to dwell together IN unity
and we want every one else 70 enjoy
this feast of good things with US.
THE church, I am happy to say, IS
well organized in every department. 1t