Arizona republican., 1901-04-01
THE PREACHER SAITH
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HONEST THOU ME

Text. John 21:15-17. Under this text Rev. William D. Rice, pastor of the Christian church, spoke in part as fol- lows, yesterday morning:
 The two most important personages of the New Testament are brought De- fore us in our teXt-Christ and Peter. Christ Jesus the God-Man; the one who came from heaven, the sent, the annointed of God. The one who after showing the love of God to the world in his death on the cross, went back 10 heaven where all authority was given him and by this authority saves all who will come unto him. Christ Jesus the worlds saviour and redeemer. Peter. one of the first the saviour called to discipleship. was with the Saviour three years, near to him in all his earth life. on the mount of trans fguration, walked on the waves or sea to meet his Lord. When asking an opinion of himself it was Peter who said Thou art the Christ. the son or the living God" and to him was given the keys of the kingdom. It was Peter in the garden, asleep yet when they came to take the redeemer, drew his sword to defend him. It was Peter who denied his master and after his death went fishing. It was Peter with the keys Of the kingdom on the first PenteCOst after Christs resurrection opened the Church of Christ to the Jews and afterwards ae the home or Cornelius to the geutiles. it was Peter who finished his course by mar tyrdom at Rome and went home to be with his Lord and master.
 Now these two are talking. The greater asks the greatest question that can be asked. l know of none greater. Do you love me-" Love. the great est commandment of the law. The most important Of the Christian graces. Not question of my love for you, that has been made clear and plain. What must have been Peters feelings when the Saviour spoke to him. This is the first conversation since the resurrection of Christ. The last conversation was not Peter, but Simon. son of Jonas. not rock, but son of dove, no stability. But the language of the SaYious shows he Is reinstatcd. The same question is be- ing asked us today Do you love me- Suppose the Saviour should stand here now before us and ask US as he did Peter, looking back over our lives as no doubt Peter did, what would be our answer. Could we say Lord. thou knowest we love thee. because thou knowest all things" Suppose we were put to the test. What does loving Christ imply. It implies knowledge of him. We may love the unseen, out not the unknown. We can only know him but by a hearty reception of the record made of him. We have not seen him, but have we fully accepted him in all that he is as revealed to us in his life and history? Do not talk to me, friends, about loving Christ, if the Bible Is not the book of all books to you, Then there must be evidence We love him No one can love him, but the pulpit alone and by the preacher, the tongue will express it. Not from but in home. social and business life. Our profession will exhibit it. His church will be our abode, his ordinan- ces our delight In fact, our practice will prove it. We will keep his com mandments. and this is love. We will be ready and willing to make all sacri- fees necessary. Not necessary to pro- foss but obey and sacrifice. Let each of us toda.y feel the Saviour in asking