Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-09-09

-~.evices were held yesterday morn.
M IN the remodeled First United
f. sayterian church. and the edihce
filed. Many members of other
~.rrsfcgations were present. and they
sercd after the close OF the GER
to view the beauties of the new
afa.t1rium. The altar was embellish-
with choice flowers and potted
MS.
ihere was also another large con-
alton at the evening service.
t9e new electric light fixtures bril-
=aay Illuminated the church and the
mol on "Faithfulness," preached
the Rev. X. G.. Ferguson, d. d.,
dent of Westminster College. was
ned TO with Closest attention
t-55aghoat.
There were many compliments rpou
~ new organ, whose pure rich tones
cared to inspire the choir to put
T.a their best efforts. The special
HIslcal numbers were features of both
s%sgyIces.
tle congregation is very happy over
completion OF the repairs, and feels
more than fortunate in having as
rastor such an able theologian, elo
at and forceful preacher as the Rev.
as. II. Robinson, d. d. The outlook
u the future of the First L. P. con-
legation is bright indeed.
At the morning service an eloquent
and forcible sermon was preached by
Ir. Ferguson, whose theme was Con
training Jesus to Stay" and who
spoke substantially as follows.
Luke Az. The people sought him
aud came with him and stayed him
.lat he should not depart from them"
Capernaum was not as we are apt to
tHlnK an Insignificant village but a
thr.ving town or city. 1t was in a dis
tIct teeming with life and energy and
here Jesus did his great work among
mon. Here he wrought his benefeent
miracles and manifested forth his
glory. He came to Capernaum on a
Friday evening. Next day was the
Sabbath-his first sabbath in his new
home-and he spent it IN the syna-
s6gue. Nor was ne here merely
through habit or curiosity but to bless
others with his wondrous power and
not less wondrous words. Later in the
Day. when the sun was set and the
sabbath according to the Jewish reck-
oning was o past, they brought the
SEX OF divers diseases and those pos
sessed with devils until as Mark de-
glares ''all the city was gathered to-
gether at the door, and as many as
Oime were healed" Was not Capur-
naum exalted to heaven by an arrival
50 signalized by mighty and mercifui
deeds.
Next morning early he arose and fled
out OF the excited city to a retired spot
for prayer. But Dor his privacy was
invaded and his season of prayer in
secret brought to a close. Simon said
All men seek for thee," and Luke
records. "The people sought him and
camc unto him and stayed him that he
should not depart from them"
The outline of the sermon was briefly
as follows:
/. How does Jesus stay with his peo-
Pile now? |, BY his word; 2. by his
spirit.
IL. Why is ii desirable to have Jesus
stay with US?
/. Because he is the source of every
blessing to our souls-pardon, peace,
strength. holiness, comfort.
.. Because he is the source Of these
same blessings to our friends and neigh
bors.
III. How may we prevail upon Jesus
TO stay with US?
I, We must ask him to stay. 2. We
must make it possible for him 10 stay
with us by doing those things that
please him. 3, We may woo him to
abide with US by showing our affection
Tor him.
Brethren, you wish Jesus to stay
here. VIII you by prayer and penitence
and purity and love to Christ and to
one another make It possible. Will you
fulfil every condition of his presence,
Will you put every hindranee out oil
tae way that he may have every rea-
son to remain.
\ few rods from where once lived
stood a majestic maple tree. 1t seemed
Ike the lonely representative OF the
distant past: It's lofty height n far
reaching branches telling of the growth
Of a century. As l looked upon 1t one
evening it seemed to me TO Illustrate
we'll the condition OF the church. The
lower branches spread GU a great dist
ance and with their dense green fol-
iage provided a grateful shade but the
branches toward the top OF the tree,
stretching upward toward the heavens
were only half-clothed and gave signs
Of decay.
So the church on its earthward SIDE