Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-03-10
He SAYS FAREWELL
Rev. G. 3. Simons breaches FL
nal Sermon to First Bap-
fist Congregation.
MANY ARE MOVED TO TEARS
Minister ImpOrtunes People to Live
in Peace-Goes to
IndianoIa.

Rev. George r. Simons delivered his
farewell address to the congregation
of the First Baptist church yesterday
morning. The house of worship was
filled to the doors and the ceremonies
which marked the leave taking were
very touching. In the two and one
half years of his ministration here
Rev. Simons has grown very dear To
the people he served and many were
moved to tears yesterday when the
time came for the final word of part
ing.
For Il text Rev. Simons took from
the Second book of Corinthians. 18th
chapter and 18th verse, FINALLY.
brethren, farewell. BE perfect; be
of good comfort; he of one mind; live
in peace; and the god of love and
peace shall be with you" These
are words. the speaker said,
such as he would give to
his people if he knew he were to die
before seeing them again. They en-
braced all that pastor could give to
his people, all that mortal advice
could include.
Perfection as Goal.
I'VE know of no perfect life" Rev.
Simons said. Save that led by Christ
Yet we must have ideals toward
which to work, and nothing save per-
lection should suffice. Make perfec-
ton your goal and move steadily and
unfiinchingly toward it. Build large.
Do not be satisfied with being as good
as someone else. Compare with Christ
alone.
Borrow no trouble. but be of good
comfort. Comfort may be found in
friends, but above all it is to be found
in Jesus. Avoid anxiety. be willing
and faithful. The time is coming
when the whole world will be of one
mind, as the text directs; when all
will see with the same eye and work
for common ends.
Agree where agreement is posi-
BILE, without overstepping the bounds
set by conscience. We can be of one
mind in guarding ourselves and those
under our care from the dangers
which lie all about us. If we must
disagree let it be in love and reason.
not i'm rancor. As things are it does
not seem possible for the entire world
to live in peace. but it is possible for
us to live peacefully as individuals.
Above all we can seek that peace
which comes from on high and which
pust he found Ia be understood"
Word for His Successor.
I In his formal leave taking the pas
tor spoke of the trials he and his
congregation had experienced i'm com
mon during the period of their assoc
citation together. and of the cheering
and helpful lessons he had received
i'm his work while here. He concluded
by bespeaking for his successor the
same place i'm the hearts of the con-
gregation as he had held.
Rev. SimonS was almost too i'll to
speak, having suffered exposure i'm the
removal of his household effects that
his delicate health could i'll with
stand. Mrs. Simons, who was pres
ent. had also been i'll and was scarce
ly able to pass the ordeal of saying
farewell. In fact i'll health has been
the most potent reason which has led
to the resignation of the charge here
and the acceptance of one in which
the Iabors will be lighter.
Rev. and Mrs. Simons and their fam
lily left this morning for Indianola,
Iowa. which is to become their home
and where the former will fill the pull
pit of the First Baptist church.