The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-04
PRESIDENT OF De PAUW
DIR. III. A. GOBIN breaches AT ME-
RIDIAN-STREET CHURCH.
he Talks interestingly on the Sub
ject, 9Th Increasing Govern
ment of Christ"

DR.. II. A. Goblin, president OF De PAW
University. yesterday morning preached at
Me~ridian-street Methodist Church en- the
subject, 1.-The Increasing Government of
Christ" The text was from Isaiah tx, q:
"Of the increase Of His government and
peace there shall be no end" In part he
said:
"In these days when a minister takes a
text from the interesting and eloquent
prophesy of Isaiah, he is under great
temptation TO enter into the controversy
now going on among biblical scholars re-
s~pecting the authorship and import Of this
book. 1 shall not detain you with an out
line OF this discussion. 1t is sufficient to
say that the evidence of the predictive
character of these writings remain. 1,
therefore. use the evangelistic interpreted
ton, not because it is convenient, but be-
cause / believe it is true.
This is a prediction of the stability of
the kingdo of Christ. 1t is given in very
suggestive terms. The best evidence of
vitality is growth. In human institutions
as well as in nature, when growth ceases
decay begins. There is much force, there
fore, in the prediction of the increase of
His government and peace there shall be
no end,
There Is so much that is new in the worlds
thought and manner of life. 1t is not sur
prising then to find expressions of doubt
as TO the perpetuity of the Christian faith.
Some moralists contend that We are coming
10 an age when the forms and ceremonies
of religion will be set aside and there will
be developed a new system of ethics better
suited to the needs of modern life. 1t is
supposed that Christianity, with all that is
sacred in its doctrines, history, associations
and service. will take it's place among the
we prove that the opposite is true? We
cannot prove IL to the satisfaction of one
who makes an exorbitant demand for evil
dence. 1t cannot be proved to the extent of
absolute knowledge. We can believe il and
in so doing are not yielding TO credulity.
We can have a sensible, well-grOunded
faith in the growth of the kingdom of
Christ. Faith implies evidence. We be-
heve because we have adequate reasons for
our belief.
This hopeful expectation of the increas-
ing power of Christ is suggested by other
terms in the text. 1t declares of the in
crease or His government and peace there
shall be no end. The greatest need of this
world to-day is not more people to adopt
Christianity as a profession, but rather for
all who now make the profession to have
more of Christ's government in their spirit
and conduct. We can imagine a period in
which there might not be a single new con-
vert either at home or in pagan lands, and
still that might be a period of marvellous
increase in the dominion of Christ in the
lives of His followers. Let us rejoice in
the victories of the cross in heather lands,
but let US rejoice still more that the
NHuICHcS are discovering the real character
ana teachings OF Christ. There can be
many changes in forms of worship and
many dl1erences in interpretations of
scripture which to some timid souls will
seem destructive, but in the outcome Christ
served.
"AlIusion was made to the courage and
faithfulness Of the Presbyterian Church In
revising her creed in harmony with the
better interpretations of the Bible. This
great church is now in harmony with tine
Sn1TIf and GQhnlarGhfn Of ~.
century and will, therefore, enjoy new
lie and power and prosperity.
We Methodlsts have beer proud of our
theology and have boosted that we have
a creed that can be preached. but we are
entering upon a controversy respectine
biblical criticism which promises to he
more exciting than the old question of la
representation and the admission of women
into the General Conference. Some old and
cherished nations will pass away. but
Christ VIII not be less influential. He viii
increase while symbols will decrease.
The word peace has a great meaninr
here. Christ governs in the worlds thoughi
and purpose not for the repression ot
activity. but rather for its direction ir
He is called the Prince OF Peace. as his
best and final title. because He is an ex.
pert In supplying the spirit and the prin.
ciples Of abiding unity and cooperation
vigorous enterprise.
Christians should be very careful not
20 place undue emphasis upon mere form
OF religion. Years ago. in this city. there
was a bitter strife I'm one of the churches
about the use OF an organ In connection
with the singing. Some Jealous believer
claimed that the organ would be ruinous
10 all spirituality In WOrShip and dc.
structive Of the best things in church LIE
We have witnessed many changes in cers.
monies OF worship and in doctrinal be.
lefs, but In II all IL is still true Of the in.
crease OF His government and peace there
IS no end"