The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-17
DIR. LEVI GILBERT'S SERMON.
Editor of Western Christian Advocate
at CentraI-Ayenue Church.

DR.. Levi Gilbert, editor of the Western
Christian Advocate, spoke in the Central
avenue NJ. E. Church in the morning Son
the Practical Demonstration of Christian
ity." He said in part:
"Christ's appeal was to belief on the
basis of His works. He refers the dis
ciples of John to His deeds of mercy in
proof of His messiahship. He announced
his p-rOgramme-tO heal the broken hearted,
give deliverance to captives, recovery of
sight to the blind, and a message of hope
TO the Door. Altruism is only the Scien-
tifc name for the love to man. Identical
with the love to God, insisted upon by st.
John. Christianity emphasized brother
hood, the value of the individual soul and
immortality, and all these make for phil
anthropy.
"Infdelic objections avoid the character
of Christ and the benevolent work of Chris
tianity and attack our Outworn creeds. II
is difficult to call Jesus a devil-as did
His accusers-or an impostor in the face
of all the good He did. The tree is known
by it's fruits. The best way TO meet in
fidelity is to challenge it to build more
schools, hospitals and asylums than the
Christian churches. The sin and sorrow of
the world are a problem TO be solved, and
Christianity is trying to do its best. If
other and better ways than hers are known
let them be shown.
THE very heart of Christianity is found
in its enthusiasm for humanity. The para
bles of the good Samaritan, the rich man
and Lazarus, the rich fool and the Incl
dent of the rich young man coming to
Jesus reveal it's inner spirit. The parable
of the last judgment shows that the final
inquiry Is TO be on conduct and charac-
ter. Religion is not ceremonialism or emo
tionalism or dOgmatism; not a theory, but
a life; not a metaphysical speculation,
but compassionateness. 1t is not in sing
ing hymns or in attending church, merely,
but in using all this spiritual power in
definite help for the need of the world.
I'm this practical creed there is the har-
nomination of faith and works, dogma and
life, the religion of feeling and the religion
of deed. We must return to Christ and
to the essential primitive elements OF
Christianity. 1t is a vast pity that Christi
anity has ever seemed to mean anything
else.
christianity will leaven the earth with
its teaching. 1t stimulated dying pagan-
ism. It's ideals are affecting Buddhism.
tian good men. The state is a part eS-
sentially of the Christian church in the
larger sense. and its philanthropy is a part
of a divine service. The unity of the
churches will be possible along the line of
practical benefcence.
The world will not let a religion die
that does so much good. AS long as sin,
sickness, ignorance and sorrow exist there
will be need and demand for Christianity.
The judgment on ConfuScianism and Hin
dooism is that 1t has no ardor for good
deeds. Christianity will win the heather
world through it's sympathy and helpful
ness-through schools and hospitals.
THE victory of Christianity will not
come by debating atheism, materialism,
pantheism or agnoSticism. Theology car
take care of itself. Evolution does MOI
the present criticism and investigation OF
the Scriptures. Christianity is love anG
"A life OF love and service and an oppor-
tunity is given in this hospital movement
for it's definite and practical expression"
AT both services the Central-avenue con
gregation raised $7,100 for the hospital fund