The Washington times., 1902-05-05

whatever outer adornments have taken
place. that thought remains. the highest
from Jacobs day to our own.
Jacobs descendants were a religious
people. They stood among all the nations
of the ancient world as race of kings
and priests, and If Bethel became to them
a sacred spot. il was through the power OF
devotional life.
"Afterward when Solomon's temple was
built, through the generations of worship
ers who thronged its courts. we feel the
breath of their life, We hear their notes
of praise, in those Psalms of the Bible
which have come down to US, and which
express the inward devotion OF the human
heart.
Why Temples Have Crumbled Into Ruin
cas- these psalms Of the temple serv-
ice show, they loved their sanctuary. be-
| cause in entering its courts with praise
| the thought OF God was uppermost in
| their hearts. And so 1t has been all
through the ages. However beautiful the
great cathedrals of Christian times have
been, however great in architectural mag
nficence or in artistic splendor, they
have failed where they have fallen be-
low this high ideal expressed in Jacobs
words, they have lost their inspiration
and power, they have been deserted by
the people. and have crumbled into ruin.
perhaps the most striking illustration
of this is to be seen in the history of the
cathedrals and abbeys of old England. Be-
cause the cathedrals were used by the
people as houses of prayer they are stand
ing this day. Because the abbeys we're
not SO used they have crumbled into ruins.
Trinity Church Historic.
I'VE meet together today for the con-
secration of church that has become
historic in Washington. We have heard
in this past week the memorable scenes
and incidents connected with the past Of
Trinity Church. We have heard OF the
devout and diligent labors of the rectors
and people who have gone before us. We
have seen how God has blessed Trinity
Church in the past, until it has been
brought TO this eliminating day. when II
is to be consecrated TO Gods service.
Surely there has been an evolution. a
spiritual progress in this parish, from its
organization at the beginning OF the nine
teenth century to this day of consecra-
tion in the twentieth century. and well
may we Thank our God with hearts and
hands and voices that he has brought
US TO this happy morning
Church continue to be blessed? Shall its
spiritual progress go on and on. fulfilling
every year more perfectly the ideal of
parish church? Ii all depends. my breth-
ren upon the way in which you and those
who come after you realize the truth set
forth In Jacobs words: This is none
other but the House OF God, and this is
the gate of heaven
Truth Exemplifed in Conservation.
See how the conservation service itself
keeps dwelling upon the truth with ear
nest reiteratiou, This is none other but
the house of God II does rot belong
to the rector. or vestry. or people. save as
they themselves are Gods children. Let
not this truth pass from mind. and you
surely will and must accent the persist
cnt thought and spiritual effort. Hold that
truth in mind. Let It not escape from
your consciousness. Say TO yourselves
whenever you come 10 church service, or
even when you tread the aisles in soll
de, This is none other but the house
of God and this is the gate of heaven
Christ has especially promised where
two or more are gathered together in His
name there he will be in their midst
and therefore lift up your hearts in every
service auove the people. and above the
consciousness of all that are here. Have
the higher consciousness that II is your
Fathers house in the realization that the
shekinah of his presence dwelleth here,
and that he comes to bleas his earthly
children.
Church a House of Prayer.
Then remember Christ's words: Gods
house Is TO be for his children house OF
prayer. Speak to your father In your
fathers house, that the words of real.
earnest. heartfelt prayer and praise may
not only be on your lips. but in your
hearts. Then believe Il the real home.
and the highest home feeling will steal
into your souls
"our Lord not only said, MY house
shall be called the house OF prayer but
fer that house he set forth service to
be perpetually used in memory Of him.
The holy communion is the only public
service ever ordained by Christ. and in
this service prayer is carried up TO Its
highest point, and reaches the highest
consciousness of Christ's expectations.
which is that he may dwell In us. and We
in him.
Sunday School Celebration.
At4 o'clock there was a full choral
service and Sunday school celebration, at
which Rev. Evan a. Edwards. NJ A..
former curatc of old Trinity. oficiated. He
simply talked to the children, telling them
that everybody had an idea that teachers
were TO teach tho children. but that his