Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1903-04-05

Dr.. Goddard, who is now holdins
meetings daily at the First Methods
church, is one of the ablest preacher:
that has visited the city in some time
DR.. Goddard has travelled extensively
has been on the lecture platform fol
a number of years and each season is
in demand at the chautauuuas. an(
has many contracts for the cOmins
season the doctor is a fine reasoner
eloquent and expresses himself in
words that simplify each thought The
interest is growing in the meeting
and the congregation is increasing
daily. There will be a large attend
ance today. The doctors sermon Fri
day night was The Value of Reig-
ion."
Text: Goodness is profitable unto
all things. having promise of the life
that now is, and of that which is to
come" ] Tim. 4-S He said in part
Many people do not understand the
value of religion They seem to think
it is something to be endured here
that it may be enjoyed up yonder.
That it is good for a man when he
must die. but an encumbrance and in
convenience in the struggle for success
in the competitions of this life. Some
think that it will do all right for the
women, children and the preachers,
but a disadvantage to practical man
till he comes to die. While men en-
tertain such views I'm not surprised
that they defer this matter, thinking
they will look after this when they
near the end of life
But this text is a positive contra
diction to such views. The text means
that religion is good for all men,
everywhere. under every conceivable
circumstance in life. Religion is valu-
able in this life. We think too much
about what it will do for us in the
sweet bye and bye. and too little
about what it will do for us in the
prosy now and now Religion is valu-
able to every man. in every legitimate
relationship in life. 1t is good for
every constituent element in the make
up of man. Good for the body. Relig-
ion has enhanced the value of human
life and increased the longevity OF
the race People in Christian nations
have a higher regard for life and
live longer than persons in heather
countries. The religion of our Lord
b, fought not only salvation. but sOula.
ton as we'll. 1t has liberated the
mind. Heathenism enthralls the intel
lect Christianity emancipates 1t.
Christian nations are doing the
worlds thinking. 1t helps man in all
life's relationships. 1t makes him
better husband and father. In truth
it is indispensable to man in the
home. Christianity gave us our con
ception of home. There are no homes,
as we understand that word to mean,
in heather lands 1t makes the doc
tor better dOctOr-increases and en-
larges his sphere OF usefulness. II
fits the teacher for his best work The
IA tyer needs it and with it he can
letter .,e,Ne humanity
Christianity is the only power that
will restrain the evil and draw out the
the good in man. Every man mas IN
him enough CT evil properties to
ruin him if he gives them full play.
Christianity will eradicate the evil,
and draw out and develop all that is
best and divinest in man.
"The Christian religion is the only
power that will fit man for lifess
emergencies and sorrows. Every day
we read of men who. when some ca'-
amity comes. blow out their brains.
Christianity affords a power to sus-
tain man amidst the inevitable ca'aml-
ties.
"Without Christianity life is not
worth living, nor would this world be
a fit place for man a home. The speak
er drew a contrast between Chris
tian countries and heather countries
giving an account of his travels and
observations in various countries OF
the world.
mot only is it the only power that
makes this world a fit place TO live
in. which is also the only power that
prepares us for the next. Prepares
us for living. for dying, for the judg-
ment and for enjoying heavens felIci
ties, willie God lives and eternity rolls
her ceaseless ages on.
At TILE NLIIRHLES TONAX