The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1904-03-01


prr>cn, completely filled the church.
An unusually fine musical program
was rendered by the choir. assisted
by members Il the other church
ch"irs "i the city.
Immediately alter the sermon the
Solemn and impressive conservation
service ii the Lutheran Church WAS
read by Rev. Mr.. Seabr""k. the con-
srega,inn standing.
Following is a very brief synopsis
ui Dr. Schcrer'S admirable sermon:
DR.. Scherer's Sermon.
DR.. Sclcrcr chose his text from
EpheSians 2:eo: "Builded together
an habitatipn Of God" He began by
saving that in connection with the
Christian religion and Christ an wor-
ship the idea OF building was ap-
piled to two very different things
the material building. used by the as
senblicS OF Gods people when they
come together for worship and in
s;ructi"n: and the spiritual building.
frequently represented in the New
Testament as the whole body OF be-
levers. as we'll as the individual Chris
tan, temple wherein God dwells.
and for which the material building
exists. as the house for the household
or as the body for the soul.
The speaker first took up a discus
ciun OF the material building. When
once church was dedicated, he said
the words. "Builded together for an
habitation OF God" might fittingly be
inscribed upon its portals and furnish
ingS. indicating to all those who
might chance to read, the thought
which inspired its builders. The
countenances OF some, whose philo-
soph..c heads were among the stars,
might show a smile when they looked
upon such a work. "a harmless be-
lief," they would think to themselves.
''an idea, indeed, of poetic beauty and
grandeur. nevertheless purely pro-
duct OF human fancy But such a
work was truly the expression Of hi
man thought, of human needs deeply
felt, of human desires and aspirations
for the highest. Would God be pleas
ed with this work: Would he, for
a truth. take up his abode here and
be found of those who resorted hither
to worship: The assurance of Gods
express declaration, said the speaker.
was warrant for the belief that he
would. although in his nature God
is invisible to Us, and in his essence
infinite, so far transcending all rela-
tons of space that "even the heaven
of heavens cannot contain him." yet
he will be approached by man; he will
be worshiped by his needy creatures
here on earth"
The speaker copiously quoted from
Gods Word in support OF the truth
that the Saviour was present in the
congregation of his people, and clear
ly brought out the thought that it
ought to be believed and, believed con-
hdently. saying that the belief
would add immeasurably to the enjoy
ment and prohtableness OF the public
service. They would worship, not a
God who was far away. but one who
was near. What a hallowed place.
then. was the sanctuary, and what a
gracious privilege to attend its SER
vices.
The speaker took UP a discussion
OF the other part OF his theme. the
spiritual building. The congregation
OF Christians. said the speaker, wheth-
er we think OF the local communion
or the aggregate OF all the saints
throughout the world. is conceived
of as a building or as temple, and
upon this temple also is written, by
the hand of an inspired apostle,
"Builded together for an habitation
OF Cod The foundation thereof was
not Peter OF Paul, not Luther or CAL
vim. not any system of doctrine or Or
der OF church doctrine. but Christ
himself. This was the Rock upon
which the church OF all the ages was
established. Was il not strange. then.
asked the speaker, that some should