The Hawaiian gazette., 1904-08-09
THE LATE REV. Il. d. GARVIN,
FIRST PASTOR OF HONOLULU
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

| CHRISTIAN Oh tRtH.
SSSSSssSsSSSSSSSSSs SsSSsS>S>SssSSSSsss
| is composed of Chrlst's disciples. Nc
one of them or all put together have
the right or authority to change the
doctrine or ordinances given to the
church by our Lord. We do not claim
or exercise such right
The Trinity, Conversion, Etc.-Con-
| corning Father, Son and Holy Spirit
concerning conversion: concerning
christian life here, or hereafter. we
hold no peculiar views. but accept fully
and unresevedly the teaching OF the
Master believing that we may make
constant advance into a deeper and
fuller understanding of the words of
the Master. We have no fences or
boundaries fixed by the traditions of
the Fathers or the dogmas of theolo-
gians to hinder acceptance of new
truth. We are thus pledged to intel
lectual hospitality.
The Lords Supper-The early church
celebrated the Lords supper on the
first day of every week in memory of
their risen Lord. In the symbols of
this simple ordinance Jesus teaches the
central truth of the christian religion.
fered even unto death. So long as
any symbol of truth is required the
Communion" will hold its central
place in christian worship. Words are
but symbols and not more spiritual as
truth conveyors than the loaf and the
cup
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. of all denomina-
tons admit that the baptism of the
Apostolic church was immersion. A
correct translation of the Greek term
used for this ordinance would leave
the English reader no room for doubt
on this subject. The practice of i'm
merson rests not on partisan inter-
probation of Christ's words but upon
"A proper translation.
AS we take the Bible as our rule of
faith and practice we have no option
in the matter. We obey this command.
We do not believe that water has any
in purifying character. The
value of baptism consists altogether in
the faith and love it manifests.
Important-It is important to remem
Der that all christian doctrine and or
dinances are but parts of the machin-
cry of the Christian religion-means to-
ton of Christ-like character-Christ-
like faith. love, joy power Machn-
cry is necessary and Christ has order
ed the best. Loving loyalty to His |
is essential to the best well
fare of the individual and of society
In this or in any world
| have presented the chief, the char
acteristic features of the religious body |
oI winch we are part but we well |
that this movement is it.
self but part of that Worldwide
thing we call Christianity, that in it's
protean forms has been trying to obey
the great commission of our Lord that
sent his ministers into all the world to
preach the Gospel. We are in loving
fellowship with all who in these is
ands or in any part of this wide world |
nave sought in a right spirit to build |
lp the kingdom of truth and righte-
BUSINESS.
Paul said: Herein do | train my
self, to have always "A conscience rid |
'f offense toward God and toward
men. That is as much as any fol-
over of Christ can say. God will not
'equire more of any one than that. The
fellowship that binds together con-
stronger than mere denomlnational
ponds can be.
| believe | may say in conclusion
hat no preacher In Chrstendom oc-
upies broader or more liberal plat
crm than | have been permitted to
outline here tonight.