The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-03-29
AT CENTRAL CHURCH.
Dr. Vance Preached Morning and
 Might.

Night.
 Dr. James I. Vance of New Jersey preached two interesting and admirable sermons at the Central Presbyterian Church yesterday. J Al the morning service he took for his text the s1st verse of the 24th chapter of St. Luke, And their eyes were open- ed. and they knew Him; and He van ished out of their sight,
 Dr. Vance told the wonderful story of the two men who, on their way to ths Village of Emmans, were joined hy the risen Saviour. They were very sorrow full. Then hope had been in Jesus. and for few brief months they had walked and talked with him. Their hope had been that He would restore Jerusalem. end set up for Himself temporal King- dom. but to their astonishment he lad been put to death. and. now came the wonderful tidings from the tomb. ths t He is not here, but is risen.'
 He spoke of the fact that 1t was not to an Apostle. or to a man of great in- ficence in the church, to whom Christ first revealed himself. but. to woman first and then to the two laymen, Cle- opas. and probably Luke. on their way to Emmans, showing that Christ put Himself on a level with the common average of life.
 An interesting truth brought out by pr. Vance was that we find only what we seek, and especially so in religion, and that is why God says: Seek me with your whole hearts, and ye shall find Me" and it Is only by exercising tho vision of Christ that the light is strengthened. s-
 Dr. Vance said 1t was strange how talkative people could be on all the current topics of the day, but when re- ligious matters are mentioned; they ct crce become silent, restrained and un- natural
 ''As we talk to each other about Christi he said, "EIe comes to us."
 Another strong Idea suggested was that Christ would be "entreated." He stands at the door awaiting to be entreated to come in. to be said to "Tarry with me, oh my Saviour, for the night Is drawing near"
 The two men at Emmans had but feet1ng, rapturous vision of the Saviour, as when He revealed Himself He dis appeared, but, said Dr. Vance, in that one vision they saw through Christ and On Into eternity and all the world was changed for them. They were then ready to go out into the world and preach and die. if need be- for Him.
 When Christ reveals Himself. ali life Is different, and those who believe, in d cold, theoretical, theological way. this revelation dawns upon them. then, that God is love- and all Is changed. The sweetest vision that comes to man is the presence of Jesus Christ, Himself
 We have our seraphic moments said Dr. Vance. "and our precious expe- rierces. but they do not last. We see nov as through glass, darkly, but some flaw wt&a wi with you always" We shall behold Him face to face and gaze upon Him, through all eternity; we shall see Him and that will be Heaven" Ss.f9
 Dr. Vance took as his text for the evening service St. John XIX, 13: ''Tney have taken away my Lord, and know not where they have laid Him."
 Mary loved Christ with all her heart and now she had lost Him." said Dr. Vance, and the cross was the, great sorrow of her life as 1t was the great tragedy in the life of her Lord"
 Dr. Vance's theme was one of the best from which he had preached and he han dled it in a masterful, powerful way. He brought out especially forceful the point that people tire so easily of amusements and of all sorts of pleasures, yet the ''old. old story" of the risen Christ re- mains ever new.
 There is something in that story, said Dr. Vance, that appeals to the SOU! of nan-it meets the deepest needs of his soul"
 He spoke of the cancellations and the hopes of those who believe and of the doubts and fears that dwell in the hearts Of uRbelievers.
 pr. Vance will preach this morning at 103O o'clock, and tonight at o'clock.