Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1908-07-10
SERMON BY REV.
|. P. SCHOOLING
Continued from page l..

order that the church in the twentieth
century will realize its mission to
men?
Cult and creed, according to history,
have both failed. 1t remains only to
place the emphasis on conduct. Sup
pose we turn back to the Old Testa-
ment and look at the lives of the great
characters. Why do we not find the
priests giving TO US the high concep-
lions of life, and the will of God? We
seldom see one rising to any place
worthy of mention.
We consider the life of the Prophet
He makes up an element of worth in
the Old Testament scriptures. Yet he
was the greatest hereto of his day.
His life was at all times sought be
cause he was placing emphasis on con-
duct, rather than on cult and worship.
The Penalty of Truth:
Amos and Hosea cried against the
immoral worship of the priests and
people of their time. Isaiah, accord
ing to tradition, paid the penalty of
the truth he gave to the world, by be-
ing sawn asunder. jeremiah was per-
secuted from the beginning of his pub
lie career to the close of his long and
eventful life. All these men we look
to as saints now, because they placed
the emphasis on conduct, and sought
to save men from sin by living life
of righteousness.
Men are sometimes said to be far
ahead of their generation. jeremiah
was twenty-five centuries ahead of his
generation. Instead of seeking an
external authority for salvation, he
sought covenant, which he said the
Lord would place in the inward parts.
and the law that should be written on
the hearts of men.
Church May be Authoritative.
Some men, even today, are saying
that the church of the future is to be
an authoritative church with an ex-
ternal authority. According to the
prophets of old, the creed of ones own
life in relation to God, is that au-
thority which nnis written in his own
heart. Here is where Jesus himself
places the emphasis of religion. The
scripture giving a picture of the Judg-
ment Scene speaks strongly on this
point. When He wishes to prompt
men to enter into the Kingdom of God,
he does not ask what creed they hold
to, but what conduct makes up their
worship. He asks whether they have
visited the sick: whether they have
been friend to the poor whether
they have opened prison doors; wheth-
err they have been a brother to man
kind. If they have, he gives the per-
mission to enter into his Kingdom.
Likewise, he refused admission to his
Kingdom when men had not exercised
brotherly relation, one to another ::
$50 inasmuch as they have not done
it unto one the least of men. they have
not done it unto Him. "
Good Conduct, Not Creed or Cult
What now will be the result if this
last century places emphasis on con-
duct? First. there will be reduction
in the number of creeds and theolo-
gies that men are now holding to. This
will not mean the loss of anything
vital, or serviceable to humanity. 1t
will not impoverish Christianity. 1t
will be the taking of that from all
systems, which is vital and worth
while, and giving it to civilization for
the use of all people. 1t will elevate
the tone of Christian life. 1t will make
the church more respected. 1t will
make men more conscious of the obi
cations they take upon themselves as
Christians. 1t will simply open up
the membership of the church. in no
uncertain way, to the characteristics
of Christ.
Love Thy Neighbor.