Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-18
WOULD MINISTER TO
MEN OF ALL CLASSES
RICH NEED SALVATION EVEN
AS DO THE POOR
Or. Locke breaches Second in Series
of Sermons Before Large Audience
at Methodist Episcopal
Church

! 10 large audience DR. Charles Ed
ward Locke at the First Methodist
episcopal church last evening delivered
the second of his series on IF Christ
Came to Los Angeles" His theme was,
Where Would He Be Entertained ?"
Text, Make haste and come down, for
today l must abide at thy house" Luke
1875. DR.. Locke said in part:
IF Christ came to Los Angeles he
| would feel at home in the houses of
the poor. Was he not born in a cave
and reared in the home of the village
carpenter? In his manhood he declared
even the foxes have holes and the birds
of the air have nests, but the son of
man hath not where to lay his head. He
also said that once he was rich, but for
our sakes he became poor that we
through his poverty might be made
rich. 1t was a notable feature of the
work of Christ that the poor had the
/ gospel preached to them. This kindly
attention to the poor was so contrary
to the customs of the world that it was
to be proof to John the Baptist in the
prison that the world need not look for
another Christ.
He would go to the houses of the
rich, and would be cordially welcomed
in many Of the homes If the prosper
Gus. He would not visit the homes of
the rich for prestige or influence, nor
for anything which he might gain from
them, but for what he could do for
them. The soul of rich man needs
salvation just as much and is just as
precious in the sight of God as the soul
of a. poor man, and Christ is just as
much concerned about the redemption
of the rich as of the poor. The power
to get wealth is given by God, and
Christ would have every man dedicate
this power to the kingdom Of God.
Would Applaud Sincerity
Christ would go to the homes of the
sad, restore the sick to health and the
dead to life, and comfort the sorrow
ing. He would go to the homes Of the
glad and heighten the joy of the we'd
ding feast by his presence, and the
social by his blessing. Christ would
so to the homes Of those who honestly
doubt but are seeking for the truth.
Sincerity would command the sympa-
thettc attention of Jesus. He would
reveal himself, and many with Thomas
would cry out exultingly, My Lord and
my Godl'
Christ would go to the homes of
publicans and sinners; and when some
of the pharisaical tendencies would
complain, he would answer as before.
They that be whole need not a physi-
clan, but they that are sick: [ am not
come to call the righteous, but sinners
to repentance If he came he would
also inquire who in Los Angeles was
worthy and for time would abide in
that home. He would also go to the
homes where the children are. Jesus
loved the children and they loved him.
as children always love great, simple
men.
Children are Jesus best illustration
of the kingdom Of heaven. Christ would
have no word of approval for those peo-
pie who do not welcome children to
their homes. This is one of the basest
crimes of our civilization. The solemn
purposes OF the married relation are de-
feated when children are not wanted or
welcomed
Race Suicide Played
president Roosevelt has spoken no
stronger or more timely words than
those against race suicide. Christ
would treat this evil, if he should come,
with the severity with which he de-
nounced the hypocrites, Woe unto
you, hypocrites; We are like unto whited
sepulchres which indeed appear beau
tiful outward, but are within full of
dead mems bones and all uncleanness.'
IF we were to hear that Jesus would
be our guest for a time, are there any
pictures on our walls we would re-
move? Are there any books we would
burn? Are there any games we would
conceal? Are there any sideboards we
would lock? Are there usual topics Of
conversation we would avoid? Would
we be embarrass ed if we were to hear
of his coming? Would we have to hunt
up Bible for his use?
IF he came to our homes he would
bring peace; Peace be unto this home
and patience, and kindness and con-
tentment he would drive out fretting
and worry with the cheerfulness of
hope and joy; and he would bless and
increase all the tender love of our
family circles. Bill Nye was fond of
telling how once a lady at his table,
turning to his little daughter, said:
Your father is a very funny man, isn't
hep Yes said the child, when we
have company Our choicest ministries
Of love and good hUmor should be for
those of our own hearthstOne.
eff Christ should come to Los Ange-
les he would visit all the homes which
desire him, for did he not say, Behold,
I stand at the door and knock; if any
man will open the door I will come in
and sup with him. and he with me?'
ANY man certainly includes any one
Of US. Let us open wide the door and
give a hearty welcome to our best
friend"