The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1909-02-04
THE OBLIGATORY SERMON
Concluded on Page 6

Perhaps eating and drinking and
dressing is practical. Jesus tells of
such a man, giving us a glimpse of
him both in this world and in the
world beyond. That picture proves
that life to be very impractical.
The only thing we take into eter-
nifty is the character here formed.
On all sides it is admitted that the
church towers above all other insti-
buttons in forming the character of
men. 1t is good to feed and cloth
the body hat must some day crum-
BILE to dust; but far better to clothe
the soul with righteousness and fit
it for everlasting life with COG.
Nothing is more practical than the
development of a conscience; nothing
is more practical than preparing the
heart by worship to bear a great sor-
row or to resist a mighty tempta-
ton, or awakening the mind to CON
sciouS communion with God, bring
ing peace and JOY to the soul and
MAKING the motive of Jesus the Mas
ter n i've OF life. To do this is of
supre Importance and is intense
ly pra al.
The spirit Of Jesus is created, con-
served and communicated by the
church.
6. No n would buy property or
move his family &c a town where
there was no church. If then the
church is the prime necessity for
our civilization, then every good citi-
zen is under the deepest obligations
to use both his money and his in
fiuence and energy TO make the
church just as strong, noble and
helpful as possible.
Sometimes men make the mistake
of thinking they are contributing
to charity when they contribute to
the church. The church has been
giving far more than she received.
The church began giving for you be-
fore you We're born. 1t developed a
Christian civilization into which you
were born. The church trained and
educated a Christian father and
mother for you, and organized a,
Christian home into which you were
born. The church has surrounded
you with blessed influences all your
days. 1t blesses your business and
your home and your children. There
fore, the church of the living God is
worthy of your most generous sup
port. The safety of your home, the
C of your business depends far
more on the influences of the church,
than on the laws of the state.
The church m~inistering to mans
soul meets his highest needs. In
caring for the souls of men the
church stands for what is paramount
and perpetual in human life. Its
ministry is likened to the widest
circle of human welfare. The church
is the only institution that ministers
directly and specifically to man as
an immortal being. In the hour of
temptation the church reminds man
that he has an immortal soul to
keep spotless for the day of Judg-
ment. In obedience to this heavenly
vision he conquers.
z. The church does more than
any other agency to create the con-
science needed in the man who
stands in the market place. 1t is,
therefore the chief ource of that
sentiment which is of SUI
preme Importance in trade.
The appeal of religion to the in
finite and eternal interests of hui
man life to God, and the destiny
does much to develop, strengthen
M vltallze the moral sense in a
community. In worship men are
brought face to face with God. In
the church as no where else men are
made to feel the moral responsible
lily of life.
Will you show your appreciation
of this ancient and age honored in
stitution by supporting it's work in
a suitable way?
Here o viii bring your babies
to be baptized; here your SON. and
daughters will come to be bound to-
gether in holy wedlock: here, when
your weary feet shall have reached
the end of their toilsome journey,
you will be brought; here your
friends will take their last look:
from here they will take you to
your last resting place on yonder
hillside.
Will you support in a worthy
manner, even IS God has blessed you,
the institution which above all 9TH
ers has prepared your soul to meet