The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-29
TALK MORE ABOUT
 YOUR RELIGION Dr. J. B. Cumming Breaches
 at First Methodist TO KILL CRITICISM Editor of Christian Advocate Says Heart to Heart Conversation Sweeps Away Mis-
 understandings

Then they that fear the Lord spake one
 with another; and the Lord hearkened and
 heard and book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon His ] name. And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, even Mine own possession, in the day that I make, and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him" This was the text used by the Rev. J. B. Cumming at the First Methodist church last evening. Dr. cum- ming filled tho pulpit in the absence of the Rev. L. c. Branscomb, who is in Rochester, Minn., with his wife. who has been very i'll for some time past. T have often seen old soldiers who have never known each other before get to- gether and become fast friends,P said Dr. Cumming. ''I want to use the text as a plea for more religious conversation. There is not enough of it. Men in the same pro- fession often speak one with another, but the topic is business, and religious conversation is seldom indulged in.
 The first reason for more religious con- versation. is that we understand each other better and come to know people bet ter through church work. If we have misunderstood each other before the church cleans 1t up for us. If. in case of misunderstanding, we would only have a little heart to heart conversation on the matter, the criticism would soon melt away. When thefe is difference in the home, in the church or in buslness-go and speak face to face about 1t and the difference will be cleared up
 The second reason for more religious conversation is that we are put here to help each other and the most unfortu- nate is the man who thinks he needs help less. Talk more to each other, both in public and private.
 The third reason for more religions conversation, is that it generates interest and enthusiasm. At the present time we are in the midst of a political campaign. The politicians know how to arouse en- thusiasm and interest They talk politics and spread it and the country becomes interested and listens If the church peo- pie would stalk up the church and work for it in this manner, it's influence and power would he greatly increased,
 There are many remarkable things in the Scriptures, and one that we must re- member is that cup of cold water given to a disciple will not lose it's reward. Every good impulse of the heart, every gift and every act of mercy is seen bv God and they shall not lose their re- wards God remembers the good deeds and keeps account of them. The great mass of us is forgotten on earth, but we are remembered in heaven.
 ''If you arc true to every trust and faithful to every oblieation-God won't forget you, and although your grave may be forgotten on earth, angel sentinels will guard it.
 The hope of the church is In the sec ond coming of the Lord. .dan cannot prophecy when He will come: for God has kept the secret in His own power When ever you hear any one saving that the Lord is going to appear on certain day-if you nave any other business, go ahead about it. It max he late and it may be soon when the Lord comes but let us all live so that when He does come to gather in His treasure we will not be left behind.'
 Dr. Cumming, who ds the editor of the Christian Advocate, preached at the morning hour also, Dr. Branscomb and wife are expected back to Birmingham this week. Mrs Branscomb is reported as being much better.