Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-12-26
CLASS CONFIRMED
BY BISHOP LINES
Head of Episcopal Diocese Of
ficiates at Services in
MontcIair Church.

Bishop Edwin S. Lines. OF the Epis-
copa1 diocese of Newark, conducted
the Christmas services in st. John s
Episcopal Church, Montelair, assisted
by the rector, Rev. James 7. Lodge,
at 10 o'clock yesterday morning. The
girls and three boys, and adminls-
tered holy communion to the COM
municants of the parish.
In his charge to those who entered
the church by confirmation the
bishop said:
you must mot think that you
have now come to a place where you
can stop, because you have. reached
the time when you ere admitted as
communicates. You must still strive
| to grow in grace no matter what the
cause or condition of the body. You
must grow in grace day by day, for
the spirit of God win only have it SO.
Try to realize the prayer OF the
| church. that you may be renewed by
the spirit of God"
In his sermon the bishop congratu-
lated st. Johns parish on the
progress 1t had made during the past
| year, and especially on having Sc
cured a rectory for the minister OF
the church.
This is my eleventh annual round
of the churches in the diocese, and ]
like to see advances, and I am very
| thankful for what you have ac-
complished, and bring you Christ
mas greeting" he said. He then
spoke of the heavy mails, and the
great ocean steamers carrying gifts
to friends at home. Years ago one
ship, known as the christmas ship,
was all that was necessary to carry
these gifts, but now several vessels
lions of dollars. The joy of the par
ents as they receive from their chill
dren across the sea those gifts is In
deed great.
| "Hearts are gentler at this season, =
he said, because God gave His Son
| to us, and we are rejoicing and give
presents. God gave His Son for the
worlds redemption that He should
come was determined from everlast-
| ing. He is Gods free gift; this Is the
gift that gives us hope, but this gift
demands something from us.
| "He came unto His own and His
| own received hi mnot. That His own
suffered for not receiving him is plain.
They were a sober, industrious, hard
working people, not depending on
charity. They are now without a
country and only amount to about
nine million population. while had
| they increased as other people,
should have been three hundred mil
lions. A few followed Him, but as
many as received Him He gave power
to become the children of God. The
| gift is not received until you have en-
tered into communion with Christ.
This is the high ideal for which we
must strive Whoever strives for q
high Ideal is enobled, whether he sue
ceeds or not.
He referred to the Christmas trees
being erected In public parks in many
cities, including Newark, and said:
"This idea may not be prompted alto
gether by religion, yet 1T expresses a
desire TO make Christ felt by large
multitude Christmas carols Will be
sung by people of all nations in New
ark. 1t suggests that Christ came to
save all nations. In such manner as
you receive Christ. in such manner
shall man be blest.
"TIis own received Him not, but as
many as received Him, poor or rich,
He has given the power to become the
sons of God"
A beautiful program of carol sing
ing was carried out throughout the
service by the choir and congrega-
ton, assisted by organ and violin
music.
AT the conclusion of the service
Bishop Lines and the rector stood at
the inner entrance to the church
ediflce and shook hands with each
nearer as they passed out and wished
them merry Christmas.