Semi-weekly herald., 1913-02-06
EXCERPTS FROM AN
INTERESTING SERMON

Vesper services at the Presbyterian
church have proven to be exceedingly
interesting and well attended. The
subject for the first of the series on
Jan. 26, was "The Lost Word" and
in it Rev. Mr.. Crozier reviewed the
book by that name, by Henry Van
Dyke and it was powerful showing
of the necessity of the Christian re-
ligion in order to make complete
life. Yesterday afternoon the sub
ject was Goods Questions" and the
speaker said, in part that there is a
place for the honest question and the
honest questioner.
1t is by means of the question that
the truth is reached. He who asks
questions for the sake of ascertain
ing the truth and sifts out the error
in the responses he receives, is in the
way of progress and knowledge. Moth
ing is too sacred to be questioned,
whether it be thing, institution or per-
son, provided only the Interrogation
is honest, and the questioner will ac-
cept the truth when once it is found.
1t is because the question has been
misused that the questioner is some
times held in disrepute. Not all ques-
tioning is honest, as is proven by
the deliberate refusal to accept the
truth when it is faced. The question
in regard to religious matters in par
ticular, has oftimes been employed,
not for the purpose of obtaining in
formation, but as e shield behind
which to hide life that is afraid to
come out into the light
Man, however, has no monopoly
upon the question. He has right
% question God, but God also has a
right to question him; and this is what
God does. All through his written
revelation God keeps propounding
questions. If one is wise, he will at
Tempt to answer Gods questions, be-
iause they touch life at its most vi
:al points. Such an attempt will be
profitable to any one who makes it,
because the honest answer to Gods
questions will go long way toward
answering his own questions.
There are few of the questions
hat God puts to man: "Wilt thou
condemn me, that thou mayest be JUS
sified?" dob x1,8), a question to one
who entertained mistaken ideas of
Gods justice. Where are thou ?" Gen.
lis, a question to those who have
sinned against God. "Will man
rob God?" Nal. ills, question to the
unfaithful stewards of Gods posses
sions. what is man profited, If
he gain the whole world, and lose or
forfeit his own self?" Luke ix.24, a
question to those who allow the world
to hold the supreme place in their
affections. "What think ye of Christ %
Mt. xxxii.42, question which deter
mines ones attitude toward Christ
What does thou here, Eliah?" l
Kings xix.13. A question to the dis
couraged and recreant servant of God
"Whom shall l send? and who will
go for us?" lisa. vi.8. A call for vol
unteers.
These questions give thought for
serious consideration and the hearers
were deeply impressed with the speak
er's earnestness and the clearness Of
his ideas as to the answers to these
questions.
These vesper services are to be
continued during the month of Feb
ruary commencing at half-past four
on Sabbath afternoon, and will take
the place of the evening services. They
come at an hour when many can come
out who feel that they cannot come
out after dark. The music, under
the direction of Prof. Bortz, is espe-
cially good. A very cordial welcome
will be given to all who desire to
attend