Crittenden record-press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1909-191?, 1915-03-25

cussion Of the Lenten season. Al
though not OF Divine command. the
custom appeals TO many. Like every
good thing. II Is misunderstood and
perverted by the majority. because not
spiritually minded TO many OF these
II Is command. the neglect OF which
would bring upon them the disappro-
baton OF friends. and the observance
OF which would bring them some Di
vine favor or some relaxation from
proper punishment for their sins-they
know not what or such perfunctory
fasting. dlspleasing TO God and value.
less to the lndivldual--hypocrltical
fasting-the speaker gave an illustra.
ton. An acquaintance who professed
10 observe Lent, was instructed to
drink but one cup OF coffee daily dur.
ing the fast. and compromised with
bis conscience by drinking his usual
amount Of coffee from a how'll
Nothing Is more contemplate In
Gods sight than hypocrite, the Pas
tor declared. Honesty IL the one quail
lty which all pleasing to God must
possess, no matter how weak and
fallen by heredlty. Jesus condemned
hypocrisy more than any other sin.
Although nothing In the Bible sug.
.gests a Lenten season, the Apostles
commend fasting. St Paul wrote. ZAP
proving ourselves In HASTINGS" and 'in
Hastings often" Evidently fasting h
In the nature Of self-sacrince-not Q
thing commanded. but voluntary Of.
fering Of the soul TO God, with view TO
greater efficiency In Gods service or to
greater control over our bodies In tho
interests OF Our spiritual New Nature.
Appropriate lsntsn Thovohta
The Pastor then pointed out the
practical value OF fasting during Lent
On hygienic grounds alone Y n OF
great advantage, particularly 10 the
well FED. 10 refrain from eating Al lib
orally Of meats, swee<s, pastry. etc.
a. they were inclined to eat during the
colder weather. Boils. pimplcs. liver
derangements, feyers and doctor bills
would be greatly lessened a. a result
Next the speaker discussed the spiri,
ual side OF the question. He showed
that the Christian may advantageous
~ take a much deeper spiritual mean
ing out Of Lent He may recall IN,
sav,ors experiences during the forty
days preceding Hh cruclfxion. II,
may remember TINT lust before HI,
| crucifxion Jesus instituted the Icn,',
Supper and Indicated that date as IN,
proper one for its annual commemorn
| ton amongst His followers M wa,
the custom In the early Church. III
may remember alphabetically ths
Rcdeemer's trials at this season, and
reject that all Jesus follower cove
nant to share His Cup OF suffering, Ia
nominy. misunderstanding, misreprc
sentation. Islander, abuse and death
and that from the very first this season
seems to have been a time OF sRecia
trial amongst Jesus followers.
These considerations might vel
move Gods people to the observance
OF fast during the period precedini
the anniversary OF their Redeemcr''
death. In so doing. from desire e
draw near 10 God. they would certain
~ contribute a share toward that end
A study OF the Prophet Daniels faS
gives valuable hints as to proper fast
Ing. He confined himself strictly Il
the things which bis system absolute
" needed for the maintenance OF men
tai and physical strength. ute nothini
snperabundantly and avoided dainties
The Christians Perpetual Fast.
Fasting applies, not only to food. bu
10 everything: Il signlbc, self-denial o
the desires e tee acSh. 70 the lntcu
that the spiritual nature may b