The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-31
ASAFETY FIRST" |S SUBJECT OF SERMON
 BY DR. EDMONDS
None Too Nice or We'll Born to Go to the Devil, Declares Pastor to a Large
 Congregation
Safety First-Think,"

Safety First-Thinki
 With this unique text as his theme, Rev. Dr. H. M. Edmonds of the Inde- pendent Presbyterian church last night spoke to a record audience of 15OO people
 in the Lyric theatre. It was one of the most effective sermons he has delivered
 in Birmingham.
 pr. Edmonds had found his text dur ing visit made the preceding week to the shops of the Alabama Great South ern railroad, in company with Rev. Dr. W. B. Holmes, associate pastor of the church. Dr. Holmes speaks at the noon hour to the men and girls at the factories and shops of the city. On many of the machines at the shops Dr. Edmonds had noticed cards bearing the words of his text, and they had given him an inspira- tion for the address of last night. He began by reading from the book of Second Samuel, where King David re- ceives the news of the battle in whicE his son Absalom, who had been in rebel lion against his father, had been slain The king had voiced the cry of his heart in the question: 'Is the young man Ab- salon safe?''
 All over Alabama tonight, in. many and many home, fathers and mothers are asking the question, Is the young man or the young girl safe-the young man or the girl away from home,' de- clared MT. Edmonds. Where are you going tonight? Are you critical man?" asked Dr. Edmonds. "A narrow, petty sour pickle of man? Have you thought where this will lead you? Safety first-think.
 T once knew man in whom the habit of thrift was pronounced, and, by the way. every young man and young woman should save money. But this man came to love money too well. He had no friends, and he amounted to nothing in the community. You can hold a nickel so close to the eye that it shuts out the light of the sun. Where are you going to- night? Safety first.
 Young man, are you beginning to play cards for money? Are you out late at night coming home to make excuses to mother or wife? Safety first-think! wrong bunch? Are you beginning to drink? When the gang calls, do you have to go? Are you losing control of your self? Safety first-think!
 pr. E.dmonds then told of young man who recently had been discharged from local bank. He had not gone wrong, but was keeping undesirable company and was beginning to come late to work mornings. Safety first was the view of the bank officials declared the speaker. And an impressive silence fell
 Young man or young woman, are you playing with fire? Are you profaning your bodies the temple of the most high God,' asked Dr. Edmonds pontedly Then he continued: Know this thing: Not one of us. is too nice, too well born. or too well educated to go to the devil! Life has it's perils. Safety first-think!
 T know of but one way to be safe: God, Christ. You are safe with Him. He did not put you here to fail. and He has many a time turned the tide for human life. He will give you the victory
 Iii the hush which followed these words. pr. Edmonds pronounced the benediction, and the great audience filed slowly out of the theatre.
 Members are being added to the new church through the Lyric services, and the interest seems to be increas sing with each meeting.
 Ted Sullivan, the baseball scout who was to have been at the Lyric last night was called by wire to Houston, Tex. and left early yesterday morning. He wired back to pr. Edmonds, expressing his re- gret.
 Attendance at the Sunday school of the new church yesterday reached 215 per- sons, new record
 Send us away to be active in His rame. Amen," were the last words of Dr. H. M. Edmonds in that part of yesterday mornings service at Temple Emanu- El distinctivey the pastors own contribu- tion. He had been assisted in the service by an inspiring choir, hymns, silent pray CTS and an attentive audience that filled completely the great auditorium of the temple.
 Before this final prayer the pastor had been telling his hearers thoughts and sentiments that had occurred to him in connection, with St. Pauls remarkable statement. T can do all things through Christ, that strengtheneth me"
 Whatever else may be said of Pam :, began Dr. Edmonds, The had motive power. If he was harsh hard to plea se or difficult to get along with, he believed In going all the way. Christianity is the greatest of driving powers. The best of evidence of this is that it has progressed so wonderfully in spite of many of it's ministers, Supporters and professors.
 Every time that I have stood before the Jews accomplishments l have been filled with admiration. The consider, lion I- rs.xI.