South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-04-24
\ { AVE IS PLACE
FOR LIVE WORKERS
Rev. G. w. Allison Says 1t is
Not Place of Do
NOthingneSS.

George William Allison. pastor OF
the Hope Presbyterian church, spoke
on the theme Does IL Matter?"
sunday morning at the church serv-
ices. i'm which he proceeded 10 show
how it matters with personal and
social life whether or not one believes
in the great doctrine of Christianity.
held not only by Christians, but by
nearly every member OF the human
race in some form or other. He said
that scepticism approaches the prob
lem OF Immortality from a different
angle today than il formerly did.
He said we are not dealing with
what has commonly been thought the
ordinary Christian hope Of a heaven,
somewhere OF absolute rest and do
nOthing-ness, save the singing OF an
endless hymn OF praise. We are
dealing with a faith in future life
which presupposes a contribution Of
the moral and spiritual achievement
begun In this life, and continued
under more favorable conditions In
speaking on the subject he said: =
Heaven Live Place.
Heaven is not place for do
nothings, but for live, vigorous, able.
accomplishing men and women. And
we propose 10 test the value Of the
faith I'm future life by it's contribu-
ton to personal attainment and So
cial serviceability. If il adds to
these two ends. we shall be inclined
TO examine it seriously. II IT does
not matter here, then we care little
whether IT be true or not. II may
all be true. but. if it is true, is It
good for anything. Is the modern
method OF approach. Let us see,
then. what II can add TO personal
attainment.
What then does faith in immor-
tally add TO personal attainment and
achievement? Does il in any way
make one stronger. happier, more
successful in daily life? The most
common answer to this question is
70 point TO the consolation in time
Of bereavement which it affords. and
the refuge in time OF loss OF friends
and fortune by disaster. A less COM
mon answer. but which is also valid.
ia 20 say that it makes the inequali-
ties and injustices of the present
life tolerable: for il offers compensa-
ton for sufferings unjustly endured,
and chastisement for gains ill.'-got-
ten or privileges illegally and un-
rightfully enjoyed. While both Of
these are comforts. they add little
strength or efficiency. though they
do add their mite. What we need
Is strength and attainment. Can
this faith give it? Doctors and
nurses are necessary in time of war.
but soldiers in the trenches are the
a ministry Of comfort; can it also
give strength in the actual trenches
OF life?
Faith Mighty Power.
We know that IL ministers might
! lily 10 the enforcement Of morality.
Eucken. a great German philosopher.
has said that without il we could
not maintain the ordinary civilized
/ society. That may be putting it too
strongly. but it is i'm the right direc-
ton. II is a deterrent from crime
and contributor to morality. When
/ one also sees the true test of life. he
/ is in a position 10 evaluate this faith
We test life by its possibilities. its
satisfactions. its powers command
ed. it's offered prospects. And the
consciousness of the endless posi-
bility OF new experien the limit
less pursuit OF knowledge. the un-
/ Ceasing opportunities for service witt
/ the exercise Of new power; this will
give a grave and joyful dignity TO
I personal living here and now"