Evening journal., 1921-10-03
PRAISES Old
TINE RELIGION
DIR. Webb Tells Worshippers
Regenerating Power is
Peoples Need
URGES SUPPORT
FOR PRAYER MEETING

The Rev. DR.. Acquiila Webb. for
maliy began his pastorate OF First
csntrai Presbyterian Church yester-
day morning by preaching a sermon
In which he took a pronounced stand
for old-time religion. He was greet
"a bv a congregation that crowded
tho church building on Market street
above Ninth. TO the doors.
Later. in an interview, Dr. Webb
expressed the belief that the First
Central had a wonderful opportunity
10 make itself a great power for
good in the community. He also
said he hoped to see a modern
church replace the present strue-
ture.
For his first sermon. yesterday
morning. as pastor Of the church
DIR. Webb took his text from the
Roolx Of Acts. tenth chapter and
twentv-ninth verse Il came with
ont gainsaying when I was sent for.
I ask therefore with what intent ye
sent for me.n His sermon in part
was as follows:
rThe words to which I call your
attention today were spoken by the
foremost Of the apostles in a Roman
soldiers home at Caesarea. Provi-
dental events led to Peters going
from Joppa to the military capital OF
Judea. Though at first reluctant,
under the urging OF the Spirit he
Welded
'Duty and desire often conflict.
Desire, with golden links strength
ened through term OF years, held
me TO a devoted people whom have
left behind. Possibly there may be
somewhere a more loyal or more de-
voted church. but l dare affirm,
after a ministry Of twenty years, that
have never found Il. You may be
sure that II I had consulted my
feelings rather than my duty I
should be In my old pulpit and de-
livering my message TO a people who
will forever hold a warm place in my
heart.
DUTY should always master de-
sire Duty, after desire is conquered,
lures one onward and becomes in
creasing delightful. There Is a feeling
Of satisfaction today In knowing that
I am where God wishes me to be and
where I shall find in your sympathy.
cooperation, and prayerful support
all. that 1 or any man might require
as the condition OF happiness and
usefulness. Therefore / came with
out gainsaying. when I was sent
for.
Analyses His Duties.
MAY put TO you, as we look one
another in the face today, what
may call pastors supreme ques-
ton addressed to the congregation ?
ask therefore with what intent ye
sent for me?'
-@Have you sent for me because
you want scholarship in this pull
pit? Scholarship OF a certain kind is
presupposed in the Presbyterian
ministry OF today and yet I have an
idea that no one OF you thought OF
scholastic attainment and degrees
when you sent for me. 1 am a stu
dent rather than a scholar and have
no desire TO parade learning in the
messages which I shall deliver from
time TO time in this place or else
where throughout the city.
Have you sent for me because you
want social leadership? Social lead
ership on the part OF a pastor the
community has a right TO demand.
He is expected to know what is good
form in all social gatherings. On the
other hand it IL unbecoming in any
pastor to aspire to be a carpet
knight mouthing sweet nothings in
the midst OF a giddy and thought
less throng. Let him be no deaths
head at feast Let him rejoice with
those who rejoice as well as weer
win those who weep. Let him be as
conventional in his bearing as was
the Master Himself when He graced
with His presence the marriage
supper in Cana Of Galilee. but let
him never forget that he is first OF
all an ambassador Of the King OF
kings.
rDid you send for me 70 become a
cific reformer? Municipal patriot.
ism Is a good thing in a minister as
in every other man. Patriotism how
ever is different from partisanshlp
A pastor may and must vote hi,
convictions at the proper time and
place He may speak those convic
TOPS without hes-tation, menta
reservation. or secret evasion Of
mind.
Politics and salvation.
1T is barely possible that muni
cipal politics even in Wilmington
might be improved in aims and
methods. Unless the newspaper.
have grossly misrepresented thi,
goodiy community conditions are b,
no means as good as they might bs
even II they were better A true
minister cannot be silent when mora
Issues are at stake involving tn,
Weli-being OF the city in which n,
ha.' cast his lot But I cannot i'm.
aelne that you sent for me 10 b.
primarily concerned in municipa
patriotism.
Did you send for me 10 preacf
social saiyafi0n7 Social salvation Is ,
great phrase in our modern think
ing and speech. Il IS a thing 70 ~
desired II il does not disparaee o
smut out the Gospel doctrine OF In
dividual salvation.
Salvation OF the group, II by sal
yation you mean regeneration by III
Holy Spirit and all that that implie
is not a practicable or even a DO.
4IhIr fhfro