The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-29
GOOD T|D|NGS IS HERE, DOZENS
 SAYS IN SERMON
South Highlands Pastor Speaks at Old First, in MaCSporran's
 Absence

In Dr. MacSporran's absence Sun day morning, pr. William R. Dobyns of the South Highlands Presbyterian church filled the pulpit at the Old First church.
 pr. Dobyns' text was: This day Is the day of good tidings-and we hold our peace"
 He said; This day Is the greatest day you and I have ever known, The day of greatest opportunity. And of that day this is the most significant hour. Five years ago we were plunged into a war begotten by 40 years of materialistic philosophy on the part of one nation. We even im- ported exchange professors from those centers, Then the crash and we set our hands to making the world safe for democracy-and de- mocracy safe for the world. Now three years after the armistice we have world of suspicion and wars. Now all things else have failed. 1t is the chutchs opportunity, as dis tinguished Birmingham judge has re- gently said. Watch how the world seeks hope in strange faiths and strange places! This Is day of good tidings-and we hold our peace
 Our sympathies are quickly aroused by news of disaster or suf- fering. We respond quickly and generously. And the church's obliga tion today stands after 1900 years just as heavy as ever to carry on the missionary spirit and missionary program that the angel proclaimed cn the plains of Bethlehem. We stand for separation of church and state That applies to education too 1t leaves to the church it's own educa- tional work, and the church mast support it's institutions to do that work. Shall we measure up?
 Everywhere the world Is asking the way of life. And we sit here in our comfort and contentment while in the foreign fields they die Christ less for lack of our support. We have the tidings. The suffering and the dying are just beyond the walls. Shall we send the voice? God never intended the printing press to do it all. Go ye.' is the command. The obligation rests on us"
 Dr. Dobyns spoke of the men sent into the field from such an institu- ton as the Presbyterian college at Clarksville, Tenn, naming men who stand high in the church today. He pointed out the need for vision wider than local needs, that would include a great Presbyterian uni- versity at Memphis such as is the aim of the present Christian education campaign.
 Eulogizing the late Dr. John Her bert Phillips as a man and an edu- eator, Dr. Dobyns urged extraordinry efforts to measure up to the standard of giving that pr. Phillips and his committee estimated as Birmingham $ share in the educational campaign.
 We are facing a situation" he declared. that calls for the gravest consideration in our own hearts. It's not simply a matter of civic pride. If we tarry till the morning some mischief will come upon us.' l am speaking of the church of Christ gen erally America would not be the first place that has felt the wrath of God because its people did not measure up to their opportunities. God said, Look at Shiloh And have seen it, a wilderness. Shall the church in America forever remain inn mune? Because thou hast kept the word of my faith, I will also keep thee,' says God. We are face to face with the greatest opportunity we eyer had. Christ has laid on us the obliga- tion of the training of our youth. Shall we do 1t or not?"