The Wheeling Daily Register

NORTH STREET M. E. CHURCH.

Rev. Geo. C. Wilding, pastor. Sunday morning theme, "The law of recompense." Text, Matthew 22:21, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." These designing men desired to entrap the Lord Jesus. The two parties, Pharisees and Herodians, though opposed to each other, unite against Jesus. They pave the way with flattery. They want a one-sided decision that shall gain Him the enmity of the Romans or the Jews. His answer is so well worded, so guarded, that they are put to confusion by it. They 'went their way."

The obligations of this law of recompense are clear and evident to all. 1. The obligations of this law of recompense are clear and evident to all. It forces itself upon every honorable and fair-minded person as something that cannot be avoided. In every walk of life it is an acknowledged principle. Ingratitude is a base and unworthy emotion. Those who confer favors or blessings upon us merit our gratitude and a return of like favors should opportunity offer.

2. This law is applicable to secular life. Caesar is the type of civil government, and is to have honor rendered when honor is due. Government is entitled to our respect. The laws that are enacted for our good, demand our obedience. The power that makes life and property safe should be supported by our taxes. It is as dishonorable to cheat the civil authorities as to defraud an individual. If Caesar tries to trammel conscience he has overstepped his bounds. A Christian is a man and has no right to withdraw from social life. He is a citizen and has no authority to step aside from civil life and leave the key to power in the hands of bad men. The things of Caesar should not be misapplied, never be used in furthering sectarian or denominational interests. State or public funds should never be used in furthering sectarian or denominational interests.

3. This law is applicable to religious life. If benefitted by human government how much more by the divine government of God. We owe the latter our respect, our reverence, and our support or tribute. The coin bore the stamp of Caesar and was rendered to him as his and its service should be given him and we have no right to withhold from God what is His own. The soul bears the imprint of its maker and we have no right to withhold from God what is His own. We may render to God what is justly His. (1) Directly-by giving him our whole heart. "He gave himself for me!" physically, mentally, socially, financially and spiritually. By spreading before Him our prayer, thanksgiving and praise. By offering service of our best powers. (2) Indirectly-by rendering to society what we owe it and a pure life, a safe example. By rendering to ourselves what is due-the assistance, the enjoyment and the benefit of the religion of Jesus Christ. By ample and earnest effort for the salvation of souls.

4. One class of duties constitute us patriots; another class constitute us Christians. The prominent traits are similar in both. Being good citizens is a preparatory step to become good Christians. Christians ought to be the very best citizens. Many prominent patriots have been humble Christians. We should measure up to the most elevated standard of both callings here in order that we may become citizens of that better country, where inhabitants are the ransomed of the Lord.

At the 7 P. M. service the sermon was on the subject of "The Failure of Divided Service," from Matthew 6:24.