The Roanoke Times

ANOTHER CHURCH DEDICATION

Dr. Monroe Preaches an Eloquent Sermon at the Dedication of Lee-street Methodist Episcopal Church—Christian Work the Theme of His Discourse—A Collection of $600 Taken Up to Help Pay for the Recent Improvements.

Lee-Street Methodist Episcopal Church was re-dedicated Sunday morning, the sermon being preached by Dr. D. S. Monroe, of Altoona, Pa.

Dr. Monroe possesses a striking countenance and impresses the observer with the idea that he belongs to the school of theologians of the jovial Pennsylvania sort. Fully seventy years of age, his hair is thin and gray, but he possesses a robust figure.

The church was well filled when the doctor took his seat in the pulpit. A quantity of cut flowers adorned the altar, but these were handed off by the preacher, an indication that when he became warmed up in his sermon, such frail things might not be lightly handled.

His text was "Every man shall receive his reward according to his own labors" I Cor. 3:8.

"Three threads are distinguishable in the fabric of the present age," began the speaker, "activity, inquiry and opportunity. So rapidly do events pass before us that it is impossible to appreciate their grandeur. So numerous and varied are the inquiries that the minds of the statesman, the scientist and the theologian are weary with study; and so great are the opportunities for achievements that the mind of the spectator is almost bewildered. To the thoughtful Christian such opportunities and perils demand inquiry as never before exhibited in the church of Christ. Less than a century ago the whole world of Pagans, Papals and Moslems was sealed to the Christian, whilst to-day changes are so great that the darkness of Asia is fading before the light of the world. Japan will soon take her place among the Christian nations. The gates of China are wide open. Africa is stretching out her arms to God, and Turkey has decreed religious toleration, and the Methodist Episcopal Church invites the Italian in the city of Rome to her free seats. Paul has planted. Apollo has watered and God calls the Christian to gather an increase."

Let us this morning consider the grandeur of Christian work. All true work is grand. The Christian is identified with a gospel in which the whole universe is interested and upon which the salvation of the race depends. The great question with the Christian is, What can I do? The painter paints for a generation: the sculptor cuts figures from marble that soon perishes, but we cut the likeness of Christ that endures forever. Every opportunity is a mine of wealth. Man can never stand alone. He leans upon something—either broken reeds, hopes, fears or the Eternal Rock. Even his body is sensitive to the unperceived sensibility of electricity. It changes a brittle thread into a nerve thrill with the slightest emotion.

"In this work is involved self-denial. The bible proceeds upon the principle of unselfishness in regenerated hearts. God develops Christianity through self-denial."

The eloquent preacher then spoke of suffering and told how man if he follows Christ must suffer with him to be glorified together. He spoke of giving for charitable objects for God, and said one never knows the value of a gift until he gives as the widow who gave her mite.

"Faith," continued the speaker, "even in common life is the conquering principle. In the Bible we find faith laid down as the guide of man. At no previous time have its truths been assailed as now. Ten thousand thunders have burst upon it, and twice ten thousand lightnings have flashed around its hoary head, but despite earth's dying malice and hell's eternal rage, it has swept its path of storm through all time and wrapping its mantle of cloud around it calmly looks out upon the world as it were the sun encircled with a rainbow."

Speaking of activity, the preacher continued, "It is beautiful to see how God has bound the world by its varied diversities, and by giving to each man faculties for different work. We are surrounded on all sides by earnest beings and thoughtful men talk of genius, but there is no genius like that of activity and energy. It is the incentive to Christian work and from it the Christian accomplishes grand results.

The past is not utterly past. Every life has an end as momentous to it as the end of the world, for it places it immediately before the judgment seat and subjects it to God's eye. Its results are grand because they are based on faith in God. Nations rise only to fall. Great men shoot across the horizon like meteors, but the Christian builds for eternity.

"Christian liberality puts itself in sympathy with the great tide of universal mercy which flows from the throne of God and the Lamb, encompassing every island and washing every shore. It forces the stream of its bounty far upward above all the liberalities of earth and pours it forth into the treasury of that universal empire, of which it is written 'The kingdoms of this world are the kingdoms of our God and His Christ.'"

After the sermon a collection was taken up to defray the expense of enlarging the church, which was stated would cost about $600. Many liberal contributions followed, during the taking up of which the elegant preacher entertained the congregation with numerous anecdotes relative to Christian charity.

The singing of the choir was especially fine, and was led by W. C. Nycum. Miss Lou McElhenny presided at the organ and rendered excellent music.