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Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1886. Excerpt: ... CHTJRCH, SECT AND CONGREGATION. SERMON TO THE WOODLAND CHURCH, MAY 25, 1884, ON OCCASION OF AN INVITATION TO BE INSTALLED AS PASTOR. (jat tljou maijest know t)ovt tbou ougbtest to bebane ttpelf in tbe bouse of ffiob, wljitb te tte cburtlj of tbe litunj (c)ob, tbe pillar anb jrounb of tt)e trutb.--1 Timothy iii. 15. My Dear Friends And Brethren Of The Woodland Church:--Although I have thus announced to you, according to the ancient tradition of pulpit discourse, a verse of holy Scripture, it is not my purpose to comment on it, nor to illustrate it, otherwise than incidentally in the course of an answer which I owe to that invitation with which you have honored me, to continue permanently with you in the work of the ministry. It is a beautiful law of the kingdom of heaven, that even the business affairs of God''s house, undertaken in a worthy spirit, should be part of a Christian''s joy, and a means of his edification; and I am not afraid that you will reckon it other than a good and profitable use of holy time if I take so much of this hour of worship as may be needful, to set before you, without any reserve, what seems to be my duty as a minister of Jesus Christ, in view of your invitation. I am thankful to divine providence that no room is left me for hesitation. I have no right to refuse to do the work of the ministry, whenever the opportunity is given me. And I have no opportunity except this. If there were any other demand for my service, I should be compelled to hesitate and compare. But there is no other. I am led in a plain path, and I am glad of it. It is my clear duty to go forward with the work of the gospel here as my permanent work, and I accept it. But, indeed, you have made it very easy and pleasant for me to consent. I knew, when I came he...
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