rch to ever be.
It is in the church on earth that God's people learn those wonderful
lessons of self-denial, humility, gentleness, brotherly kindness,
forbearance, patience, and all other heavenly qualities and graces. In
a word, the church, in its purest form and highest sense, is heaven
begun on earth. Hence the blessed Jesus, in the prayer referred to,
says: "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but
that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."

Since the church is the outward, visible form of God's kingdom on
earth, it is of the utmost importance that the church give expression
to and be a representative of the soul and spirit of the kingdom. Paul
says: "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness,
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." The church must be righteous. By
this is meant that it must obey the Lord's Word. He says: "Ye are my
friends if ye do whatsoever I command you." It is obedience on the
part of the church that makes any organization bearing that name
acceptable to the Lord. In the great day to come some will say: "We
have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our
streets." But he will say: "I tell you I know you not whence ye are."
Many others again will say: "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy
name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many
wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work iniquity." The lips of man may not apply
these terrific words to any whose doom is yet to be disclosed; but all
organizations claiming to be churches of Jesus Christ will do well to
see to it that they obey from the heart those ordinances given by our
Lord both by example and precept. When he pronounces us happy, we may
feel sure that we are safe.

Let us now, before we close, look over the ground and see where the
church of the Brethren stands, which it is my privilege to represent
here to-night. Jesus was baptized, that is, immersed by John in the
river Jordan. We follow his example as further set forth in the great
commission he gave. He washed the disciples' feet, giving us an
example that we shall do to one another as he did to them. This we do.
He ate a supper with them before the administration of the Communion.
This we do; and from other scripture authority we feel justified in
calling it a love feast. He administered the Communion of his body and
blood, symbolized by the bre