USA > Arkansas > Pulaski County > Little Rock > The annals of Christ church parish of Little Rock, Arkansas, from A. D. 1839 to A. D. 1899 > Part 24
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IIe despised sham, cant and hypocrisy, and was as open as the day, being, indeed, an "Israelite in whom there was no guile." His life was blameless as became a devoted Chris- tian, for such he was. He believed implicitly in the truth
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THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
of our holy religion, lived accordingly, and could well say at the end, "I am all right."
We have laid away in his last resting place our distin- guished and lamented friend, whither he went in the full faith and belief of a blessed resurrection. A stately and beautiful column of the State has fallen. This court can no longer profit by his wise and judicious counsel. His family, always so precious to him, is deprived of his protection and affection. But, if your honors please, we have this consolation: We have left the recollection of a life full of purity, exalted abilities and duty performed. We have this remembrance. Let us cherish that-
"For memory is the only friend That grief can call her own."
Pursuant, therefore, to the request of my brethren, I now present these resolutions.
Mr. Caruth then read the resolutions adopted by the bar of the Supreme Court, which may be found on pages 36-39 inclusive, in the same volume of reports.
In Church, as well as State, this Warden was the pillar in the temple, whose top was finished with lily work, the name of which was Boaz-"In it is strength."
MR. JOHN WATTS GOODWIN.
A. D. 1831-1893. Mr. John Walts Goodwin, who had for some time served as treasurer of Christ Church, was elected Junior Warden in 1893. The death of Major John D. Adams, whose office of Senior Warden devolved upon Dr. W. A. Cantrell, occasioned a vacancy in the office of Junior Warden. This has been filled by Mr. Goodwin during the . past seven years. He was born in Nelson County, Va., August 6, 1831; was confirmed in 1849 in the Chapel of
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THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
Jubilee College, Illinois, by Bishop Chase, and was married October 25, 1870, at Early Grove, Miss., by Rev. W. K. Douglass, to Elizabeth Rose Bailey, who was born August 5, 1839, in Fayette County, Tenn. She was the daughter of Dr. Isham G. and Susan Bird (Smith) Bailey. By occu- pation Mr. Goodwin was a merchant, and later the treasurer of the Little Rock and Memphis Railroad. Since 1887 he has resided in Little Rock. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin are:
(1) John Bailey, (2) William, and (3) Bessie.
Mr. Goodwin's grandfather and great-grandfather were both in the Continental Army. He is the descendant in the sixth generation from Major James Goodwin, who came over from England and settled near Yorktown, Va., about the middle of the seventeenth century, in the following line :
Son of James Doswell Goodwin, who died June, 1869, in Memphis, Tenn., and is buried in Elmwood Cemetery. His wife was Catherine (Watts) Goodwin, who died January 27, 1851, in Ralls County, Mo., and is buried near Hydesburg, Mo. Their children are :
1. Marie Louise-Born October 6, 1826; married Leroy P. Stewart.
2. John Watts-Born August 6, 1831; married Eliza- beth Rose Bailey.
3. Virginia Ella-Born January 31, 1843; married Charles T. Hodges.
4. James Overton-Born June 14, 1846; died July, 1876; unmarried.
5. Mary Catherine-Born May 27, 1849; died July, 1860; unmarried, and three others who died in infancy.
Mr. Goodwin's grandfather was Thomas Goodwin ; born May 25, 1765, in Hanover County, Va. ; was married in 1789
332
THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
to Temperance Harris, who was born also in Hanover County. She was the daughter of Overton and Ann (Nelson) Harris. He was a farmer, and in religion a Baptist. They resided in Nelson County.
Thomas Goodwin served an unfinished term of enlist- ment for his father in the Continental Army, and was a Revo- lutionary pensioner. He died in Nelson County, Va., April, 1838.
-
Great-grandfather, John Goodwin; born November 17, 1735, in York County, Va. ; married to Elizabeth Doswell; born 1743, a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Drummond) Doswell; she, a daughter of a son of William Drummond, governor of the Carolinas.
Great great-grandfather, James Goodwin ; born in York- Hampton parish, York County, Va .; was married first, to Diana Chisman ; born October 12, 1715; a daughter of John and Eleanor (Howard) Chisman.
Great great great-grandfather, Peler Goodwin, was mar- ried before 1697 to Rebecca Tiplady, a daughter of Captain John Tiplady, Justice of the Peace for York County, and son of John and Ruth Beale Tiplady.
MAJOR JAMES GOODWIN.
Major James Goodwin, the head of the family, married, first, Rachel - , of York County, Va., whose tomb- stone on Back Creek, says, that she was born in 1630, and died May 23, 1666, leaving, as it states, by 'Major Goodwin five sons and two daughters, viz:
1. Robert; married Anne
2. John; married Elizabeth Moore.
3. Peter: married Rebecca Tiplady.
REV. JOHN GASS.
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THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
4. Matthew.
5. Martin ; married Barbara
6. Susannah ; married Duke.
7. Elizabeth ; married -Blinkhorn.
Though none, perhaps, place a higher estimate on the value of an honorable ancestry than does Mr. Goodwin, he is yet entirely exempt from the charge of resting on that for his advancement in life.
"Who serves his country well has no need of ancestors," and in every charge of life Mr. Goodwin has endeavored so to perform his duty that he may leave the matchless legacy of a good name to those who come after him, rather than to look backward to those who went before for support. On his own merits he has won the esteem and confidence of the com- munity and the Episcopal congregation.
REV JOHN GASS.
A. D. 1894. Rev. John Gass succeeded the Rev. Wal- lace Carnalian, as Rector of Christ Church, having arrived at Little Rock, October 4, 1894. The newspaper chronicled the event thus :
Sunday morning (October 9) at Christ Church a cordial and flattering reception was accorded the new Rector, Rev. John Gass, who recently came hither from Charleston, S. C. The distinguished young divine made his first appearance in this city before a very large representation of Little Rock's best people, all of whom were favorably impressed with him. He took his text at the Sunday morning service from Exodus, iv, 2: "And the Lord said unto him, What is in thine hand ? And he answered, a rod."
The eloquent young Rector's discourse was assuredly a splendid introduction of his force, intellect and capability to
.
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THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
the people of this city. He is one of the youngest divines in the country, yet he ranks with those much older than he is. He speaks without notes, and with a voice resonant and clear.
When fairly inducted in the various duties of his well- organized charge he began to establish what he deemed of first importance, namely, a school for Church girls. As doubts were felt and expressed as to the healthfulness of underground quarters for all-day sessions, and, as the patronage did not justify the expense of renting rooms in a more appropriate locality, the school was suspended after one year's experiment.
A. D. 1896. On Monday, October 5, 1896, Mr. Gass opened a Bible class for ladies, with thirty-three members, and also one later for gentlemen. The first lived to be the most vigorous arm of his consecrated service, the other became merged in the order already estatblished by Rev. John E. H. Galbraith, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. The Bible class did more towards promoting the spiritual growth of the parish than any other means employed during Mr. Gass's Rectorship. Taking "Blakeslee Graded Lessons" with written questions and answers, as a Bible study manual, he enlarged and ex- pounded on each lesson with the lore he had accumulated by diligent study, in such clear style and with such winning friendliness that none ever went from the weekly meeting without being edified and strengthened to meet the demands of life. It seemed a marvelous thing to see fifty or more wives, mothers, grandmothers, and maidens seated in rows before him in the Sunday School room, with written answers carefully prepared, eagerly seeking instruction as it fell from the gra- cious lips of this gentle teacher. The good did not stop there. His familiarity with Scripture, obtained thus in constant study, brightened his discourses, like a thread of gold in a texture of fine cloth, and his hearers were sent back to the
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THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
field of the world, armed with "the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God."
A. D. 1895. In October, 1895, the Rector issued the first number of a parish paper, under the auspices of the Christ Church Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. The initial page is here given :
OUR PARISH.
VOL. 1. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., OCTOBER, 1895. NO. 1. CHRIST CHURCH.
Southeast corner Fifth and Scott streets.
Rev. John Gass, Rector.
Rectory, 509 Scott street.
VESTRY AND OFFICERS.
Dr. W. A. Cantrell Senior Warden.
Jno. W. Goodwin
Junior Warden.
H. K. Cochran . Treasurer. W. H. Ragland Secretary.
Sam B. Adams, W. F. Wright, J. H. Haney, A. A. Rutland, J. M. Bracey, J. A. Van Etten, Gordon N. Peay.
SERVICES.
Morning Prayer Sermon 11 a. m.
Evening Prayer and Sermon . 7 :30 p. m.
Holy Communion, first Sunday .11 a. m. Third Sunday at 7:30 a. m.
1
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THE ANNALS OF CHRIST . CHURCH PARISH.
SUNDAY SCHOOL.
9:30 a. m. Rev. John Gass, Superintendent; E. H. Tobey, Assistant; A. H. Newton, Secretary and Treasurer ; Herbert Wassell, Librarian; Miss Irene Baird, Pianist; Miss Hattie Cowpland, Violinist.
MISSIONS. J. J. Huntley, Superintendent. St. John's southeast corner Second and Rector avenue. Albert Wassell, Assistant Superintendent.
St. Paul's, Eleventh, between Ringo and Cross. Mr. Dunlap, Assistant Superintendent. J. M. Bracey, Bible Class Leader.
St. Luke's, Argenta. Herbert Wassell, Assistant Superintendent.
SOCIETIES OF THE PARISH.
BROTHERIIOOD OF ST. ANDREW.
E. H. Tobey . Director.
Albert Wassell Secretary.
J. M. Bracey . Treasurer.
LADIES' AID SOCIETY.
Mrs. Thos. J. Darragh President.
Mrs. Emma S. Lawson Vice President.
Miss Sophia Crease. . Secretary.
Mrs. T. J. Dill Financial Secretary. Mrs. G. S. Brack. . Treasurer.
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THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
DAUGHTERS OF THE KING.
Mrs. John Gass . Directress.
Miss Rose Miller Assistant Directress.
Miss Caroline Peay Secretary and Treasurer.
THE WOMAN'S AUXILIARY.
Mrs. Catherine Skipwith Vice President.
Mrs. John Gass. Recording Secretary.
Mrs. R. J. Polk. Corresponding Secretary.
Mrs. W. H. Ragland
Treasurer.
CHIANCEL GUILD.
Mrs. G. W. Sappington . President. Miss Matilda Jordan Secretary and Treasurer.
A. D. 1896. The Missionary Society had been doing splendid work in the parish under the direction of the former Rector, Rev. Wallace Carnahan, and his successor emulated his zeal in the furtherance of the devoted object of his life. At the twenty-fourth annual council of the Episco- pal Church in Arkansas, which was convened in Trinity Cathedral May 8, 1896, the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Henry Niles Pierce, reported the establishment in the Diocese of a branch of the Woman's Auxiliary to the Board of Missions, with Mrs. John Gass, Diocesan Secretary, under the direction of the general secretary, Miss Julia C. Emery, at the Church Missions House, New York, a woman whose inspiring zeal and wise administration have greatly stimulated the interest and enthusiasm of the Church in Arkansas on the subject of
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THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
domestic and foreign missions. Through the officers of the several branches she has transmitted much missionary litera- ture and statistics that have greatly enlarged the survey of missionary fields.
Mr. Gass was the first Rector to introduce a vested choir of boys. These were supported by a double quartette of adults. On Easter Day, April 14, 1895, with Mr. R. Jeffer- son Hall, as organist and choirmaster, the following members marched from the Vestryroom across the Chan- cel to the main aisle and from thence to the choir stalls in the south transept: 3 Henry Gass, Elbert Brack, Gott-
lieb Brack, Maurice Cowpland, Fletcher Kimball, Edwin Scott, Lovell Bay, Robert Johnson, Tim Allan Smith, Corydon Wassell, Cruger Smith, Jesse Dill, Mack Whiting, Charles Lawson, Will Skidmore, and Charles Polk. They took the front seats of the choir, those in the rear being already occupied by Mesdames Hall, Bailey, Cochran, Davis; Misses Field, Robbins, Lawson, Bell, Heath, Parham, Woodruff, Perry, Goodrich ; Messrs. C. P. Harnwell, Walter Polk, J. L. Hornibrook, Louis Dodge, Birkett, Leonard H. Camp. T. Mc K. White, Harry J. Hall, Dunaway, and Armistead, in all forty choir members. A brilliant programme of music was rendered.
The Easter offering for Church debt was $1,350, the Sunday School offering not included.
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THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS TOWARD THE PAY- MENT OF THE DEBT ON CHRIST CHURCH, LITTLE ROCK, ARK., 1896.
The Vestry of Christ Church, Little Rock, issue an annual statement of the Easter Offerings for the Church debt. The following sums were given on Easter, 1896:
When the whole debt shall have been paid, a statement will be printed showing the total amount received from each contributor toward the building of the Church and the pay- ment of the debt :
EASTER OFFERING, 1896.
Adams, Mr. John A. .$ 10.00
Adams, Mrs. Elvira
25.00
Adams, Mr. and Mrs. S. B.
Adams, Mr. C. S. 5.00
5.00
Adams, Mr. J. D.
5.00
Adamson, Mrs. J. S.
4.00
Augspath, Mrs.
4.00
Armistead, General H. B.
5.00
Alley, Fannie
25
Allen, Mrs. A. D.
5.00
Barclay, Mrs. Sue
1.50
Bond, Mr. J. B., Jr.
2.00
Boyle, Jno. F.
5.00
Brack, Mr. and Mrs. G. S.
20.00
Blocher, Mrs. Jesse
1.50
Buchard, Mr. Geo. F.
25.00
Bond, Mrs. S. P.
3.00
Blackwood, Mrs. J. W.
10.00
Braccy, Mr. J. M. 10.00
Bailey, Mr. N. Y.
5.00
Bateman, Mr. H. C.
5.00
Burkett, Mr. R. L.
1.00
Bentley, Mrs. E.
5.00
340
THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
Butler, Mr. C. M.
10.00
Bunch, Mr. T. H. 15.00
Brack, Miss Imogenc 2.00
Brack, Elbert O.
1.00
Brack, G. S., Jr.
1.00
Brack, Clifton L.
1.00
Brodie, Mr. John
10.00
Butler, Mr. Robt.
1.00
Bernays, Mr. Louis C.
2.00
Cantrell, Miss Bessie
5.00
Cantrell, Dr. G. M. D.
5.00
Cantrell, Mr. D. H.
5.00
Cantrell, Dr. W. A.
10.00
Carroll, Miss Fannie
5.00
Carroll, Miss Susie
5.00
Calef, Mr. J. B.
10.00
Carroll, Mr. Gray
10.00
Cunningham, Miss Kate
5.00
Churchill, Miss Juliette
1.00
Clements, Miss Jennie
15.00
Cochran, Mr. and Mrs. H. K.
20.00
Church, Mrs. P. K.
5.00
Coffman, Mr. C. T.
5.00
Compton, W. A.
10.00
Casper, J. E. L.
5.00
Cherry, Mr. and Mrs. L. W.
10.00
Crease, Miss A. S.
5.00
Cockrill, S. R. .
25.00
Curtis, Mr. Zay B.
2.00
Cowpland, Mr. J. B. Cohen, Mrs. C. S.
5.00
Carroll, Mrs. C. E.
2.00
Carroll, Mr. Casey
5.00
Cockrill, Mr. Ashley
5.00
Daughters of King
20.00
Daughters of King
30.62
Dibrell, Mrs. J. A.
10.00
Dunklin, Mrs. W. J.
3.00
25.00
THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH. 341
Deshon, Mrs. E. A.
3.00
Darragh, Captain T. J. 25.00
Denie, Mr. M. R.
2.50
Davis, Dorothy
1.00
Edwards, A. B.
5.00
Eberts, H. F. H.
10.00
Fox, Mrs. A. H.
5.00
Fox, Miss Gertie 2.00
Fowler, Chas. F.
10.00
Fletcher, Mr. F. M.
10.00
Fletcher, Mr. John G.
25.00
French, Mr. Ross
1.00
Galloway, Mr. D. F. S.
5.00
Goodwin, Mr. John W.
26.25
Gass, Rev. John
10.00
Gass, Mrs. John
5.00
Griffith, Mrs. S. L.
10.00
Goodrich, Colonel R. L.
25.00
Goodwin, Miss Bessie
5.00
Goodwin, John B.
5.00
Gress, Mrs. R. B.
10.00
Gress, Elizabeth
50
Hammond, Miss Alice
1.50
Hutt, Mrs. F. E.
5.00
Hutton, W. P.
2.50
Hennegin, Miss
5.00
Hempstead, Mr. Fay
5.00
Hollenberg, Mr. F. B. T.
10.00
Hunter, Mr. A. J.
5.00
Hodges, John
3.00
Harrington, Jas.
2.00
Harbey, Mr. J. E.
5.00
Hamilton, Robt.
2.50
Jenkins, Mr. W. E. 2.00
Jabine, Mrs. John
10.00
Johnson, M. H.
10.00
Jordan, Miss Matilda
5.00
Jennings, Dr. R. G.
10.00
23
342
THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
Johnston, A. H., and daughter
50
Johnson, T. T.
2.50
Johnson, Francis 5.00
Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. H. P.
15.00
Jennings, Dr. Ches.
5.00
Jones, Mr. H. C.
10.00
Kendrick, Mr. Jos.
15.00
Kramer, Miss Emma
15.00
Kramer, Fred, Jr.
5.00
Kramer, Mr. C. J.
10.00
Knights Templar
6.25
Kirkwood, Mr. John
5.00
Kirkwood, Mr. and Mrs. T. C.
3.00
Leslie, Mrs. A.
2.50
Lawson, Mrs. E. A.
5.00
Low, Mrs. Geo. J.
5.00
Leland, Mr. E. W.
10.00
Lee, Mrs. G. H.
10.00
Lange, Mrs. A.
3.00
Ladies' Aid
2.00
Lenow, Dr. J. H.
5.00
Ladies' Aid .
51.20
Lewis, Mrs. C. H.
2.00
Morye, Mr. C. T.
5.00
Mayer, Mr. Max
2.00
McKay, D. A.
5.00
Martin, Joe
1.00
Miller, Mrs. J. R.
25.00
Miller, Marguerite
25.00
Miller, Wiley B.
25.00
Miller, J. R.
25.00
Miller, Miss Rosa
10.00
Miller, Miss Amelia
15.00
Meshon, Mr. Jeff
5.00
Mitchell, Mr. John A.
25.00
Martin, Mrs. Fred.
5.00
Matthews, Mrs. L. B.
2.00
Morrison, Jennie
2.00
THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
343
Matthews, L. and E.
50
Morrison, Mr. H. W.
10.00
Martin, Mrs. R. W.
10.00
Miscellaneous cash
112.74
Neiley, J. B., and wife
5.00
Norton, S. A.
2.00
O'Connell, Miss Fannie
5.00
Perrie, C. T.
2.50
Powell, W. J.
2.50
Polk, Mrs. L. G.
5.00
Polk, R. J.
5.00
Polk, Eugene
5.00
Parkins, Mrs. S.
2.50
Pillow, R. J.
10.00
Pierce, Mrs. H. N.
5.00
Parham, Major R. H.
10.00
Paine, Mrs. Oscar
2.00
Pillow, Mrs. R. G.
2.50
Polk, R. W.
5.00
Penzel, Chas. F.
25.00
Peyton, Mrs. C.
5.00
Peay, G. N.
10.00
Peay, Mrs. J. C.
5.00
Rather, Mrs. H. C.
5.00
Rutland, Mr. and Mrs. A. A.
25.00
Rickon, F. J. H.
2.50
Reyburn, Sam
5.00
Ragland, Mr. W. H.
25.00
Read, Mrs. Julia
5.00
Scott, Miss Fannie
5.00
Speed, Mrs. J. S.
5.00
Sholars, Dr. A. B.
10.00
Smith, R. E.
2.00
Sayle, Mrs. C. H.
5.00
Southall, Dr. J. H.
10.00
Sannoner, J. H.
5.00
Spears, Miss Annie
2.00
Sannoner, Mrs. M. L.
1.00
344
THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
Skipwith, Mrs. K.
10.00
Sappington, Mrs. W. A. 10.00
Sundholm, Mr. Aug.
5.00
Sterling, Mrs. B. B.
2.00
Smothers, Mr. L. S.
1.00
Shall, Miss L. S.
25.00
Sheltz, Mrs. M. A.
.50
Thien, Mrs. C. E.
1.00
Taylor, Dr. C. M.
25.00
Tucker, Mrs. Jennie
2.50
Tunnah, J. K.
5.00
Van Etten, Mr. J. A.
25.00
Van Etten, Mrs. G. H.
20.00
White, Juliette B.
.35
Wing, Mrs. C. M.
5.00
Worthen, W. B.
50.00
Woodcock, F.
5.00
Wassell, Mr. A.
5.00
Whittemore, Mr. C. H.
10.00
Wright, Morehead .
5.00
Wright, Captain W. F.
10.00
Williams, Mr. Nal
5.00
Wassell, Herbert
10.00
Zimmerman, J. V., and wife
7.50
Total
.$1,778.16
A. D. 1897. Two years later Professor R. Jefferson Hall conducted the Easter Services, with the following sub- joined programme :
Easter Sunday services at Christ Church to-day will be inaugurated at 7 :30 a. m. with a celebration of the Holy Com- munion. There will be morning prayer with sermon and celebration at 11 a. m., Sunday School festival at 3 p. m., and evening prayer and song service at 8 p. m. The choir will be composed of the following singers :
Boys-John Gass, Jr., Henry Gass, Jack Mitchell,
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THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
Jamie Abbott, Thos. Howard, Hal Cochran, Oscar Schaad, Frank Mitchell, Sam Cochran, Randolph Newton, Clem Schaer, John Foulkes, Percy Skirving, Joe Kennedy, Allie Hemming, Gordon Blackwood, Gottlieb Brack, Chas. Lawson, Elbert Brack, Will Skidmore.
Men-Messrs. Robertson, Brantley, Waters, Berbig, Martin, Whiting, Schaer, Lescher, Wilson, McGee, Field, Hornibrook.
Ladies-Mrs. Hall, Misses Bell, Smith, Lawson, Ward, Johnson, Pickering, Carlisle, Deane, Freeman, Brack, and Mrs. McGee.
Mr. Gass was a pleasant speaker, and delivered some in- teresting lectures, representing the Association of Pastors of the several denominations in the city, and the Young Men's Christian Association.
One of his sermons that he deemed worthy of preserva- tion in the form of a small printed pamphlet is here inserted :
SERMON PREACHED BY REV. JOHN GASS IN CHRIST CHURCH, LITTLE ROCK, ARK., TRINITY SUNDAY, 1895.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit .- Matthew xxviii, 19.
To-day is Trinity Sunday. It is the completion of the
Christian year. All that has gone before looked forward to this truth; all that is to follow will be drawn from it. The one purpose of the life and work of Jesus Christ was to reveal, to make known the Father. Advent was the heralding of the cry, "Behold ! He cometh ;" Christmas was the incarnation of the Son of God. Then we beheld the life of the God-man in all its sympathy and helpfulness. Good Friday we saw the Lamb of God offering Himself for the sins of the world. Easter was His glorious victory over sin and death. Then
346
THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
Whitsunday was the giving of the Promise, the coming of the Spirit to guide us to God, to teach us the truth of God in Jesus Christ. So to-day we stand at the very height and limit of Christian knowledge-the Being of God ! The pur- pose of all Christian effort is to attain the vision of God, to be like God, so to-day we contemplate the end of our life-the
Being of God ! What a profound thought! When the Prophet Isaiah had the vision of the Lord, he said, "Woe is me ! for I am undone ; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts." When the beloved John beheld his ascended Lord in glory he fell at his feet as one dead. What shall we do ? Pray to the Holy Spirit to make pure our hearts that we may see God. Now, before going on, let me make a few remarks as helps and safeguards against error.
. (1.) The Trinity is not a doctrine about God that we must accept in order to be saved. It is not a theory about God that the Church or the clergy have formulated to force upon the laity. Sometimes I think persons in the pews think It is not necessary for salvation to accept any theory this.
of the Trinity. The Trinity is not a doctrine even that Jesus
The Trinity is a fact existing from all Christ taught.
eternity. So the Trinity is not a doctrine about God, but the revelation of the Being of God. (2.) The Trinity is not a problem in heavenly arithmetic. Daniel Webster was once asked if he could explain the Trinity. He replied : "How can you expect me to understand the arithmetic of heaven, where three are equal to one and one to three ?" The mathe- maties of heaven are the same as that of earth. The Trinity has not been revealed as a problem to worry, to puzzle us, and to make demands upon our credulity. (3.) The Trinity
is not irrational. It is not a doctrine we must accept in blind faith, feeling all the time a revolt and protest in our minds against it. If it is a question between our reason and any theory of the Trinity, then we had better give up the theory, because reason is the highest, divinest part of us, and to be untrue to it, is to be untrue to ourselves. But happily there
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THE ANNALS OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH.
is no such question. (4.) We must be humble. We are finite, God is infinite; we are limited, God is illimitable; we are sinful, God is holy. We cannot expect to know all of
God. We do not know about the eternal existence of God before time and creation and therefore cannot speculate about, or try to define it .* The Trinity is not a complete definition of God, it is the revelation of God to our finite understanding as He is to us. Let us be willing to confess, "now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face : now I know in part, but then I shall know even as also I have been known."
Now: (1.) We confess the unity of God. The Christian religion springs from the stock of the Jewish relig- ion. It changes none of the truths of that belief, but takes them up, brings them into clearer light and fulfills them. The Jews were witnesses in history to the oneness of God. Their first and greatest commandment was, "I am the Lord, thy God, thou shalt have none other Gods but Me." "Hear, O The New Testament never speaks of but one God.
Israel, the Lord thy God is one God." "One God and Father of us all." The unity of God is the very foundation of the Chris- tian religion. We confess the oneness of God as strongly as
any. We are unitarians not tritheists ; monotheists not poly- Now in the unity of the Godhead we say there are theists.
three Persons. The cause of all the confusion, debate and
schism has been the word, Person. I think it would be well to change the word and to substitute another in its place. The most orthodox of theologians, Calvin, once said the same. It is an indefinite word. It gives cause for misunderstanding. It does not mean the same thing in theology as in common speech and the people always give to its theological use their meaning. The early teachers of our religion, when they used the words "three persons," did not mean by the word
*We only know God as revealed to us in His relation to us. We cannot try to explain how God existed before this. There are certain statements that the Word or Jesus or the Son was before all things, was with God, was God-had the Glory of the Father before the world was-is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. John I, 1, 2; John XVII, 5: Col. I, 15. But from these we cannot con- struct any doctrine of the eternal Trinity before time.
"The name of the Holy Trinity expresses all that has been made known to us of the relation of the Godhead to ourselves as we are created, redeemed, sanctified.
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