The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 3

os Ctngelcs Daily CCtmes. DECEMBER 30, 1833a I things that I would," Is the weak con For centuries the thought of men has (CHURCH RECORD. OPENING SERVICES. for a mending. In face of such facts, how we need the prayer-text 'So teach us to number our days that we may get an heart of wisdom.

How we should be moved to the resolve that this one You might just as well try to blow around a weather vane as to help some people by pointing out the right way-. They At see it. Even if you rH ii ii ii 'Vvv prove to them that it's" the A ii easiest way, and the safest, JJ ii I Vi) in child should die, but a doctor comes along and changes the natural sequence, or, if you prefer the expression, dissociates effect from cause. If the human will can do this, what' cannot the divine will do? The objection that such a miracle as the vlrgin-blrth of our Lord would be a serious breach in the continuity of nature, is met when we show how science placidly accepts still greater breaches in that continuity. The Darwinian theory of evolution teaches that all life on this globe Is derived from a primordial life-cell; that is, that an animate thing issues forth from an Inanimate cell.

Is not this practically a greater breach of so-called continuity than to believe that a living child came forth from the womb of a living woman? Wo are Justified in replying to those who question the doctrine of the virgin-birth of our Lord, that their objections on the score of continuity, or to use their language, on the score of cause and effect, are objections which strike at the root of some of science's most valued dogmas and unreserved assertions. But we cafi go farther still, and show that at the beginning, the reproductive power was inherent in each separate sex, for the words are in Genesis: "whose seed is in itself." Eve was literally born of Adam, for in a deep sleep the separation of the one into the two sexes was consummated, and woman was born of man. If therefore life could at this period be transmitted There are millions of women who have seized on- Pearline's way of washing glad to save their labor, time, clothes, and money with it, Most women don't need much urging when they fully understand all the help that comes with Pearlme. oeen neia in inadequate, and wrong con ception of things, that there are two separate Kingdoms, the natural and the spiritual: they have come to look on nature as blind, inexorable, insensate, mangling and crushing all who fall across her path, and on the spiritual Kingdom as ruled by a weak and slum brous God, who must be agonizingly entreated. But when we read the story of creation aright, in spite of the misery that runs like a crimson thread through it all, it is God's love story, for the idea of creation itself is the spirit of love and sacrifice.

We see that creation was possible only through the Christ, or the spirit of the finite universe is the stooping or the Infinite will to endless self-sac' riflce. The unchangeableness, the rigidity of natural law seems to an tagonlze this idea, but it is the sign of love's constancy and stability, and by It the life and very existence of the universe Is made possible. This changelessness of nature that never falls is the marvelous witness that God will keep His troth with the world. Perhaps nowhere In nature, does the spirit of Christ manifest K'elf, as it does In the evolution of thlHgs; to His spirit is due whatever unfolding there is, either in nature or in humanity. The higher is constantly bending to take the lower ud to itself.

By giving of mind and strength, the average of numanity constantly raised, and everywhere through self-limitation and sacrifice, all things move on to perreC' tlon. Apart from it we are nothing. and can do It is only as the strong sacrifice themselves to the weak that creation is lifted up' toward the Creator. Selfishness is the Satan of the world. The mpther love that pervades the universe is one "of the highest man ifestations of Christ.

Scientifically, love is life, and there can be no life without it. Nearly all the music of the world is love music, and nearly all the foods are love foods, brought for ward and stored away for something besides self. A sermon on, the question, "Was the Crucifixion of Christ a Loss to Human' lty?" was delivered by the pastor, J. Thomson, from the text, "Therefore doth My Father love Me. because I lav down My life that I might take it again." John 17.

Christ assumed the functions of the Messlahshlp in Us moral and spiritual aspects, and He frequently requested His disciples and Others to keep it a secret that He was the Messiah: He evidently did this to avoid persecution and death at the hands of the ties. If the chief purpose of His incar nation were to die to calm the passions of an enraged Deity, why did He use such caution? If He came to" die, He should have courted the means of death. Even as an Infant He fled from Herod's sword into Egypt, when He could have died. After John had been Imprisoned, Christ wisely left the re gion or persecution: when the mad bigots in Nazareth attempted to kill Him, He escaped. When the Jews took up stones to kill Him, because He told them that He was older than Abraham, "Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple." He told the Jews that He was the on of God; and, "therefore, they sought again to take Him, but He escaped out of their hands." Why did He escape so often out of the hands of His enemies, if His.

chief purpose in coming into this life were to die? He certainly did not insist upon being murdered ior any Body's sins, when He saw the storm of persecution gath erlng, and when He realized that He would be betrayed and that an attempt would be made to arrest Him, He took measures to protect Himself. He ordered His disciples to buy swords, He selected a secluded garden, He ap pointed a watcn to guard the approaches to the garden. He prayed most intensely that the cup of death might be. removed romi Him, He' i strove. keep His disciples awaJoeteguard the garden.

Tne disciples fell asleep In spite of His requests and efforts to make them watch the place. The offl cers discovered His hiding place. Then the disciples awoke, arid some of them asked Him if they would smite with the sword, and they did smite Malchus, according to tne command or Christ, He saw that It was useless to resist the officers, and then, He ordered His disciples to put up their swords Surely, this shows that Christ did not wish to be killed. If His death were the Important thing which some Chris tians claim it is, if it were God's will that Christ should be murdered, and If Christ came to do God's will, why oio tie pray and strive to save His life, Christ considered His death a misfor tune, and strove to avoid it. He was a victim, because He was forced to die.

All this shows that Christ had no mor bid desire for death. He was sane and natural. He loved life, and was won derfully qualified to enjoy nature, friends and His glorious mission. He died for truth, Justice and love. He faced all penalties for this trinity.

He laid down His life that He might take it again. He sacrifled the lower for the lji jher life. Had He lived to be an old man, like Moses, He could have made old age a revelation, and His resurrection after death could also have been accomplished. God never, made any human being to die in youth or middle age. Ignorance, sin and disease kill people before their time.

It Is Christ's divine life and holy gospel that save us His consecrated life, which was his blood, is our light, truth and way; and His gospel is our guidebook to the kingdom of the heavens. His death was but a part of His divine life, and it is an inspiration to us to suffer and die for truth, Justice and love; but it Is no coward's castle, no refuge from the penalties of following Him and suffering with Him. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL. By far the largest congregation filled the audience-room of this church yesterday of any ordinary service in Its history. The recent addition of grill work over the arches has materially lessened the defects In the acoustics, and the voice of the speaker was heard without difficulty by all in the room.

The decorations evidenced the. same artistic hand that supervises this part of the service, and the music was exceptionally good, especially the solo by Miss Pieper. The theme chosen by Dr. W. F.

Day, "A Wise Use of Life," was based' upon the words found in Psalm xc, 12: "So teach us to-number' our days, that we may apply our 'hearts unto wisdom." Said the speaker. Like a cloud on the wings of the wind. another year has almost gone, and we have been borne upon wings with it The text fits the hour; It is both a prayer and the expression of a purpose, and the thought of the morning, the vital test- of our life, of its value and honor, Is In the use which Is made of life. Mere human existence is a very momentous affair. To bear within one's self a distinct individuality, equipped with the usual capabilities of a human person, is to be one of the facts which eternity will not fade out But mo mentous as is a divinely-endowed soul.

what most concentrates the attention of the 'Almighty is the use a man makes of himself. The true estimate of ourselves, of the years as a whole. Is measured by What the pleasant and painful of these twelve months have served; has it been a wise use? a worthy use? the reasonably best use? such a use as God and men had a right to look for? "We have only one life to Use. That Is a thought hoary with age. Yet in the old lies a new thought new to each soul that hears It Only once do we pass this way; of all possible casts of character, or uses oX life samples of a human being only one will finally be ours.

To hat one name; one character, we snail answer loreverj And that character, that career, that direction must be made as we go along. Tomor row nil never turn back to yesterday ression of the victim of feeling. "I can do all things through Christ, which strenathenoth me." is the sublime cou rage and boundless confidence of the redeemed apostle. Wisdom la not Information. It Is not strength of memory nor power of in tellect It la a quality of heart rather than of head, combining earnestness and love.

It means a heart that pon ders the problems of human life in or der to live it best, and to leave it with least regret. The grace of God upon the child Jesus Is shown In that He, though free and Lord of all. lived the simple life of Joseph and Mary of thus forever sanctifying life's duties, however humble. His example should be our guide, leading us to the same mind Which was In Him who Is head over au, PARK CONGREGATIONAL. The Christmas praise aervlce held last evening at the Park Congregational Church, under the directorship of Rob ert P.

Skllllng. was listened to by a large and appreciative audience. The anthems. "Prlnoa of Peace." and "An gel's Message," rendered by the chorus choir, were both well received. The solos and duets by Misses W1I llams and Oilman deserve particular mention; especially the soprano solo, "The Holy City." by Miss Williams.

The flute solo by Mr. Harris was well appreciated, and deservedly so. The programme Included: Hymn by the con gregation; prayer, Rev. Thomas Hen dry; duet, "Love Divine," Misses Wll llams and Gilman; anthem, "The Prince of Peace," choir; solo, "Forever With the Lord," Mr. Harrison; address by the pastor; hymn, congregation; solo, Miss Abby Gilman; scripture reading, pastor; anthem, "The Angel's Message," choir; flute solo, M.

M. Harris; solo, "The Holy City," 'Miss Josle Williams. FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Rev. -A.

C. Smlther, pastor of this church preached last night to a good audience from the text, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior who Is Christ, the Lord." Apropos to this season of the year, said the speaker. I desire to em phasize some of the truths of this text. which were tidings of great joy to all tne world. This text states, first, the human nature of Christ who is declared to have been born Into the world, and, there- rore, was conversant with all the ex periences of human life.

This hap pened in the time of the world greatest need, when the conditions of hu man life were most deplorable. The world's cry of anguish was heard and heeded. Then He came when all the preparations of history had conspired to have tho world ready for His advent and mission among men. He came at the right place, at the spot of the world from which the glad tidings of His ministry would radiate In all directions. Then the conditions, under which he lived were such as to endear Him to the poor, meek, humble tollers of earth.

In the humility of His earthly life Is found the source of much of His power in His earthly career. This scripture also sets forth His historic nature, proving His relation to the plans and purposes of God; that He was the long-expected Messiah of the Jews, whom they expected to establish the throne of David again. Time was weaving the gorgeous fabric of history and preparing a theater for the work and activity of the Messiah of the Jews: For, nearly four thousand years prophecy had pointed to His Coming, setting forth the time, place and condition of His earth life. The law of Moses In its various types and shadows adumbrated his coming, for this series of legal requirements Lwere but a schoolmaster preparing the woria ior tjnnst. History, too, was setting mankind in readiness for His great work.

So the advent of Christ was not an after thought of God, but was in accordance with an eternal purpose of God in Christ Jesus, and was In response to a long line of expectations engendered by the revelations of God. Though Jesus came to the Jews as their Messiah, because His conditions did not coincide with their expectations, He was rejected, and they are today seeking a Messiah who will never Furthermore, there is found In this passage the divine nature of Christ. He was the Lord Savior, that while He took part in human nature. He was also divine; was God manifest in the flesh. The proofs of this were found in His character, In His teaching, in His influence for rightenous-ness, in the tremendous forces for good generated by His' life, and in the miraculous powers with which He was endowed.

And in the fact of the union in Christ of. the human and the divine Is found the grandest truth of all human history. No such striking tribute to the worth of man was ever paid as that found in the Incarnation of the Son of God. In Christ man is revealed as a creature of transcendent powers and possibilities. This truth of Christ's incarnation is the inspiring fact of human history, for by It heaven and earth stand pledged to bless and deliver man from evil.

For the divine and powerful Christ Is the friend of the poor, weak and erring race. The saving nature of Christ is also announced in this glad message. He was said to be the Savior, the world's great deliverer, the Joshua who should lead men into the Canaan of freedom from sin and its penalty. In the atonement of Christ for the sins of the world there is a truth too deep for the comprehension and explanation of man, for the finite can never measure the infinite. But there are phases of the atoning work of Christ that came within the horizon of throught He saves men from sinning by the holy and spotless life that he led among men, and by the good Influences He set In motion.

He also saves men from the result and penalty of sin, for victory over death and the glorious Tact of the Christian's immortality are attainable only through the Christ. What a glorious fourfold Christ the world has! How beautiful In character! How spotless in life! How powerful a force for righteousness! It is no small wonder that the Christian world annually commemorates His nativity, and that numberless generations of men bow in adoration before Him. FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL. In the evening Rev. Dr.

John A. B. Wilson preached from Matthew 11, 2: "For we have seen His star in the east. and have come hither to worship Him." Seven hundred and fifty years of Roman civilization and conquest had brought almost the whole world under its dominion: Now war was over; the temple of Janus was closed in token of universal peace. The knowledge, more or less accurate, of the Jewish scrip tures had spread over the earth.

There was a universal expectation or a great king from the east In ttv far east were magi, wise men who gave their lives to the study of science and religion. Men who were astronomers, and following and using all the light they had, were astrologers as well. They were the counselors of kings. Herodotus speaks of them as a priestly class among the Medes, and as Interpreters of dreams: men of rank, wealth and learning. Daniel was made the chief among them in Babylon, and doubtless it was from him that their first knowledge was derived of the Messiah, and the expectation concerning Him, and through them and their disciples, as well a3 from the Jews traveling and settling everywhere, this knowledge grew and extended, spreading over all the east For this information we are not dependent wholly upon Christian writings or traditions.

The Roman historians Tacitus and Suetonius tell us. sixty or seventy years later, that this expec-tatlon had been for long time widely diffused through the world. Every- where In the east men were looking for the advent of a great king, who should rise from among the Jews. Even in far-off exclusive China there was a vivid expectation of the Messiah, the great saint whom Confucius, five hundred years before, had said was to appear In the west; so fully sensible were they not only of the place of His birth, but of the time of His coming, that sixty years after the advent, weary of waiting for Him to look for them, they sent their own envoys to look for Him. and to hall the expected Redeemer, and to bring Him or the knowledge of Hlra to their country.

The ambassadors, on their Journey encountering the missionaries of Buddhism coming from India, announcing an incarnation, they mistook them for disciples of the true Christ whom they were seeking, and were taken back with them and presented as such to their countrymen, and thus was Bud dhism introduced into China, Jesus was born in a civilized, skepti cal, literary age, not in a time of darkness intellectually. Cicero, Virgil and Horace all died a few years before. The country, also, where these events occurred was the great from west to east, bordered by Greek civili zation on the north and Alexandrian civilization on the south. It was not an age favorable for myths tp spring up or to mature. Now, to these eastern astronomers.

given to devout and reverential study, having already, for some reason now unknown, accorded to the Jewish people and their country the patronage of the constellation Pisces, regarding everything occurring In that constellation as significant to that nation, and regarding them as especially under the peculiar and astrological Influence of this constellation; please remember this In connection with what They came to Palestine saying, "We nave seen His star in the East end are come hither to worship Him." That is, while we were yet in the east we saw His star in the west. Was It a meteor, a miraculous star. a special creation for the purpose to guide them to the Infant Savior? You are doubtless familiar with all these theories, but could never reconcile them with the disappearance of the star and its appearing again when they went out from their audience with Herod. But there is another theory which meets the conditions at more points than any other, and disappoints us at none. We learn from astronomical calcu lations that a remarkable conjunction or tne planets or our system about the time of the birth of Christ took place.

In December, 1604, the great astronomer Keplar saw a strange sla-ht in thp heavens, a sight which, repeated two or tnree times in a few months, occurs but once in 800 years. It was the con junction of the bright planets, Jupiter and Saturn, close together at one point in the heavens. Five months later, in the following May, the wonder was-repeated In a more marvelous manner. Mars Joined with Jupiter and Saturn, a fiery trigon in the constellation of Pisces. The attention of the whole astronomical world was called to the spectacle.

These unusual occurrences led Prof. Keplar, who was as religious as he was scientific, to think that they might help to explain tne strange star which the wise men saw In the east The conjunc tion could occur but once In 800 years. Take twice that number, and It would bring us to within a year or two of Christ's birth, the exact date of which Is unknown. Several great astronomers since Keplar's day have made the same calculations and reached the same result, and it now rests on assured grounds that about the time of Christ's birth, the exact date of which Is un known, in the month of May, occurred this conjunction of Saturn and Juoiter rising three hours before sunrise, and tnereiore seen in tne east Suppose these wise men of Persia seeing tn their clear skies this wonderful night, had started on thelr Journey about the end of May. It, as one has said, would have required seven months to reach Jerusalem.

The planets were observed to separate slowly until the last July. when they again drew together and were in conjunction In September when the magi would nave come to the border of the desert And Jupiter being at that time at his nearest approach to both sun and earth, would present a most magnificent appearance, and so continuing several days. when the planets would again seem to approach each other and the conjunc tion would be complete just, at the time when, in December, the magi en tered Jerusalem, and If they went to Bethlehem at night, as Is implied, then, nair an nour arter sunset the two planets might be seen hanging over Bethlehem in the distance, their lights blending In one gorgeous appearance of a most wonderfully brilliant star. The star would cause them to think of Messiah, because discovered in a line wltn tne constellation Pisces, the accorded patrons of the Jews and Juda. Particular condition of star wora then regarded as signs of great events.

They kne7 of the daily expectation cf A Word Luse of priceless being, place, opportun lty and aoiiity should oe wortn tne while of a human soul! "A wise use of life what Is It but a harmonious arrangement and direction, the Judicious leading to the Joyful; tho sensible leading to the successful. It takes Into account all of the rela tions, the purposes of life, God and man, time and eternity. It affects not only a man's acts hot the man himself. The consciousness of right-doing, which goes with a right using of life makes it worth living, the benediction of the Master and the blessing of men rest upon it. A wrong use of life which is a wrong life is constantly running against itself, bringing loss, unrest, dissatisfaction to itself and to others.

On lines of eternal law. not to look higher. a wise use of life is the only philosophi cal use of life, and the way to the most satisfying experiences, which leave neither sting nor stain. "Great men speak so that centuries shall hear; but the thowrht of the lit tle men and women accomplish that wnicn makes the centuries feel. The world, indeed, moves under the leadership of great men, but the weight of' the world's movements is the weight of the common people.

"The unwise use of eminent lives is to be feared, but not until the mass of little lives take up and transmit the pernicious sentiment; the moral poison, does the commonwealth become sickly and weak. "Life is a' trust; its. use Is a trust. Let no one lightly undertake tho direction of his own measureless life alone, When the Infinite made man He came down and stood by his side; when He redeemed him, he was made in all points like unto him, that he might become the captain of his salvation. "The urgency of a wise use of life grows upon us when we recall how much may spring from a single life.

The great epoches, the coming in of the great liberties or despotisms, the founding of the great schools, the great movements of civilization, its enterprises and institutions, the birth of the great denominations, the promulgation of the great errors, the opening of the great moral wastes, the great redemptions which have marked the historic periods, have, at some essential point, turned upon the thought, will, courage or deed of some one person. Others have participated, helped to furnish the conditions, been the heralds or agents; but the movement, the birth, waited till that person issued the command, struck the blow, or flashed the light "The movement may have been in the air, others may have made it possible, but not until some one man touched the central chord, did the Impending become the prevailing." AMERICAN BAPTIST. Rev. W. W.

Tinker preached yester day morning and evening to large con gregations, xne subject In the morning was "Mile-stones in Life," and was based on the text in the ninetieth Psalm, "So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Special mention was made of this season of the year as a time for contemolatlon nrif now to- solves. The speaker urged all to watchfulness in view of the tremendous import of the times in which we live. The iorces at worn today are gigantic in their possibilities either for good or for evil. Make the best use of them At such times as these men should take opportunities to be alone with themselves and scrutinize their inner consciousness. Mark the progress In Chrlstliness.

Are we better today than last year, not on the- outside, but inside. Do we act from hiarher mntlvea than formerly? The index of our lives Is Inside. Oten to God and tn nnraoliraa The world Judges iis by effects; God juurcs us Dy motives, our mission. In this world is to be, rather than to do. The glorious effects of redemption are within.

We should work out the that is in us, working 'out our own salvation with the co-operation and assistance of God. This is indeed a time tor memory and for tears." T.ot us get alone with ourselves and in this holy communion, In the light of God's truth, study to know ST. JOHN'S. morninur Rev: rt to Tayler preached to a large consrega-tion whioh crowded St John's Church to its untmost capacity, from St. Mat- xnew zu: "The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, thou son of David, fear nnfc tn take unto thee Mary, thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost" The Christmas season is more valuable to us on account of the church's teaching of the incarnation than, because of the amusement and merry-making of the day.

Chris tian parents make a sad mistake In dethroning Christ and enthroning Santa Claus; for when the child is old enough to see through the Santa Cla.ua myth, whait will Christmas mean more to it than' the Fourth of July, or any otner puonc nouaay 'line question Is often asked. How could a child be born of a virgin? How couia tne natural laws or human generation be sett aside? The attempt to explain by saying that the word virgin might mean simply a youne -wo man, was thoroughly dishonest, because, although In some classical writers the word has yet in view or tne context in this instance it can only have that meaning which we ordinarily accord to the word. When the blessed Virgin Mary objected to the divine messenger Gabriel, that his message could not possibly be true, seeing that she "knew not a his reply was: "The Holy Ghost shall come uyen thee, and the power of Highest shall overshadow thee: there fore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son or God." It is thoroughly dis honest in face of this to assume that the word virgin means simply a young woman. For us the records of Holy Scritrture and the unbroken testimony of the noiy catnouc Church are sufficient, but there are many people who wodld like to learn something more cf the virgin-birth of our Lord, something which would deal with the subject more from a rationalistic standpoint They speak of the inviolability of the laws or nature, ana the distinct con nection between cause and effect, and they ask us to explain our- position from these standpoints. Scientifically speaking, there Is no such thing as cause and effect; what we do know about Is antecedent and consequent.

Many things which are spoken of as cause and effect are simply a sequence or events, watcn a piece of steel as It follows in the wake of a magnet The unconscious steel follows the uncon scious magnet That Is not cause and effect for there many unobserved Working intermediaries between one and the other; The laws of nature can not execute themselves, any more than the laws or tne land can execute a murderer; it requires the lnterposinc will of the State to execute the law. In the same way it requires the omni potent will of God to execute tin r.at- ural laws as we call them. That will is the one great cause. The manifold motions of things animate and inanimate are simply observed sequences, which Invisibly follow His eternal will and purpose. It stands to reason, there- lore, ina: as win can change, alter, manipulate these sequences as seems best It Is not violating natural laws; it is merely setting them aside for a.

distinct and definite We must not say that this cannot be done, for we do It Jn a lesser degree ourselves. The law of gravitation hplds everything to earth; but we suspend that law every time we a to float la the skies in defiance of gravitation A child annxs poison; oy toe law ci nature the PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DEDICATION ON BOYLE HEIGHTS- Chrlrt Is the Spirit of Lot mad 8eU-aacrIflce Milestones In I4fe. Immaculate Conception of Jeaua Christ Was the Crucifixion of Chrlat a Lom to Humanity V' The Significance of Chrlat'a Life A Fourfold Chrlat Wlae Uae of. Life Financial Condition of Slmpaon Tabernacle. Bpyte Heights Presbyterian Church was opened yesterday by solemn and appropriate services in the morning, afternoon and evening, a number of prominent clergymen and college men being present The new church Is built onto the bid one, which is separated from It by sliding oaken panels, and used for a Sunday-school and class-rooms.

In the new -building the upper story is fitted up with reception-rooms, and the entire building Is handsome and commodious. total cost of the new building, including the furnishing and the repairs upon Itie old church addition, is J9000, and the expenditure up to date amounts to $5877. There is a subscription, of $1000, which will be paid In soqn, and the debt of, the church will then amount to only $2500, which the members hope to be able to clear off without much trouble. The entire community has helped to ereot the new church, even the. children taking a hand, and many outsiders contributing generously.

The church proper is fitted up in excellent taste, the rich stained-glass windows giving Just the needed touch of warm color to the gray of the rough plastering and the light brown of the woodwork. The pulpit of carved oak stands on a platform in one corner, Just in front of the raised enclosure for the organ and the choir, which Is curtained with deep red. Below the pulpit is the communion table of polished oak, and all-the pews are of the same wood, beautifully finished, and arranged in a semi-circle, that all may face the pulpit corner. The floor is caipeieu wim a. suit, mien carpet In fawn and brown, which hushes all sound "and finishes very effectively the color scheme of the in- 4C1 iUl.

For the opening services yesterday. iha rhurrth urna onav tl alUa ropes of smllax, softening every out- uue.ui uuof aaa winaow, wnue tne broad fans of the palm and graceful flnlkea rif tha data main cttanflva masses of dark-green against the gray yiuBier, me wnoie Deing ugntenea wltn the. feathery tassels of the papyrus and thfr alnr trnoorv rtf tVio nHlmoaa Kam. boo; On the polished communion table wus a great Drown Dowt or exquisite creamy roses, and carnations nodded their brlarht heafla pvsronihoro The church was filled to the doors at an inree or tne services yesterday. In the morning, the opening prayer was made hv Prpnfrient V.

TU College, who also read the ju ui, icbsuii irom scrip cure, tne second also of the faculty of Occidental Col lege. A baptismal service followed, wmcn was oeautirui and unique in character. The two. Infants presented at the font were the children of Prof. Condlt and of Rev.

W. S. Young, the pastor or. tne new Tne service was opened with a statement by Rev. TT CarrKav nt Una rlnnfplwA baptism, and then Mr.

Young baptized .3 I- I jt. (coiuu vunuit 0 viiiiu, aio own ueing In turn baptized by Dr. Condlt' Dr. Carrier then tniii tho honfiimai prayer, merging it into the prayer of iAiuocut)uuu iw inn new cnurcn, and afterwards preached an eloquent scholarly sermon, full of glowing imagery and apt illustration, from Isaiah lx, 13. "The glory of Lebanon come unto thee; fir tree, pine and box together to beautify tha place of-My sanctuary, and jk win mano i nc piace 01 w.y leet glorious." The closing prayer was offered by M.

Newell. The HPfnnVl sptvIpo una a at 9 oj Hiv jv. lit. aim was opened with prayer by Rev. D.

Colmery, the scripture lessons being Tead by Mr. Lewis. The sermon was preacnea oy ev. jjr. Fire, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Pasadena, from Exodus, xiv, 15.

"The Lord said unto Moses: Wherefore crlest thou unto Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward." Dr. Fife's sermnn na n. aMwln annual --'r "iijvui tvj indifferent or Indolent church members iu ieaa a neaitny, vigorous Christian life, working as well as praying, and fulfilling the mission intended for the followers, of Christ- Rev. Mr. Dodds closed with prayer and gave the benediction.

The music by the choir throughout the services was exceptionally good, and the church una uccu uiuat iavo.ra.Diy started on its career of usefulness. Tht PVPnlnp- earvlnoa n.am by Dr. Chichester of Immanuel Pres- ujr uei mu tjaurcn. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN. There was not a vacant seat at the First Presbyterian Church yesterday The services are being held, until the completion of the church, in the Sunday-school room, which is most attractive with its tinting of sky-blue, pretty windows and woodwork of white, picked out in gold.

The quartette, consisting of Mrs. Burdette, Miss Stoneman and Messrs. Morrison and Zlnch, with Rogers at the organ, rendered very delightful music, the offertory being1 especially fine. The pastor, Rev. Burt Estes Howard, preached from the text taken from Ephelans 19 Colossians 1, 16, 17: Th sum of all things is in Christ of all things in heaven and on the earth; Jn Him all things are created, through Him and unto Him." Mr.

Howard said in substance: The apostle seems to struggle against the poverty of words to express the revelation of God in Christ but in every phrase there is a philosophy, and in every word the germ of a mighty truth. There is one thing more apparent than all else in these verses, the Idea that Christ sustains the most vital relation with all else. The apostle makes the sweeping statement that Christ is the principle that brought the universe into being, maintains it and carries it to its perfection. To the great majority of us, Christ means no more than that life pressed into the years between the cradle at Bethlehem and the grim cross on Calvary, which was but an Incident in the life which has existed through all eternity. The Christ is the spirit of love and sacrifice which has existed from all eternity in the heart of God.

that love which reached rts highest manifestation in the sacrifice of Jesus of Nazareth. The real Christ is that of which the love and life and death of Jesus was but a manifestation. Paul's own conception of Christ was 'far larger than the manifestation of Christ in Jesus; he regarded Christ as the eternal spirit of sacrifice on which the creation, preservation and perfection of all things rest The same energy working on different objects and conditions produces such different results that they would aeem moved by different energies. So the power of Christ produces different result upon different object. and cheaoest.

thev won walk 1 4 it. But this isn't so with all. It's only a few, comparatively. We're not complaining. a great delivering king to arise In and what 'could they do In sucli a combination of circumstances but connect this extraordinary appearance with that exception.

Without any special revelation, real or suppo-tel, as serious, thinkers they would have reasoned it out. In any event the star was God's guide to these eastern Inquirers, anl the serious seeker after the truth Is never left without a guide. "The secret of the-Lord is with them that fear Him and He will show them His covenant" This is the story of the star. Among Its teachings, there is an east to the life of every man In which this star appears. There comes Into the life of every one a conjunction of three mighty luminaries, the revealed word of God, the servings of the Holy Spirit and tha workings of an awakened conscience.

A second ray is discovered. Whn fha star is recognized it Is the pearl of true wisdom to follow where it leads. Many hear the word, but few receive ft Pilate saw the star, but did not follow Its light Felix saw It, but rejected its illumination. Paul both saw and followed the heavenly beacon. If rejected the conditions of guidance fall and the conjunctive planets separate.

A 'P The terminus of the guiding- star Is to the acceptance and worship of the Christ It does not lead to a creed, but to the Christ; not to a picture, but to a person; not to an experiment, but to an experience; not.to a theory of science, but to the salvation of the soul. PACIFIC GOSPEL UNION. Ma J. Joseph Hardie of Alabama gave a stirring address last evening. Misa Lewis presided at the piano, and Mr.

Sweeny sang a gospel hymn as a solo. Maj. Hardie spoke from the words: "Prepare to meet thy God." Many things we may shun, escape, but, we must meet God, either in judgment or in grace. And we cannot stand before Him unless we take up our errors and follow Jesus, and deny self. Many manifested an interest in their soul's salvation.

HESS AGES FROM SPOOKDOK. Edward K. Earle Calls Off Tips from Hli Special Wire. Edward K. Earle, who announce himself to a considerably errauled public as "the world's greatest Independent slate-writer and test medium," held forth in the Los Angeles Theater to a ten-cents-a-head audience last evening.

songs, Mr. Earle knuckled down tn business and trotted out spirits till you couldn't rest. He went back on his public promises to a certain extent, in that he did not write any golden-shore correspondence on a slate. Nor was the promise made good made to the, dear people that he would prove "beyond a doubt that the so-called di act do live." The whole performance was done under a very glaring dome light, and In a thoroughly glaring manner. "I get the name William from the spirit world," said the man who receives special correspondence from the golden shore.

"Does any one recognize the The response waa instantaneous from all parts tf the house. "I know him." "He's my poor departed husband." "What does my little Willie say?" Three people knew William, Bill or Willie, and Mr. Earle picked out one of them and gave ber a "He says that you're not to worry, ana that if you will keep right on doing as you have been doing, you can't go very far wrong and you'll be all right; yes, you will be all right that's what the spirit says to me and you'll meet WilliamOh, It's Willie is it well, you'll meet Willie in the spirit land If you will only have faith in this irrand spir itual belief." "The names Mary and John come to me," said Mr. Earle. Several peoola evinced a desire to hear where Mary ana jonn naa pitched their tent sinco leaving tflils vale of tears, but tha earthly agent of spooks refrained' from disclosing where they were "at," simply giving their postofflce address as the "spirit world." Mary and John talked to some people through Mr.

iuane just aoout the same as little Willie had. Mr. Earle told several persons from Washington, Oregon and Montana all about shares they had In mines, and trips they contemplated to different places. The really remarkable thin about this Is the fact that Mr. Earle used to live in the northwest corner ef the Union himself, and not only knows many people, but is known bv the same large number there.

It was a startling performance all inrougn. and illustrated several things not comolimentarv tn tha rwvnnia nrhA-. P. T. Bamunr.

took special pains to amuse. Several people with peculiar and unusual names, such as Robert. John, James. Thomas, Elizabeth, Sarah. Hat-tie and Susan were recognized by-many persons in the audience, but it was not told what jobs, if any, they were holding down on the pearly strand.

vi S. Broadway. through one parent, Adam, it is not unreasonable to suppose that when the Divine Being willed It, life was again transmuted through one parent tne Virgin Mary. In the world of nature we see trees and plants which refuse to propagate unless fecundated by the same species, and we see, on tne otner band, trees and plants bearing fruit solitary and alone, free from all such fecundating influences. The reason is obvious.

In one place the tree or plant has obeyed the law of development. and has become two sexes; in the other case it still retains its propagating power; "its seed is in Itseir." virgm-blrth, or as it Is scientifically called, parthenogenesis, among the lower species of animal life, la not unknown. Everyone who has studied the habits of bees knows that the working bee has no father, that it is the product of 'the female bee only. The great German scientists, Haeckel and welssiman, admit that the phenomenon of virgin-births are lncontestably proven In the animal kinsrdom. Is It then unreason able to suppose 'that in spite or an this, the virgin-birth of our Lord was an Impossibility? Nay, when It came to bringing Into the world His only begotten Son, is it not reasonable to suppose that this is tne very manner the Divine Will would have chosen? When, therefore, the church utters In the Nicene creed, the words that Jesus Christ was "incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary," we humbly and reverenttly bow our heads in loving admission of His immaculate conception In the womb of the ever-blessed Virgin.

SIMPSON TABERNACLE. Most gladly did the congregation wel come back Dr. C. C. McLean, knowing that he had fully accomplished the work he went East to perform.

He took his text, Corinthians 11, vii, 14-16. These words portray a sublime deity. Paul heart rejoiceth because the Corinthians had confidence in him. he found none among them who were curious of his success; those generally who are envious of others, and those who want something without earning It. "I believe you have as much love for me as your pastor as had the Corin thians for Paul and his worK.

mey were persuaded that he gloried only In the cross of-Christ; there was no self-glory in his rejoicing in It. In addressing this people no wonder that he could say "I can speak to you in great So I 'can; sayl have- great freedom and confidence in speaking to you; and now that there is certain suc cess before us I say certain success, for I take it that you are ready and willintr to stand with that earnestness and energy you have done In the past, ambitious to achieve only ror tne glory of God. So area was their confidence in Paul and his work, that they Were ready and united for the great work and the' great purpose he was working to accomplish. They were ready with their means to aid the gospel, as they were willing to do with (heir hands and hearts. Paul standine before that Corinthian congregation, enjoying their confidence, could say to them, 'As you have freely received, freely We say no more to you and can ask- no less you have been liberal during' my After the sermon the pastor laid be fore, the congregation the financial plans amd obligations of the church, and said he only asked them to be as liberal and loyal in the future as they had been in the past i Bishop Goodsell had spoken in high terms for the worthiness of our cause, which much helped us.

After the decision was made to grant the loan. many of the members of the extension board saiid to- Dr. McLean. "Do you know what this means to us? Our of ficial heads, if this claim is not met by your people." Dr. McLean spoke of the great liber ality end Christian chs.rity of Hon.

L. W. Brotherton, In making such liberal donations to Simpson Church, and making'it possible, bv donating of his claim of $3948 for us to readjust our indebtedness In so favorable a manner. The following is the financial statement of Simpson Church for January 1, 1896: Due Hon. L.

W. Due University 3,700.00 Due Church Extension So ciety t. $33,432.30 7,649.00 By New mortgage to be $25,783.30 To reduce this there is available on subscription, $6000. Interest annually on old in debtedness $2851.84 On new mortgage. $1380.00 Saving $1471.84 FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN.

The sermon yesterday morning was preached by the Rev. J. W. Ball, from the text St. Luke ii40: And the child grew and waxed stronr In spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him." Allusion was made to the recent Christmas festival, in which the birth of the Savior was commemorated.

The pastor said- In substance: We have heard the Joyful message: the Word was made flesh and dwelt am on ns. The significance of that lire is not exhausted by saying that He was a perfect man, or a pattern man wire irom heaven to teach men the example of a perfect life. Perfection that is merel yhuman possesses not the attractions exerted upon us oy tne ton or Man. Rather tt repels. But in Jesus the divine and human blend in mysterious union.

Yet while there is Him the divine, which is unchangeable, there Is also, the human, which is subject to the laws of human growth. Thus, while we adore Him as God, the developing human nature brings Him close to us and helps us to realize that He is capable of succoring them that -are tempted. The speaker dwelt upon the Lord's growth in strength, in wisdom and In grace. He said that it Is a precious truth that our Lord thus honored human childhood and home. Happy that rnild that is permitted to be a child while childhood lasts.

The life of today Is lived under hig-h pressure. We demand results too soon. Our unnatural stimulus provokes a culture that exisis on the surface, but too frequently lacks real depth. We should measurestrength of character not by the feelings which overcome us. but by the feelings which we overcome.

Spiritual strength is gained by exercise. "I can not do the to A Good Mechanic is sufficient. He can appreciate the advantage of completing a house. It is the owner who needs more than one word. See our Hardware, Mantels, Fuel-saving Grates, before purchasing for your new home.

The Tuttle Mercantile 3O8 and 310 SJrfifeV! e.X'--'0ir-T2VV.-'.