The gospel in art...sermons

Front matter

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Mm-

S. T^. HARKEY, D. D.

Preface

Trinity Lutheran Church, of Kutztown, Pa., was organized on Whit- Monday, in the year 1876, by Rev. G. F. Spieker, who had previously been the pastor of St. John's Union congregation, of the same town. The circumstances can be stated in a few words. A chapel had been built upon a large and beautiful central lot on Main street for Sunday school purposes, several years before. And when on the 17th of April, 1876, it was decided by an election regularly held, to build a new Union church, the pastor, Rev. G. F. Spieker, immediately resigned and prepared to organize a purely Lutheran congregation. This was accomplished on Whit-Monday of the same year by the election of a Church Council, and the adoption of the name of ' 'The Evangelical Lutheran Church, of the Holy Trinity." The officers elected consisted of the following persons, to wit :

EiJ)KRS. — Richard Miller, John Humbert, Daniel Hinterleiter, Sr., Jacob R. Heffner.

Deacons. — Daniel K. Springer, Samuel L- Wiltrout, Clinton Bieber, Eugene D. Bieber.

Trustees. — Isaac F. Christ, Daniel Yaxtheimer, Jacob Hinterleiter, Peter Krause.

Superintendent of the Sunday school, Eugene D. Bieber.

The new congregation was served for seven years as pastor, by Rev. G. F. Spieker, D.D., now Professor in the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Mt. Airy, Philadelphia. He was succeeded by Rev. W. A. C. Mueller, who served the congregation as pastor until 1890. The present pastor, Rev. S. L. Harkey, D.D., took charge of the congregation April 1st, 1891. On June

VI THE GOSPEL IN ART

the 19th, 1892, the corner stone of the new Trinity Lutheran church was laid ; the pastor being assisted by Rev. M. C. Horine, D.D., of Reading, Pa. And on Sunday, June 3d, 1894, this beautiful new church was solemnly dedicated to God, practically free from debt. It was a day of great rejoicing. The pastor was assisted at the dedication by the following Lutheran ministers, viz : Rev. Dr. G. A. Hinterleitner, of Pottsville, Pa. ; Rev. Er. G. F. Spieker, of Allentown, Pa. ; Rev. Dr. Samuel Laird, of Philadelphia, Pa. ; Rev, Dr. F. J. F. Schantz, of Myerstown, Pa. ; Rev. W. A. C. Mueller, of Charleston, S. C. ; Rev. Professors G. B. Hancher, Ph.D., C. C. Boyer, Ph.D., and F. K. Bernd, of the Normal School, Kutztown ; Revs. J. J. Cressman and B. E. Kramlich, and Revs. I. W. and W. J. Bieber. The church is built of white Reading sandstone and brick, trimmed with Hummelstown brown sandstone, with a tower 145 feet high of white sandstone. The style of the church is a modified Gothic, with three gables. The particular feature above all others attracting attention, and making it one of the most beautiful churches in the country, is the fine Memorial Windows, of Opalescent glass ; three of which are 14 by 28 feet, besides 9 others of smaller size. The figures and emblems in these windows are of such exquisite coloring, artistic design, and masterworkmanship, as to do credit to any art gallery ; which suggested the idea to the pastor, of preaching Memorial sermons, to utilize and impress the lessons taught by the painter's art. The result, the reader will find in this book. It must be permitted the author to say, however, in regard to any deficiencies found in the sermons, that they were not intended for publication when prepared and delivered ; and were only requested for this purpose afterwards. This will account for the arrangement, the phraseology > and general style, all of which were adapted to the peculiarities of the congregation. It is true that the principal doctrines of chris-

PREFACE Vll

tianity as held by the IyUtheran church are mostly introduced and discussed, eitrter directly or incidentally ; which raises the hope that others may be benefitted besides the members of the congregation. That it ma}^ be the means of impressing the Gospel more forcibly upon the hearts of those into whose hands the book may fall, as well as to furnish a permanent Souvenir to the members of the congregation, and so contribute something in an humble way to the glory of God, the welfare of the church of Christ, and the salvation of souls, is the only object, and sincere prayer of the author. S. L. H.

Kutztown, Pa., February ist, 1S95.

Introduction

The author of this volume, "The Gospel in Art," Rev. Sidney L. Harkey, D. D., was born in Iredell county, North Carolina, April 3d, 1827. His parents were John and Sarah Harkey, the family name originally having been 'Herche.' On the paternal side his ancestry was Swiss, whilst on his mother's side the family goes back to Wittenberg in Germany, the home of the Conservative Reformation. Baptized in infancy by the Rev. John Reck in St. Michael's Church, N. C, the early removal of the family to the state of Illinois, led to his confirmation by the Rev. Daniel Scherer at Hillsboro., 111., where he also began his classical studies in the Academy of that place under the principalship of Prof. Edward Wyman.

Dr. Harke}^ was the youngest of three brothers. The two older brothers graduated from the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, under Dr. S. S. Schmucker, whilst the subject of this sketch entered Pennsylvania College at the same place and continued his studies there from 1844 — 47, when a severe attack of sickness obliged him to leave the institution. After a private course of Theological training under his brother, the Rev. Simeon W. Harkey, D.D., who afterward became Prof, of Theology in Illinois State University, he was admitted by license to the office of the Ministry, in 1848, by the Maryland Synod.

For a time he devoted himself to the work of teach-

IO THE GOSPEL IN ART

ing, commenced in a select school at Frederick, Md., by establishing and serving the Piedmont Academy in Mechanicstown, Md., when he accepted a call to Newville, Pa., which was his first regular ministerial charge. During his pastorate at Newville, he was ordained by the West Pennsylvania Synod, in 1850. Missionary and pioneer labors then claimed his energies in the work of Lutheran Church extension at various points in the state of Illinois. Peoria, Pekin, Mendon, Decatur, Shelbyville, Nokomis,and Vandalia, are some of the land-marks of his toil in the establishment of self-sustaining charges without missionary aid in some places, and the organization of congregations in others. In 1861 he served as Chaplain of the 54th Regiment Ills. Volunteers, for almost a year during the Civil War.

From 1868 to 1870 he was the English professor in the Swedish Augustana College and Theological Seminary, located at Paxton, Ills. It was he who made the first effort to locate the institutions at Rock Island, preparing the way for their subsequent removal. The college charter for that institution was obtained by him and he was instrumental in organizing the Theological and Collegiate departments separately, the one to be under the control of the Synod exclusively, and the other under a Board of Trustees, according to the charter. The year 1870 marks the conclusion of his labors in Illinois. That his labors and ability were appreciated by his brethren is shown by his triple election to the presidency of his Synod. He enjoys the distinction of having been the first president of the Synod of Illinois and adjacent States.

INTRODUCTION 1 1

The author of these sermons was one of the first, if not the first, of American students from Gettysburg to differ from Dr. S. S. Schmucker and his system of American Lutheranism, doctrinally. From the year 1852, he began to study the New Testament critically, with the view of arriving at a scriptural system of dogmatic theology. Not having access to the Symbolical Books of the Lutheran Church at that time, his views of the Divine teaching were not influenced by anything outside of the Bible in the way of theory, system or confession. After he had deduced a form bearing the impress and testimony of Holy Scripture, and openly declaring it in the presence of those who ridiculed it, he found that, it corresponded precisely with the confessional standards of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. A remarkable experience well worthy of note, and given in the author's own language. A sermon preached by him as President of the Illinois Synod, in i860, and published by members of the Synod on "The Faith once delivered to the Saints," shows his position and its harmony with the faith of the Lutheran Church. Dr. C. Porterfield Krauth, at that time editor of the Lutheran in its magazine form, pronounced this sermon to be the clearest and most positive exposition of the Faith of the Church that had yet appeared in the English language from an American, and praised not only thestatement of the Faith, but its manly and unanswerable defense. On the strength of this sermon, which he had read, Prof. C. F. W. Walther, D.D., of St. Louis, introduced the author to all the churches of the Missouri Synod, in St. Louis, as well as to the faculty of the Theological Seminary ; and pro-

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posed to employ him in the establishment "of English congregations in that Synod ; entertaining him at his own house, and bearing personally the expense of canvassing the city, and of all the experimental English services. He also entrusted him with the translation of Euther's Small Catechism and other works. The author continued in the warmest friendship and correspondence with Prof. Walther to the time of the latter' s death ; and only a short time before that event had a letter from him which closed by saying, "My heart and home are open to you always."

Dr. Harkey was one of the founders of the General Council ; carrying his Synod with him into the organization of the former body at Eort Wayne, in 1867. Besides being a delegate at most of the conventions of the Council, he was twice elected its English recording secretary. His pen has been active in more than one direction. He has not only cultivated the domain of poetry, but also that of musical composition ; and thus shown that his appreciation of art is not confined to the particular department which has brought out the discourses contained in this volume. The publications from his pen, in addition to the work before us, are : "The Signs of the Times," 1852; "The Faith Once Delivered to the Saints," i860; "Thorough Education," 1868; "The Only Son," 1869; "Songs of Beulah," 1876; "The Eord's Day," 1878; "Close Communion," 1878 ; "Agnosticism," 1885 I " National Blessings and Dangers," 1889.

Since 1870, Dr. Harkey has been active in the work of the ministry at Dayton, Ohio ; Indianapolis, Ind. ; Mt. Pleasant, Pa.; Toledo, Ohio; North Eima, Ohio,

INTRODUCTION 1 3

and his present charge, Kutztown, Pa. Here, in one of the oldest boroughs of the State, the seat of a flourishing Normal School, the author has had the pleasure of witnessing the erection of a new church edifice in the course of his pastorate. Beautiful in its general architectural design, the charming appearance of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church has been completed bj T its artistic windows ; which have furnished the themes for the discourses here offered to the reader. The very range of the themes is striking, and gives some idea of the combined effect of these productions of consecrated art: 1. Windows of Agate; 2. Martin Luther; 3. Philip Melanchthon ; 4. Christ Blessing Little Children ; 5. The One Thing Needful ; 6. Christ, the Light of the World ; 7. The Good Shepherd ; 8. The Cup of Wo ; 9. Mary and the Resurrection ; 10. Marriage ; n. The Realities of Religion; 12. Zion, the Perfection of Beauty. None of these discourses were written with a view to their publication. No one will dispute the propriety of thus presenting them to a wider circle. The windows are memorial windows ; which will give the sermons a special interest in the minds of those to whom the}' recall the past with all its memories. Others will be interested in them because of the instructive, yea, momentous themes they suggest. The author's style is in harmonj^ with the title of the volume ; marked, as it is, by clearness, strength, and beauty of diction.

We might be content to let these discourses speak for themselves were any apology demanded for what may appropriately be termed "Christian Art." The artistic faculty is a gift of God; although, like all other

14 THE GOSPEL IN ART

gifts, it may be, and as a matter of fact, has been perverted. Witness the crudest efforts of idolatry in this direction, even the most colossal Egyptian statues, as well as the most perfect productions of Grecian art, unrivalled from an aesthetic point of view. Yet, what do they teach ? What is their theme ? Not the glory of God, not the Gospel in Art. At most they tell us of beauty, which is always a delight in itself. But, when art is distinctly Christian ; when forms of beauty are the vehicles for the expression of Divine Truth, we rejoice because of the association of beauty and truth. The good is not excluded in Christian art, but rather included. Every scene from the kingdom of God depicted on canvass or sculptured in stone or wrought in brass or precious metal, bears with it a lesson for good. There is something exceptionally unique about the conception of this book, taken as a whole, in that it brings before us the great subject of "The Gospel in Art." The ApOstle Paul says : "All things are yours;" then art is ours also ; not the least of God's favors to man. The early Christians were obliged to make such provision as was absolutely necessary for the conduct of worship, without i~he opportunity to cultivate art in connection with their places of worship. In the course of time, however, we notice the employ of very simple devices, but suggestive withal, to express thoughts of great moment in connection with the Christian life. Beneath the ground, in the passages of the Catacombs, we find them, telling of grace and light and hope, in the midst of darkness and persecution. Simple figures, some of them are. The truths they express are also simple ; but in their simplicity, how great ! A cross,

INTRODUCTION 1 5

a wreath, an anchor, a lamb, a dove, a palm-branch, we know what they meant in those times, and what they still mean. Who would be without those preci ous truths ? Who * does not appreciate the symbol ? There came a time, indeed, when the picture became a substitute for the original to many a Christian. Superstition usurped the place of instruction. The Greek and Roman Catholic Churches are guilty of such offence to this very day.

The discourses in this volume deal with one phase of Christian Art, that of painting ; which goes hand in hand with Christian architecture ; whilst it has often been subordinated to the latter. Painting is an art which easily stands by itself, but which just as readily lends itself to architecture. A church edifice may be churchly without a single painting. It may be perfectly Gothic without a painted window, and it may be thoroughly secular with a complement of painted windows. But the two ought to go together ; both architecture and painting are necessary to the completion of the ideal church edifice. Architecture lends itself to the expression of a limited number of leading ideas ; painting is capable of expressing the whole range of Biblical facts and truths. As is well known Luther was a great lover of church music ; and the conservative attitude which overcame the art-destroying fanatics at Wittenberg, proves that he appreciated the true function of art in its relation to the sanctuary. Among the sects and. to a great extent among the Protestant churches, there has been a great deal of prejudice against the use of art in the House of God. This prejudice is partly founded on aversion to the abuses of the Church of Rome and

1 6 THE GOSPEL IN ART

partly based on the assumption that it is not compatible with the worship of God in spirit and in truth. If Christian Art led the mind away from God, or disturbed devotion, or detracted from the glory of God, then it ought not to find a place in the house of worship. Where the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, as in the Lutheran Church, there is no danger. We do not hesitate to call good Christian pictures helps to devotion, because of the thoughts they will suggest. In addition to this they are instructive, and finally, they furnish the sanctuary with ornamentation, which is thoroughly in harmony with the preaching and the services of the House of God. The Word and the Sacraments are the indispensable requirements of worship; wherever they are found, all the elements of true worship will follow, even in the plainest church building ; and where they are present, there will also be a tendency to have all the surroundings correspond with the means of Grace, in their widest application to the life of the Church. Let all things, including this volume, serve the Lord Jesus Christ through His Gospel .

Professor in Mt. Airy Ev. Lutheran Theological Seminary.

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THE WINDOWS OF AGATE.

The large window, 14 by 28 feet, in. the front of the church, of Opalescent glass, with various figures and emblems, is by Dr. J. S. Trexler, in memory of his foster-father, Dr. C. A. Gerasch.

Text : — "And I will make thy windows of Agates, a?id thy gates of Carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones." Isaiah 54. : 12.

The language of the text is beautifull} T figurative, arid highly encouraging and hopeful. It is a prophecy ; and applied to the christian church on earth, as well as the glorified church in heaven. Great has been the affliction, humiliation and oppression of Zion, in the past history of the world, both in the old and new dispensations. But it will not always be so. Prosperity is assured for the house and kingdom of God. The prophecy of Isaiah is now in process of fulfillment. The mountain of the Lord's house is now being built on the top of the mountains. All nations are flowing unto it. The Lord has begun to beautify the house of his glory. In peace and protection the places of worship are everywhere erected, and beautifully ornamented like Jerusalem of old ; and like the temple of Solomon. And the influence and power for good in the world, of the christian church, in its visible organization, is equal to the improved ornamentation and 2

1 8 THK GOSPEL IN ART

beauty of the houses dedicated to divine worship. Among the many and varied ornaments that are employed to beautify the houses of christian worship, the windows, occupy a very conspicuous place. Among all the beautiful and churchly features of our new Sanctuary, the windows attract the first attention ; and are by the most, conservative critics, pronounced as gems ! In fact they will compare favorably with the finest churches in our whole country. They deserve therefore attention and study ; that the lessons which they teach, may be impressed upon all who worship within these consecrated walls ; and may preach the truth with silent, yet eloquent voices. Our windows are almost in exact accordance with the language of the text. They may be truthfully represented as being 'almost, or altogether, literally composed of Agate ! The various colors, so beautifully arranged, combined and blended, make them an exact representation of Agate. But memorial windows have a more important mission, than simply to beautify. They also represent truth, history, doctrine and principle. They teach us by means of beautiful object lessons, the same things that we find in the Bible — God's holy Word. We can perpetually examine the figures in the windows of this new church, with profit and with instruction. They have a character, a mission, and a voice ; and speak to us, and our children after us. Let us sketch their significance, and study their lesson ; for they are elevating ; and lead us to the eternal Kingdom, through Jesus Christ ; and to the church triumphant in heaven ; whose glory will be that of God Almighty, the Father, the v Son, and the Holy Ghost.

I. The very first object lesson that greets us upon our entrance into the new church, is the Monogram in glass above the front door. This is a representation of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity ; and designates the name and faith of the congregation, upon this subject. It points out to us the three persons in the Godhead : Father, Son and Holy Ghost. It tells us that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God, and j^et that there is but one God, who is over all blessed forever more. It tells us that the three names and persons in the Godhead are not so intermingled and confused, as to destroy their personality. The Father is not the Son, or the Son the Father, or the Holy Spirit either Father or Son. The Father ma}^ be in the Son, and the Son in the Father ; but each is distinct in office and work ; though one in essence and divinity. The Father is the Creator ; the Son is the Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost is the Sanctifier. This doctrine lies at the ven^ foundation of the Christian religion ; and all other doctrines taught in the Bible, are built on this basis. The Father sent the Son into the world, and gave him a human body and soul, in which to accomplish the work of redemption. The Son was baptized in the river Jordan, and the people saw him coming up out of the water ; whilst the Holy Ghost sat upon his head like a dove, descending from above ; and the Father's voice sounded from the heavens, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." This great truth of the Trinity, is confessed in the Apostles' Creed, and repeated by us every Lord's day ; and has been confessed, since the days of the Apostles. It is recognized by all genuine

20 THE GOSPEL IN ART

orthodox Protestant christians throughout the whole world, whatever differences they may have on other subjects. It is also confessed by the Roman Catholic and the Greek church, and always will be. As long as the Apostles' Creed with the doctrine of the Trinity is not overthrown, but held and believed, the Christian church still lives. And these shall never be overthrown. An incident that occured about a year ago in Germany, is very significant, in this direction. Some of the Theologians and Professors of universities, became tinctured with heresy, and infidelity ; and proposed to drop the Apostles' Creed out of the church and Catechism. This was shocking to the people. So in the court church where the pastor was accustomed to repeat the Apostles' Creed, he was going to omit it at the evening service. But when he came to the place, and hesitated to open his mouth, he was surprised to hear three thousand voices take it up and repeat it so loud, as to make the walls ring ! The doctrine of the Holy Trinity can not be put down by infidels. If the mouth of the minister should be stopped, then the very stones would cry out* And if ever any man should occupy this pulpit, who was not sound in the faith, the front door and the corner stone would reprove and correct him. .And before this house could be prostituted to the teaching of fundamental heresy, it would be needful to tear out the corner stone, and the monogram above the door ! While there is a child of God on earth, that is conscientious and sincere, the belief in the Holy Trinity, as represented over our front door, and in the Apostles' Creed, will be upheld and defended.

II. As we enter the church on the right hand from the vestibule, the great memorial window of Dr. J. S. Trexler greets us. Looking at this window as a whole, and especially some distance away, it reminds one of the great Sun in the heavens ; with commingled beams of fiie, and gold, and silver, and the impression is one of brilliancy, and life, and light, and hope. As the great Sun with its light and heat, gives life and beauty to everything upon this earth, so the Sun of righteousness gives spiritual and eternal life, to the souls of men, and causes the spiritual Kingdom to flourish and grow ; maturing the plants of grace, and the fruits of the spirit, for immortality. It is no sombre death scene, or night of darkness, portrayed in this grand and immense window, but something exhilerating, cheerful, expanding, and elevating. One never wearies gazing at its architectural proportions, fitness and finel}^ arranged groups, figures, colors and general design. But as we draw nearer, we discover the emblems and figures and begin to study the lessons taught by them.

i . First we have a painting of the Nativity ; copied from the great Italian artist Correggio, that so beautifully represents the place and scenes and surroundings of the birth of Christ, that a person becomes absorbed ; and imagines it reality. It is exquisitely fine, and would grace the finest collection of an Art Gallery. The light is so arranged as to fall directly upon the infant babe, Jesus, and his mother ; and thrills one with pleasure to behold him, who was announced by the prophets, and heralded by the Angels of God, as being born in the city of David, unto men a Savior, and Christ the Lord. The Angels who appeared to the shepherds are now hovering over the manger, and

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watching the scene with happy faces, bathed in celestial glory. The shepherds are represented as having come to see this wonderful event, which had now come to pass, and to do their homage to the mighty Prince, Who is cradled in a manger. Joseph is seen in the background, in venerable joy ; with cattle, and all the surroundings that are mentioned in sacred narrative. Be3^ond, in the distance, may be seen the beautiful blue hills of Judea, covered with a bright and mellow light ; completing the magnificence and glory, of the all important scene. Beholding this representation, one cannot help being transported with joy ; and to be ready to join the angelic anthem of "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will to man !" It is, however, not merely the artistic beauty of the picture, which makes the view so exhilerating and enchanting, but the great import and meaning which is conveyed thereby. The nature of the whole event, and its significance flashes upon the imagination, and enters into the soul, thrilling it with emotions so holy, joyous and grateful, that no words, even of inspiration, can equal the effect. We stand still and ponder. The day of the world's redemption is at hand. The night of moral darkness is ended. The day star from on high has arisen upon the world. The star of Bethlehem is the Star of Hope for the nations ! Deliverance has now come to the oppressed. The sins of the world must be taken away. One is born who shall be mighty to save, even unto the uttermost, all that come unto God by him.

No wonder that the wise men came from the Bast, with gold, frankincense and myrrh, to worship and to testify. The whole grand work of a world's salvation is here opened and spread out, in its beginning. The panorama of the life of Immanuel is opened, and begins to unroll. Hope and expectation stand on tiptoe. Nay, the heart beats with an acceleration of joy, never witnessed before, among all the creatures of God. The ninety and nine are left in the wilderness and the Good Shepherd has come after the sheep that was lost. He has found it, at the period of his birth, and is preparing to lay it on his shoulders with rejoicing, and carry it home to God, and the holy angels in heaven. There is yet work and sacrifice to be made, until all the wise and merciful plan is established and completed, and the capstone is placed upon it, with shoutings of joy. But the appearance of the Son of God in human form, is the security for the success of the expectation, and the glorious undertaking. The first step is taken and the work begins. The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath now appeared unto men. " He who was rich, and for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich," has laid aside his riches, and has stooped to the necessary condescension. He is now born in the likeness of sinful flesh, and tor sin, to put away sin in the flesh. He has taken on him the form of a servant that he might redeem those who are under the law. He has bowed his neck to the yoke of a world's iniquities. He has stooped from the high and lofty position of the Almighty Father of the universe, to the weakness of the childhood of man. Such wonderful exhibition of divine goodness, mercy, wisdom, justice, righteousness and power, has never, and perhaps nowhere else, occurred ! It is no wonder that the Angels of God with wings covering over, and shad-