Rev. S. M. McConnell D. D., of Philadelphia, preached last night in Appleton Chapel, taking as his text, "The peace of God passeth all understanding." (Philip. XIV, 7.)

The substance of his sermon is as follows: The chief reason why men hold away from religion is because it perplexes them. As we know Christianity, it comes to us in a most perplexing form, presenting many doubts and a long and complicated history. We doubt, not because it violates our ideas but because it goes beyond them. In the same way, Christ was doubted, even by his disciples, when he spoke in parables; but when he spoke clearly, he was generally believed.

Christianity is offensive to some because it possesses obscurities. Those familiar with other branches of life cannot understand it. Education increases this feeling of dislike because modern thought and education are characterized by a love of precision which renders many all the more impatient at the mystery which attends the church. As a result, several practical, but none the less wrong views of religion are taken. Some dismiss religion entirely as of no importance. Its incoherence condemns it in their sight. These are mostly scientists, literary men, and the like. Their scope is small: their view of life is mistaken. This class, although numerically large, is proportionally small. There is another set of men who are superstitious in regard to religion, but practical in every day life. They can only be religious by being illogical, and their religion cannot last long because it has neither depth nor meaning. The rest of us, and the greater number, compose still another class. We believe but are perplexed in our belief. This attitude is common among young men, and especially among those who have been reared in evangelical homes. They are taught to believe in a faith in which their parents and friends appear to believe. They too acknowledge it and are in sympathy with it, but their candor and their love of fairness lead them another way. Their great difficulty is in dispelling this obscurity and doubt.

There is a large proportion of the intricate theological discussions and socalled religious books which has no real connection with religion; but, to have any value, religion must pass beyond one's understanding. Idolatry has passed out of existence because there is nothing about it which men cannot comprehend. The great facts, spiritual and scientific, which determine our course of life are facts which pass understanding. Religion, like science, has its phenomena. It has been the guiding motive of nations. We are always coming in contact with it, either in our own lives or in the lives of others. If morals could be analyzed scientifically they would cease to be morals, because the conscience will only be obeyed when it speaks mysteriously. Education has taught the value of precision and accuracy, but it should never lead us to expect precision in the higher life. Lessing says, "He who does not lose his reason at times has no reason to lose." He who ceases to be led by emotions which he cannot understand, ceases to be a man: God satisfies the understanding by passing beyond it.