The Osceola times., 1882-06-03
HORSES IN HEAVEN.
General Abe Buford Cites Some Passages of
Scripture to Prove that the Noble Horse
Exists IN Heaven.

Scripture TO Prove that the Noble Horse
Exists In Heaven.
CourierJ.urnal
"The Church and the Turf the entic-
ing title of Gen. Abe Buford's lecture at
| the Campbell street Christian church,
proved one that drew large and inter-
esting audience, who listened with deep
attention TO the speakers views of horse
racing from bible standpoint. lie in
troduced his subject by stating that his
becoming lecturer on any subject was
to him novel idea, and that he should
take the platform on this subject was
something he had never contemplated.
Nevertheless, if by so doing he could ad-
vance one iota the cause of Christ, or in
any way correct the morals of this de-
generate age. il would be q pleasure.
Referring to his last lecture, General
Buford said that it ha1 been extensively
commented upon by people who deplor-
ed the fact that il had been delivered in
church, while others, more favorable
in their views, had commended the sub
ect TO all good men. One of the effects
claimed for the lecture, the speaker said,
was that the Chicago Running and Driv'
ing Association had abolished forever the
~ heel of fortune, one of the vilest spe-
cies of gambling known. That this had
been accomplished through his efforts
had created desire to 60 further into
the subject by asking the simple question
whose house is in order?
Going to the bible for an answer, he
found this in III. Samuel, chapter XIII,
verse ): although my house be not so
with God, but he has made with me an
everlasting covenant" These were the
words Of David, a man after Gods own
heart, and he had done what every chris
tian ought frequently to do, compare his
condition and surroundings on earth
with what was ,equired Of him by the
Master. Not only should conditions, but
opinions, be also frequently compared
with what is required by the bible.
These comparisons, though truly humil-
iating, were essential to spiritual success
Bearing in mind that there was but one
good and perfect life-that of Jesus we
discover the slightest stain, and in sac
ness note the alarming deficiency in our
lives when they are thus compared with
what they ought to be. The speaker
then quoted at length from the scripture
the expressions of many pious men i'll
regard to their opinion of their own lives.
1t is true that an honest examination
plainly revealed the fact that our houses
were not in order. Intercourse with one
another led to comparison of the rela-
tive positions, and any differences that
might be discovered should be treated
with christian iorbearance. A simple
depunciation and the assertion that this
or that view was erroneous was not snff-
a., atr N M 4
error and point out in what regard the
reasoning is wrong, yet all opll IONS
should conform with faith. All chlrch
members nc cessarily differed to greater
or less degree in their opinions of church
govefnme mt, and it is the duty of christ
ians TO remove them If possible-not to
use the language OF denunciation.
In ancient mythology the centaur was
represented rs a man 70 the loins; the
remainder of the body was a horse.
This union was considered not in the
least degrading; Chiron, the most fam.
ous centaur was the most esteemed OF
teacl ers. He taught 4Esculapius, Apollo
and Hercules, and all the heroes were
among his pupils. The idea of Chiron
was illustrative of mans tendency TO
d.ify and perpetuste his love for the mob
lest and most useful az imal. In the bi-
BILE frequent illusions were made to the
animal. Ont of the whirlpool he spoke
to job
Hast thou given the horse strength ?
Hast thou clothed his neck with thun-
der? Canst thou make him afraid as a
crasshopper? The glory of his nostrils
is terrible. lie paweth in the valley and
reiciceth in his strength. He mocketh
at fear and is not aiirighted, neither turn
eth he back from the sword. The culver
rattleth against him; the glitteriug spear
and the shield. lie swalloweth the ground
with fierceness and rage; neither believ-
eth he that it is the sound of the trumpet
He saith among the trumpets, ha ha I.
and he smelleth the battle afar off; the
thunder of the captains and the shout
ing.
General Buford also quoted a number
of other passages showing the great rev.
erence in which the horse was held by
the divine writer's. Mordecai, the man
whom Ahasueras honored, was given the
horse that the king had ridden upon.
He was brought oh horseback through
the city also.
A chariot and horses Of fire awaited
Elijah on his translation. Elijah cried
"My Father, my Father, the Christ of
Israel and hchorsemen thereof"
Again, when the Kipg of Syria encom-
passed the camp of Elisha, the heavenly
allies came to his aid
And behold, the mountain was full of
horses and chariots Of fire about Elisha
From Genesis TO Revelations the horse
is frequently mentioned and the direct
inference given that in celestial form
il is an inhabitant Of heaven. In the
Apocalyptic vision OF ST. John. he saw q
white horse, and be that sat on him was
called faithful and true. and
his name was called "The Word of God
The speaker then ended his lecture by
saying that it was the abuse of this no
BILE animal, to some christians of the
present day, that could only be corrected
by prompt and decisive action IN which
he wanted to be in the van.
The lecture was listened to throughout
with profound attention, and was OF rare
interest