St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1883-11-16
SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Der that a noble character is the work
of a life time.
SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
REV. EDWARD T. FAIRBANKS.
choice young man and a goodly.-1 Sam. go.
Saul was in outward appearance a
stalwart, powerful young man. In his
time power was measured by amount
and strength of muscle rather than
brain. He was eminent in physical
development. He had sound body,
a gift of high value. 1t would be well
if all young people would more highly
esteem their bodily endOwments and
understand in early life how dependent
is a strong and healthy mind upon Il
well developed and sound body. They
should consider a sound body one of
Gods best gifts, and the proper use
and care of it in early years will man
ifest itself in years to come. Saul had
good qualities. He had a tender heart.
When in obedience to his fathers COM
mand he went out to look for the lost
asses and found them not, he said to
his servant, "Come, let us return, lest
my father leave caring for the asses
and take thought for u.s." He was
choice feeling when young men and
young women are mindful of their
fathers and mothers cares or worries !;
to be mindful of the anxiety of parents
when out late to have n deep regard
for their tender feelings. Saul was
modest. He went and hid himself when
Samuel was about to present him to
the tribes of Israel, and when he was
made king, in his simple heartedness
he returns to his fathers field and tolls.
He had personal bravery, personal
effort. He had great mind he was
magnanimOus. When the people said
to Samuel, "Where are they who said
shall Saul reign over over us bring
the men that we may put them to
DEATH" Saul said, "There shall not a
day the Lord hath wrought salvation
in Israel" Such magnanimity honOrs
IL man more than bravery. Saul recOg-
nized the power of God. He recognized
a kinglier arm above his arm. He that
trains himself to look up to God as the
head of all things, as the king of kings
| -h,, oI1 10 10
giver of their bodily strength-whO
acquires tenderness of heart and a
worshipful spirit, has choice things.
Every young person has choice quail
tiles that if put to the right use will
lead to and make Il choice life. Gods
plans for all his children are far
higher than their most sanguine hopes.
The future is big with surprises for
them that are true. Our boys now with
us have no idea of the places of trust
they will fill if they are but true to the
development of the faculties with
which God has endowed them. They
must be ready for all tests. Their
life must be tested to take the shape OF
Gods high plan. Character is gained
by mastery. 1t must be tried and
stand the test. Saul, two years after
his coronation was put to a test of his
fidelity. He is to wait seven days fol
f Samuel. He waits until the seventh
day-only a few more hours, surely ht
will wait; but those few hours wreck
his future life. He disObeys God and
offers the sacrifice. 1t was no sooner
done than Samuel appeared and said
"What hast thou done 2" And wheI
e Saul answered, Samuel said, "ThOI
t hast done foolishly, because thOI
! hast rejected the word of the Lord, h
hath also rejected thee" A small thini
| many think to surrender a kingdom
= for, but it was an act of disObedience
5 1t is not the great things that bring
!. out the texture of character. 1t is T.
q prOmptness in little things; careful
Y attention to small acts, that show Il
e after life; it is slow work it is every
n day work; we must be patient an
y prayerful, asking Gods assistance i
V all that concerns us, and so our char
V acters will come to a choice and excel
4 lent maturity.
NORTH CHURCH-REv. HENRY W
JONES.
= Contend for the faith.-Jude B.
IS This being the four hundredth al
: niversary of the birth of Martin Luthe
It suggests a fit topic for a sermon
young men. A faith worth so niue
p is SO much worth contending 70