Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-02-22
6ERMONS no YOrNG MEN
REV. }. +. L. HOLMES HOLDS UP
JOSEPH AS 4 MODEL YOUTH.


A Grand Example for the Young Men OF
To-day to Initiate - A Rush LtRht
Pointing to the Son OF God-SOme
traits OF Character That Young Men
Ought to Possess.
Rev. j. +. J.. Holmes, OF the Baptist
ehurch. delivered another sermon of his
series to young men last night. Joseph
was the example held up for imitation.
The three words IL fear God" Gen. xiii,
1s, was the text
The pastor began by drawing compar-
ison between the lives Of Joseph and
Jacob, bis father. "Perhaps no father
and son was ever more unlike than Jacob
and Joseph said the speaker. fhe rec
ord Of Jacobs life is full OF unworthy
deeds, but he was punished for them. In
his old age, however, the sun came out
from behind the clouds. With Joseph all
was different. He was afflicted, but
for a different purpose. HIS life
was not a struggle for spiritual existence,
but a grand example. JACOB began with
his heart full OF ambition; Joseph with
the fear of God before his eyes. That was
the KEYNOTE Of his life. Being in the field
with his brothers, he noticed their wicked
practices. but did not participate. His
jntegritv and fathers love incurred for
him their enmity.
.Joseph's personal charms were a source
OF temptation to him. Although tempted
TO be false 10 his benefactor in his own
house, be yielded not, but said: "HOw can
do these things: How can l sin against
God?'
Given unusual power, he was never
false TO bis trust. He did not enrich him
self. Such an one 10 these days would be
a model officer. He showed not the
slightest sign Of desire TO take advan-
tage Of his brothers when they got into
his power. 1t was not vindictiveness
when he put them in prison. On the
other hand 1t was evidence of consum-
mate wisdom, as the result proved. In
order to gain his brothers he knew that
he must make them feel their wickedness.
They admitted that they were guilty.
Joseph was called vain, but It is not
vanity TO be conscious of the existence Of
extraordinary power. 1t is not vain to
wish TO accomplish great things.
To have just amount Of respect for
ones self is eminently proper. Every
young man ought TO have this. He ought
TO feel that be has something to do; that
he stands out before God in his individu-
ality. He ought to feel in his heart how
great a thing 1t is to be a man. He ought
TO feel that man has things to do that
angels cannot do. A true man is true TO
his convictions and inimitable when those
convictions are formed. Man often quar-
rels with the world and becomes morose
and says there is nothing but selishness
in the world.
Take this young man called vain. He
was betrayed, sold into slavery, badly
treated, but he bore all patiently. With
The world apparently against him, he
never hated. MEN cannot inlure us ex-
cept as they exasperate us and make us
forget ourselves. Men cannot hurt the
pure soul. 1t can only hurt itself.o
Joseph might have tortured his brothers,
he being next to the king. Instead he
embraced them.
Mr.. Holmes termed Reuben's address in
behalf OF Benjamin one OF the most pa
thetic in literature. Joseph had TO turn
away and weep.
Joseph was about II years old when
he was sold into captivity. He was
about 30 when he began TO rule, and
b9 when he succored his fathers family
For young man he had great mind.
ProYident and economical in policy,
Egypt was enriched by the money OF
other countries. In many respects the
young ruler was type Of Christ. Both
passed a portion OF their early lives in
Egypt. Both were sold by enviOus
brothers. Concerning both there was the
Jingle Of silver. Both suffered greatly,
aud tue suferings OF both redOunded to
the good OF others. Joseph was a sort
ui rush light pointing to the son OF God.
Next Sunday night Mir. Holmes will
preach on Moses, the Meek.