The National tribune., 1893-04-27

against evil thoughts. Oas thinks of the
power of true Christian faith to ward oil
wicked suggestions.
8. Nothing to be compared unto her. tl5l
onr Savior brings out this thought. (St. Matt.
I3: AL A boy came. from Ireland to America
to seek his fortune in our western world. After
a time he was converted; became q child OF
God: had the joys of our holy religion; felt he
had found the hidden treasurer; felt rich, as
an heir with Christ. Then he wrote home.
II have found Il fortune" Acceptance with
God-c0nsciousness one is Christians the
pearl of great price for which one is wise to sell
all he has and buy it. tSt. Matt, -: 46.l
g. Both hands full for (16.) Wisdom is
personified, offering US her rewards In the
right hand we see longevity: in the left hand.
riches aud honor. Is: 49, With riches and
honor one nigh. well want to live a long time.
Riches alone would not suffice. There Is no
satisfaction in wealth when one Is despised.
We recall the fifth commandment. (Ex., 20: 12.)
A life lived in accordance with Christian prin-
ciples is most healthful Goodness is promot-
i've of long life. Civilization, product OF
Christianity, is surrounding US with more and
more of comfort and lending assistance to
longevity. Il I'll, 4: 81
10. Pleasant. peaceful ways. III. st. Matt,
II: 29-30) The words of Longfellow especially
apply to the Christian life:
"TeIl me not In mournful numbers
Life Is but an empty dream"
Daniel Webster used to say of his father: " lie
was religious. but not sour"
Christianity is not gloomy. 1t is often COM
pared with cassia cinnamon. frankincense,
myrrh never with nightshade tnux vomica1.
We are going to Heaven, and not to Botany
Bay. SHAKESPEARE says Orchard H.:
LAY aside life harming heaviness,
And cultivate cheerful disposition"
The Bishop at Methodist Conference. Civ
ing ad vice to several young men who had just
before been ordained, said: Young gentle
men, in your pul pit and pastoral ministrations,
never wear an expression of countenance that
would drive all the good nature out Of person
for twelvemonth just to take look at you"
DR.. Lyman Beecher enjoyed going on all
fours with child on his back, and he was a
tolerably pious man and somewhat of an accept
able preacher Eugenia de Gnerin wrote,
"The bright side of things is the one we do not
see ia this world, but for all that it exists"
II. Peace. az Shakspere says, Henry VIII:
"Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace.
To silence envious tongues"
And Matthew Henry wrote: "That may
be right which is not pleasant, and that
pleasant which is not right; but Christs
religion is both. There is not only peace
in the end of religion, but peace in the
way"
Christ is the Prince of Peace. (See his teach
ing on this subject. st. Matt, $50 Christi
anity should make peaceful men and women.
peaceful communities. 1t ia a good sign that
attention is being given to the adjustment of
difficulties by arbitration instead of war. Gen.
L. s. Grant, addressing Prince Kung in 1879
said "An arbitration between two nations
may not satisfy either party at the time, but 1t
satisfies the conscience of mankind, and it
must commend itself more and more as means
of adjusting difficulties"
II. Tree of life. (Gen., 2:9; 3: %; Rev.,
22.)
13. Creation is by God. 10, 20; Ps, 104: "a;
1856: 5; Prov 8: 81; Jer, 10: IL; 81: 49,
IA. Sleep sweet ga. See Ps. 1872
Shakspere lin Romeo and Juliet, says:
Where care lodges. sleep can never lie."
Elizabeth Barrett Browning has the follow
ing sweet lines
"Of all the thoughts of God that
Borne inward unto souls afar.
Along the Psalmists music deep,
Oh tell me IL there any is
For gift grace surprising this
He giveth His beloved sleep
"'Sleep soft, beloved we sometimes say.
But have spell to charm away
Sad dreams that through the eyelids creep.
But never doleful dream again
Shall break ie happy slnmber, when
lie giyeih His beloved sleep
For me- my heart that erst did go
Most like tired child at a show,
mat sees through tears the nutnfner5 teAP
Would now its wearied vision close,
And childike on His love repose
Who 'giveth his beloved sieep!'"
3. Conclusion.
Wisdom divine! Who tells the price
OF Wisdoms costly merchandise?
Wisdom to silver we prefer
And gold is gross compared TO her.
Her hands are fild with length of days,
True riches and immortal praise;
Riches of Christ all bestowed,
And honor that descends from God.
To purest joys she all invites
Chaste. holy, spiritual delights;
Her ways are ways OF pleasantness,
And all her flow'ry paths are peace.
Happy the man that finds the grace.
The blessing of Gods chosen race
The Wisdom coming from above,
The faith that sweetly works by love-"