Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-06-20
WHEELING HEAvENWARD.
Pulpit Discourse on Mans Three
Score and Ten Years Run.

From the Springfield Republican.
Yesterday was bicycle Sunday at Beulah
Chapel. Willimansett, the pastor. the Rev.
E. 8. Ufford, preaching a sermon especial
ly for the benefit Of bicyclsts The tinkle
Of many bells and the whirr Of over 100
wheels enliver ed the usual quiet Of the
streets in the forenoon, and when the serv
Ices began the many rows and piles of
bicycles around the church made a novel
sight. The Kea ting Wheel Band was pres
ent and played several selections in the
chapel. and later gave a concert near the
building Checks were given for the
wheels, and big tub of lemonade at the
door furnished refreshment for the riders.
The church crowded to it's utmost,
nearly $50 being present. Mary had come
from this city, Holyoke, and other places,
some with knickerbockers and regulat ton
suits others with sweaters of all colors,
and many wheel women in taunty caps
and costumes gave q rather unconven-
uonal aspect to the audience. The pulpit
was prettily decorated with ferns. callas.
potted plants and palms, given by Mrs.
Frank Day. and to the left Of the pulpit
wheel was placed, the frame Of which was
completely concealed by chains Of daisies,
mans safety stood in front of the pulpit.
and mans wheel at the left Of the
preacher
Mr.. Ufrord took as his text Job XXX. %:
He welcomed the bicycle riders, and said
he had taken Job as a text because he was
a rare student Of nature, and one that had
wonderful knowledge Of science. In the
that whereas Job was once low and de-
pressed with adversely, he had conquered
1t and rode the air like a feather BY
analogy. the wheel, with its pneumatic tire,
carries Its riders as on the wind, and may
be nkened to scientific angel, with angels
pinions. He mentioned the difficulties he
net at his age in learning to ride, and
compared 1t to the struggles and efforts
made by the natural sinful man who has
won the salvation Of God by subjugation Of
his own spirit. The sinful man sees the
man Of sorrows riding along the highway
to the celestial city, and, overtaking him,
accompanies him on the road, riding as it
were upon the wind. The pneumatic tire
Is the emblem of character. As we avoid
things that would puncture the one and
leave US stranded in the road. so should We
avoid all that would injure the other Wis
dom is shown in the steering head and
bars. We could do nothing without them.
The secret of the machines whole strength
is in the crank and sprocket. 1t requires
steady foot and knee action to run the
wheel. and in this world, both in matters
worldly and spiritual, 1t is the steady work
that brings success. The ball bearings,
which reduce friction to a minimum, stand
for willingness to serve.
The bicycle Is being used more and more
by all professions, and unites business
ana pleasure. Inc unSelf1Sh, frictiOnleSS
nature Of the bearings signifies our willing
Eess in serving enc another like Christ.
The chain represents continuation Of we'll
doing In daily duties. 1t is the tireless.
silent emblem of patience. AS 1t Is not the
cause. but condition, of locomotion, SO we
are but the chains carrying out the pur-
pose Of Christ, the great cause. The frame
Is the product Of the highest creative tall
ent, and, as we are human frames, made
by God. we must steer clear Of saloons,
gambling places and haunts of vice. AS
the brake Is the restraining power on
bicycle at steep places. we must hold back
in descending the hill of indulgence. The
bell Is conscience. God looks at the motive
in Sunday riding, and our conscience should
tell us when We do right, but some con-
sciences. like bells without a tongue, fulfill
the letter of the law. but are of no use.
The old Bible is like the lamp Of the bicy-
Gle. and the light weight Of the wheel is
the lightness of heart felt by the sinner
when relieved of his burden Of sin.
At the end Of his course. like rider.
dust-covered with battered wheel, the
Christian enters the celestial city, where
he Is met and welcomed by the celestial
wheelmen, who escort him into the golden
streets.