The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1894-09-24

iniwhat that growth OF hair s.gnifed-a
~consecrated life; fidelity to the vows
made 10 God. We discover, too, that
this strength came upon him as be
needed it. The record is that "the
spirit OF the Lord began to move upon
him ct times" Before he performed
any OF the feats o. strength that have
made him famous, it is written, that
'.the spirit OF the Lord came might
lily upon him." '.M
Tins God bestows spiritual power to-
day just where and when it is needed.
He gives no surplus; he allows no de-
ficiency. He bestows amply, but not
s~nperfinously. He 10 liberal, but he ia
also economical. His grace 10 always
sufficient. Again, this strength of our
hero was conditionally retained. Re-
member that it is an easy matter to
"grieye the holy spirit" and be shorn OF
our strength. !
But, though Samson lost bis
strength, he recovered it again. Bishop
Hall says This hair grew together with
bis repentance, and his strength with his
hairs" In the temple OF Dagon he re-
alizes that God is being Knocked, while
Israel'si blind and enfeebled Judge is
made 20 object of sport for the assem-
bfed multitndes, 30 he prays for the
spirit Of strength to come upon him
once more.t It Isl gift, not a develop
ment. God restores 1t to him there and
he Stays more in his death than in his
life. Have we lost our power? Pray
earnestly for its return and God will
again bestow it.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
: We hear OF Gods t~hreatenings, justice
and anger with the d~isobedient and re-
bellions, and for yet his W statement.
That twas love OF these same rebels
which prompted the gift OF his only be-
gotten Son. We dote on our own ad-
mirable qualities, but they ere only dim
reflections OF the same 10 God. Nan
often seems chained to q despot's chariot
but not 30, for, Like as a father pitieth
his children, so the Lord pitieth."
My theme is, Comfort for Gods peo-
pie" Text, L.. 66:13. "Like as one whom
his mother comforteth, so will I comfort
you" Scripture often sets forth Gods
attitude toward men under figure oil q
parent; showing in what high esteem he
holds that relationship. Mother love
exceeds all others for it takes love in
weakness, and grows until it makes the
child and the mother one. No wayward
ness can quench it. nc peril daunt it. In
this connection the unchangeablsness of
our God comes in to inspire faith and
hope. 10 10 the province OF humanity TO
vacillate; but God lie that same always.
W. are too prone to look at the dark
side; toforget the silver lining; the Low.
ing smile that hides behind SO ffowning
providence" The aptness Of the figure
OF the text is shown by the following
consideration.
l. The mother heart 10 naturally best
adapted to teach and comfort. 80 IN
life's hard lessons and experiences our
teacher, comforter, God possesses the
best OF qualifications for teaching and
2. The mother resorts to illustration
and object lessons, TO teach and comfort.
Lo God uses persons, places, parallels to
and comfort.
8. The mother teaches by induction,
the natural method. So does our God.
4. The mother has her favorites. NOT
the bright, strong, capable but the weak,
unpromising, incapable, deformed. So,
there q weak, tempted, tired, burdens
ed one, that ID the one TO whom God i
especially near.
8 BUTT ID the mothers special pro-
vince TO comfort. The fathers strength
is al call where force Is necessary but
for the silver, Or the little heart grief
then away 10 mother. So no sorrow 10
small to 90 to our God with.
9. And who 10 90 forgiving as mother.
ready TO receives the erring one
and give the kiss of forgiveness. So, the
vilest sinner may return 10 Goo and he
lorgives-
I. But lastly there IL . beautiful sng-
Ia the way mother puts the tired