The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-03-02

things went wrong, he would speak
sharply, and never give the word of
praise when things went right. He
who wrote that most men were fools
was SO absorbed with his pen that as
husband be failed for the want of
that tenderness which shows itself in
the little kindnesses for which she
loDged. When she died, he suddenly
awoke to his past neglect; and never
did he pass the churchy ard where
her body was laid without uncover
ing his poor grey head to the wind or
rain, while his heart was wrung with
remorse and shame.
The huh in this crowded hall
shows that the compassionate Christ
is speaking to you through the
preached word. Dear friends, spare
time to be tender to those who love
you-your dear father, your forbear-
ing mother, your faithful brother,
your gentle sister, your tired hus-
band, your weary wife-yes, take
their hand and tenderly lay their
head on your breast; it is what Christ
would do. Your loving one who
yearns for tenderness, might say in
the words of Robert Browning
II often feel much wearier than you think,
This evening more than usual, and it seems
AS if-forgive me-should you let me sit
Here by the window, with your hand in mine,
Quietly, quietly, the evening through.
might get up tomorrow to my work
Cheerful and fresh as ever"
(3). Be forgiving "A Christian
slave is being logged for going off
the plantation to gospel service for
negroes-it is supposed to make them
discontinued with slavery. The
overseer pauses after number of
lashes which stream the man with
blood, when the master standing
near exclaims, "Old julius, what can
the Lord do for you now" The
poor black turns his face to his mas
ter, and with big tears which till now
he has kept back, replies in broken
voice, "Massa, de dear Lord Jesus
tell me to forgive YOU
Brothers, if you have wronged a
man ask his forgiveness, and if pos
sible make restitution; for such gra-
ciousness proves that you are a
Christian. But if another has wronged
you and you know he is coming to
ask your pardon, be ready to meet
him half way; for without that gra-
ciousness no man can enter heaven.
III. The EXAMPLE TO BE OBSERVED.
The secret why man was created
is not revealed. AS the boiler is
tested to see if it can bear the pres
sure to be produced within it. so it
may have been needful for angelic
beings to witness the testing of God
in dealing with disobedient creatures.
In that trial he is revealed as the
Good One who lays the blame upon
himself in order that he may right
eously be kind, tender hearted, and
forgiving to every human creature.
Thus God proves the truth of his
eternal name, Jehovah, Emmanuel,
that is, 81 am always with and never
against any of my creatures" AS
lifeboat remains by the sinking ship,
a mother broods over her little child,
and father compassionates his peni-
tent son, SO God never blames, but
only seeks to bless and save. We
suffer the sad results of sin, but never
the upbraiding of God. We are not
to compare ourselves with sham
Christians, be they bishops. bell ring
ers, ministers, or deacons, but to con-
tinually observe the example of God
as revealed in Christ.
III. The CHARACTER DISPLAYED.
God forms worlds and resurrects
the dead, but he cannot create char
acter. That must be your voluntary
act. You are now creating the dis
position and robe of the immortal
spirit which at death departs into the
other world. If willing, the power to
he gracious is given, and gracious
ness as the eternal result is sure.
In a temple one should be reverent;
it is sacred place. Fellow Chris
tian, you are the temple of God; rev.
erence yourself as set apart to glori-
fly him. Go forth into the cold weary
world to be like beam of sunlight
in the gloom. You do not require a
label on the forehead or badge on
the breast; let your words and deeds
be enshrined with the graciousness of