The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-11-09
SIMPSON TABERNACLE.
The Pulpit Filled by Rev. Mr. Hamilton
Morning and Evening.

Rev. Dr. Mclean of Simpson taber-
nacle being i'll, his pulpit was supplied
yesterday morning and evening by Rev.
S. L. Hamilton The subject of the
evening sermon was 1.-The Need of Di-
vine illumination" from II Kings, VIII.
Mr.. Hamilton said: Among the char
acters which stand out with marked
prominence in Old Testament history
are Elijah and Elisha. Each had his
distinct peculiarities and personalities.
Each stands out WILDLY and prominent
ly like the central figure in picture, the
background of which is not unworthy of
study and attention, but where the alb
sorbing interest centers in the figures
which are most conspicuous.
Elijah appears on the scene with Won
derful abruptness. His advent was I'M
heralded-his coming unexpected, as I'M
expected as would be clap of thunder
on this sunlit day, as unexpected as
would be flash of lightning
when there were no gathered clouds
or other evidences of an approaching
storm. Bold courageous, he appears
before the wicked king Ahab and de-
clares LAS the Lord God of Israel liveth,
before whom Jstand, there shall not be
dew nor rain these years but according
to my word" Again and again he hurls
unwelcome truth into the face of the
king-unwelcome truth because it was
Gods truth, and Gods truth is always
unwelcome to an impenitent, wicked
man.
The very name Elijah stands for me-
etoric brilliancy, undaunted courage,
terrific earnestness and utter abandon,
regardless of all consequences to him
self. as with a sublime heroism he pur-
sued the work God committed to him;
and the manner in which he babe adieu
to the theater of his trials and triumphs
was in perfect keeping with his charac-
ter An ordinary dying would have
been almost tame for Elijah. Death!
How could he take time to sicken and
die? He did not. Suddenly there ap-
peared one day upon the scene "a chariot
of fire and horses of fire." and this man
of dauntless courage and of heroism I'M
paralleled, unhesitatingly and with I'M
blanched cheek, stepped on board, and
as if impatient of any delay on the part
of the fiery steeds and fiery chariot,
went up by whirlwind into heaven"
Glorious man. Glorious translation!
Glorious heaven.
Elisha was Elijah's servant. Called
from faithful but humble service in the
field blowing with twelve yoke of oxen,
he was equally faithful in a higher call
ing, to Elijah and to God. Before his
translation Elijah tested Elisha. Three
several times he said to him, "Tarry, l
pray thee, here, for the Lord hath sent
me yonder,' and as many times Elisha
said, No; as the Lord liveth and as thy
soul liveth l will not leave thee" This
faithfulness was rewarded True faith
fulness is always rewarded. Gods an
gel keeps the books and God himself new
er forgets. Said elijah, What shall 1
do for thee before be taken from thee?"
and Elisha replied. Il pray thee let
double portion of thy spirit be upon me-"
This was promiseA provided Elisha
should witness Elijah's translation. He
did witness it, crying out, my father!
my father! The chariot of Israel and the
horsemen thereof"
And SO Elijah's mantle fell on Elisha.
With it he divided the waters of the Jor-
dan and passed over dryshod. The sons
of the prophets seeing it cried out, BE
hold the spirit of Elijah doth rest on
Elisha" and ''They came to meet him,
and bowed themselves to the ground be-
fore him."