Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1900-11-24

Worth Reading and Worth Preserving.
Quite a number Of people other than
the regular members Of the congrega-
tion, attended Trinity church last Sun
day night to hear Rev. J. M. Stead
mans special sermon to young men.
The sermon made decided impression
upon those who heard it, and at the re-
quest of THE ENQUIRER, Mr.. Stead
man kindly furnished a manuscript
copy which is herewith reproduced:
oUIRER, 1t will not be possible to re-
produce the sermon verbatim as it was
delivered; but in essentials this sermon
is the same as the one preached.
have seen fl to incorporate a little
fresh matter at one or two points. in
complying with the request for it's pub
lication, I do so with the hope that it
may contribute something to public
morals. J. III. 8.
JOSEPH A TRIUMPH OF MANHOOD, OR A
v1Np1cAT1oN OF THE VIRTUE OF NAN"
"But he refused, and said unto his
masters wife, Behold my master wot-
teth not what is with me In the house,
and he hath committed all that he hath
to my hand; there Is none greater In
this house than I; neither hath he
kept back anything from me, but thee,
can do this great wickedness, and sin
against God 2 Gen. xxx, and 8.
Joseph Is one Of the most beautiful
characters In the Bible, and his life af-
fords US q most interesting study. He
furnishes us with one Of the truest
and purest models Of life. With the
exception Of Jesus, the Christ, there is
not a nobler life recorded in the Bible
than his.
2. The moral significance Of his life
is found in the fact that he was often
brought into dangers where escape
seemed impossible; but when the case
character extricated him from the dam
ger. His life, viewed from a dramatic
standpoint, is never wanting In plot.
I. H1s LIFE AND CONDUCT SHOWED
THAT HE HAD AN "UNcoNoUERABLE pow
Err OF RESISTANCE AGAINST THE MIGHTY
FORCES OF EVIL"
His power Of resistance was thor
oughly and rightly tested. He was q
tempted man. No strong character has
ever been made without severe testing.
While we appreciate the Importance
and value Of proper surroundings, and
should keep our children from contain
mating influences, we must recognize
the fact that they must go out into
the world and be tested in life's battles
and stand or fall as they may have or
want character. We can't always keep
them tied to the apron string.
1. He was petted child and expos
ed to the danger Of being spoiled. The
partiality which Jacob showed for him
not only exposed him to the outward
hate Of his brethren, but also was
damaging to his inner character. u
ually, to pet Is to spoil.
2. His character was tested by the
hate of his half. brothers. He was in
danger Of having his heart embittered
against them as a result of their harsh
treatment Of him. When he goes to
them from his fathers, they say, in de-
rision, Behold the dreamer" Preju-
dice causes US to take but one view Of
a man; to see in him only that which
we do not like-his faults. 1.-THE worlds
dreamers never have an easy lot" JOS
eph's dream Of future greatness did
not destroy his strength and willing
ness for present work. He obeyed his
father promptly. He was to. bring his
dreams to pass by a proper discharge
of life's duties as they came.
8. His character was tested by his
experience as a slave. He had no friend
to counsel him. He was in danger Of
himself away. All that Joseph had in
the way of resources in Egypt, were
his manhood and his faith In God.
These furnish material sufficient to
make a worthy and successful charac-
ter. Given true manhood and faith in
God, which produce obedience to Him,
and a true character is possible. His
surroundings were seemingly against
him, yet he holds himself up in his in
tegrity.
4. His character was next tested by
prosperity. This is often one Of the
greatest temptations that can come to
man. Few men can bear to have
prosperity suddenly thrust upon them.
5. He had to resist the temptation to
revenge when he had his bretheren in
his power.
6. His character was tested by the
temptation Of the wanton lust of de-
praved woman. Egyptian women OF
that day were noted for the depravity
Of their characters and conduct. He
resisted this temptation, though he
had to suffer wrongfully. It cost him
something to be pure. He was cast in
to prison. Joseph was safer in prison
with Gods presence, than he would
have been in his masters house with
out this presence. Potiphar's design In
imprisoning him was punishment.
Gods design was protection for future
usefulness. Joseph possessed charac-
ter Of immoveable integrity.
II. INDUCEMENTS TO YIELD TO TEMP
TATIoN.
1. He was away from his home and
had no family restraints. He might
have argued II have none here to dis
grace but myself. I will bring suffer-
ing on no members of my family
There are men who will do away from
home, things that they would not do
there. I trust no student here will do
that which he would not do at his home
in the presence of his mother. While
you may keep the knowledge Of the
sinful acts from reaching home, young
man, you must carry the character you
make away from that home back to
that home, and these acts are part OF
that character.
2. There was personal beauty which
made him attractive and which appeal
ed to the pride. You should not use
good looks-for which you deserve no
merit-to commit bad deeds, which
bring demerit to you.