The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-09-22
SAMSON PRACTICAL
Joker OF BIBLE.
sermon Yesterday by the Rev.
A. B. Curry
INFLUENCE OF BAD WOMEN
Young Men Should Avoid Temptation,
for over-Confldence In Resist
Ing 1t May Cause Them to
Repent Too Late.

"A Strong Mans Fall' was the subject
of the Rev. DR.. A. B. Curry last night
at the First Presbyterian church.
DR.. Currys text was from Judges. nth
chapter and Both verse: And Sampson,
Let me die with the Philistines.'
The whole history of SIMPSONS life
from the time Of his youth until his death
was briefly reviewed by the preacher.
Sampson was the great practical joker
of the Bible, said DR.. Curry. He seems
never to have had serious moment or
gave any question a serious eonsidera-
ton. The spirit of levity seemed to pre-
vail in all of his undertakings and ac-
complishments When he escaped from
the city of the Philistines. he carried the
gate of the city far out of the town, and
l can imagine him smiling to himself
at the surprise OF the Philistines when
they found the gates of the city so far
removed from their accustomed place.
Even when he slew the Philistines In
such great numbers he ignored all weap-
ons, and using a jawbone, as II in con-
tempt and derision of their finely equipp-
ed army. slew a thousand of them and
put the army to flight.
Influence of Bad Women.
Another cause of Simpsons failure in
life was his association with bad women.
A good woman is the best thing on EARTH
she is nearer to the divine; nearer to
the angelic than all else. but bad wo-
man is the worst thing on earth. When
a woman falls her fall Is greater than
a mans because she falls farther. And
l would call the attention of the young
men to the idea of good companionship.
A mans destiny is determined in many
cases by the association he keeps
Samson never intended to betray the
secret of his great strength. He never be-
lleved it would be possible that this sec
ret would be divulged by him, but under
the influence of the wicked Delilah, and
under her continued persuasion, he An
ally divulged the secret and his compact
with God was broken and his strength
departed from him.
Samsons death was not that of a sui
eide. 1t was more that of the soldier who
dies on the field Of battle from what he
considers is right and duty
Doctor Curry applied the life and ex-
ample of Samson to that of the young
men of today. pleading with them To
take sober and serious thoughts of the
things of life and eternity. There are
times for the young people to enjoy
themselves" said the preacher. THE
Bible teaches this and it Is right but the
matter of life and death and eternity are
too serious to be thought of Or treated
lightly. Cultivate good companionship
and have your acquaintance among the
Christian people of the city. Do that
which is right and which 1t is your duty
to do and live close to the God whom
your mother served. Avoid all APPEAR
ances of evil.
Avoid OVer-Confidence.
IAN eagle was once feasting upon the
carcass of q lamb frozen in the Ice in the
rapids above the falls of Isiagra. AS the
ice was carried nearer to the falls the
eagle would several times raise his head
high in the air and look about as much
as to say; I am in no danger. 1 know
my strength, and when this carcass upon
which l am feasting reaches the edge of
the falls, will spread my wings and fly
away in safety But when the edge of
the falls was reached, the eagle attempt
ed to raise himselft in flight, but found
that Its wings was frozen In the Ice, and
it was carried over the falls with the
Ice, to its death. Young man, do not
trif1e with temptation, do not risk your
self near the falls of temptation, or you
will find too late, that you are so frozen
to your idol that you will be carried to
destruction with it,"
Beginning with next Sunday, all even
ing services at the First Presbyterian
church will begin at 7:3O o'clock instead
of o'clock as has been the custom dur
ing the summer.