Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1903-11-14
TALMAGE
SERMON
By Rev.
FRANK DE WITT TALMAGE, DID,.
Pastor Of Jefferson Park Presby-
tcrian Church. Chicago

Chicago, Nov. SIN this sermon the
preacher urges a return to the 'old
paths"-the simple Christian faith In
the Saviour and his promises-as the
only means Of securing the greatest Of
blessings, relief from the oppressive
burdens OF life, which bear heavily on
humanity. The text is Matthew xi. 2S.
"Come unto me all ye that labor and
are heavy laden, and | will give you
rest"
Like the sensitive opal, this text
shines best when 1t has been heated by
the fires Of tribulation. Like the dia
mond, 1t glitters and sparkles bright.
est when 1t has been cut by the lapi
dary of trouble. Like some Of tl'
autumnal fruits, il Is sweetest TO the
parched lips when 1t has been frost
bitten. Like the morning sunrise. II
is the most gladly welcomed by the
poor, tired invalid. who. unable to
sleep during the long. weary hours Of
the night, has tossed upon the hot,
fevered pillow and wished for the day
Like the sight Of the old homestead
It Is most desired by the ragged OH
cast Of repentant prodlgal. wear e.
with his journey from the far coun r.
who sees again his fathers homs
where he shall find forgiveness and
love.
These old promises of tho Bible. OF
fering rest and peace to those who are
troubled and in pain and sin. have
far different meaning TO us after W
have been compelled to lift the cup OF
sorrow to our lips and drink its con
tents to the bitter dreGs. When We
first begin to study Gods word we are
like to that young man who for the
FIRST time stood before famous pic
ture. All the artistic world was rem
dering homage to that canvas and de-
claring that 1t was a masterpiece. Yet
what did the young man in his igno-
rance say? "Ah, yes, that Is a very
pretty picture, but | do not see any
thing so wonderful in It," But after
awhile that young man began to study
art. In his studies he developed the
latent or dormant artistic powers Of
his mind and soul. He not only stud
led In the art schools Of America, but
he crossed the seas and went to the
schools Of France and Italy. He sat
at the feet of the great masters. Then,
fresh from his studies, he came back
and stood a second time before that
same picture. Now it seemed to him
different canvas from that which he
first saw. His cheek flushed; his eye
grew bright; he looked at that picture
first from one side Of the room and
then from the other. At last, after
many minutes of glorious soul thought.
he cried out in rapture: Beautiful!
Beautiful Is 1t not beautiful" When
young men and young women first
open the Bible the gospel promises In
reference to sorrows and heavy bur-
dens do not appeal very strongly to
them. Their horizons are always rain
bowed. Their hillsdes are always
hanging gardens and terraced vine
Yards. Their bodies always seem to
have the warm, rich blood Of perpetual
youth coursing through their veins. A
physicians prescription is not sought
after by the well nor an oculist by
those having good eyes. But when.
ike that young man who studied In
the art schools Of Europe, after we
have been compelled TO take a long
course in the "school of adversely
and then postgraduate course after
postgraduate course. oh, then how diff
'erent Gods sweet promises appear to
is!