The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-05-19


persons Some Christian men cannot
go with the advanced reformers who
advocate a total overthrow OF the
liquor traffic. Others are not even will
ing to take the ground Of total abstin
ence. Very well. let as talk with
them of the strength and glory OF a
self-mastered life. believing that time
viii omen their eyes to the rightness
Of the other two positions advocated
by the foes of intemperance. Indeed,
II The virtue Of se.f-control were prac-
ticed by all men. and Il ali men held
their lower natures in Subsection to
their higher, there would be little need
to advocate the prohibition of the en-
tire liquor traffic. The highest estate
OF the human race Is that wherein each
person recognizes his responsibility to
all others and to God. and to that end
controls his own life
They who are ruled by the spirit are
the persons whose spirits rule their
bodies.
John went to great success by great
sacrifices. He denied himself the soft
life, with its ease and comforts and
luxuries. The delights that other men
counted their rights he surrencered
and gave himself to wilderness days
and nights, to loneliness asceticisn
and to the stern persuit of a lofty ideal.
Out of his rigorous traiaI aE he came q
conqueror, and a master of men. He
l.ai cwelt long in silence; hut when
ne lifted up his voice tina worl5 was
ready to listen
Great preparation greatly prevails.
Elijah had tested God so often him
se.f that he was not afraid to put aim
u the test before the assembled nation.
Small aims are the bane Of lives in
1'G-ncra bic. It IS a rare person Who is
bV-rg UP to the limit Of his possihil-
tiles. They who greatly dream and
aids OF the worlds better day. For
whoever is not content to live a trivial
life In trivial way, pioneers the pro-
gress Of the worlds best
John prepared the way for Jesus A
noble mission that, to make ready an
entrance for the king into human
hearts. And this is John the Baptist
work which is possible to everybody
God talked with Elijah and made his
will plain to him. God will still do the
same to every listening and obedient
servant. The notion that the Chris
tan must walk mostly in darkness,
eous one. The path before every one
of US will be made plain and unmis-
taxable if we faithfully depend upon
God for direction. He Is just as will
Elijah.
How splendid is the human will! 1t
is Gods signature upon man, his best
handiwork. By the human VIII, God
/ is bringing to pass his own Will In tbs
world. He cooperates with every OHM
and Elijah Through noble human
resolution, always reinforced by the
mysterious and mighty Spirit of God
mankind is slowly rising to a higher
/ no VIII Ia tho warrior who Is
righting the worlds wrongs and over
throwing its evils. It is an evincible
/ power before which mountains become
as valleys and every jungle a highway.
It's high seat is one the throne of every
soul, with none above it but God.
God will never manifest himself
through the man who is afraid to stand
alone against the multitude of Baal's
priests and followers:
The chariot of fire was only the con
sequence of Elijah's character of faith
fitness.
live and speak again in some John The
4 Baptist
Elijah was a poor man-none poor
er. He was dependent upon the very
birds of the air for his food Yet wheT
he died he left a bequest to his FRIEND
and heir that Solomon and all of tbs
kings of the East could not equal: TO
to Elisha he bequeathed his spirit. /
is better to leave to the world sucE
heaped-up millions. And that is th'
gift that every one of US can make
We can leave behind US a spirit O
faith and fearfulness that will fall a
lives inspiring them to enlarge tn
work have BEGUN.