Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-07-25
Calmage
Sermon
By Rev.
Frank De Witt Talmaae, D. d.

Los Angeles, Cal, July 21.-In this
sermon the preacher draws lesson of
universal interest from the life and
death of Francis Murphy. the famous
temperance evangelist. The text Is
II Timothy iv, Z, 81 have fought good
fight"
Even under the brightest and hap
piest conditions It Is sad sight to see
great man unbuckle his armor AMI
lay down the battleax he has welded
In the front of life's struggles. When
John Adams was about to be naux,l-
rated president of the United States
the assembled multitude had no cheers
and Nocifcratons for the new chief
tain. Their thoughts were with the re-
firing leader. There were sobs and
aching hearts for him vino was to lay
down the tasks of public life after
forty five years conSccratcd to his
country's service. All eyes were TO-
cused upon the tall, commanding figure
of him who would hcnccforth he
known as First in war, first in peace
and first in the hearts of his country
men, When John Adams lifted his
hand over the sacred book and took the
oath of Office George Washington slow
| ly turned to go into the house and Of
| face himself from public notice. The
people followed him with moistcned
eyes and tear stained cheeks \ great
moan went over the assembled hosts
like the murvurings Of many waters.
! tnr al In, NJ, 4 4
back moment and then waved silent
! farewell. And all mp and down the
| lines went the valedictory: God bless
him. God bless him. God bless him"
| When Andrew Jackson handed over
the rcinS Of government to Martin
Van Buren, ana started homo. his Jour
ney to his beloved Hermitage was
like long funeral professions The
people came oUt from tho towns and
villages and cities to greet him Every
one wanted last look IF the face of
their late ruler. With his white hair.
tail, 1.-the form and sierra features. he
lowered above the people who crowd
ed around him. But wherever he
looked he saw only men AMI women
who were resretting the day that this
sagaciouS American was 10 longer To
lead them in the councils Of peace and
of war.
When William T.. Gladstone. after
half century in the service of his
country. resigned the premiership and
passed out of the house of commons
for the last time. al the mcmherS
arose and uncovered. Those men, nc
matter to what political parry they
belonged, knew that a political genius
and one of the most sagaciouS states
men the British empire had ever pro
duced was about to leave the public
arena and pass the Indian summer OF
his earthly life in retirement. His
party knew that there was no one &c
ill his place and they lamcnted his
going.
A Rest Well Earned.
After Il great leader of men has
been working for the good of his fel
low countrymen for twenty or thirty
or forty years the world may regret &c
lose his services, but 1t has to bow C
the inevitable and recognize the rlgh
of the tired worker to rest. NO
NO." says the world, Though we may
grieve much to see our hOnored lead
crs fall out from their places, they
have earned their rest and they have
a right to peace So we look upon
the Mount Vernons and the Hermit
ages and the IiaWardens as the haVen'
and harbors of lie, where tired mer
can rest and he at peace with those
who love them and whom they love-
Now, the true Christian looks upor
death as going home TO receive hi>
eternal reward. When Paul said: II
have fought good fight. ! have fin
lshed my course. ! have kept the
faith. Henceforth there is laid mp fol
me n crown of righteousness, he
meant simply this: "Friends. for years
! have been engaged In an exhaustins
struggle am physically worn out.
am looking for the reward Christ prom
'fcd. Let me go and be at peace will
Christ, which Is far better SO We
have a right to look upon death today
not as going down into the grave. bu
as ascending TO throne. 1t is gOins
homo. 1t is going to one of the man
sions OF heaven which Christ has pre-
pared for those that love him.
was never more impressed will
this fact than when sat by the bed
side of the modern apostle of temper
ance, Francis Murphy. He was one Of
the great temperance leaders of THU
country. We mourned his failing
strength. His work seemed to be Sc
important. 1t did seem as though W.
could not give him up; but, as the time
came for his departure, l visited hin
and prayed with him. Then after
had finished, with his weak voice ht
continued my prayer as follows: &c
: God. I thank thee that have not az
enemy In all the world. ! thank thee
that the world is filled with good PEG
pie. If II be thy will, let me go bacl
TO my work, but if not, have so many
dear ones on the other side take me Il
them and to thy glory" Yes, Francis
Murphy, we know what was in YOU
heart Lying upon your sickbed, yo,
could see the dear departed friends
coming out to greet you, You coulC
hear the heavenly chorus chanting {
welcome for your celestial advent
Your death was not TO be an oblitera
ton. 1t was to be an ascension.
coronation, an enthroncment. Hail
thou assembled spirit! We today re
ioice with thee in thy heavenly rap
ture Hail, o thou enthroned warrior
Hail.
When StoneWall Jackson the chiyal