Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-17

at taketh city"
their faith and fortitude have illumined
the pages of history. TRANSPORTED life and
sublimated character. Men Of strong Wills
and tempers by the majesty Of self-mas-
terry have been made factors in the
in youth was cross and Maynard. The
Spirit of God, however, laid hold of his
strong nature, and by the discipline Of
Calvinism his energy was given a new
direction. his zeal guided by knowledge.
and he dominated England for twenty
years.
This self-control must be present with
all Christian zeal. For without 1t man
becomes reckless, and Jehu will drive so
furiously as to break the axle of his
chariot. God wants servants discreet and
burning heart must be guided by the hand
of wise control. The splendid principle
can be cultivated, and it is important to
practice the power of self-mastery. Self
restraint should be exercised in the re-
preston of ungodly anger or unholy ap-
petite, In the cultivation Of a calm re-
sourcefulness under petty trials and per-
plexities, forming settled habit of con-
troll that will render one capable of en-
during the great strains Of life.
History furnishes sad examples Of the
yonl
solemn warnings. Alexander the Great
was endowed with a splendid genius, and
early announced his character in dazzling
deeds and wonderful exploits. He achieved
marvellous success. This, however, threw
a glamour over his judgment and inflamed
his passions. He soon became a slave to
cruel as they were ungrateful: and while
he diffused the literature and civilization
Of Greece, wherever his triumphs led him.
In spite Of mental and physical gifts and
military genius. he lacked that splendid
power Of self-control, and died in a drink
ing bout during an imperial banquet ip
Babylon. He who had directed the wills
Of men, and made them his obedient serv-
ants, fell under the power Of the tyrant Of
unrestrained appetite when but a young
man.
Robert Burns, Scotland's greatest poet.
who in his productions exhibits the high
est poetical qualities, the most exquisite
tenderness. the most refined humor, the
most delicate perception Of natural beauty
and the highest finish Of style, yet in his
life he exercised no control over his own
appetites and desires, but rather gave them
rein.
THUS countless follies laid him low
And stained his fair name"
After a brilliant literary career as ''The
AYRSHIRE Ploughman," he fell in with evil
companions. Joined in their convivial rev.
elries and his social nature soon led him
into intemperance. His immoral life re-
mains as q blot on his name, and he is
the sad example of the frailties and
powers Of man. uncontrolled and undis-
ciplined. Thus one Of the brightest stars
in tho constellation Of the poets is de-
prived Of much Of its brilliancy.
Edgar Allan Poe. that rare genius,
misunderstood and mysterious poet, who
was endowed with a great mind, gifted
with originality and imagination, and who
gave to the world clear-cut jewels Of
verse, lacked this essential virtue, and
sadly failed in self-mastery, and thus Inn
death.
The times in which we live demand the
courage Of self-control. for the interests
Of society and kingdom Of God plead for
men and women Of true heroism-a
Christian heroism, inspired by a devotion
to Christ.
The pursuit of worldly pleasure and the
indulgence Of sinful appetites are sapping
our morals. destroying our energies and
degrading the manliness of individuals
and the nation.
Mans last and greatest victory Is self
conquest. The only way to gain self-mas-
terry is by making Christ master Of self.
There should be such a blast Of the gospel
trumpet that the world might hear the
splendid words Of the great apostle Paul:
Stand fast. therefore. in the liberty
| wherewith Christ hath made US free, and
be not eRtangled again in the yoke Of
bondage" And again: IF the Son made
you free, We shall be free indeed" Do
we want self-control? We must strive
| for 1t, asking God to aid US by the Holy
Spirit. May we learn the grandeur of
terry!
| make 1t still more lifelike a pair of the