Los Angeles herald., 1907-10-07
"HATED FOR TRUTHS SAKE"
is TOPIC OF DR.. HENRY

''Hated for the Truths Sake" was the
topic of Rev. j. Q. A. Henry, pastor of
the First Baptist church, last night. He
quoted the words of Ahab to Jehoshaphat
concerning Micaiah, the true prophet of
God, saying:
"I hate him for he never prophesied
good unto me but always evil' Ahab was
a gigantic sinner. His character was cor
rupt and his conduct was evil. There are
many men so thoroughly bad that it
would be difficult to speak the truth and
say anything good Concerning them. The
400 false prophets have urged upon the
kings of Israel and Judah certain line
of conduct. Further testimony would
seem unnecessary, but Jehoshaphat re-
mains unsatisfied. The accent of honest
truth is wanting. Micaiah is sent for and
unmasks the plot SO strongly advocated
by the prophets of idolatry and sin. He
declares the proposed military expedition
means nothing short OF disaster to the
kingdom and death to the king. The his
toric setting of the text is changed, but
the substance is as true and modern as
though it were spoken yesterday
"It suggests first of all that men love
to be 6attered and encouraged, even to
the expense of everything both holy and
true. AS jeremiah says: The prophets
prophesy falsely and the priests bear rule
by their means, and my people love TO
have ii So Many turn away their ears
from the truth and are turned into
fables. Many make up their minds con-
cerning problems of life independent of
religion but are always glad to receive
moral and religious support in their
factions.
..Ahab had no desire to consider the
situation which he faced either in the
light of religion or of loyalty to the God
of Israel, but anxious to be supported by
the testimony of those who were re
ligious. He was utterly untitled to per-
form such lofty service. There are some
things that wicked men cannot do. Oft
times the compromises and sins of good
people disqualify them from doing noblest
things for God and men.
Led Israel Astray
"The temper of Moses shut him out of
the promised land, David's savage wars
prevented him from building the temple
of Cod Ahab was incapable of responding
to the truth. He had married an idola-
trous wife, led Israel astray and sought
to destroy their recognition of God. AT
this particular time he was under the
ban of the Almighty. He was ,sordid and
selfish and lived on the lowestiplane pos
sible and yet seemingly could not under
stand why nothing good could be truth
fully said about his person or his pro-
gram.
He Illustrated what is common among
men-a disposition of mind which seeks in
religion not what is true but what Is
agreeable. The prophet of smooth things
is popular, the preacher of humanities
and of sweetness and light often captures
the crowd. Micaiah told the truth but 1t
bore down hard upon Ahab's heart. Cow
per says: Truth is unwelcome, however
divine The prophet of evil things is
usually stoned. Paul said: Am I thine
enemy because I tell the truth?' Angus
tine, as youth, hated religion because 1t
cursed his impurity. The drunkard, the
gambler, the libertine and the liar seek 70
get rid of God and of his Son and of the
Bible because they unite in condemning
the sins of the flesh which they practice.
THE incorruptible truth teller must be
cast in an heroic mold and be prepared TO
suffer many things for his testimony To
speak the truth under difficult circum-
stances requires unusual courage.
Strong Men Needed
'.The world is perishing for intrepid and
faithful messengers who will rebuke pop
ular sin, run counter to the crowd and
steadfastly maintain the truths which
alone can save the soul, redeem society
and prepare people for eternity.
How sublime the spectacle of Moses
before Pharaoh, Nathan before David,
Elijah before Ahab, Daniel before Bel
shazzar and John the Baptist before
Herod. To this company of good soldiers
of the truth Micaiah belonged. He stands
before the wicked king and 400 false
prophets friendless and alone, and yet
with calm dignity speaks the truth. Ser
Witty and passion often carry all before
them. FidelityNto men and loyalty to God
often means criticism and punishment.