Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-05-06
Eminent Democrat Lectures I'm
der Auspices of the Broth
erlood Bible Glass
SUBJECT PRINCE OF PEACE
Mr.. eryan's Lecture One of the Best
Exee::ltion' Of the Fundamental
Principles Of Religion Ever Delivered
Hare - Was a Great Sermon by =
Layman-Introddeed by Mayor.

William Jennings Bryan, twice q
candidate for the presidency, and by
many believed to be the logical demo-
cratic nominee for 1908, spoke, before
one Of the largest audiences Of the sea-
son at the Methodist church Saturday
night when he delivered his religious
lecture, .'The Prince OF Peace" MT.
Bryan spoke under the auspices OF the
Brotherhood Bible class OF the Metho-
dist CHURCH, and the audience that
greeted him filled the seating capacity
OF the large auditorium. Many who
were there were from the small sur
rounding towns, all sections OF the
county being represented.
The speaker was introduced by May
or o. L. Ingledue. and during the time
the audience was being seated the
Crescent Mandolin club played.
( When the eminent democrat appeared
on the platform he was greeted with
burst Of long continued applause, and
frequently, during his lecture, was In
terrupted by the clapping Of hands.
In prelude to his lecture he dwelt
upon religious principles as the basis
and foundation OF all morality. He
paid compliment to the Brotherhood
Bible class, and those who had been in-
strumental In its growth and the ac-
ttvity-of its work.
Much OF Mr.. Bryan's later-day repu-
tation has been built upon his lectures,
but as preacher he has never been
accorded hrst3 rank. However, his
lecture, '.1he Prince Of Peace comes
more nearly being great sermon that
q notable lecture. In fact 1t was de-
scribed by many as the best sermon
they had ever listened to.
The Fundamentals OF his theme was
an exposition OF some OF the primary
principles OF religion as taught by the
teachings and life OF Jesus Christ, 1.-THE
Prince OF Peace!''' Probably no better
delineation Of the principles Jesus laid
down az, a guide to right living was
ever delivered before from a local
platform. Mr. Bryan touched only
briefly, and did not attempt a discus
sion ofathe question OF the divinity of
Christ. He attempted no sNplanation
further than tbssay that it was. easier
TO believe that Christ was divine that
it was to explain his divinity.
OF the struggle of the word to seek
peace, Mr.. Bryan said it was sought
for by the scramble for money, by So
cial and worldly honors, none Of which
brought peace. His definition Of peace
was "The conscience filled with faith.
Peace" he said, comes from the
hour OF prayer. and who," he added,
twill measure the peace to the heart
which has the assurance of a life be-.
yond 81 He touched on Athe parallels,
and the scepticism with which they
were regarded by many. He likeneel
them as no greater than the things
of which we know hut do not under.
stand. In Illustration he drew a beau.
tiful word picture of the mystery OF
life, and the unknown power and re-
sources from which the little seed
draws that which 1t returns In fruit a
thousand fold Of Its kind.
Christ deserved to be called the
prince Of peace" he said, because he
has given us a measure of greatness,
because he has given us the means
by which truth, could be propagateel
and because he has given US a PLATFORM
upon which all could stand"
Service" Mr.. Bryan said, lis the
measure Of greatness. He is greatest
who does the most good" He char
acterized the sermon on the mount as
the greatest platform ever given ut
terance, and that all questions Of man
kind could be solved by the, sentences:
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy
SELF" He described this as the doc-
trine of the strong man, and the faith
Of the early Christ and martyrs.
MAN is strong" he declared in clos
ing, when he fights with God. One
with God shall chase a. thousand and
two SHAY put ten thousand to flight"
After the close of the lecture. Mr..
Bryan held an informal reception at
one side Of the platform, where he met
and shook hands with all those who
cared to take advantage Of the priv
}ilere Fully more than half Of the