Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-06-26
Convention Sermon,

Convention Sermon.
The Convention sermon was by Rev.
X. A. Colpitts of Portland. His theme
was 1.-THE Vision of Jesus as Type for
the Leaguers' Vision and the sermon
was very eloquent and thoughtful
one. He said in part:
There appears no Improperly what
sOeVer in speaking of the temple rev.
elatiOn of Jesus as a vision. This does
not compel us to dogmatise about pre-
vious visions. At some former time
rays Of light as to his ministry and
Messiahship may have broken in upon
him, but at the time of this incident
his mind was especially Illuminated in
regard to his mission. He had become
conscious that he must be about his
Fathers business. This was vision and
true vision is always prophetic
But not few are intensely intoIcr-
ant oil Visions. The practical man
comes forward with his vial of criti-
clsm. To him visions are but creatures
of fancy. His demand is for reality, for
achievement, and no one of us surely
would ask less than this But what
leads to achievement? Is there any
dynamite behind great exploits or are
they more products of chance? In an
obscure bit of the writings of one of
the old prophets may be found a fertile
hint to help in the answer. He is la
menting the marked decadence of the
religious spirit and the decline of ma
tional ideals. But upon the Eastern
horizon Is discovered the day star of
new era for Israel. He writes of the
coming Renaissance as a time when
the young men shall sec Visions This
Is an indication that in the mind of the
old seer there was an intimate relation
between the seeing of visions and the
incoming of Israel's golden age of
achievement. And this is the relation
achievement the product. vision the
parent Vision first. then translation of
the vision into terms of accomplish
ment
But the prophets putting of the re-
lationship was not original He merely
repeated lesson learned under the
tutelage Of God, for this was Gods or
der at creation.
"A principle has been given us as
universal as the law of gravitation
First the seeing of a vision, then the
vision impelling to accomplishment is
Gods law of sequence alike for himself
and his creatures. Sometimes at the
close of day we sit sad i'm thought and
sombre in countenance, chagrined at
the meagreness of our achievements
but frequently when we ponder the
mean vision with which we took up the
tasks of the day we are compelled to
wonder how we accomplished So much
\ pauperized vision at the morning
which will produce pauperized achieve
ments at evenings twilight Send a
sounding line down into youths Wis
ions and you will find upon it's fathom-
ed length a true measurement of mans
successes. Where there is 10 vision
the people perish
eff we turn to Jesus we shall dlscov-
er a feature that is of great signifi-
canoe. In the background of the vision
of Jesus is the fertile faith and inspir-
ing spirit of a devout young mother.
Behind the dim unknown standeth God
and a Holy mother within the shadow.
keeping watch above their own.
1.-THE helping of one to a vision aside
from those bound to us by family ties
is possible. 1t is the comparative
stranger, perhaps, whose sky line of
Somewhere in our city, our hamlet, our
church, or our place of toll is one
whom We Leaguers may help to higher
and Holier ideals. The NEST supreme
lack of YOU young people. representing
as You should the most exalted visions
of service. Is. I believe, an apathetic
unconcern about spreading broadcast
the cOntagion of those sacred visions.
Many Leaguers move with accelerated
velocity when there is promise of spec
tacular methods Of work and when re-
turns seem large numerically. Such
seemingly forget that the Masters
method is by spirit-touched influence
of heart upon heart and that his pro-
life number is one. Maine Methodism
would enter today upon it's golden age
II each league member would take as
q task for the year the touching of
one humble life with soul stimulating
vision.
1.-The vision of Jesus was unique in
It's support. 1t was the first to be world
wide. And herein lies the test for the
of our vision. If it is limit
edit it is less than world wide there
's defeat that demands instant rem
edy. It's narrowness indicates that it is
II the earth, that God has no part in