Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1908-09-23

known before and proclaimed himself
the Messiah. He taught and perform
ed miracles for a few BRIEF months
and then was cruciied His disciples
were scattered and many OF them put
to death. His claims were disputed
his resurrection denied and his 1oilow'
ers prosecuted, and yet from this De.
ginning his religion has spread unth
millions take his name with reverence
upon their lips and thousands have
been willing to die rather than sur
render the faith which he put into
their hearts. How shall we account
for him? what think We of ChristT
1t is easier to believe him divine than
to explain in any other way what he
said and did and was.
have selected this theme that may
present some of the reasons which lead
me to believe that Christ has fuiiy
earned the title the Prince OF Peace
and that in the years to come 1t Will
be more and more applied to him.
Faith in him brings peace to the heart,
and his teachings when applied Will
bring peace between man and man.
And If he can bring peace to each
heart and II his creed will bring peace
throughout the earth who will deny
his right to be called the Prince OF
Peace?
All the world is In search Of peace.
Every heart that ever beat has sought
for peace, and many have been the
methods employed to secure 1t. Some
have thought to purchase 1t with rich
es. and they have labored to secure
wealth, hoping to find peace when they
were able to 90 where they pleased
and buy what they liked. OF those
who have endeavored to purchase
peace with money the large majority
have failed to secure the money. But
what has been the experience OF those
who have been successful in accumu-
lating money? They all tell the same
story-viz, that they spent the first
half Of their lives trying to get money
from others and the last half trying
to keep others from getting their mon
ey and that they found peace In mel
Their half. Some have even reached
the point where they find difficulty in
getting people to accept their money,
and know of no better indication OF
the ethical awakening in this country
than the increasing tendency to scru-
tinize the methods Of money making.
A long step in advance will have been
taken when religious, educational ana
charitable institutions refuse to con-
done immoral methods in business and
leave the possessor of III gotten gains
to learn the loneliness of life when
one prefers money to morals.
Some have sought peace in social dis
tinction; but, whether they have been
within the charmed circle and fearful
lest they might fall out or outside and
hopeful that they might get in, they
have not found peace.
Some have thought-vain thoughtful
find peace in political prominence; but
whether office comes by birth, as In
monarchies, or by election, as In re-
publics. it does not bring peace. An
Office is conspicuous only when few car
occupy it. Only when few in genera
ton can hope to enjoy an honor do we
call it q great honor. l am glad thai
our Heavenly Father did not make the
peace of the human heart depend upor
the accumulation Of wealth or upon the
securing of social or political distinc
ton. for in either case but few could
have enjoyed it, but when he made
peace the reward Of conscience VOC
of offense toward God and man he pu
II within the reach Of all. The poo
can secure 1t as easily as the rich. thu
social outcast as freely as the leader o.
society and the humblest citizen equal
IL with those who WELD politica
power.
Christ promoted peace by giving u
assurance that line Of communicated
can be established between the Fathe
above and the child below, And VIII
will measure the consolation that ha
been brought to troubled hearts by tn
hour of prayer?
(To be continued next week.