The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1908-12-03


gument in favor Of the divinity of
Christ | would not begin with mira
cles or mystery or theory of atone
ment. | would begin with the fact
that Christ lived. Christ presents an
example of purity in thought and life.
and man, conscious of his own imper-
fectiOns and grieyed over his short
cOmings, finds inspiration in one who
was tempted in all points just as we
are and yet was without sin.
Christ as an Example of Humility.
Humility is a rare virtue. If one is
rich he is apt TO be proud of his riches.
If he has distinguished ancestry he is
apt to be proud of his lineage If he is
we'll educated he is apt to be proud of
his learning. Some one has suggested
that if one becomes humble he soon
becomes proud of his humility. Christ,
however, possessed of all power, was
the very persOnification of humility.
The most difficult of all the virtues
to cultivate is the forgiving spirit Re
Venge seems to be natural to the hui
man heart. To want to get even with
an enemy is a common sin 1t has
even been popular to boast of vindic-
tiveneSs. 1t was once inscribed on a
monument to Il hero that he had re-
paid both friends and enemies more
than he had received. This was not
the spirit Of Christ. He taught for
giveness. and in that incompatible
prayer which he left as a model for
our petitions he made our willingness
to forgive the measure by which we
may claim forgiveness. He not only
taught forgiveness. but he exemplifed
his teachings in his life. When those
who prosecuted him brought him to
the most diSgraceful Of all deaths his
spirit Of forgiveness rose above his
suferings. and he prayed. Father,
forgive them. for they know not what
they do
What conclusion is to be drawn from
the life. the teachings and the death
Of this historic figure? Reared in a
carpenters shop. with no knowledge Of
literature save Bible literature. with no
acquaintance with philosophers living
or with the writings of sages dead.
this young man gathered disciples
about him. promulgated a higher code
Of morals than the world had ever
known before and proclaimed himself
the Messiah He taught and perform
ed miracles for Il few brief months
and then was crucified. His disciples
were scattered and many Of them put
to death. His claims were disputed.
his resurrection denied and his follow
ers prosecuted. and vet from this be
ginning his religion has spread until
millions take hts 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 Christi"
It 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 10 believe that Christ has fully
earned the title the Prince of Peace
and that in the years to come it 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 If his creed will bring peace
throughout the earth who will deny
his right to be called the Prince of