The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-03-21
A SATURDAY SERMON.

This is the disciple which testified OF
| these things, and wrote these things
John 21:24.
A ouaek is distinguished from
true scientist by the fact that the for
mer retains for his own advantage
| what he learns, while the latter pro-
claims to the world. for the benent
| of humanity. his discoveries The I'M
| written law among honorable scien-
lists is that what the best one knows
belongs to all men.
A primary obligation Of life is that
which rests upon the man OF science
the obligation to testify to the
truth as. it has been received or
achieved That is the main business
of the preacher. 1t is likewise the
accepted mission of the worthlest
newspapers. Scholarship holds this
as its highest creed. And the plain
man of the street can do no Detter
service to his fellow-man than to tell
forth. modestly, resolutely and I'M
failingly, the best things he knows.
Incidentally, that simple rule would
stop a food of idle, profane and un-
clean speech.
John filled the office of a news
paper man. OF the four reporters OF
the words, acts and character OF Christ,
his is the ablest ana most intimate
character study. A number of notable
facts are known concerning this
friend of Jesus, who possessed the
pen of a ready writer; but the one
great fact which obscures all others
is that he has bequeathed to the
world a record Of his knowledge
Literature and life are mis- debtors
because he Joined heart to hand in
writing his testimony concerning his
tory's eminent character.
The wonder is that more of the
minds which have come under the
spell of that personality do not take
up the pen as a medium of witness
bearing. The man with a passion for
interpreting Christ naturally turns to
the pulpit as his means of reaching
people; yet what an insignificant
handful the largest congregation
seems alongside of the tens of thou
sands, and even millions, who may
be reached through the printed page.
The great bulk of humanity are
bv unconventional men and uncon-
ventional methods. The world dearly
loves an original-after Mrs. Grundy
has set her seal of approval on him
The official prophesied forthteller of
Jesus was a rough figure from the
wilderness. his camePs-hair robe grit
by a leather thong. John the Baptist
was man immersed in a mission
Professedly and avowedly, he was
only a voice calling attention to the
one who was to come.
The nearest to greatness that most
of us ever can approach is to support
and follow the great. This was Johns
noble career, to witness to the
greater one All the attention that
men would shower upon him, he re-
fused to accept, turning it to that
figure to whom he pointed, crying, as
with kingly self-abnegation he sur
rendered his own disciples, Behold,
the Lamb of God!'
A Pittsburg oyster-opener was Off
cially notified the other day that he
had fallen heir to a million dollars.
Do you suppose that humble oyster
shop will know him much longer. He
has now more important duties in life
than opening oysters-although a
week ago he doubtless counted him
self fortunate to have a steady job.
The good must be made way for the
better. A man who finds great treas
ure must forsake lesser things.
This practical present day theme
of utter loyalty to truth, naturally
found it's fullest expression in the CEN
trail figure of this moving biography.
Jesus alone lived life at it's best. He
was a revelation of human possibili-
ties; in his school men learn how to
be true and good and steadfast.
The motives that sway most men
today-pride. fear, desire for gold
concern for reputation. and all other
varied forms that self-interest wears
he showed men how to subordinate,
putting above them all a regnant
loyalty to the will of God. For him
life meant one thing supremely-and
this principle he reiterates for all
mems guidance-an opportunity to
live the life of God in the world of