The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1909-06-03
The LIFE THAT SPfAKfTH
Glass Grafton Delivered by Miss Iva Briesaman, of
Class 'O9, Leon High School,

The history of the church is a
history of endeavor to keep it from
drifting into the thing it processes
not to be a concrete selfshness.
The church began in humility and
simplicity and when it became sue
cessful, behold it became a thing of
pomp, pride, power to subdue in
stead OF the pity that would uplift
and lead by love.
The christian spirit filled the heart
of Savonarola. His soul was wrung
for pity for the poor, the unfortunate
and the oppressed. He saw as did
no other that the palaces of the rich
are built on the bones of the poor.
Some gloritied in his ringing words
and his example of austerity advanced
him to position of great honor in
the church where his labors would
bring reward. Thus he brought
about many reforms contrary to the
kings wishes. Jealousy arose among
the people till finally Savonarola was
thrown into prison. Condemnation
was brought against him and he
valiantly met his execution in a
courageous manner.
Thus Savonarolas life speaks
through all the ages of devotion to
duty and service to mankind.
In the land of India one day was
born a child who became the Saviour
OF Humanity whose life pure as the
lily brings the tears to the eyes as
we review his struggling life.
For his Father, the Christ, took up
his work at a very early age. We
see him at twelve in the temple of
Jerusalem preaching to the wonder
ing Sadducees. We again see him in
Capernaum, cleansing evil spirits,
casting out devils, healing the sick,
and the blind, relieving the dis
tressed, helping the weak. Thus he
goes about from town to town doing
all manner of good as his Heavenly
Father had commanded.
But alas one day he rides into
Jerusalem in great triumph. He
knew the future all the trials it
contained for him--all the sufferings
and sorrows all the joys and bless
ings.
In the Garden of Gethsemane we
see him praying weeping on account
of the sins Of his own. He prays the
Father to let this cup pass from him,
1t is too bitter. 1t holds too much
suffering. but ellis will conquers."
Then the angry, snarling mob takes
him before Caiphas and PLATE for
trial, demanding crucifxion. Grant
ed they take him, bearing the cross,
to the place called Golgotha where
the awful tragedy was performed.
There they drive the nails which hold
him to the cross. Here he suffered
cruel agonies. Here the bleeding
Christ died for our sins. Here he in
his last breath, looking upward,
cried aloud "Father forgive them for
they know not what they do.''
Friends can such q life be excelled?
Can you tell me anything more
worthy of comment, more worthy of
praise than for person to lay down
his life for his friends? But how
much more greater to lay your life
down for your enemies.
A life that speaks is not necessarily
one whose name is written on the
pages of history or in the hall of
fame, but many home or workshop
has persons whose lives continually
shed the perfume of their beauty in
saying kind word, in doing a little
kindness, in short, in living their
life doing good to their fellow men.
Such lives speak long after the lips
are silent. Such lives speak from
the heart. Ah-friends 1 point you
to the life that speaks.