The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1912-06-13

teries of early death but the doctor
sitting by, thinks OF rich foods taken
at unreasonable hours and lack OF
exercise. Let us remember the words
of Paul, "Ye are bought with a
price, therefore Glorify God in your
body and in your spirit which are
Gods"
Young people you are just stepping
out into life. | speak as one who has
trodden the path along which you are
to pass. And | want to say with all
the energy of my soul. you too, will
need courage.
If a man attempted to rob you Of
your cash, or your watch if a robber
should enter your home tonight, you
would have the courage to protect
your property and to defend yourself
But when your souls are subject to
attacks of passion, of luxury, of ava
rice. when you are tempted to in
dulge in habits detrimental to good
health and to good morals and to a
good name, when you are tempted to
inbibe in wings which Supply your
brains. though popular, which de-
throne your womanliness and man
Illness, though popular, then when such
a Goliath studies confidently the path
way OF your life. then will you need
the courage of young David Then you
will need courage more than human
To protect yourself against the as
saults of selfish passions. in short to
save yourselves from yourselves
There, my dear young friends. it the
unseen battlefield. where the fiercest
conflict will rage. Oh! ye men and
women out upon the battlefield of life,
you know as well as | that you may
have physical courage to brave any
peril, but you may lack in moral cour
age. You dare not speak out when you
ought to speak out Economic
wrongs, political injustice, social mi
quities go unchallenged Men fall,
men fail, not from lack of physical
courage but from lack of moral cour-
age. am looking into the faces Of
twenty-five young people who will
soon know what 1t is to meet Goliaths
challenging them to even equal CON
tests. l bid you meet them with the
courageous confident shout of young
David, Il come to thee in the name of
the Lord of Hosts, the God of the
armies of Israel whom thou has de
fed"
In closing, Pastor Merriam told the
legend of the "Invincible Prince" who
became happy through a fairy who
made it possible for him to gather
three roses, one of which gave him
wealth. one true friends, and one
long life. To this story he added the
following thoughtful comparison:
Il want to do something for you
young people. | want to give you
graduating present. | have placed
in your hands a rose. 1t will soon
fade. 1t will wilt and it fragrance
will soon be gone. Now permit me to
place in your hands another rose. It
IS not in your botanies. 1t is the
Rose of Sharon. This is Jesus the
Christ. This rose will give you the
best things. He will slow you true
and false friends. With Him your
life will grow, brighter purer, noblcr,
more beautiful, an increasing salts
faction will fill your soul and you will
pass at last into the life without end
When Christ rose from the tomb
He became the InVinCible Prince If
we accept of the Rose of Sharon and
love Him, while now in the Valleys Of
Elah, meeting our Goliath. we shall
at last throw off these earthly bodies
We shall through Him who has loved
us and died for us, become inYincible
princesses and princes.