The Alaska citizen., 1915-05-03
MEN WHO ARE OFFENDED AT
 SIlS
. ; (, . . . z, . c c . . .

And they were offended at Him Mark 6:3
 It Is not a new thing to be offend ed al Jesus Christ Every age ana nation has developed things that bring forth pride or shame. An cient Tnebes is ashamed of the former days of the slave, the sladi ator. the scouFEe. the dungeon. the cross. SLe Is justly proud of her libraries. her sculptors. her painters and human liberators.
 As wrong IS ever opposed to right so Christ Aas been opposed by many who have been offended at Him Some rich rulers, men of old fam llles. peIa oAended because He was d poor peasant with His home in l despLsed city The scribes were men Of training and culture, while Jesus Was t.e son of et.pauIe. and they were offended at Him. Contrast the chief priests, the heads of the Jewish church, with it's far-famed temple, gorgeous rites and vestments. with Jesus as carpenter, teaching on the hillside. or from a boat. to the multitudes of common folks. and you will re member that these authorities were offended at Him.
 Nearing the end of His work d mob went forth with stones and slaves and arrested Him. He was tried by mockery, convicted 1n innocency that their offense might be complete m deeds of violence. His disciples forsook Him and fled. When this Il ty- ilege that all might know His teach Ings the bigoted Jew, jealous for his perverted religion. rose in mighty hatred and was offended al Him.
 I.e great tide of anger. of pas sion, Of indignation gathered as swift waters roll high behind an obstruction, and when it broke in full fury He was swept on to an isnominious death, earth's most pite- ous tragedy Then not satisfied, they were offended at the prophecy of resurrection, and guarded His tomb. and when finally worsted by truth crushed rising again, they put 6 lie in the mouths of their kind who did as they were taught
 Today all has changed. His enc mics of former years are now held in shame, while pride crowns the success of Him who lived and loved and lives fOrevermOTe. Passing down the history of years We behold the mileposts that have marked the success of His wonderful career. Here painter, there sculptor, here a writer, there life blending all interests and hopes and ser vice to sing the praise of Him who dared to live we'll With men who think shame towards Jesus is un- thinkable Shame will arise towards drunkenness and impurity, gluttony and vice, the poor house and the penitentiary, for shame ever looks downward.
 So far reaching is it in its re suits that even the man who once stood in good position cannot be- little himself by resenting insult with his fists without receiving the shame of common pugilist, who may win but never serves Pride is ever looking upward. Men are proud in the truth and all it's mani festation5, toward tGe cathedral and library, toward the monuments and inventions, toward statesmanship, philanthropy and fame. The central figure today is Jesus Christ Is of iense possible? How grand His teachings, Men write reams about His winsome ways and kindly life, sO gentle, so allurlng.
 Children rise to sing Of lnnumer- able reforms, and the sinners against justice praise His teachings that give mercy in large measure to their misdeeds Where is the hand dipped deep enough in crime to tarnish His portrait, or the tongue sufficiently foul to speak against His pure character and helpful career. His music has filled the world with en enthusiasm irresistible, and moth CTS sing their babes to sleep under the fine influence of His restful care.
 The man who associates his busl- ness, his home and family, himself with the name of Jesus stands in the light of intellect, the light Of purity, the light of character. Such utilization of His teachings and achievement of life calculate full well to bring forth pride not shame admiration not distress in the lives of lofty souls.
 Notwithstanding all the success of His work and workers in the years, some are offended at Him and His church. There is small diff culty for them to confess His beau ty of character. concede His in c.-easing world influences. sympa thize with His true followers, but they are unwilling to affiliate them selves actively with His cause and church.
 One does not need to travel long to hear the shout, "hypocrite5 in the churches" and that there are many outside of the church who are just as good as those in the church It would be foolish to deny that there is some truth involved here Nature has endowed many men with honesty and integrity who have little reason to boast of the fact Some men are white because they can't help it.
 The darkey lecturer was introduc ed as a "colored person. In lis opening remarks he denied tha he was colored, but was born tha way. A mans native gifts argue nothing save superiority by virtue of those gifts. while the church al ways helps the weak sincere mar upwards.
 What man would argue that th' superior English of Abraham LincolI would justify railing against th' college, or the fine training of Liv ingstone against his tramping Africi