The Bossier banner., 1915-04-01
EASTER TIME.

in their lfe's pilgrimage, and are tarlng
down the western slope toward the great
ocean on which we must all at some time
embark. the recurrence of most anniver-
sarv days, when we halt, look about US
and listen, bring the sound ever more clear
and distinct of the beating of the waves
upon the shore to which we journey, ana
reminds US that we have completed another
stage in our progress towards its mysterl-
Gus confines.
Most of these days, with whatever OF
festivity they bring, suggest that the END
approaches. Easter alone of them all
holds out the hope that what we call the
end may be but new beginning, and that
there is something beyond.
Easter is the high festival of hope.
None can read or hear the story of the
death of Jesus and His resurrection with
out feeling the thrill of new or renewed
hope coursing through the whole being
spiritual, mental and physical.
Three days before that first Easter day
He had been borne to the tomb after dying
the death of felon.
Many of those who had pinned their faith
to Him were dowcast, disappointed, dis
appointed, dismayed. The one they had
trusted and followed as the only son OF
God had gone down to the grave-a failure.
Even those who remained faithful were
doubling. He had said He would return to
them. but their finite minds found it hard
to comprehend such promise. Altogether,
it was sad and discouraging situation.
A situation which has counterparts, In
some degree, in the life of each person
alive. How often do we see our most
cherished hopes overcome by misfortune
and dashed into seeming hopelessness
against the sharp rocks of circumstance!
How often, after we have labored and
longed, do we seem to lose!
What life but has had its own Calvary!
So there, on the mount just outside Je-
rusalem, was enacted on Friday the uni
yersal tragedy-the common failure with
which nearly every living being must come
face to face at some time or other.
The clouds which darkened the sky were
no darker than those which often darken
the spirits when failure draws near with all
her train of unwelcome attendants.
The MONDAY of many life is thus dark
ened. All seems as cold and cheeress as
then it did to those who watched beside the
cross. &.
Then, just as We are ready to yield the
last hope, comes an Easter morning.
1t may be only a word of love or an as
surance of faith from friend. 1t may be
the remembrance of chance that was
overlooked in the hurry and hustle. 1t may
be the faith of our younger days come back
to pilot US through the rough waters of
sorrow and loss.
But always there is an Easter.
Always we can rise, even as He rose.
Always we can build on failure the most
enduring of successes, if truth has been
our guide and honest work our endeavor-
Just as He built on the most awful Of fail
ures the most enduring and powerful OF
successes.
NO tUdE "uO StOOO Ou OoNoIy GudI l. ~
day nineteen centuries ago could have been
convinced that the figure hanging limp on
the center one of the three crosses would
change the whole condition of humanity
None could then see or even conceive that
such result would come to pass. 1t was
as far beyond the limits of human vision
as to tell what any morrow may bring forth
No more can any one of US tell what
triumphs and victories may grow out Of
apparent defeats in our own lives. Fol
often the dullest morning is but shadow
cast by the advance of the brightest o
days.
To hope for the better things and to be.
lieve in the possibility of the best-thest
are two of the great lessons taught US by
Easter.
TO see through the darkest night thu
possibility of dawn and to find in th'
least likely chance the seed of great op
portunity-these are among the most com
forting truths borne inward to our souls b,
this high day. >
With Him we die, not once but man,
times and to many things.
With Him we can rise, not once but man,
times-overcoming all that we dreaded
through fear with that love which so lightet
His life as to keep it shining down all tn
years, growing ever brighter and helping
US to see ever more clearly the victory tha
lies hidden in defeat.