Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-08-13
enthusiasm and
How to Cultivate 1t
Sermon by
HEN. FLOYD W. TOMKISS.
reHts Isn. All. i-1.

iett5 iHu. All. i-O.
here is an enthusiasm which is
'Sh and seeks for personal advance
NJ. There is an enthusiasm also
zen Is largely physical and which
no heart strength in 1t. But be-
Use OF these false cnthusiasIns. we
st not forget that there is "A di
enthusiasm which bids US go for
rd with all our might to do the
rds work. God has granted us this
l. and He wishes us TO use II in
Ter that the world may he better
the work of redemption advance.
child naturally is enthusiastic. full
energy and courage and hope. The
ldlike spirit should continue all
ough life. When we leave behind
our zeal and courage and cheer. VIC
G much
ed newspaper man of Atlanta. Ga.
has passed away. but whose spirit
VI lives. When. in the pressure Of
work. he fei, himself losing the
nrs which arc important. he would
pp everything and go homo to his
'ther in the country and for few
US be a child again His mother
I'd to him: he would play the old
ldhood games: he would kncel down
sleep" with his head in his moth
lap. and after he had gone to
his mother would come and tuck
II in and kiss him good night II
3 the new strength coming from
reval OF the childhood's experiences
AZ made him strong TO do his work.
must We keep UP our child life and
I'd enthusiasts all through the long
krs.
THUSIASM HAS TO M
RENEWED AND STRENGTHENED
Enthusiasm has TO be renewed or
Enlightened from time TO time. just
ali other powers need renewing. We
and slccp and take exercise in or
that our physical system may be
tewcd. SO We must use those means
tch shall deepen our enthusiasm and
Up II fresh and good II is we'll for
to begin each day by asking our
I'd 10 All us with holy zeal. that We
y do His work as He would have IL
he. The reason that enthusiasm
retimes goes astray. and the rea-
that +, often falls and men lose
brit, Is because we haze no, par
zen Of the waters OF life which Christ
supplied for our retreshmcnt II
impossible to work up" enthusiasm
OF n nature which is worried and
(couraSed and perhaps confused We
B
IN WHO is the Giver OF Life.
We can cultivate enthusiasm. how
pr. b. working with all Of our might.
holding anything hack, not Keep
in reserve some force which we
r rnay fail US. We have heard
nething OF conservatism. II is a
|od trait n rightly used but IT may
a very deadly thing II II means
idinE back any OF our Nigh, and in
TEST. The apostle tells us TO give
play to our powers. Whatsoever
do. do il heartily. and again ST.
f,n says in writing TO Gaius: Thou
Est faithfully whatsoever thou docst
the brethren and 10 stransers..' pa-
Il. IN more than one place bids US
aud work with song and with
eer. Therefore, We can make our
YES useful. by Gods help, II we viii
!" throw every bit OF energy We have
10 the things that we do, he they
III. or great.
UST GUARD AGAINST
DESPAIR AND GLOON
II is equally necessary for us TO
iard against despair and gloom
Pthing so quickly robs life OF
rength as spirit which fears and
uo,s. when We cannot see our way.
when burdens press pretty heavily.
en- our hands arc likely TO hang
Pmetimes the whole world seems TO
in confusion and we find no light
eywhere. Shall we then think that
BID has forgotten us. or shall we re-
rain our zeal and think that moth
is worth while: Nay. shall we not
Their in such emergencies call upon
Cd and go forth with splendid en-
usiasm TO do the work which is
aiting for us ut our hand. knowing
at. as the poet says:
ITO doubt would be disloyalty,
To falter would he sim"
All holy enthusiasm must be center
J in the work or God. This does not
can that we shall not do everything
Enthusiastically: but IL does mean
At everything shall ind it's insp.ra-
ION in the fact that we are workers
Sgether with God. The man who IL
3hthusiastic in his church work. In
is Bible-class work. in his errands
! mercy. Is generally the man who is
Enthusiastic in his business and his
4mily life.
AS we draw our enthusiasm from
lod we should direct it in the chan
els OF His special service. Christians
bove all other people should be en-
husia site, because they have such
ear and splendid opportunity open
kfore them. Oh. for that zeal which
hall make us burn in the service OF
he King! Oh, for that cheer which
hall make us sing as we go out to
httle with the enemy! Just imag CINE
he whole army Of Christians through
hut the world going out with vic
brious song on their lips to fight
liza inst impurity and intcmperance,
|aainst war and cruelty! Can we not
kirly SEQ the devil running and hear
he glad cry OF welcome from millions
h worried souls who have been wait
hE for knowledge Of God?
Finally, let US remember that en-.
husiasm and patience are not CONTRA
{ictory terms. but they so together
cd is patient. but God also. we may
say in all reverence, is full Of enthu-
kasm. He is patient with me, but,
hi, the joy of knowing that He is also
JEALOUS to make me what He would
ave me to be! God has been patient
Iith the world ever since He made it;
(ut, oh, the comfort of knowing that