Norwich bulletin., 1917-08-04

The best things in the world may find a slack market. How often in human history have supreme bless ings gone a-begging? Our Lord him self found men none too eager for the finest gifts of life. He was often em- barassed not as regards his supply Of benefits, but in his limited power of beStOwal. Beside the blue lake of Gal flee the five thousand accepted the material bounty the Master provided, but when he went to speak of 5hc bread of life of which one might eat to hunger no more, his guests began to recall various pressing engagen1e back in town The crowd melted away like snow before the sun. These people were willing enough to fill their sto1nachs without expense to themselves but they had no desire t3 hear spiritual truth. So it was throughout the ministry Of the Son of Man. "Ye will not come to me that ye may have Iife,'' he said.
 If many a Christian minister were to reveal what is in his heart, he might confess to a similar disappoint- ment. He would lament the slack re- sponse to his essential message. Peo- pie judge him a useful man in the community and are glad of his help in his work on civic committee and elect him to posts of responsibility in con- nection with charita ple enterprises. They do not seem always to rejoice,
 
 is called to preach. The supreme ser vice for which he is set apart, to render which he gives up all thought of business success or political pre- fernent is not exalted to high honor. The prophet in the modern age may feel as a merchant would who had rich stores of goods on his shelves. but was unable to dispose of them.
 It is as certain as that day follows night that a change in this regard is at hand. The market for the bread of life is being marvelously quickened and extended in these times. Sucn facts as war, sacrifice. suffering, and death reveal the elemental needs Of the soul Men are conscious of their uI- innate and complete dependence upon God. In calm weather and fair sail ing, no pilot is needed. The black storm puts another aspect on this to the only Power adequate to deal with our desperate human situation.
 In the strain and stress of the last few years a multitude of men and women have turned their unaccustAn- ed thoughts gropingly toward religion. They have been striving to call back half forgotten impulses Of earlier days, trying to dig again the old wells Of faith. They are in the plight of Abra- '61 who confessed: T have been driv- en to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."
 After our Civil War, when scarcely B home north CT south, had been pass- ed over by the angel of death or Of ca Ia Inity sweeping reviValS of genuine followed the country over, l because mems hearts were eager for l an eyangeI of comfort. There was nothing in the world that people want | ed so much to hear and believe as that God is, and that God is Love. So shall it prove in the present crisis. l Not alone human bodies but human | spirits too cry out for food. A whole | battalion Of Mr. HooyeF's unaided | could not satisfy the ultimate need l Everything indica tes that there is to l De throughout Christendom, an un- | orecedented market for the bread of | fife.
 THE PARSON. ss