AY 20 1919 >0 BX 9178 .FA B3 1919 Ferguson, Robert Gracey Baccalaureate sermons Ye ^ W/v vi i n*nr^^ 1 BACCALAUREATE SERMONS V BY R. G. FERGUSON v^. L»br. o-( religious tnoucfht-. BOSTON RICHARD G. BADGER THE GORHAM PRESS Copyright, 1919, by Richabd G. Badges All Rights Reserved Made in the United States of America The Gorhara Press, Boston, U.S.A. FOREWORD Two reasons influence me in publishing these Bacca- laureate Sermons. First and chiefly to meet the expressed wish of many of " my boys and girls " of several college generations. They are all over our great country from Maine to California and from Oregon to Florida; they are all over the world — in China, Japan, India, Egypt, Persia and other missionary fields; they are in goodly number " Somewhere in France " and with khaki-clad men in other lands. I have had and still have them in my heart and their desire has with me something of the force of a command. But a second reason is the hope that when my few years are ended I may still be preaching a little to those who may read the book. The sermons are given with scarcely any change, with the local and temporal coloring retained. I commenced work in Westminster College in 1884 and I am still with it in 191 8. My successors in the office of the Presidency — Rev. Robert McWatty Russell, D.D., from 1906 to 1915, now of the Moody Bible School and Rev. Wm. Charles Wallace, D.D., the present in- cumbent have both shown me great courtesy and good will and have encouraged me to remain with the College. This I have been glad to do and to contribute however little to the prosperity and usefulness of the institution as a servant of Christ and His Church. Bivat, creseat, floreat, Westminster! New Wilmington, Pa. CONTENTS SfcHMON PAGE I Individuality 9 II A Young Man's Courage .... 21 III " And Who Is My Neighbor? " . . . 32 IV Complicity with Crime 44 V SOBER-MINDEDNESS 56 VI Obedience 68 VII The Importance of Words . . . .81 VIII Truth in the Inward Parts ... 93 IX The Christian Race 105 X Alone, Yet Not Alone 121 XI The Girdle of Righteousness . . .136 XII Bible Ethics . 150 XIII Work 164 XIV The Ministry of Service . . . .178 XV Decision vs. Drifting 192 XVI The Final Test of Heroism . . . 203 XVII Followers of Christ 214 XVIII Knights of the Cross 228 XIX The Manliness of Christ .... 242 XX Him That Is True 253 XXI Recruits for the Army of the Lord . 266 5 BACCALAUREATE SERMONS BACCALAUREATE SERMONS SERMON I, 1886 INDIVIDUALITY Then I consulted with myself. — Nehemiah 5: 7. THE condition of things in Jerusalem at this time was already ominous and daily growing worse. In meeting the common danger from foes without, at- tention had been withdrawn from another danger that was silently, yet rapidly developing within. There were inequalities and oppressions. The rich were taking ad- vantage of the necessities of the poor. Lands were mort- gaged and children were sold into bondage. The rich were growing richer and the poor were getting poorer. The pangs of poverty were keenly felt and there was despair of any immediate improvement of their condi- tion. At length a cry arose, a wail of agony and an ap- peal for redress. There were many notes of complaint — yet they were all of one strain. There was an out- cry of men and women who were in straits to get bread, who could hardly solve the problem of mere living, who were tearfully parting with everything they held dear to keep soul and body together. If not a bread-riot, it was like the muttering that presages such a storm of human passion. The elements were marshalling for a serious disturbance of the peace and prosperity of the community of which Nehemiah was the head. Well was it that such a large-hearted, self-poised, resolute man was at the helm of affairs or his enterprise 9 io Baccalaureate Sermons might have been shipwrecked on the very verge of suc- cess. Nehemiah was indignant. His strong nature was roused by the unbrotherly conduct of the wealthy Jews. His own simple statement is " I was very angry." His whole soul was moved by a deep and intense resentment against the wrong that was done which constrained him to rebuke the wrong-doers. He did not however lose his balance and rush headlong into unwise contention. With equal self-control he adjusted himself to the situation. " Then I consulted with myself and contended with the nobles and the rulers." He did not take counsel of his clique or club or order. He did not watch to discover what way the prevailing winds were blowing. He had not surrendered his manhood to the keeping of others, be they many or few and therefore when the exigency arose he says — " I consulted with myself." Perhaps the example of Nehemiah may emphasize a lesson or two worth learning for those who are just pushing out from the shore with the oars in their own hands. I. Nehemiah 's soul was in his own keeping. Personality has been described as " that in man which enables him to say I." Not only can he be distinguished but he distinguishes himself from every other. In a sub- dued sense that line of Wordsworth might be spoken of every human being — " Thy soul was like a star and dwelt apart." There is that in each of us which no other shares. It belongs to one alone — it constitutes him what he is. If we have a personality of the same nature as that of others, which we may recognize in them as well as in ourselves, it is none the less true that we are sep- arated from one another by the whole breadth of being. We are conscious of self as existing apart from every other and give expression to the fact in our common modes of speech— "I" and "Thou" and "He" or " She." But not only are we distinct from each other as per- Individuality 1 1 sons, but we are diverse from each other as individuals. There are peculiarities of form and feature, of intellect, sensibilities and will that make each of us differ from every other. When we call one a poet; another a thinker, another a philanthropist, another a hero, we are simply labeling them so as to set forth their prominent individual characteristics. You think over your as- sociates in class and hall and you say of one — " He is a keen observer," of another — " He has a wonderful memory," of another — " He will have his own way," of another — " He is the soul of honor." You say of one — " She has a brilliant imagination," of another, " She has more intellect than she gives herself credit for," of an- other, " Her cheerful honest face was a perpetual bene- diction," of another, " She was reverent toward God and every sacred thing." But what is the meaning of these statements? What but this that these are the impres- sions of their individual characters that have been stamped upon you by your association with them, while similar impressions of your individual character have been fas- tened in their minds by the fellowship of months and years. But why has the Creator thus set us apart from one another and given us such diverse endowments? Is it not to make monotony impossible ? Is not our individual- ity given us as a charge to keep? Let it not be surren- dered at the bidding of any, nor stolen away while we sleep. We but serve our common humanity when we hold our rightful God-given place, when we fill up the deficiencies of one another by using the powers which God has given in the field which God has assigned. There is a proper assertion of one's individuality and of this Nehemiah gives us a right noble example. Sensible of the responsibility of his high position and conscious of his own powers he " consulted with himself " how he should act in this trying hour. He belonged to himself and had not submitted himself to the keeping of another. 12 Baccalaureate Sermons I know there are many offensive ways of asserting our- selves against which we do well to guard. Here rises the egotist who is constantly thrusting his personality on the attention of others, who is absorbed in thoughts of self and pours them out of the abundance of his heart on long-suffering and disgusted hearers. Here sits an- other stubbornly planted in the path of progress, like a stump in the middle of the road, content if he is only giv- ing uncomfortable jolts to every passer-by. Yonder comes another with lightning in his eye and thunder in his voice and power in his hand, imperious, domineering, crushing every other man's individuality in order to main- tain his own. All these we condemn without hesitation and without stint. But shall we fly from one extreme to another? Shall we descend from imperiousness to im- becility? If there be undue self-assertion there is also un- due self-repression. There is a time to speak as well as to be silent — a time to speak brave earnest words of counsel or rebuke. There is a time to withstand as well as to coincide, a time for fearless action as well as for patient submission. No man has a right to barter away his birthright of independent thought and action for what- ever mess of pottage is promised him. It is true that college life does not always encourage that sturdiness of character for which we speak. The individual is swallowed up in the mass. Thomas Arnold of Rugby counted this the bane of the Public Schools of England and unless the public sentiment be a healthy one, it is apt to be the bane of schools and colleges with us. Dean Stanley, speaking of Arnold's desire to culti- vate in his pupils an abhorrence of evil, says of him — " Amongst all the causes which in his judgment contrib- uted to the absence of this feeling and to the moral childishness which he considered the great curse of public schools the chief seemed to him to lie in the spirit which was there encouraged of combination, of companionship, of excessive deference to the public opinion prevalent in Individuality 1 3 the school." Let us cherish the hope that in this little world of ours we are coming to the ideal condition in which in any matter each may have an opinion of his or her own and suffer no loss of general respect and esteem but rather the contrary. But out in that great world to which some of you are about to go there may be yet stronger foes to your in- dividuality. You will be enticed to put a noose about your neck. It will be lined with fair promises of benefits and decked with flowers of plausible speech. But if it fetters the mind and hinders the free exercise of judg- ment and conscience it is an enemy in disguise. Mr. Mill says truly — " Even despotism does not produce its worst effects as long as individuality exists under it; and what- ever crushes individuality is despotism by whatever name it may be called." Beware of everything that would rob you of that which is emphatically your own. Let noth- ing — custom, fashion, public opinion, party lash, associa- tion or order — override or delude you to give up your ownership of yourself. To thine own self be true. Who is it will not dare himself to trust : Who is it hath not strength to stand alone : Who is it thwarts and bilks the inward must: He and his works like sand are blown. Seek if you will the counsel of your wise and faithful friend but accept no Lord and lawgiver but the Divine. Preserve through all the years the manly strength — the womanly dignity to consult with yourself concerning the course you pursue. Respond for yourself with Joshua — " As for me I will serve the Lord." Answer with a ring- ing " NO " the enticements of evil. In the world's broad field of battle, In the bivouac of life, Be not like dumb driven cattle; Be a hero in its strife. 14 Baccalaureate Sermons II. Nehemiah took counsel of his higher nature. " He consulted with himself." He stopped to think instead of acting on the noble impulse of the moment. His course was not taken from a mere outburst of feeling — a momentary flash — a sudden dart. This only moved him to prompt consideration of the present evil and such decisive action as the case demanded. But with what elements of his nature did he consult? Certainly not with the lower, for the very idea of counsel with them is utterly incongruous. Appetite and passion brook no restraint and to parley with them is to become their slave. Says Paul — " I buffet my body and bring it into bondage lest by any means when I have preached to others I my- self should be rejected." How sad it is when this is re- versed and the body has supreme lordship over the Spirit! Alas! how many noble minds and generous hearts have been reduced to the most abject bondage by the appetite for drink, and how many more fall into the deeper degra- dation — the bottomless pit of lust. Nehemiah took counsel of his higher nature — of his reason and conscience — of all within him that brought him into kinship with the angels and with God. First of all he consulted his conscience. He raised that prime question that should take precedence of every other in deciding upon a course of action, " What ought I to do? " His sense of justice caused him to sympathize with the oppressed whose despairing cry fell upon his ear. Nor did his emotions evaporate without producing any impulse to right action. He knew that with him rested the right solution of the problem presented and con- scientiously set himself to solve it. Having determined what he ought to do, he asked further — How can I best do it? He did not cling to principles and ignore means. Having settled the question of principle he sought with all diligence and candor the speediest and best way of securing its triumph. There are those who plunge into the battle and leave their wisdom behind them with their Individuality 1 5 forsaken baggage. They run wild and lose their power to consider clearly and honestly what the times demand. If they do better than those who, though interested in the right, lazily dismiss it from their minds they do less than is worthy of themselves or the cause they espouse. Surely the cause that has enough in it to fire our souls with zeal has also enough in it to engage our earnest thought — to cause us to look before we leap. And who can doubt that Nehemiah turned his thoughts heavenward in that hour of serious consideration? It was impossible that he should exclude God from that con- sultation with himself. Is not He a part of the neces- sary environment of every human soul? Does he not en- velop our souls as the atmosphere envelops these bodies of ours? My conscience within me is the "voice of God," and every intuition of right brings me into the presence of the Divine Lawgiver. My indwelling sense of dependence leads out my thoughts to an Omnipotent Father on whom I can lean. I stretch forth my hand and everything I touch in nature reminds me of an In- telligent First Cause. I turn over the leaves of the past and as I watch them closely there comes out upon them so that I must read it — The hand of God is here. Ah no! We cannot seclude ourselves from the " Father of our spirits," whose handiwork is the created universe and whose unceasing care extends to every smallest part of it. Few men lived more in the joyous consciousness of divine presence than did Nehemiah. When he heard the har- rowing tale of Hanani concerning the desolations of Jeru- salem he sat down and wept and fasted and prayed for days together. He thought if he could only enlist the King but he knew not how. The burden of his soul during his long season of prayer was — " Grant mercy in the sight of this man." As the King's cupbearer he went into the King's presence, but contrary to his usual custom with a sad countenance. And when he told the reason and the King opened the door of opportunity by asking — 16 Baccalaureate Sermons " For what dost thou make request? " he did not spring forward to enter it but silently prayed to the God of heaven for guidance lest he should make mistake. Alas! how often when flushed with unexpected successes and large opportunities are opened up before us instead of being solemnized we are only emboldened and in our pride and self-confidence we prepare for a fall. Ne- hemiah took God with him all along the way. When he reached the holy city he says — " I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me." When enemies sought to hinder the good work he records — showing how he combined energy with piety, vigilance with faith — " We made our prayer unto God and set a watch against them day and night." Former governors took tribute of the people and their servants bare rule over them but he solemnly affirms — "So did not I because of the fear of God." Can we then doubt that in this transaction with himself there was an invisible Witness whose presence was recognized? If his life be all of a piece, this counsel with himself in all probability took place on the house-top where Peter prayed at mid-day or in a private chamber such as that of Daniel. He was alone, except that God was with him. He whose name is Counsellor was by his side, suffusing his mind and heart with His Spirit. Reason ! Conscience ! God ! Would that we could write these words upon your memories, yea imprint them upon your characters. Would that we everyone of us could exalt them to their supremacy over our souls! Thus would we be brought into fellowship with all the truly great ones that have ever lived upon the earth. Who are they that shall be held in everlasting remembrance, that the ages to come will love to hear about? More and more as Christianity gains the ascendency will military glory and unsanctified brilliancy drop out of the consideration of men. But as long as the ages last those whose names are linked with Individuality 1 7 the elevation of mankind, with liberty and truth and right, will never be forgotten. The men of conscience and the men of God are those whom the world will not willingly let die. Paul will outlive the Caesars; Luther and Wesley will outlive the reigning princes of their times, Garrison will outlive Clay; Whittier will outlive Emer- son ; Nehemiah has outlived Artaxerxes. Young ladies and gentlemen of the graduating class, problems are already presenting themselves to you requir- ing prompt solution, problems that no other can solve for you, problems that either time or you will settle. You with your own vigorous grasp or time with its on- ward flow. Which will it be? To everyone of you has already come again and again that solemn question of Pilate — What shall I do with Jesus? Has your answer thus far been what you in- tend it shall be before life closes? Would that we could part company with everyone of you in the confident as- surance that Christ is formed within you the hope of glory. If some of you have said " He is mine " what place have you given Him within you? Is he in the very center — on the very throne of your being? Do you rest in his Love? Do you bow to his will? What are you doing with Jesus? What does your higher nature bid you do with him ? Reason and conscience both say — Let him be enthroned high above every rival claimant for posses- sion of our souls. He only is truly wise who is wise for eternity and wise today. Soon if you are not already there, you will be confronted by another question of very serious import. What use shall I make of my gifts and attainments? Undoubtedly providential opportuni- ties will be a large determining factor here. Yet there is always a large domain in every life in which there is liberty of choice. We may consult with ourselves and the conclusion will correspond with our ideals and gen- eral purposes. Let us urge upon you here also to make Reason, Conscience and God, your advising cabinet. Baccalaureate Sermons Ask yourself — "What am I fitted for? In what direc- tion do my divinely given powers point me? In what avocation am I likely to be successful ? Ask yourself — Where are the moral risks so great that I dare not ven- ture on them? In what line will I be likely to develop the best character? Where can I do the most good? Ask God to shine upon your way, to be your interpreter of events, to lead you whithersoever He would have you go. As the wise men followed the Star in the East so do you follow these guiding stars of your higher nature toward the sunset of life and they will lead you beyond the hills that skirt your horizon into a wide country where all is clear and pure and joyous forever. May the Lord guide everyone of you by his counsel and afterward re- ceive you to glory. Other problems will present themselves to you as you go, some intricate, others sharply defined, some requiring wisdom, others courage. Some will belong to you per- sonally, others you will meet in common with your fel- lows. In every age there are great questions of Church and State, of morals and reform. Where shall you settle them for yourself? Where but at the bar of your own reason and conscience? Take no heed to public clamor. Yield not to the dictation of either good men or bad. Make God's law as revealed in conscience and the Bible your standard. Seek God's spirit as the illuminator of your understanding. Endeavor to act rationally, con- scientiously and christianly and surely you cannot go far astray. These are stirring times in which we live. Sometimes the very foundation seems to be giving way. Who shall guard and maintain the pillar of social order? Who shall stand at the breach? There is need of true- hearted women and right-hearted men — of moral, thoughtful, law-abiding, God-fearing men and women, with intelligence enough to discern the follies of wild theorists and force enough to resist their designs. No " reed shaken with the wind " will do. But what can In dividuality 1 9 you or I do? We seem like the almost invisible mote in the air, that the sunbeam discovers to us, or like a drop of water falling into the sea. But not so! Who can tell the value of a single noble life? It may not be great in itself as the world judges and yet be felt the world over through other lives which it has influenced. It maybe the slender cord that draws the mighty cable that spans the moral chasm. The pious little maid in Naanan's house had an influence that was great as well as Esther in the palace. Even a single voice crying in the wilderness may prepare the way for the coming of Jesus. Let us not then take a despairing view of life. Go forth hopefully, strong in your conscious integrity, strong in the truth that has taken possession of you and above all strong in God. Go forth with love to God and men, unselfishly consulting your nobler self, with the pur- pose to do good to men as you have opportunity, to make your lives a blessing to mankind. Let me commend to your attention that picture of a loyal soul, drawn by the master hand of Milton — Among the faithless, faithful only he ; Among the innumerable false unmoved, Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal, Nor number, nor example with him wrought To swerve from truth, nor change his constant mind. And remember that a greater than Milton has said, as one having both authority and power, " Be ye faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life." May that crown be put upon the head of everyone of } r ou. " I consulted with myself," I need scarcely say, does not mean making self the center of one's being. There is a wide gulf between being self-centered and self-mastered, be- tween living for self and living from self. In The Life of Henry Drummond by Dr. George Adam Smith is related the following illustrative fact: 20 Baccalaureate Sermons There was a medical student a year or two ago who was half-way through his course when it dawned upon him that he had been living for himself and he decided to change and go and see if he could find anyone to help. He found an old chum who had gone to the dogs, given up his work and his exams and was living aloof from other students and drinking hard. He went and found him lying on the floor drunk. He paid his debts, took him to his room, gave him supper and put him to bed. On the next day he had a talk with him and they entered into a written contract to keep them both straight as fol- lows — i. Neither of us to go out alone. 2. Twenty minutes only to be allowed to go to the college and return ; overtime to be accounted for. 3. One hour every night to be given over to reading other than studies. 4. That bygones be bygones. Both men signed and they lived together. After a time No. 2 saw that in the evening hour outside of studies the Bible was read. No. 1 never spoke to him about it; he simply read — At last No. 2 changed. What he changed to I need not say. The last I heard of them was this — says the narrator. No. 1 is filling an appointment of great importance in London. No. 2 passed his exams that year with the highest university distinction and is now in private practice. It was a splendid piece of self-mastery and self-sacrifice. Did it pay? Though no life here calls for such heroic devotion, it may suggest to us how admirable a thing it is to be the helper of another to an overcoming life. Will you consult with yourself about it? SERMON II, 1887 A YOUNG MAN'S COURAGE Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. — / Samuel 17: 32. CHARLES KINGSLEY says of David — " A great man — warrior, statesman, king, poet, prophet. A man of many joys and many sorrows, many virtues and many crimes; but through them all every inch a man." The prophet Samuel predicting the downfall of Saul and the elevation of another to his place speaks of David as the Lord's choice and " the man after God's own heart." He was a man of the people and a man of God. He won the hearts of the people because God had won his own heart. He was manly because he was godly. He was manly enough to be sorry for sin and to say so with a heartiness that inspired new confidence. Let him who confounds pride with nobleness, stubbornness with firm- ness, insolence with courage, learn a lesson of humility and penitence and even passionate confession of sin from this hero of the valley of Elah. He was never more manly than when he cried out of the depths of his soul — " I acknowledge my transgression and my sin is ever before me." He was likewise manly enough to forgive as well as to confess. It is the small soul that cherishes a grudge and bides its time for revenge. It is the magnanimous man or woman that can overlook an offense and bury it out of sight. Nabal sent an insulting reply to David's courteous request and for the moment his blood was hot and his heart was bent on vengeance. But when Nabal's wife did what she could to make amends for her hus- 21 22 Baccalaureate Sermons band's outrageous act, he turned from his dire purpose and blessed God that by her coming he was saved from the guilt of blood. Saul pursued David as a hunter pur- sues a partridge in the mountains. Everywhere he sought him that he might take his life; yet twice Saul was in David's hands and he might have been avenged. But he refrained from vengeance and also restrained his friends. David's nobleness in this awakened some responsive noble- ness in Saul so that he returned from following him and exclaimed — " Behold I have played the fool and have erred exceedingly." And when Saul died upon the bat- tlefield, instead of chuckling over the fall of his sworn foe, he utters this immortal dirge, welling up from with- in his distressed soul — " How are the mighty fallen! — The bow of Jonathan turned not back and the sword of Saul returned not empty. Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in their death they were not divided ; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul." It is the sorrowful tribute of a friend rather than the constrained testimony of a foe. What do we know of the youth of this generous, knightly, heroic man? When he was a young man what promise did he give of a noble career? Yonder he comes at the call of his father Jesse. He has been keeping his father's flock upon the hills and plains. He comes with the bounding step of one who has been breathing the pure air and drinking in health with every breath. As the Jews describe him, his hair is red, his size is medium, his face is ruddy and beautiful. Such are his endowments of body and soul, of nature and grace, that he is singled out by Samuel by direction of the Spirit as the anointed of the Lord for the office of king. The record is — " And the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him from that day forward." Yet he serenely and loyally bided his time. He waited for God and steadily performed his humble task. Still he kept A Young Man's Courage 23 his father's flock and found in this employ a school for every kingly virtue. Here he fought with wild beasts and wild men and soon gained repute as a valiant man. At length opportunity came to show his valor before the eyes of the nation. The armies of Israel confront the armies of the invading Philistines. A mail-clad giant sallies forth each day as champion of the enemies of the living God and casts defiance in the face of Israel's host. Who will accept the challenge and take away Israel's reproach? Dismay and fear filled the hearts of all till David appeared upon the scene and said to Saul — " Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine." Let us consider I. This young man's courage. Need we stop to define courage? The essential quality of mind which it rep- resents is so marked and striking that we are in little danger of misconception. It may be mingled with other elements, noble or ignoble, on account of which we dis- tinguish between a false courage and a true. But in that which is peculiar to itself, it is easily recognized by all. It is that which gives strength, solidity, force to the man. It is that which makes one superior to difficulty or danger. Can we discover some of the factors that entered into the courage of David? What made him courageous when all about him were terrified? 1. David was no doubt conscious of physical strength. He had all the buoyancy of youth and robust health. No doubt physical vigor helps to make a man brave and strong. Depression of mind is likely to accompany physi- cal weakness. It becomes therefore a duty of every one who would act a heroic part in life to care for the body through which his purpose must be achieved. And on the other hand, it is more shameful for one equipped by God with noble powers of body and mind to shirk the task to which his powers are more than equal. Emerson says — "The first wealth is health; sickness is poor-spirited and cannot serve any one." There never 24 Baccalaureate Sermons was a braver man than Elijah — stern, self-contained, intrepid. He was the John Knox of Ahab's day, who never feared the face of man, yet once in his life even he lost heart and asked God that he might die. And why? No doubt there were reasons for his despondency but that which gave them control over him was his physical exhaustion. The nervous strain of Carmel and succeeding events and the weariness induced by travel left him at the mercy of discouraging thoughts. But God gave him, what he needed, sleep and food — the shelter of the juniper tree and seasonable meat and drink till he rose refreshed and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. It is one of the commendable things about the Y. M. C. A. that it emphasizes physical as well as spiritual culture. 2. David's past experience gave him courage. He re- membered it and spake of it in this connection. Let us think of it now only on its human side. There were achievements which his intellect had planned and his hands had wrought. We do not fear to undertake what we have accomplished before. The surgeon who has per- formed many a difficult operation finds his highest pleasure in the case that tasks his skill. The veteran of many battles sometimes seems absolutely devoid of fear. We wonder at the steadiness that results from drill and hard service. Why is it that ordinary men attain such in- difference to danger? A military man discounts our ad- miration by calling it a " mechanic courage which the ordinary race of men become masters of from being always in a crowd." But surely David's courage was not due to the contact and supporting presence of others, for he stood alone amid a panic-stricken host and the inspira- tion of his courageous act was from within himself and from his own record. He relates to Saul to kindle con- fidence — " Thy servant smote both the lion and the bear ; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them." A Young Man's Courage 25 It is a conclusion of his mind which he can employ to in- struct others and not a mere impulse of the moment or contagion of circumstances. It is an intelligent infer- ence from facts, that has weight with all who are capable of appreciating the facts and reading their lesson. He knew what he could do with his strong right arm and therefore was not afraid to accept the gage of battle thrown down by Goliath of Gath. We learn to be self- reliant, whether in mental or physical effort, by training our powers by use. 3. David's courage was the direct outcome of faith in God. He trusted in God and therefore was eager for the fray. His self-reliance was born of reliance upon God. Whatever influence we may attribute to his natural and acquired fitness, the supreme influence was divine — a faith that had God as its Author and its Object. On this alone does David lay any stress what- ever. His experience to which he refers is not a matter of trained muscles, but of help received. He does not come in sight as an Actor, but thrusts God before the vision of Saul as the real Victor — " The Lord that deliv- ered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." And as with bounding step, armed only with his staff and sling, he ran to meet his antagonist in the open field, how marked the contrast between the proud disdain of the one and the humble joyful confidence of the other. Listen to this answer of faith and you cannot mistake the paramount source of his courage — " Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear and with a javelin; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, which thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand." How all this changes the nature of the spectacle we behold ! 'Tis not a mere measuring of swords, a trial of physical strength and skill. It is lifted up into the 26 Baccalaureate Sermons higher region of moral courage — of championship of the living God. There is a high issue at stake between right and wrong, between God and his enemies, and David in God's name undertakes the battle of the right. And wherever such an issue is made, it is faith in God that gives courage and constancy to the defenders of the righteous cause. Take away faith in God and you clip the wings of every noble aspiration. Men will be con- tent to eat and drink and die and seek for nothing higher than present comfort and ease. Take away faith in God and you cut the sinews of effort for the welfare of the race. Write it in the convictions of men that there is no God and no hereafter and you write the death-war- rant of every moral reform. But let, on the other hand, warm, vigorous, vitalizing faith in God possess men's souls and it will make them strong to do and dare in behalf of truth and humanity for His sake. The heroes of the ages are heroes of faith. Put your finger at random on any name conspicuous in history in connection with the moral progress of mankind and you may without fear of mistake include him in this class. Moses endured as " seeing him who is invisible." Stephen could furnish the first example of Christian martyrdom because he believed that his Divine Redeemer was at the right hand of power. Luther cried — "So help me God." Wilberforce and Buxton were men as eminent for piety as for philanthropy. Lincoln, under the heavy burden of his exalted station, sought once and again an interest in the people's prayers. Bismarck and Gladstone were great enough to do homage to Him whose throne is in the heavens. Gordon, the hero of the last century, the uncrowned king, was pre-eminently a man of faith. You remember how the eyes of the world turned toward Khartoum with intensest interest. And why? Because the world's most heroic life was in jeopardy. And what was the secret spring of his hero- ism? As he left Cairo he wrote — " I am so glad to get A Young Mans Courage 27 away. I go up alone, with an infinite Almighty God to direct and guide me ; and am glad to so trust Him as to fear nothing and indeed, to feel sure of success." Not only was his heroism associated with piety, but his piety was the very foundation from which it rose, the seed from which it grew. His faith was as singular and pro- nounced as his fearlessness. Thus it has been in all the past. Thus it will be in the eventful future. The heroes of truth and justice and liberty and humanity will be those who shall follow the footsteps of Joshua and Samuel and David, of Luther and Knox and Gordon, and by faith in God tread difficulties and fears under their feet. Unto the exercise of this moral courage — this brave championship of every good cause — God calls every one of you young men and women. " Hearken unto me, ye that know righteous- ness, the people in whose heart is my law ; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye dismayed at their revil- ings. For the moth shall devour them like a garment, yea, the moth shall devour them like wool : but my right- eousness shall be forever, and my salvation from genera- tion to generation. Who art thou that fearest man that shall die, and forgettest thy God? I will put words in thy mouth, and cover thee in the shadow of my hand, to plant the heavens and lay the foundations of the earth." II. The cause which called out this young man's courage. There is a natural physical courage that may be wedded to either good or bad. There is the courage of the bandit springing from the lust of gain or the love of adventure. There is the courage of the Nihilist born of despair. But when it is a thing of the mind and con- science and is devoted to a worthy cause, it is twice noble and our admiration may be unchecked and unqualified. 1. David's courage was for the honor and safety of Israel. He was no enemy to law and order. He did not scatter fire-brands and death. He did not seek to 28 Baccalaureate Sermons undermine the existing government or unsettle the foun- dations of society. Never was subject more loyal to the king than David was to Saul. He said, " Thy servant will go." Propos- ing no terms, setting up no claims, recognizing Saul's superior rank, he offers the service of a faithful, law- abiding, obedient subject. He is a servant and except in a lawful war, he would not consent to be anything else. His loyalty is the more remarkable because of his own knowledge of God's purpose concerning him. Samuel had years ago anointed him to be Saul's successor. Why not take the first opportunity to gain the hearts of the people and spring into Saul's seat? Why not rebel and summon Samuel as a witness to his right to it? No, no. David's mind is quite the opposite. He will bide God's time. He will learn to rule by first learning to obey. Even when Saul became his enemy, he would not lift a hand to strike him down. This gallant act won for him the hearts of the people, but it was not meant for this. It was his simple, honorable, loyal purpose to maintain the government of Saul and the honor of Israel. It seems strange that Mr. Mill should speak of patriot- ism as a virtue lost sight of in a " purely Christian ethics." The career of David prior to his ascension to the throne is itself sufficient answer to the false assertion. And the same might be said of Joseph and Moses and Nehemiah and Paul — ■ nay of every representative Jew of the olden time. Patriotism is not less a Christian than a national virtue. But how shall patriotism be shown? Is he a lover of his country who praises everything and censures nothing? If there are great wrongs, shall they go unrebuked? or shall we, David-like, hurl at them the stones of God's truth? Wherever there is national sin, there is national weakness and he best loves his country who loves God more. 2. David's courage was for the honor of God. He not only had faith in God but had a single eye to his A Young Man's Courage 29 glory. How clearly this appears in the account of this transaction. He justifies his eager confidence in going to meet Goliath by the declaration — " Seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God." His mission was equally to take away Israel's reproach and to vindicate Jehovah. " That all the earth may know there is a God in Israel." And is it not the mission of every right-hearted man in our time to bear aloft the standard of Jehovah? Is God's law set aside? Is God's Sabbath trampled upon? Is God's image in man defaced? Do men con- spire together to resist God's will? Do they plot against the Lord and his anointed ? Do they obstruct the progress and triumph of Christ's kingdom? In such a time as this, the friends of Christ must come forth both for de- fense and attack. There is need of brave men and women whose hearts God has touched to stand in the breach — to maintain the cause of God in the world — to push on the conquest of Immanuel. Let every Christian join the ranks of true reform, for sake of God and home and native land. Let every Christian further the cause of missions at home and abroad for sake of God and humanity. wanted; men Not systems fit and wise Not faiths with rigid eyes Not wealth in mountain piles Not power with gracious smiles Not even y the potent pen. Wanted ; men. Men and deeds Men that can dare and do Not longings for the new Not pratings of the old Good life and action bold — These the occasion needs, Men and deeds. 30 Baccalaureate Sermons Young ladies and gentlemen of the graduating class of 1887, if I mistake not you enter upon life at a time in the nation's history when you will have ample opportunity to display either cowardice or courage. Which shall it be? You mean it to be courage. But distinguish be- tween the appearance and the thing. A bluff and bluster- ing manner may only conceal a craven spirit. A humble, quiet demeanor may be the modest veil of an earnest, in- tense, courageous soul. Be right at heart, all on fire with love to truth and right and God and you will need no tragic manner to let people know it. Conspicuous service is seldom or never a mushroom growth. Out on the peaceful hills, where he tended his father's flock, with no eye gazing on him but the Om- niscient, David was true to his trust and with faith and courage rescued the lamb from the lion and the bear. It was after all the experience of his retirement that he slew the giant and returned from the field to hear the air rent at the gates of every city with the shout — "Saul hath slain his thousands and David his ten thousands." So it will be with you. By performing a courageous part wherever God puts you now, you will husband strength for a more important day in the future. Moreover, have you ever thought how much of the world's best work is done by her young men and women? John Howard was 28 when he began to alleviate the miseries of mankind. Elizabeth Fry entered on a similar work at 30. Luther had gone through all his long struggle for light and freedom and yet was only 34 years of age when he nailed his 95 theses on the door of the church at Wittenberg. Garibaldi began his revolutionary career at 28. Joan of Arc took the field at 18 and led forth the French troops to victory. McCheyne lived not quite 30 years to make his name a household word all over Scotland — yea all over Christendom. The life of Jesus — if we may mention his matchless name along with those of his servants — was only a few years in length and yet A Young Mans Courage 31 it was enough to change the face of the whole earth. Do not then wait for the future. Begin at once to live out a noble spirit. You may not have any other years to do good in than those which are now passing. In any case they are your training school for future usefulness. It is the " village Hampden " who will, if occasion re- quire, withstand the tyrant of the Commonwealth. But expect not to escape the penalty of faithfulness. There may be trials as the test and voucher of your fidelity. But let not your heart fail because of this. Solomon said — " A living dog is better than a dead lion," and the words are true as he meant them, true concerning the capacity for enjoyment and effort in the present life. But if you estimate men by their moral worth, their real worth to mankind, let us rather say — " A dead lion is better than a living dog." Haddock dead counts more than his murderer alive. A dead Gambrell is better than a living champion of the saloon. Be bold for the cause that commends itself to your judgment and conscience as right. Be zealous for the honor of God and the wel- fare of man. Be a Christian at all hazards. I am as- sured that all the members of this class make confession of the name of Jesus Christ. Let me urge you to be loyal, consecrated, courageous servants of your acknowl- edged Lord and Master as long as you live. Keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith who for the joy that was set before Him en- dured the cross, despising the shame. And when life is closed and the judgment is set, may you every one stand unabashed before Him whose eyes are as a flame of fire and hear Him say — " Faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of thy Lord." SERMON III, 1888 "and who is my neighbor?" But he, willing to justify himself said unto Jesus — " And