Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 175, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 July 1920 — GREATER POWER THAN WORDS [ARTICLE]

GREATER POWER THAN WORDS

Great Preacher’s Dramatic Action Stirred His Hearers as Nothing Else Could Have Done. Tn one of the great Italian cathedrals a noted friar of the order of Saint Francis; then newly founded, was preaching. A great concourse of people filled the building, and twilight deepened the heavy shadows of the dimly lit and heavily arched chancel and nave. The friar preached almost in darkness. His theme was “God's Love to Men and Their Response." With the passionate eloquence of the period, he pictured God’s mighty act of creation, the wonder of his gift of life and the beauty of the earth. But more especially he dwelt upon the gift of the Only-Begotten Son—the matchless beauty of Christ’s life among men — the glorious redemption offered in him to all who would repent and believe. The friar’s earnestness deeply impressed the people, and a solemn stillness hung over the vast assembly. The darkness by this time had deepened still further, and the congregation could only just perceive the outline of the friar’s dark-robed figure. “Now.’’ he continued, “let us consider how mankind has responded to the divine goodness and mercy.” With these words he left the pulpit and passed slowly to the altar. From among its many candles he chose one and lighted it. This one gleam of pure light shone upon a great crucifix hung above the al tar. Slowly and and without a word, in the breathless stillness of that vast throng, the friar raised the candle until it lit up first one wound, then another, In the feet, the hands, the side, and finally the sacred head of the Crucified. There the light lingered a moment, and the hush deepened upon the awestruck congregation. Then he blew out the light and sat down. The sermon was over. The stillness wAs broken only by the audible sobs. — Youth’s Companion.