"Christ the Lord is risen to-day."

APRIL

I have in my hand a small branch from a big tree.  This branch is from an apple tree.  Here are seen the tiny buds, the promise of the blossom, and after that the fruit.  Have you ever seen an apple orchard in blossom?  People rave about the cherry blossoms of Japan, and the fire trees, flaming red, of the Philippines.  I have been in both countries, but I think there is no more beautiful sight in any country than the blossoming apple orchards of America.

As you came to church this morning you saw all along the streets and avenues hundreds of trees like this branch, sending forth their first buds.  What do these buds tell us?

First of all they tell us of God.  I do not see how any one can live through the awakening spring season and not think daily thoughts of God.  Most people remember the Creator.  Only one person has ever denied God.  “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.”  He said it to himself, he did not dare speak it out loud.

In the second place, this branch tells us of God’s Love.  He, the loving Father of all people, makes blessed provision for the care and nurture of his children.  He reminds us each year, in seedtime and harvest, of his boundless love.  His love never fails.  There have been many hundreds of years in the history of the world, yet each year has had its spring, its seedtime, and its Resurrection.  Young people, let God’s April speak to you.

    “When I am gone, somehow I hope that April
    Will typify my life, my faith,
    My hope of victory through the years,
    My steadiness of step, my clear and visioned eye. 
    The early flowers, the birds
    Singing in the rain,
    The increasing light, the slowly opening buds,
    The almond blooms, the trees in vernal dress
    Are like the silver crown upon the head;
    A prophecy of heaven’s summer time. 
    Yes, even now it is the April
    Of my great immortality.”

MEMORY VERSE, John 11:  25

    “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life.”

MEMORY HYMN [389]

    "Sow in the morn thy seed."

HELPING FINGERS

For three years I lived in Manila, Philippine Islands.  Not far from my home was an orphanage for children who were deaf and dumb.  Frequently these children were seen at different entertainments that were given about the city.  One evening I went to attend a lecture in the Y.M.C.A.  Right in front of me sat three children.  They were very quiet and orderly.  When the lecture began the boy who sat in the middle began to make his fingers go as fast as he could, the two children on either side watching him intently.  That center boy could hear, the other two were deaf.  So he heard the lecture for them and told it to them by the finger language.