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Show I( oo i 1 J Dr. Palmer Talks f ' I on Three Crosses 3 The theme for the services of tho h First Baptist church yesterday by Dr. Ray Palmer was taken from the Luke, j'. 23, 39-17. which tells the story of Ihc r three crosses. Speaking upon this theme. Dr. Palmer said, "Tho story of 15 ; the three crosses has been one of in-I in-I terest to both grown peoplo and chll- dren, but in connection with this story wo find there are many difficult points which wo can not possibly understand. 1 To us It is almost unconceivable that a'man could die so close to the son l of; God and not repent. This man had sinned. Sin Is something far more hid-' hid-' cous and awful than man thinks, when it: hardens tho heart and paralyzes the better nature of man so he can remain stonelike to the end, and mock the sufferings of the Savior. "In this sinful thief, wo have sin at its worse, for sin is so diabolical ;' that It can cause a man to curse even ; unto death, and mock and scorn Jcsug Christ; our Lord. "Away with theso false prophets who tell you that sin is only a mk take or a weakness to bo pitied, or a ', , ' delusion of the mortal mind. It is time that some are of you say, .'Oh, I shall never reject Christ when I come to die but remember this, 'Character tends to be fixedness;' if you cultivate your passions now, therefore you are leading lead-ing away from Christ. You think at death you will not find these passions the rulers of the soul. v "The second ( thief repented and cried out, 'Lord, remember one when thou comcst in thy kingdom.' This thief realized the awfulness of sin and felt that his earthly punishment was none too great, and his. noble test:- j mony to the absolute purity of Chrits won him a place in heaven, for Christ said, 'Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." Of theso words Bossuet, the great French orator says, 'Today; what promptitude with me; what company in paradise; what repotle! Think of the wonderful peace of mind of the penitent thief must have had with such a promise given to him. You are your own masters, but I ask you, to seek the Lord before it Is too late and you shall win such reward as the pentitent thief did. Capt; J. R. Ward was elected superintendent super-intendent of the Sunday school department. de-partment. The Easter Sunday school program and services were repeated yesterday morning under the direction of Mrs. W. E. Moore. on |