Vesper Service.

Rev. Leighton Parks preached at the Vesper Service yesterday afternoon.

The word "Gospel" has a double meaning, "good news" and "that which is given in return for good news." Gospels are being preached constantly and not all of them are from ordained ministers. All revelation of truth whether of Physics, History, Philosophy or any other great system is the bringing of good news and in return for the gift the receiver, will wish to make some return or at any rate ought to. Often the return is made unconsciously. The revelation will of itself influence the character and, shining of its own accord, will make the receiver himself a bearer of the good news. In such a case all the effort it costs to give such eloquent thanks is merely that of comprehending the splendor of the gift.

Of all Gospels, the best is the good news from God. The bearer of it is Christ. When a man has heard the tidings of God's Love and Mercy, and when he realizes all the beauty of the new gift, he is filled with gratitude and desires to give some return, however inadequate. When he asks what he shall give Christ for his good news, the answer is, "yourself." Christ is constantly pouring out upon us the riches of God, even when we are often to blind to see them, and all the return He wants is a man's best self. He does not wish, in this sacrifice what men are apt to suppose. He does not ask surrender of the best of life, but calls to the higher life when men would choose the lower. He asks for souls, to make them richer and nobler than they could even dream of by themselves, and He wishes to strengthen and beautify, not merely to possess. Men are slow to realize that this sacrifice which seems so hard is infinitely the greatest blessing, that it means the exchange of a life of care and misery for one of highest happiness.

The choir, and Mr. D. M. Babcock, '77, sung the following: Anthem in March Form, by Arthur Page; Anthem, "The Strong Foundations of the Earth," by Brandeis; Anthem, "Largo," by Handel.