“BARNABAS----A BUILDER OF MEN.”

Shannon News, 28 October 1927, Page 2

“BARNABAS----A BUILDER OF MEN.”

CHURCH OF CHRIST SERVICE. Pastor 'Jos. J. Eranklyn, in dealing with the above subject on Wednesday evening, remarked that in his judgment there was always something noble and desirable in the work of a builder — whether i hey be works of beauty or utility—but, after all, the greatest production in human life was —"Character” —and we were "Builders all.” The development of mind, heart and life was indispensable in the formation of noble and enduring manhood and womanhood. There were too many jerry-built moral structures. While men were looking for better methods, God was looking for better men. Character was never ready-made, but w r as built up day by day.

We are building every day In a good or evil way, And the structure as it grows, Must our inmost self disclose, Till in every arch and line All our hidden faults outshine.

The history of the church, briefly, Avas the building and discovery of men and women, and the service they had been enabled to give. Barnabas in his own day, was regarded as easily one of the very greatest men of the church. His new name, Barnabas, was suggestive of his character, "The Son of Encouragement.” He was the Mr Great-heart among the pioneers of the early church, the man of big sympathies, warm imagination, and generous judgment, a large and fatherly soul, who encouraged all to "hold on” and "fight on.” Despite all the difficulties and discouragements that would have swamped a Weaker personality, he courageously championed the converted Paul when, the timorous disciples were fearful of him. He travelled to Tarsus to “dig out” this new convert and preacher when a strong man was needed for the awakened Antioch. He joined Paul in aggressive pfopagam, ' da work as the influences of the church swung outward from Jerusalem. He stood by his coqsin, John Mark, and built a noble man out of him, and thus gave the world, one of the four biographies of Jesus Christ, and a successful leader of men. Being a wealthy man, Barnabas, was dne of the first to volunteer to sell his property, and give the proceeds ,to the Apostles for the needs of the church. A hundred per cent revivalist, he was recklessly loyal to Christ and the Gospel. If one carefully read Acts xi, 28-24, one saw the secrets of this notable Christian's character and achievements. He was a good man, filled \yith the vital energies and sympathies of the Holy Spirit. The preacher concluded his address by urging upon his congregation the present-day need for men of the Barnabas type, broad-mind-ed, cheerful, radiant, hopeful, captivating personalities, men whose hearts and lives had been consecrated to Christ and the service of men, men who through grace and sacrifice—like Tenny'son’s Lady Godiva—shall "build themselves an everlasting name.”