Today I have been speaking from dawn until now, yet because of love,
fellowship and desire to be with you, I have come here to speak again
briefly. Within the last few days a terrible event has happened in the
world, an event saddening to every heart and grieving every spirit. I
refer to the Titanic disaster, in which many of our fellow human beings
were drowned, a number of beautiful souls passed beyond this earthly life.
Although such an event is indeed regrettable, we must realize that
everything which happens is due to some wisdom and that nothing happens
without a reason. Therein is a mystery; but whatever the reason and
mystery, it was a very sad occurrence, one which brought tears to many
eyes and distress to many souls. I was greatly affected by this disaster.
Some of those who were lost voyaged on the Cedric with us as far as Naples
and afterward sailed upon the other ship. When I think of them, I am very
sad indeed. But when I consider this calamity in another aspect, I am
consoled by the realization that the worlds of God are infinite; that
though they were deprived of this existence, they have other opportunities
in the life beyond, even as Christ has said, "In my Father's house are
many mansions." They were called away from the temporary and transferred
to the eternal; they abandoned this material existence and entered the
portals of the spiritual world. Foregoing the pleasures and comforts of
the earthly, they now partake of a joy and happiness far more abiding and
real, for they have hastened to the Kingdom of God. The mercy of God is
infinite, and it is our duty to remember these departed souls in our
prayers and supplications that they may draw nearer and nearer to the
Source itself.
These human conditions may be likened to the matrix of the mother from
which a child is to be born into the spacious outer world. At first the
infant finds it very difficult to reconcile itself to its new existence.
It cries as if not wishing to be separated from its narrow abode and
imagining that life is restricted to that limited space. It is reluctant
to leave its home, but nature forces it into this world. Having come into
its new conditions, it finds that it has passed from darkness into a
sphere of radiance; from gloomy and restricted surroundings it has been
transferred to a spacious and delightful environment. Its nourishment was
the blood of the mother; now it finds delicious food to enjoy. Its new
life is filled with brightness and beauty; it looks with wonder and
delight upon the mountains, meadows and fields of green, the rivers and
fountains, the wonderful stars; it breathes the life-quickening
atmosphere; and then it praises God for its release from the confinement
of its former condition and attainment to the freedom of a new realm. This
analogy expresses the relation of the temporal world to the life
hereafter--the transition of the soul of man from darkness and uncertainty
to the light and reality of the eternal Kingdom. At first it is very
difficult to welcome death, but after attaining its new condition the soul
is grateful, for it has been released from the bondage of the limited to
enjoy the liberties of the unlimited. It has been freed from a world of
sorrow, grief and trials to live in a world of unending bliss and joy. The
phenomenal and physical have been abandoned in order that it may attain
the opportunities of the ideal and spiritual. Therefore, the souls of
those who have passed away from earth and completed their span of mortal
pilgrimage in the Titanic disaster have hastened to a world superior to
this. They have soared away from these conditions of darkness and dim
vision into the realm of light. These are the only considerations which
can comfort and console those whom they have left behind.
Furthermore, these events have deeper reasons. Their object and purpose is
to teach man certain lessons. We are living in a day of reliance upon
material conditions. Men imagine that the great size and strength of a
ship, the perfection of machinery or the skill of a navigator will ensure
safety, but these disasters sometimes take place that men may know that
God is the real Protector. If it be the will of God to protect man, a
little ship may escape destruction, whereas the greatest and most
perfectly constructed vessel with the best and most skillful navigator may
not survive a danger such as was present on the ocean. The purpose is that
the people of the world may turn to God, the One Protector; that human
souls may rely upon His preservation and know that He is the real safety.
These events happen in order that man's faith may be increased and
strengthened. Therefore, although we feel sad and disheartened, we must
supplicate God to turn our hearts to the Kingdom and pray for these
departed souls with faith in His infinite mercy so that, although they
have been deprived of this earthly life, they may enjoy a new existence in
the supreme mansions of the Heavenly Father.
Let no one imagine that these words imply that man should not be thorough
and careful in his undertakings. God has endowed man with intelligence so
that he may safeguard and protect himself. Therefore, he must provide and
surround himself with all that scientific skill can produce. He must be
deliberate, thoughtful and thorough in his purposes, build the best ship
and provide the most experienced captain; yet, withal, let him rely upon
God and consider God as the one Keeper. If God protects, nothing can
imperil man's safety; and if it be not His will to safeguard, no amount of
preparation and precaution will avail.
23 April 1912
Talk to Bethel Literary Society
Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church
M Street, NW, Washington, D.C.