PARABLE OF THE PEARL.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20542, 10 May 1932, Page 12

PARABLE OF THE PEARL.

REV. LIONEL B. FLETCHER'S ADDRESS. The subject of the Eev. Lionel B. Fletcher's address at the Civic Theatre yesterday, which was heard by a large and enthusiastic audience, was "Tho Price of the Priceless." Tho preacher reforred to Christ's use of the parable in order to "let windows into Heaven." He never upoko in language that people were unable to understand. The interpretation of tho parable of the pearl that appealed most to the preacher was the conception of Josus Christ ns the pearl—the only jewel producod by a living creature. The pearl was produced by suffering, and there was- no entrance into Heaveu except by suffering. Sin in the human life, said Mr Fletcher, was the irritation that Christ cou'kl change a pearl of great price. One c£ the most awesome truths in the New Testament was that a sinner could become"' a pearl, a jewel to adorn tie brow of the Eternal King. The lovo of God was a pearl of great prico; to obtain so great a treasure man must give up all, make every sacrifice. Just as the pearls of the sea, free thought thoy wcrp, could be had only at the cost of time and effort, so thero was some cost for the attainment of Christ and His salvation, which were open to every man. Those who neglected the opportunity to secure this precious pearl would becomo spiritual bankrupts. The preacher, remarked ; in the course of his address that his services at the Civic Theatre had been among the most wonderful* of his career. There were a numbef of decisions at the close of the service.- ' >