Loss: Gain of
Illustration★★★★Not long ago a violent earthquake alarmed
the West of America; but whilst some surface
property suffered, the shock did not prove an
uncompensated disaster, for in tearing asunder
the rocks and mountains the earthquake
showed the district to be rich in unsuspected
gold. ‘This is a figure of a vaster truth. The
SERMON ILLUSTRATIONS 77
whole creation groans and travails in pain
together until now, great is the overthrow
and suffering, yet the throes have brought
within our knowledge and grasp magnificent
possibilities and hopes. The sufferings of
the present time are not worthy to be com-
pared with the glory that is being, and shall
be, revealed in us. Let us take our harp from
the willow, and sing in the dark day.
Found in Sermon illustrations _ from science, nature, life and art, by W.L. Watkinson · page 15+
The point
An earthquake, while destructive to surface property, reveals hidden gold and new possibilities. Applied spiritually, suffering uncovers glimpses of glory and hope.