The Greeks were ebullient in all they did. Phidias made sculpture live, Sophocles dramatized vividly, Aristotle delved into based concepts of logic and ethics with obvious gusto, Plato enriched political thought, Pythagorus and Euclid exploited plane figures. But perhaps the most buoyant of all was Archimedes.
How he enjoyed his adventures into discovery! Who can forget his "Eureka", as he ran naked out of the bath into the street to reach his studio.
On one occasion he kept a whole fleet at bay by his inventive genious. Mirror-harnessed sun-rays and giant grabs were too much for the insurgent foe......
His death was as dramatic as his life. The city was invaded - but he was lost in a problem. A soldier rushed in as he was describing geometrical figures on the floor. ""Out of my way!" he addressed the intrusive enemy. The soldier cut him down. Thus perished one of the most colourful of Grecian philosophers.
Archimedes once said; "Give me but one firm spot on which to stand, and I will move the earth".
Mechanically he was right. With a lever long enough and a fulcrum strong enough, even the world could be lifted out of its place.
Practically, the feat is impossible, for the fulcrum would have to be out of this world and the lever capable of infinite extension.
But we have such a lever. With the Throne of Grace as a fulcrum, and informed faith as the active force. Our supplication can exert such an influence as will move the earth.......
"I exhort therefore" wrote Paul, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks should be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and sincerity". (1Tim2:1,2)
Minds can be influenced by prayer; prayer affects the actions of great men.
Prayer does what Archimedes could never do. It provides us with a source of leverage outside our own planet - .......
"Come boldly to the throne of grace, that we obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" exhorts the scripture.
Prayer extends to infinite proportions: it starts on earth and ends in heaven, it embraces the universe. It magnifies our weakness into gargantuan strength. It is a simple excercise to pray, but the results are mighty.
As Tennyson puts it....
More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice
Rise like a fountain for me night and day......
For so the whole round earth is every way
Bound by gold chains about the feet of God.
How he enjoyed his adventures into discovery! Who can forget his "Eureka", as he ran naked out of the bath into the street to reach his studio.
On one occasion he kept a whole fleet at bay by his inventive genious. Mirror-harnessed sun-rays and giant grabs were too much for the insurgent foe......
His death was as dramatic as his life. The city was invaded - but he was lost in a problem. A soldier rushed in as he was describing geometrical figures on the floor. ""Out of my way!" he addressed the intrusive enemy. The soldier cut him down. Thus perished one of the most colourful of Grecian philosophers.
Archimedes once said; "Give me but one firm spot on which to stand, and I will move the earth".
Mechanically he was right. With a lever long enough and a fulcrum strong enough, even the world could be lifted out of its place.
Practically, the feat is impossible, for the fulcrum would have to be out of this world and the lever capable of infinite extension.
But we have such a lever. With the Throne of Grace as a fulcrum, and informed faith as the active force. Our supplication can exert such an influence as will move the earth.......
"I exhort therefore" wrote Paul, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks should be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and sincerity". (1Tim2:1,2)
Minds can be influenced by prayer; prayer affects the actions of great men.
Prayer does what Archimedes could never do. It provides us with a source of leverage outside our own planet - .......
"Come boldly to the throne of grace, that we obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" exhorts the scripture.
Prayer extends to infinite proportions: it starts on earth and ends in heaven, it embraces the universe. It magnifies our weakness into gargantuan strength. It is a simple excercise to pray, but the results are mighty.
As Tennyson puts it....
More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice
Rise like a fountain for me night and day......
For so the whole round earth is every way
Bound by gold chains about the feet of God.
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