1896
An exceedingly able sermon was preached at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Sunday morning by Rev. J. W. Armstrong, who took his text from Matthew 2:1-2, "Now when Jesus was born in Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold there came wise men — Magi — from the East to Jerusalem, saying: 'Where is He that is born King of the Jews, for we have seen a star in the East and have come to worship Him.'"
The speaker said that the unceasing current of time ever carrying us onward has brought us to the Epiphany. "Epiphany means the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. It has been celebrated and observed in the church since the second century.
"The idea of exclusiveness was among the Jews, but the real idea shows Him in this manifestation for all nations. The One born King of the Jews has become sovereign of the world. Though born a Jew His mission is for all men — all nations, for the Epiphany shows that He is to have universal dominion.
"The gospel of Christ shows that spiritual dignity rests not upon spiritual descent but upon spiritual character. The symbol of exclusiveness is shown in the rite of circumcision and this was exchanged for baptism, the symbol of universality.
"These Magi, or Magicians, were priests or scholars of the East. Their science led them to the new King just as the shepherds were led by a carol-song. By attention to their calling they discover and are led by the star to the infant Jesus. The inquiries of Herod and of the religious men of Jerusalem brought them nothing. The re-appearance of the star satisfied them, and so often we are disappointed in turning to the kings and priests of the world in our inquiries, but if we look up and learn of heaven we will be guided as these were.
"As the star of God was on before the Magi, so is the star of God on before each of us."
As to the Gentile expectation, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews?", Mr. Armstrong said: "Astronomy arises out of man's need of religion — out of his efforts to read the secrets of the heavens. This craving of the Gentiles expresses yearning for light and knowledge. The wish for light — the expectation of the manifestation of God, is the mystery which lies beneath the history of the whole ancient world."
In speaking particularly of the Epiphany, he said, "It is significant that the king is found as a child — the Royal Child is the answer to their inquiries and desires — this is monarchy of divine right.
"In the adoration of the Magi, the wisdom of the world is bending before the child. 'Heaven lies about us in our infancy.' The child's view of God and the world is singular, one of wonder, beauty and goodness. Man disjoints, separates and impairs. 'When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.'
"And may not our hearts in some measure interpret that? Some there may be whose early star has disappeared and others may have followed many a star but which did not guide to life and light.
“The gifts they presented — 'gold and frankincense and myrrh' — were the most costly products of the countries from which they came. So 'tis our duty to present our best gifts."
In the evening Mr. Armstrong preached on the Epiphany also.
—The Marion Star, Marion, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1896, p. 4.
Showing posts with label 1896. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1896. Show all posts
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Hard Things to Say
1896
Shibboleths to test sobriety, or comparative sobriety, in the case of supposed drunkards have often been heard of, and have generally been looked upon as jokes for the dinner table or the smoking-room, says the London News.
From a case reported at the Westminster Police Court it appears that a doctor, examined as a witness, has invented a test phrase which he regards infallible. This is "The artillery extinguished the conflagration early." This may be very effective, and it was tried successfully on a cabman (the defendant), but the doctor need not have taxed his inventive powers.
There is the "Peter Piper picked a peck of pepper," etc., test, and one or two more not quite so elaborate. "Biblical criticism" and "British Constitution" have long been favorite tests, but the best is probably "Mrs. Smith's fish sauce shop."
Religious Mania
A late official report shows that, contrary to common belief, cases of religious mania are rare in the British Isles. It also discloses the strange fact that more mental aberration is developed among the tribe of peddlers than among any other class, physicians and druggists coming next. Melancholia prevails most in Ireland.
Shibboleths to test sobriety, or comparative sobriety, in the case of supposed drunkards have often been heard of, and have generally been looked upon as jokes for the dinner table or the smoking-room, says the London News.
From a case reported at the Westminster Police Court it appears that a doctor, examined as a witness, has invented a test phrase which he regards infallible. This is "The artillery extinguished the conflagration early." This may be very effective, and it was tried successfully on a cabman (the defendant), but the doctor need not have taxed his inventive powers.
There is the "Peter Piper picked a peck of pepper," etc., test, and one or two more not quite so elaborate. "Biblical criticism" and "British Constitution" have long been favorite tests, but the best is probably "Mrs. Smith's fish sauce shop."
Religious Mania
A late official report shows that, contrary to common belief, cases of religious mania are rare in the British Isles. It also discloses the strange fact that more mental aberration is developed among the tribe of peddlers than among any other class, physicians and druggists coming next. Melancholia prevails most in Ireland.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
A Floating Hermit's Morning Devotions
1896
Hermits who make their homes in the caves and forests of California are plentiful, but a hermit who makes his home on the water is not so common.
The first one that has ever been seen in the bay of San Francisco is now living in a small scow, or ark, in the cove near Black Point. There he spends his days, and with the exception of an occasional drifting cruise along the front in a small skiff he never leaves the home he has made of the old, battered craft, which is named "Southern Pacific."
Every morning, rain or shine, he is up before sunrise. Climbing a ladder raised against an impromptu mast he reaches a small platform. On this he kneels and begins his morning orisons. First he sings a hymn. Sometimes his voice can be heard, chanting the melody at Black Point, and at other times he can barely be heard by the fishermen who are waiting the turn on tide in Black Point Cove. Then he will read a chapter from the Bible and after that he prays that the kingdom of the Messiah may come and that heaven be established on earth.
If it is a fine morning the sun by this time is well up in the heavens and the sun rise gun has been fired half an hour previously. The hermit descends from his lofty perch and pumps out his frail craft, in order to keep her afloat for another twenty-four hours. — San Francisco Call.
Hermits who make their homes in the caves and forests of California are plentiful, but a hermit who makes his home on the water is not so common.
The first one that has ever been seen in the bay of San Francisco is now living in a small scow, or ark, in the cove near Black Point. There he spends his days, and with the exception of an occasional drifting cruise along the front in a small skiff he never leaves the home he has made of the old, battered craft, which is named "Southern Pacific."
Every morning, rain or shine, he is up before sunrise. Climbing a ladder raised against an impromptu mast he reaches a small platform. On this he kneels and begins his morning orisons. First he sings a hymn. Sometimes his voice can be heard, chanting the melody at Black Point, and at other times he can barely be heard by the fishermen who are waiting the turn on tide in Black Point Cove. Then he will read a chapter from the Bible and after that he prays that the kingdom of the Messiah may come and that heaven be established on earth.
If it is a fine morning the sun by this time is well up in the heavens and the sun rise gun has been fired half an hour previously. The hermit descends from his lofty perch and pumps out his frail craft, in order to keep her afloat for another twenty-four hours. — San Francisco Call.
Friday, June 29, 2007
A Place for Hosea
1896
Dean Hole, in his "Little Tour in America," gives the following good story, which was picked up at an entertainment given in his honor by the Lotos Club of New York. The quaintest story of the evening was told by Dr. Greer, of a tedious, monotonous preacher, who had exhausted the patience of his hearers by an elaborate dissertation on the four greater prophets, and when, to their sad disgust, he passed on to the minor, and asked, "And now, my brethren, where shall we place Hosea?" a man rose from the congregation and made answer, "You can place him here, sir. I'm off."
City Paved With Gold
Prescott, the capital of Arizona, boasts that it is the nearest approach to the New Jerusalem as described in the Bible, as its streets are being paved with gold. The granite used for pavements contains $4 in gold and twenty cents in silver to every ton, so that in time, when less expensive methods of reducing ores are used, it may pay the city to tear up and crush its street pavements. — New York Times.
Time for Prayer
If a praying machine were invented many would use it if it did not take too much time from business to wind it up.
Dean Hole, in his "Little Tour in America," gives the following good story, which was picked up at an entertainment given in his honor by the Lotos Club of New York. The quaintest story of the evening was told by Dr. Greer, of a tedious, monotonous preacher, who had exhausted the patience of his hearers by an elaborate dissertation on the four greater prophets, and when, to their sad disgust, he passed on to the minor, and asked, "And now, my brethren, where shall we place Hosea?" a man rose from the congregation and made answer, "You can place him here, sir. I'm off."
City Paved With Gold
Prescott, the capital of Arizona, boasts that it is the nearest approach to the New Jerusalem as described in the Bible, as its streets are being paved with gold. The granite used for pavements contains $4 in gold and twenty cents in silver to every ton, so that in time, when less expensive methods of reducing ores are used, it may pay the city to tear up and crush its street pavements. — New York Times.
Time for Prayer
If a praying machine were invented many would use it if it did not take too much time from business to wind it up.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Gum-Chewing Girl Makes Faces at Minister
March 1896
Two girls in Cumberland, Pennsylvania, have been heavily fined for disturbing public worship by chewing gum. The minister testified that when he remonstrated with one of the girls she made faces at him.
The Congregational Church of Sedalia, Missouri, is going to make a grand effort to bring the old sinners into the fold this year. Young women are to act as ushers in place of the young men hitherto acting in that capacity.
Mrs. Cleveland rarely fails to attend the regular church services, and is scrupulously exact in being present on all special days.
Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein who is Queen Victoria's daughter Helena, and her daughter Princess Victoria, are to sing solo parts in the "Messiah" at a church concert at Slough.
Two girls in Cumberland, Pennsylvania, have been heavily fined for disturbing public worship by chewing gum. The minister testified that when he remonstrated with one of the girls she made faces at him.
The Congregational Church of Sedalia, Missouri, is going to make a grand effort to bring the old sinners into the fold this year. Young women are to act as ushers in place of the young men hitherto acting in that capacity.
Mrs. Cleveland rarely fails to attend the regular church services, and is scrupulously exact in being present on all special days.
Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein who is Queen Victoria's daughter Helena, and her daughter Princess Victoria, are to sing solo parts in the "Messiah" at a church concert at Slough.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Japan's Great Cathedral
1896
When foreign architects visit Japan and see the Cathedral of Buddhism for the first time they are generally astonished at the magnificent structure. It is executed in pure Oriental style, and is richly ornamented with curvings. H. Ito, a famous builder, of Nagova City, designed it. The structure was commenced in 1878, and was completed this year. The cost has been estimated at $17,000,000. It would have greatly exceeded this amount had not numbers of Buddhists worked without any recompense.
As the structure neared completion the committee having the work in charge was much perplexed as to fire insurance. They found that no company would assume the risk on such a valuable wooden structure, the danger of destruction by fire being very great, and thus the premiums would amount to an enormous sum of money. At last the committee decided on a design devised by Dr. Tanabe. Numbers of powerful foundations were constructed, both exterior and interior, which can be made to play on all parts of the structure at the same time.
Usually only one great ornamental fountain is playing, rising to the great height of 157 feet. This is probably the largest artificial fountain in existence, emitting 82,080 gallons per hour. In case of fire all the water pressure is directed through the numbers of exterior and interior fountains, thus every part of the structure, both inside and out, could soon be drenched, and any conflagration soon extinguished.
When foreign architects visit Japan and see the Cathedral of Buddhism for the first time they are generally astonished at the magnificent structure. It is executed in pure Oriental style, and is richly ornamented with curvings. H. Ito, a famous builder, of Nagova City, designed it. The structure was commenced in 1878, and was completed this year. The cost has been estimated at $17,000,000. It would have greatly exceeded this amount had not numbers of Buddhists worked without any recompense.
As the structure neared completion the committee having the work in charge was much perplexed as to fire insurance. They found that no company would assume the risk on such a valuable wooden structure, the danger of destruction by fire being very great, and thus the premiums would amount to an enormous sum of money. At last the committee decided on a design devised by Dr. Tanabe. Numbers of powerful foundations were constructed, both exterior and interior, which can be made to play on all parts of the structure at the same time.
Usually only one great ornamental fountain is playing, rising to the great height of 157 feet. This is probably the largest artificial fountain in existence, emitting 82,080 gallons per hour. In case of fire all the water pressure is directed through the numbers of exterior and interior fountains, thus every part of the structure, both inside and out, could soon be drenched, and any conflagration soon extinguished.
The Minister's Blunder
1896
The New Yorkers are telling one another of a good joke on Rev. John Wesley Brown, rector of St. Thomas' Church, previously rector of St Paul's in this city.
His part in the ceremonial of the Paget-Whitney wedding was to read the service. Either he had marked the wrong place in the prayer book or the singing disconcerted him; at any rate the wedding party was amazed to hear his rich, full voice utter the words: "I am the resurrection and the life."
"Heavens and earth!" ejaculated Bishop Potter in a whisper behind him. The rector at once awoke to the fact that he was reading the burial service, and, after one breathless second, he proceeded with the proper ritual.
1901
Old Parson Helton, a Baptist preacher, of Tennessee, had eighteen sons, and during the Civil War sixteen of them enlisted in the Union Army, and two sided with the Confederates. When the old minister had reached his eighty-eighth year, someone, who did not know about his sons' views, asked him where his sympathies lay during the war. "My sympathies were with the Union by fourteen majority," said the old man.
The New Yorkers are telling one another of a good joke on Rev. John Wesley Brown, rector of St. Thomas' Church, previously rector of St Paul's in this city.
His part in the ceremonial of the Paget-Whitney wedding was to read the service. Either he had marked the wrong place in the prayer book or the singing disconcerted him; at any rate the wedding party was amazed to hear his rich, full voice utter the words: "I am the resurrection and the life."
"Heavens and earth!" ejaculated Bishop Potter in a whisper behind him. The rector at once awoke to the fact that he was reading the burial service, and, after one breathless second, he proceeded with the proper ritual.
1901
Old Parson Helton, a Baptist preacher, of Tennessee, had eighteen sons, and during the Civil War sixteen of them enlisted in the Union Army, and two sided with the Confederates. When the old minister had reached his eighty-eighth year, someone, who did not know about his sons' views, asked him where his sympathies lay during the war. "My sympathies were with the Union by fourteen majority," said the old man.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Trumpet Calls — Sentence Sermons
1896Ram's Horn Sounds Warning Note to Unredeemed
Wine opens the damper to let all the fires of evil in a man burn.
God sends danger only where he has first sent courage.
To love an enemy is a sure way to please Christ.
A brewer's horse fares better than a drunkard's child.
Bridget starts her fire with coal oil. The devil uses alcohol.
The man who does not look ahead will soon have to fall back.
There is no sign that a man inflamed with drink may not commit.
Every moderate drinker is leading an army of boys toward the pit.
If we not hear God to-day, he may refuse to hear us to-morrow.
Appetite for drink is the devil's iron chain on the drunkard's neck.
The easiest time to let drink alone is before the first drink is taken.
It is when we are most helpless that Christ is most willing to help us.
The sparkle in the wine is made by one of the devil's sharpest teeth.
It is a long step toward heaven to be born in a home where Christ is loved.
One of the hardest things for some men to forgive is a difference in creed.
The man who serves the devil has to begin his day's work before breakfast.
Many a man puts his family in the dark to help the saloon pay its gas bill.
Many a man has started out to reform the world, and stopped at the first house.
The devil has gained his point when he convinces us that little sins work no ill.
The man who begins by drinking some time may end by having to drink all the time.
No man can grind down another without first placing his own soul under the millstone.
The Christian should never complain of his hard fortune while he knows that Christ is his friend.
If you would teach children to hate drink, give them the first lesson before they leave the cradle.
The man who has not decided that he will never drink, has more than half decided that he will drink.
When a man gets up early in the morning to drink, he is apt to spend the day in doing nothing else.
Our money is not doing us the good God would have it do us, if it is not doing anybody else any good.
If you are in the habit of going to sleep in church, you do not help the preacher any by occupying a front seat. — Ram's Horn.
Miraculous Cures Explained
1896
M. Littre, of Paris, who recently investigated a number of alleged miraculous cures, says that they can be accounted for without supposing a miracle. He explains that in many of such cures there is a muscular action of the affected part. The muscle contracts energetically; it breaks down the pathological adhesions, if they exist, and restores the bones violently to their place.
In commenting on this, the New York Medical Record says: "What the surgeon has to do with his hand is here done by an influence exerted on the muscles themselves, and in a far more beneficent manner than surgery can effect. The exciting cause of these energetic contractions is that which we find in all miracles of this sort — a strong persuasion, a complete confidence. It is the brain and feeling generated by the mind which give strength to the person who thinks strongly. A gouty man, who has long hobbled about on his crutch, finds his legs and power to run with them if pursued by a wild bull. The feeblest invalid, under the influence of delirium or other strong excitement, will astonish her nurse by the sudden accession of strength she may exhibit."
Deaf and Dumb Couple Converted
It seems to be a striking compliment to fervent eloquence, or some other peculiar power of persuasion, that among the converts made by a revivalist at Tekonsah, Michigan, recently, were two deaf and dumb persons, a man and his wife. — New York Sun.
M. Littre, of Paris, who recently investigated a number of alleged miraculous cures, says that they can be accounted for without supposing a miracle. He explains that in many of such cures there is a muscular action of the affected part. The muscle contracts energetically; it breaks down the pathological adhesions, if they exist, and restores the bones violently to their place.
In commenting on this, the New York Medical Record says: "What the surgeon has to do with his hand is here done by an influence exerted on the muscles themselves, and in a far more beneficent manner than surgery can effect. The exciting cause of these energetic contractions is that which we find in all miracles of this sort — a strong persuasion, a complete confidence. It is the brain and feeling generated by the mind which give strength to the person who thinks strongly. A gouty man, who has long hobbled about on his crutch, finds his legs and power to run with them if pursued by a wild bull. The feeblest invalid, under the influence of delirium or other strong excitement, will astonish her nurse by the sudden accession of strength she may exhibit."
Deaf and Dumb Couple Converted
It seems to be a striking compliment to fervent eloquence, or some other peculiar power of persuasion, that among the converts made by a revivalist at Tekonsah, Michigan, recently, were two deaf and dumb persons, a man and his wife. — New York Sun.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Liquor Thrown Away After Conversion
Pennsylvania, 1896
A novel scene was witnessed at the North East saloon, East Patrick street, Frederick, yesterday. Wm. L. Gilbert, the proprietor, last week professed religion and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church during revival services.
On Saturday, Gilbert, who says he intends leading a moral life and to assist others to do so, informed his pastor that he was offered $150 for his liquor license and the stock of goods on hand, and while he was desirous of waging war against the traffic yet he was sorely in need of funds for the support of his family.
Sunday Rev. Mr. Zimmerman set forth the case of the new convert to his audience in the City Opera House and requested that the amount be raised to start the young man in a more legitimate business. The sum was soon raised, and yesterday afternoon Rev. Mr. Zimmerman, accompanied by a committee, proceeded to Gilbert's saloon, and in the presence of a crowd of several hundred people loaded two barrels of liquor, a keg of gin and a slot-machine on a dray, and driving out on a lot on the gas-house road, dumped the liquor into a hole.
Gilbert, who is 27 years of age, has been a member of several different churches and also of the Salvation Army.
—New Oxford Item, New Oxford, PA, Jan. 24, 1896.
A novel scene was witnessed at the North East saloon, East Patrick street, Frederick, yesterday. Wm. L. Gilbert, the proprietor, last week professed religion and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church during revival services.
On Saturday, Gilbert, who says he intends leading a moral life and to assist others to do so, informed his pastor that he was offered $150 for his liquor license and the stock of goods on hand, and while he was desirous of waging war against the traffic yet he was sorely in need of funds for the support of his family.
Sunday Rev. Mr. Zimmerman set forth the case of the new convert to his audience in the City Opera House and requested that the amount be raised to start the young man in a more legitimate business. The sum was soon raised, and yesterday afternoon Rev. Mr. Zimmerman, accompanied by a committee, proceeded to Gilbert's saloon, and in the presence of a crowd of several hundred people loaded two barrels of liquor, a keg of gin and a slot-machine on a dray, and driving out on a lot on the gas-house road, dumped the liquor into a hole.
Gilbert, who is 27 years of age, has been a member of several different churches and also of the Salvation Army.
—New Oxford Item, New Oxford, PA, Jan. 24, 1896.
"The Ossified Man" — Grave Robbed, Body Missing
1896
After His Affliction Prostrated Him He Became a Methodist Preacher of Wonderful Power
The item appearing in the daily papers narrating how the grave of Edgar Pratt, well known as the "Ossified Man," had been robbed recently caused considerable excitement in the vicinity of Sodus, N.Y., where Edgar Pratt was born, educated, learned his trade, transacted business, and where his widow and her mother at present reside.
Edgar Pratt, says a Soclus letter to the New York Times, was a son of William Pratt, a well-known farmer, who for many years resided on a farm which he owned on the town line road between Williamson and Ontario, south of the "Ridge Road," so called. The family is one of the oldest in Wayne County.
The "Ossified Man" was born in the town of Williamson, was educated at the public schools in that village, and completed his education in Sodus Academy. He was a well-formed young man, bright, and fine looking. He came to Sodus about 1878 and went to work for Charles Delano, learning the trade of carriage trimming. He was not religiously inclined, in which respect be differed very materially from his parents and other members of the Pratt family. While the young man was working at his trade his father sold the farm, and with the family removed to Douglass, Butler County, Kan., the son Edgar accompanying.
The latter secured a position as stage driver. Through exposure on the stage route he contracted rheumatism, which eventually compelled his abandoning that vocation. His condition became critical. He recovered from his illness, and shortly afterward removed to Sodus, where he opened up a carriage trimming establishment. Rheumatism returned, and he was soon prostrated with his old ailment. Medical science was invoked, but nothing could be done. At length, being in destitute circumstances, his brother, Daniel Pratt, came from Kansas and took Edgar out West with him.
Shortly after this, ossification began to set in and the patient suffered untold agony. An exhorter came to Douglass, which was then comparatively destitute of religious influences, and Pratt became converted. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and soon became one of the warmest supporters of that denomination. Ossification by that time had become so advanced that the man was taken before a board medical experts in New York City. The case had baffled the skill of all Western physicians who had been consulted. The New York surgeons pronounced the case a most marvelous one in the annals of medical jurisprudence.
An offer of $1000 per year during life and $5000 to the widow at his death, provided Pratt would contract to have his body delivered to the New York medical experts at his death, was spurned, Pratt alleging that his condition was due to an act of Providence. He claimed that he was suffering a just punishment for not improving his talents while young and before being afflicted with disease. His exhortations became so pronounced that his religious admirers built a wagon, in which he lay stretched out rigid as a block of marble.
During the last four years of his life he suffered no pain whatever, but was unable to move a joint. Starvation at one time threatened him, and four of his front teeth were removed, and through the aperture thin liquid food was injected, and thus was life sustained. In his carriage he was taken to camp meetings, where he was the centre of attraction on account of his condition and the earnestness with which he exhorted. It is said that through his instrumentality thousands were converted.
Offers from museums were refused, Pratt insisting that his mission was to convert as many to religion as possible during his remaining days. His faithful wife remained with him until his death, which occurred less than a year ago. Museum managers and physicians, even after Pratt's death, continued to deluge the widow and parents of the ossified man with letters and telegrams offering large amounts for the remains. This so alarmed the father that he declined to allow his son to be buried in the Douglass cemetery, but instead had the body interred in a flower bed in the dooryard beneath the father's window, where he could keep an ever-watchful eye upon it. It happened recently, however, that the father was drawn as a juror at El Dorado, the county seat, and during his absence the ghouls succeeded in robbing the grave.
Viewed from a scientific standpoint the case of Edgar Pratt was one of the most puzzling ever brought before the attention of medical experts. Pratt is believed to have been the only completely ossified man on record.
After His Affliction Prostrated Him He Became a Methodist Preacher of Wonderful Power
The item appearing in the daily papers narrating how the grave of Edgar Pratt, well known as the "Ossified Man," had been robbed recently caused considerable excitement in the vicinity of Sodus, N.Y., where Edgar Pratt was born, educated, learned his trade, transacted business, and where his widow and her mother at present reside.
Edgar Pratt, says a Soclus letter to the New York Times, was a son of William Pratt, a well-known farmer, who for many years resided on a farm which he owned on the town line road between Williamson and Ontario, south of the "Ridge Road," so called. The family is one of the oldest in Wayne County.
The "Ossified Man" was born in the town of Williamson, was educated at the public schools in that village, and completed his education in Sodus Academy. He was a well-formed young man, bright, and fine looking. He came to Sodus about 1878 and went to work for Charles Delano, learning the trade of carriage trimming. He was not religiously inclined, in which respect be differed very materially from his parents and other members of the Pratt family. While the young man was working at his trade his father sold the farm, and with the family removed to Douglass, Butler County, Kan., the son Edgar accompanying.
The latter secured a position as stage driver. Through exposure on the stage route he contracted rheumatism, which eventually compelled his abandoning that vocation. His condition became critical. He recovered from his illness, and shortly afterward removed to Sodus, where he opened up a carriage trimming establishment. Rheumatism returned, and he was soon prostrated with his old ailment. Medical science was invoked, but nothing could be done. At length, being in destitute circumstances, his brother, Daniel Pratt, came from Kansas and took Edgar out West with him.
Shortly after this, ossification began to set in and the patient suffered untold agony. An exhorter came to Douglass, which was then comparatively destitute of religious influences, and Pratt became converted. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and soon became one of the warmest supporters of that denomination. Ossification by that time had become so advanced that the man was taken before a board medical experts in New York City. The case had baffled the skill of all Western physicians who had been consulted. The New York surgeons pronounced the case a most marvelous one in the annals of medical jurisprudence.
An offer of $1000 per year during life and $5000 to the widow at his death, provided Pratt would contract to have his body delivered to the New York medical experts at his death, was spurned, Pratt alleging that his condition was due to an act of Providence. He claimed that he was suffering a just punishment for not improving his talents while young and before being afflicted with disease. His exhortations became so pronounced that his religious admirers built a wagon, in which he lay stretched out rigid as a block of marble.
During the last four years of his life he suffered no pain whatever, but was unable to move a joint. Starvation at one time threatened him, and four of his front teeth were removed, and through the aperture thin liquid food was injected, and thus was life sustained. In his carriage he was taken to camp meetings, where he was the centre of attraction on account of his condition and the earnestness with which he exhorted. It is said that through his instrumentality thousands were converted.
Offers from museums were refused, Pratt insisting that his mission was to convert as many to religion as possible during his remaining days. His faithful wife remained with him until his death, which occurred less than a year ago. Museum managers and physicians, even after Pratt's death, continued to deluge the widow and parents of the ossified man with letters and telegrams offering large amounts for the remains. This so alarmed the father that he declined to allow his son to be buried in the Douglass cemetery, but instead had the body interred in a flower bed in the dooryard beneath the father's window, where he could keep an ever-watchful eye upon it. It happened recently, however, that the father was drawn as a juror at El Dorado, the county seat, and during his absence the ghouls succeeded in robbing the grave.
Viewed from a scientific standpoint the case of Edgar Pratt was one of the most puzzling ever brought before the attention of medical experts. Pratt is believed to have been the only completely ossified man on record.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Remits Dime After 7 Years
1920
Conscience Prompts Man to Pay Debt He Couldn't Forget
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Elmer Green of Mitchell, has sent Walter Simmons, Louisville hardware dealer, 10 cents which he owed for seven years on a baseball glove.
"I owe you 10 cents on a baseball mitt I bought seven years ago," Green writes, "so I hope you will forgive me and let me know if you will accept the dime. The Lord has saved me, and I have had no peace because I haven't paid you. I want to make everything right so I won't have to come up short at the judgment bar of God."
1896
Gods on the Average
The average Japanese god is sixty feet high.
The latest fad is to tell people's characters by their teeth.
The foundation of a church at San Como, Guatemala, has been shifted seven inches by the growth of two large white gum trees.
Conscience Prompts Man to Pay Debt He Couldn't Forget
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Elmer Green of Mitchell, has sent Walter Simmons, Louisville hardware dealer, 10 cents which he owed for seven years on a baseball glove.
"I owe you 10 cents on a baseball mitt I bought seven years ago," Green writes, "so I hope you will forgive me and let me know if you will accept the dime. The Lord has saved me, and I have had no peace because I haven't paid you. I want to make everything right so I won't have to come up short at the judgment bar of God."
1896
Gods on the Average
The average Japanese god is sixty feet high.
The latest fad is to tell people's characters by their teeth.
The foundation of a church at San Como, Guatemala, has been shifted seven inches by the growth of two large white gum trees.
Wise Words — "The Wise Man Can Learn"
1896
A little religion is hard to keep.
When love works, it always does its best.
Sin always feels the safest in the dark.
Humility dies the moment it looks in the glass.
The man who hates light, will run from a shadow.
A city's righteous men are a better safeguard than its police.
Don't be a saint in church and a heathen on the street car.
The wise man can learn something from the mistakes of a fool.
In nine cases out of ten the man who has riches paid too much for them.
Give a lie one day the start, and truth will have to chase it around the world.
If there is any dog in a man, it is sure to growl when his food is not to his taste.
Many a man whose prayers are too long, sells goods by a measure that is too short.
If the sun never went down, there are some crimes that would not be committed.
Many a man will fight for his creed, who never has a word of encouragement for his wife. — Ram's Horn.
A little religion is hard to keep.
When love works, it always does its best.
Sin always feels the safest in the dark.
Humility dies the moment it looks in the glass.
The man who hates light, will run from a shadow.
A city's righteous men are a better safeguard than its police.
Don't be a saint in church and a heathen on the street car.
The wise man can learn something from the mistakes of a fool.
In nine cases out of ten the man who has riches paid too much for them.
Give a lie one day the start, and truth will have to chase it around the world.
If there is any dog in a man, it is sure to growl when his food is not to his taste.
Many a man whose prayers are too long, sells goods by a measure that is too short.
If the sun never went down, there are some crimes that would not be committed.
Many a man will fight for his creed, who never has a word of encouragement for his wife. — Ram's Horn.
The Pew to the Pulpit
1896
It would seem like presumption for the pew to attempt instructing the pulpit what to preach; but the pew has opinions, and thinks the pulpit dwells in too high an atmosphere, soars too loftily, for the wants of the common church goers; preaches too much philosophy, speculation, higher criticism, doubt; too general, not specific enough; too exclusively spiritual, not showing people how to live honestly and uprightly in this life while preparing for the great hereafter; lives too much in the musty past, neglecting subjects that concern the duties of the present age; dwells too much on the loving side of the only Christ, not enough terrors of the law for evil-doers, nor woes to hypocrites, extortioners and oppressions of the weak; does not preach so the common people hear it gladly as did the great Teacher.
The pew does not think there is any particular virtue in being just common people, nor poor people, nor rich people. The rich, the poor, the common, should all meet together, for the Lord is the father of them all. The pew believes in sending the gospel to the heathen abroad; but also thinks more effort should first be given to converting, upbuilding and training the heathen in our midst into a better life here and a hope for the future.
The pew thinks religion should not be all for the future; but is a present life and a belief; and should be a comfort and consolation in the ills, pains and troubles that all must endure here. The pew is largely engrossed with struggles for existence, has not much time for study or contemplation, but thinks the pulpit has leisure for instructing in matters spiritual and temporal, right way of thinking and doing here, correct belief and faith as safe guide to future. There is nothing better towards these ends than the plain teachings of the old book.
The pew thinks the pulpit lives too much in the cloister and closet and does not know enough of the wants, struggles, aspirations and temptations of the great masses that are toiling, suffering, almost despairing for the present, with no hope or thought or care for the future. The pew thinks there is not enough stalwart religion preached and practiced; too much assembling together and singing such sentimental ditties as "O, How I Love My Jesus;" too little practice of pure and undenied religion, which is to visit the widow and the fatherless in their affliction, and keep unspotted from the sins and vileness that are in the world.
The pew thinks the pulpit feeds the pews on such spiritual pap as "You-Must-Be-a-Lover-of-the-Lord, If-You-Want-to-Go-to-Heaven-When-You-Die-yi-yi!" Thinks such teaching builds up a flabby Christianity with not a strong enough spinal column to resist the sinful pleasures and practices of the world.
The pew thinks there is too little difference between the pew occupants and outsiders in the matter of conduct and dealings, too hard to tell the difference between them in actions. They need some solid instruction in the principles of the decalogue and the doctrines and practices of Christ and the inspired apostles. — P. L. BLAIR.
—Daily Iowa Capital, Des Moines, Sept. 19, 1896, p. 5.
It would seem like presumption for the pew to attempt instructing the pulpit what to preach; but the pew has opinions, and thinks the pulpit dwells in too high an atmosphere, soars too loftily, for the wants of the common church goers; preaches too much philosophy, speculation, higher criticism, doubt; too general, not specific enough; too exclusively spiritual, not showing people how to live honestly and uprightly in this life while preparing for the great hereafter; lives too much in the musty past, neglecting subjects that concern the duties of the present age; dwells too much on the loving side of the only Christ, not enough terrors of the law for evil-doers, nor woes to hypocrites, extortioners and oppressions of the weak; does not preach so the common people hear it gladly as did the great Teacher.
The pew does not think there is any particular virtue in being just common people, nor poor people, nor rich people. The rich, the poor, the common, should all meet together, for the Lord is the father of them all. The pew believes in sending the gospel to the heathen abroad; but also thinks more effort should first be given to converting, upbuilding and training the heathen in our midst into a better life here and a hope for the future.
The pew thinks religion should not be all for the future; but is a present life and a belief; and should be a comfort and consolation in the ills, pains and troubles that all must endure here. The pew is largely engrossed with struggles for existence, has not much time for study or contemplation, but thinks the pulpit has leisure for instructing in matters spiritual and temporal, right way of thinking and doing here, correct belief and faith as safe guide to future. There is nothing better towards these ends than the plain teachings of the old book.
The pew thinks the pulpit lives too much in the cloister and closet and does not know enough of the wants, struggles, aspirations and temptations of the great masses that are toiling, suffering, almost despairing for the present, with no hope or thought or care for the future. The pew thinks there is not enough stalwart religion preached and practiced; too much assembling together and singing such sentimental ditties as "O, How I Love My Jesus;" too little practice of pure and undenied religion, which is to visit the widow and the fatherless in their affliction, and keep unspotted from the sins and vileness that are in the world.
The pew thinks the pulpit feeds the pews on such spiritual pap as "You-Must-Be-a-Lover-of-the-Lord, If-You-Want-to-Go-to-Heaven-When-You-Die-yi-yi!" Thinks such teaching builds up a flabby Christianity with not a strong enough spinal column to resist the sinful pleasures and practices of the world.
The pew thinks there is too little difference between the pew occupants and outsiders in the matter of conduct and dealings, too hard to tell the difference between them in actions. They need some solid instruction in the principles of the decalogue and the doctrines and practices of Christ and the inspired apostles. — P. L. BLAIR.
—Daily Iowa Capital, Des Moines, Sept. 19, 1896, p. 5.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Wise Words — Souls Occupied with Great Ideas
1896
Instead of praying for effects, let us pray that we may be enabled to fulfill causes! — Professor Drummond.
Only he who puts on the garment of humility finds how worthily it clothes his life. — Phillips Brooks.
The best cure for sorrow is to sympathize with another in his sorrow. The cure for despondency is to lift the burden from some other heart. — Anon.
A soul occupied with great ideas best performs small duties; the divinest views of life penetrate most clearly into the meanest emergencies. — James Martineau.
There is no action of man in this life which is not the beginning of so long a chain of consequences as that no human providence is high enough to give us a prospect to the end. — Thomas of Malmesbury.
We are never without help. We have no right to say of any good work, it is too hard for me to do; or of any sorrow, it is too hard for me to bear; or of any sinful habit, it is too hard for me to overcome. — Elizabeth Charles.
There is no such thing as patriotic art and patriotic science. Both art and science belong, like all things great and good, to the whole world, and can be furthered only by a free and general interchanges ideas among contemporaries, with continual reference to the heritage of the past as it is known to us. — Goethe.
Exert your talents and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world until the world will be sorry that you retire. I hate a fellow whom pride or cowardice or laziness drives into a corner, and who does nothing while he is there but sit and growl. Let him come out as I do, and bark. — Dr. Johnson.
Instead of praying for effects, let us pray that we may be enabled to fulfill causes! — Professor Drummond.
Only he who puts on the garment of humility finds how worthily it clothes his life. — Phillips Brooks.
The best cure for sorrow is to sympathize with another in his sorrow. The cure for despondency is to lift the burden from some other heart. — Anon.
A soul occupied with great ideas best performs small duties; the divinest views of life penetrate most clearly into the meanest emergencies. — James Martineau.
There is no action of man in this life which is not the beginning of so long a chain of consequences as that no human providence is high enough to give us a prospect to the end. — Thomas of Malmesbury.
We are never without help. We have no right to say of any good work, it is too hard for me to do; or of any sorrow, it is too hard for me to bear; or of any sinful habit, it is too hard for me to overcome. — Elizabeth Charles.
There is no such thing as patriotic art and patriotic science. Both art and science belong, like all things great and good, to the whole world, and can be furthered only by a free and general interchanges ideas among contemporaries, with continual reference to the heritage of the past as it is known to us. — Goethe.
Exert your talents and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world until the world will be sorry that you retire. I hate a fellow whom pride or cowardice or laziness drives into a corner, and who does nothing while he is there but sit and growl. Let him come out as I do, and bark. — Dr. Johnson.
Where the Deaf May Hear
1896
Many an old lady goes to church of a Sunday and sits through the service in a frame of mind devout to a degree, but never hears a solitary word of the sermon.
There is a preacher in Syracuse, Rev. George B. Spalding, D. D., who has changed all that. Dr. Spalding is pastor of the first Presbyterian Church, a religious body made up in the main of wealthy folk to whom money is no particular object.
Moved at first by the lamentations of some of his aged parishioners that they could not hear his preachments — Dr. Spalding was a newspaper man before he joined the clergy, and is a practical soul withal — he arranged, for the better delivery of the Gospel to those deaf brethren and sisters, speaking tubes which ran from a large metal receiver — really a megaphone immediately in front of him on the pulpit, down under the flooring of the auditorium and up into the pews.
The megaphone is built into the front of the pulpit, so that when reading or speaking the doctor addresses it directly.
So successful did the clergyman's device prove, that speaking tubes were put into every pew in the great auditorium. Any person, who is hard of hearing and happens to be a visitor to the church, will find means at hand of hearing the sermon.
One deaf old lady, who went to Dr. Spalding's church the other day, having heard of the speaking-tube system, burst into tears when she put the transmitter to her ear and caught the sound of the preacher's voice. She said it was the first sermon she had heard in over a quarter of a century. — New York Journal.
Many an old lady goes to church of a Sunday and sits through the service in a frame of mind devout to a degree, but never hears a solitary word of the sermon.
There is a preacher in Syracuse, Rev. George B. Spalding, D. D., who has changed all that. Dr. Spalding is pastor of the first Presbyterian Church, a religious body made up in the main of wealthy folk to whom money is no particular object.
Moved at first by the lamentations of some of his aged parishioners that they could not hear his preachments — Dr. Spalding was a newspaper man before he joined the clergy, and is a practical soul withal — he arranged, for the better delivery of the Gospel to those deaf brethren and sisters, speaking tubes which ran from a large metal receiver — really a megaphone immediately in front of him on the pulpit, down under the flooring of the auditorium and up into the pews.
The megaphone is built into the front of the pulpit, so that when reading or speaking the doctor addresses it directly.
So successful did the clergyman's device prove, that speaking tubes were put into every pew in the great auditorium. Any person, who is hard of hearing and happens to be a visitor to the church, will find means at hand of hearing the sermon.
One deaf old lady, who went to Dr. Spalding's church the other day, having heard of the speaking-tube system, burst into tears when she put the transmitter to her ear and caught the sound of the preacher's voice. She said it was the first sermon she had heard in over a quarter of a century. — New York Journal.
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