1916
Episcopal Bride to "Keep," Not "Obey," Husband.
NEW YORK — Brides married under the new form of ceremony proposed in the Episcopal Church substituting the word "keep" for "obey" will not pledge themselves to support their husbands, the Rev. John A. Maynard of the "Little Church Around the Corner" explained.
Under the new ritual marriage becomes a 50-50, according to the Rev. Mr. Maynard. The bride's pledge to "keep" her husband, which it is proposed to substitute for the word "obey," doesn't mean that at all, said the rector.
"It means simply that she promises to keep herself for him alone," he said. "As far as the promise 'obey' goes, that has been a dead letter for a long time. Our wives do not obey their husbands. Very frequently, indeed, the husbands obey their wives."
—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Sept. 16, 1916, p. 5.
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Once Enough
1910
"I am not an inquisitive man," said the minister, "but there is one thing I would like to know. Why do people who marry more than once never get the minister who tied the first knot to tie the second or third or fourth?
"I have married enough couples to earn for me the title of marrying parson. Many of those people were prominent enough socially to get their doings recorded in the newspapers and I learn through that medium that a fairly large percentage of them marry again. But they never ask me to officiate.
"Why don't they? Didn't I bring them good luck the first time? Has their experience prejudiced them against me personally, or is there a superstition that prevents a man being married twice by the same minister?
"Even members of my own congregation who marry again seek a strange minister. Why?"
"I am not an inquisitive man," said the minister, "but there is one thing I would like to know. Why do people who marry more than once never get the minister who tied the first knot to tie the second or third or fourth?
"I have married enough couples to earn for me the title of marrying parson. Many of those people were prominent enough socially to get their doings recorded in the newspapers and I learn through that medium that a fairly large percentage of them marry again. But they never ask me to officiate.
"Why don't they? Didn't I bring them good luck the first time? Has their experience prejudiced them against me personally, or is there a superstition that prevents a man being married twice by the same minister?
"Even members of my own congregation who marry again seek a strange minister. Why?"
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Cain's Wife
1910
"I never discuss marriage," said the late Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, to the Womans' Companion, "without thinking of an old colored preacher in my state who was addressing his dark-skinned congregation, when a white man rose in the back of the building."
"Mr. Preacher," said the white man.
"Sir to you," said the parson.
"Mr. Preacher, you are talking about Cain, and you say he got married in the land of Nod, after he killed Abel. But the Bible only mentions Adam and Eve as being on the earth at that time. Who, then, did Cain marry?"
The colored preacher snorted with unfeigned contempt.
"Huh!" he said. "You hear dat, brederen an' sisters? You hear dat fool question I am axed? Cain, he went to de land o' Nod, just as de Good Book tells us, an' in de land of Nod Cain gits so lazy an' so shiftless dat he up an' marries a gal o' one o' dem no 'count white trash families dat de inspired apostle didn't consider fittin' to mention in de Holy Word."
—Amador Ledger, Jackson, CA, Dec. 30, 1910, p. 2.
"I never discuss marriage," said the late Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, to the Womans' Companion, "without thinking of an old colored preacher in my state who was addressing his dark-skinned congregation, when a white man rose in the back of the building."
"Mr. Preacher," said the white man.
"Sir to you," said the parson.
"Mr. Preacher, you are talking about Cain, and you say he got married in the land of Nod, after he killed Abel. But the Bible only mentions Adam and Eve as being on the earth at that time. Who, then, did Cain marry?"
The colored preacher snorted with unfeigned contempt.
"Huh!" he said. "You hear dat, brederen an' sisters? You hear dat fool question I am axed? Cain, he went to de land o' Nod, just as de Good Book tells us, an' in de land of Nod Cain gits so lazy an' so shiftless dat he up an' marries a gal o' one o' dem no 'count white trash families dat de inspired apostle didn't consider fittin' to mention in de Holy Word."
—Amador Ledger, Jackson, CA, Dec. 30, 1910, p. 2.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Rev. P. Marion Simms Has New Ten Commandments
Iowa, 1912
Vinton, Iowa, March 18 — Rev. P. Marion Simms, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Vinton, in his sermons the last two Sundays, gave the husbands and wives each a talk direct from the shoulder and without mincing of words. The sermons have caused no little comment throughout the town and like all "plain talks" have caused no little argument. On one Sunday he included the "Ten Commandments for Husbands" and on the other "Ten Commandments for Women," both of which are original and wholly representative of the two sermons.
Ten Commandments for Husbands
1. Thou shalt have no woman but thy wife and thou shalt not arrange for thy second marriage before the death of thy first wife.
2. Thou shalt not be a Sir Roger de Coverly to other men's wives and then conclude that because thou hast broken bronchos or excelled on the athletic field or in the gymnasium that thou canst manage thy wife in the same way.
3. Thou shalt not make of thy wife a household drudge, enslaved to the cook stove, mending bag, the vacuum cleaner and the babies sixteen hours a day while thou dost work but eight.
4. Thou shalt not smoke ten cent cigars and wear silk socks while thy wife wears her last year's hat with the wing moved to the other side and while thy sons wear hand-me-down-pants. And thou shalt not support the saloon-keepers's wife and children at the expense of thine own and compel thy wife to use an anesthetic to extract every penny she gets. And thou shalt not require thy wife to render an account for every penny thou dost grudgingly give to her, unless thou dost give her an account of thine own expenditures sworn to before at least two notary publics.
6. Thou shalt not forget that thy home ought to be the happiest spot on earth for thee; that thy truest friends are there; that they miss thee when thou art away, therefore, thou shalt not neglect thy home for the club, lodge, pool room or saloon or any other place of meeting whatsoever.
6. Thou shalt not have all thy religion in thy wife's name.
7. Thou shalt not farm out the religious training of thy children to the minister, the Sunday school teacher, or to anybody else, not even to thy wife. But thou shalt bear thine own burden in the matter and thou shalt live before them in such a way that they can follow safely. And thou shalt not relieve a fit of indigestion by kicking the cat or whipping the children.
8. Thou shalt not talk of thy family and domestic troubles to thy neighbor, to thy friend or partner, or to anybody's wife or to thy stenographer, to any member of thy club or lodge or to anybody else. Fight it out with thy wife alone, even if it takes all summer.
9. Thou shalt not have the jim-jams or even a headache every time thy wife asks thee to take her to a musical, to a concert, or to see some friends; for verily, verily, I say unto you that it is hard to be a grass widow all the time and with a husband in the house.
10. Thou shalt not forget that thy wife is not yet an angel and that thou wouldst be very lonely if she were; therefore, thou shalt make due allowance for the frailties of human nature. And thou shalt remember that she has as many rights as thou thyself.
Ten Commandments for Wives
1. Thou shalt have no other man but thy husband and when another would make love to thee remember that he is a fool or a knave.
2. Thou shalt not forget that the same winsome ways that made thy husband prefer thee to all other women are necessary to hold him. Verily, verily, I say unto you that rats are as valuable in married life as in courtship.
3. Thou shalt not expect thy husband in the beginning of his life to support thee on the same plane that thy father was able to reach after a long life of hard work and rigid economy. Therefore, thou shalt not fret thyself because thy neighbor's house is finer than thy own; neither shalt thou burden thy husband to enable thee to pose as a merchant's and milliner's model. Thou shalt be a help-meet and not simply a help-eat; for verily, verily, I say unto you that it is wicked to keep thy husband only about two steps ahead of the bill collector. Neither shalt thou wear abbreviated garments that make women look too short and men too long.
4. Thou shall not place any social circle, club, pleasurable organization or even the missionary society before thy home and thou shalt not conclude that an ideal family is a husband, a bull pup and a canary.
5. Thou shalt seek first to be a good homemaker, house-keeper and cook and then thou mayest add other accomplishments that do not interfere with thy chief business in life. Thou must not forget that an uncooked apple drove the first husband from paradise; that a poor mess of pottage differentiated a nation; that a fit of indigestion lost the battle of Leipsic; and that tea, mixed with improper ingredients cost England the American colonies and led to the founding of the American republic. And thou shalt not waste $5 worth of time hunting for a $10 dress at $9.78 on bargain day and compel thy husband to lunch down town on buttermilk and sinkers. Verily, verily, I say unto you that it is better to be a good cook than to be able to play chords on the piano, to serve pink teas, preside at whist orgies or to be queen of bargain finders.
6. Thou shall not gossip in the family or out of it about the neighborhood scandal; neither shalt thou allow the petty vexations of the family to disrupt the family harmony.
7. Thou shalt not complain that thou art "tied down" to thy home and to thy babies; for verily, verily, I say unto you that a woman who is unwilling to be "tied down" to such is not worthy to be married to any man. Thou shalt remember that no woman is "tied down" more to her chief business in life than is her husband. Thou shouldst also remember that even the Lord did not intend that a woman's married life should be one prolonged pleasure excursion in a rubber tired automobile on an asphalt road with magnolias blooming on either side.
8. Thou shalt not aspire to be a man to run the politics of the country to reform the world, to boss thy husband and then expect the courtesy, the love and devotion that is due an uncrowned queen. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that men admire most the woman of the clinging vine variety.
9. Thou shalt not serve punch to thy guests, nor put up prizes at whist parties, nor win them at thy neighbors, and then lecture thy husband and son on the evils of gambling.
10. Thou shalt not allow dust to gather on thy Bible nor shall thy attendance at the services of thy church depend on the emotions of a passing hour, the state of the weather or any other unimportant matter.
—Evening Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA, March 18, 1912, p. 12.
Note: Commandment 2 for women has "rats" as being valuable in married life as in courtship. I don't know what "rats" are in this context but that is what the article says.
Vinton, Iowa, March 18 — Rev. P. Marion Simms, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Vinton, in his sermons the last two Sundays, gave the husbands and wives each a talk direct from the shoulder and without mincing of words. The sermons have caused no little comment throughout the town and like all "plain talks" have caused no little argument. On one Sunday he included the "Ten Commandments for Husbands" and on the other "Ten Commandments for Women," both of which are original and wholly representative of the two sermons.
Ten Commandments for Husbands
1. Thou shalt have no woman but thy wife and thou shalt not arrange for thy second marriage before the death of thy first wife.
2. Thou shalt not be a Sir Roger de Coverly to other men's wives and then conclude that because thou hast broken bronchos or excelled on the athletic field or in the gymnasium that thou canst manage thy wife in the same way.
3. Thou shalt not make of thy wife a household drudge, enslaved to the cook stove, mending bag, the vacuum cleaner and the babies sixteen hours a day while thou dost work but eight.
4. Thou shalt not smoke ten cent cigars and wear silk socks while thy wife wears her last year's hat with the wing moved to the other side and while thy sons wear hand-me-down-pants. And thou shalt not support the saloon-keepers's wife and children at the expense of thine own and compel thy wife to use an anesthetic to extract every penny she gets. And thou shalt not require thy wife to render an account for every penny thou dost grudgingly give to her, unless thou dost give her an account of thine own expenditures sworn to before at least two notary publics.
6. Thou shalt not forget that thy home ought to be the happiest spot on earth for thee; that thy truest friends are there; that they miss thee when thou art away, therefore, thou shalt not neglect thy home for the club, lodge, pool room or saloon or any other place of meeting whatsoever.
6. Thou shalt not have all thy religion in thy wife's name.
7. Thou shalt not farm out the religious training of thy children to the minister, the Sunday school teacher, or to anybody else, not even to thy wife. But thou shalt bear thine own burden in the matter and thou shalt live before them in such a way that they can follow safely. And thou shalt not relieve a fit of indigestion by kicking the cat or whipping the children.
8. Thou shalt not talk of thy family and domestic troubles to thy neighbor, to thy friend or partner, or to anybody's wife or to thy stenographer, to any member of thy club or lodge or to anybody else. Fight it out with thy wife alone, even if it takes all summer.
9. Thou shalt not have the jim-jams or even a headache every time thy wife asks thee to take her to a musical, to a concert, or to see some friends; for verily, verily, I say unto you that it is hard to be a grass widow all the time and with a husband in the house.
10. Thou shalt not forget that thy wife is not yet an angel and that thou wouldst be very lonely if she were; therefore, thou shalt make due allowance for the frailties of human nature. And thou shalt remember that she has as many rights as thou thyself.
Ten Commandments for Wives
1. Thou shalt have no other man but thy husband and when another would make love to thee remember that he is a fool or a knave.
2. Thou shalt not forget that the same winsome ways that made thy husband prefer thee to all other women are necessary to hold him. Verily, verily, I say unto you that rats are as valuable in married life as in courtship.
3. Thou shalt not expect thy husband in the beginning of his life to support thee on the same plane that thy father was able to reach after a long life of hard work and rigid economy. Therefore, thou shalt not fret thyself because thy neighbor's house is finer than thy own; neither shalt thou burden thy husband to enable thee to pose as a merchant's and milliner's model. Thou shalt be a help-meet and not simply a help-eat; for verily, verily, I say unto you that it is wicked to keep thy husband only about two steps ahead of the bill collector. Neither shalt thou wear abbreviated garments that make women look too short and men too long.
4. Thou shall not place any social circle, club, pleasurable organization or even the missionary society before thy home and thou shalt not conclude that an ideal family is a husband, a bull pup and a canary.
5. Thou shalt seek first to be a good homemaker, house-keeper and cook and then thou mayest add other accomplishments that do not interfere with thy chief business in life. Thou must not forget that an uncooked apple drove the first husband from paradise; that a poor mess of pottage differentiated a nation; that a fit of indigestion lost the battle of Leipsic; and that tea, mixed with improper ingredients cost England the American colonies and led to the founding of the American republic. And thou shalt not waste $5 worth of time hunting for a $10 dress at $9.78 on bargain day and compel thy husband to lunch down town on buttermilk and sinkers. Verily, verily, I say unto you that it is better to be a good cook than to be able to play chords on the piano, to serve pink teas, preside at whist orgies or to be queen of bargain finders.
6. Thou shall not gossip in the family or out of it about the neighborhood scandal; neither shalt thou allow the petty vexations of the family to disrupt the family harmony.
7. Thou shalt not complain that thou art "tied down" to thy home and to thy babies; for verily, verily, I say unto you that a woman who is unwilling to be "tied down" to such is not worthy to be married to any man. Thou shalt remember that no woman is "tied down" more to her chief business in life than is her husband. Thou shouldst also remember that even the Lord did not intend that a woman's married life should be one prolonged pleasure excursion in a rubber tired automobile on an asphalt road with magnolias blooming on either side.
8. Thou shalt not aspire to be a man to run the politics of the country to reform the world, to boss thy husband and then expect the courtesy, the love and devotion that is due an uncrowned queen. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that men admire most the woman of the clinging vine variety.
9. Thou shalt not serve punch to thy guests, nor put up prizes at whist parties, nor win them at thy neighbors, and then lecture thy husband and son on the evils of gambling.
10. Thou shalt not allow dust to gather on thy Bible nor shall thy attendance at the services of thy church depend on the emotions of a passing hour, the state of the weather or any other unimportant matter.
—Evening Gazette, Cedar Rapids, IA, March 18, 1912, p. 12.
Note: Commandment 2 for women has "rats" as being valuable in married life as in courtship. I don't know what "rats" are in this context but that is what the article says.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Odd Marriage Belief
1917
An unmarried man or woman of marriageable age is something that is rarely seen in the Fiji islands. The reason of this is not far to seek. The natives believe that if a person dies while in an unmarried state his or her soul is doomed to wander about through endless ages of eternity in an intermediate region between heaven and hades. At the end of each moon they are allowed to look into heaven, but are never permitted to enter.
Ancient Pillory
The prophet Jeremiah was confined in the pillory (Jeremiah 29:26), which appears to have been a common mode of punishment in his time. Ancient Hebrew prisons contained a special chamber for the pillory. This was termed "the house of the pillory" (2 Chronicles 16:10).
An unmarried man or woman of marriageable age is something that is rarely seen in the Fiji islands. The reason of this is not far to seek. The natives believe that if a person dies while in an unmarried state his or her soul is doomed to wander about through endless ages of eternity in an intermediate region between heaven and hades. At the end of each moon they are allowed to look into heaven, but are never permitted to enter.
Ancient Pillory
The prophet Jeremiah was confined in the pillory (Jeremiah 29:26), which appears to have been a common mode of punishment in his time. Ancient Hebrew prisons contained a special chamber for the pillory. This was termed "the house of the pillory" (2 Chronicles 16:10).
Monday, June 11, 2007
Using Eggs to Foretell the Future
1915
The White of the Egg is Recommended
This is one of the least known of all methods of foretelling the future, according to the ancient, secret wisdom of prophetic insight. Yet it is one of the most interesting, and easy to perform — though, of course, like all methods of the kind, some skill and practice are necessary in order to interpret quickly and speedily the symbolic interpretations of the signs presented, writes Prof. Sothnos Lalillier in the New York American.
In order to practice this part of cabalistic interpretation, you must procure a fresh egg — as new-laid as possible — and carefully separate the white of the egg from the yolk. Nearly fill a tumbler with cold water and drop the white of the egg into it, a drop at a time. Now place this glass carefully aside for 24 hours, being sure to cover the glass carefully, and that the water does not become warmed by proximity to a radiator, etc.
When you again look at the glass, you will find that your white of egg has congealed into various odd-shaped figures — circles, squares, animals, trees, crosses, etc. — which are to be interpreted according to the formula that follows.
Long, wavy lines denote losses and troubles; straight lines, on the contrary, denote peace, long life, prosperity and happiness.
Squares denote peace and happiness; a ring, marriage. If a letter can be discovered near the ring this will be the first letter of the name of the person you are to marry. If clouds are about the ring, think long and carefully before accepting this person, even if he offers marriage.
If a leaf is seen, speedy good fortune will come your way from some unexpected source. If an anchor is seen, fidelity in love is indicated. If a dog is seen, this is a good sign, if near the top of the glass, denoting faithful friends; if near the middle, doubtful ones; and if near the bottom, enemies to be avoided.
A lily or similar flower foretells happiness, if near the top of the glass; disappointment if near the bottom. If a number of small dots or spots are present, money is coming your way, unless clouds surround them, in which case you will receive bad tidings and notice of losses. A heart denotes a love letter which you will shortly receive. The sun, moon, or stars denote happiness and success.
The White of the Egg is Recommended
This is one of the least known of all methods of foretelling the future, according to the ancient, secret wisdom of prophetic insight. Yet it is one of the most interesting, and easy to perform — though, of course, like all methods of the kind, some skill and practice are necessary in order to interpret quickly and speedily the symbolic interpretations of the signs presented, writes Prof. Sothnos Lalillier in the New York American.
In order to practice this part of cabalistic interpretation, you must procure a fresh egg — as new-laid as possible — and carefully separate the white of the egg from the yolk. Nearly fill a tumbler with cold water and drop the white of the egg into it, a drop at a time. Now place this glass carefully aside for 24 hours, being sure to cover the glass carefully, and that the water does not become warmed by proximity to a radiator, etc.
When you again look at the glass, you will find that your white of egg has congealed into various odd-shaped figures — circles, squares, animals, trees, crosses, etc. — which are to be interpreted according to the formula that follows.
Long, wavy lines denote losses and troubles; straight lines, on the contrary, denote peace, long life, prosperity and happiness.
Squares denote peace and happiness; a ring, marriage. If a letter can be discovered near the ring this will be the first letter of the name of the person you are to marry. If clouds are about the ring, think long and carefully before accepting this person, even if he offers marriage.
If a leaf is seen, speedy good fortune will come your way from some unexpected source. If an anchor is seen, fidelity in love is indicated. If a dog is seen, this is a good sign, if near the top of the glass, denoting faithful friends; if near the middle, doubtful ones; and if near the bottom, enemies to be avoided.
A lily or similar flower foretells happiness, if near the top of the glass; disappointment if near the bottom. If a number of small dots or spots are present, money is coming your way, unless clouds surround them, in which case you will receive bad tidings and notice of losses. A heart denotes a love letter which you will shortly receive. The sun, moon, or stars denote happiness and success.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
To Feed 500 Outcasts
1914
Helen Gould-Shepard to Celebrate First Wedding Anniversary
New York, Jan. 22. — To celebrate her first wedding anniversary, Mrs. Finley J. Shepard, who was Miss Helen Miller Gould, will provide dinners for 500 Bowery outcasts tonight and 200 beds for the homeless.
The dinners will be served at the Hadley Rescue Hall, where Mrs. Shepard entertained 1000 at dinner on the day of her marriage. The repast will precede the nightly gospel meeting, and will comprise soups, roasts and all the accessories of an appetizing and substantial feast.
The 200 extra beds for the homeless will be furnished in addition to the forty that nightly shelter the city's wanderers at Hadley Rescue Hall, in order to care for many who will partake of the dinner.
Helen Gould-Shepard to Celebrate First Wedding Anniversary
New York, Jan. 22. — To celebrate her first wedding anniversary, Mrs. Finley J. Shepard, who was Miss Helen Miller Gould, will provide dinners for 500 Bowery outcasts tonight and 200 beds for the homeless.
The dinners will be served at the Hadley Rescue Hall, where Mrs. Shepard entertained 1000 at dinner on the day of her marriage. The repast will precede the nightly gospel meeting, and will comprise soups, roasts and all the accessories of an appetizing and substantial feast.
The 200 extra beds for the homeless will be furnished in addition to the forty that nightly shelter the city's wanderers at Hadley Rescue Hall, in order to care for many who will partake of the dinner.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Domestic Woe Caused By Phrase in Bible
March 1914
NEWARK, N. J. — Before Vice Chancellor Emery John P. Hammer, who is seeking a divorce from Anna Hammer, gave as the basic cause of his marital troubles his wife's too literal interpretation of the biblical injunction, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and cleave unto his wife."
"We often had words on account of my mother," Hammer explained, and so I got in the way of going to see her without saying anything about it to my wife. She used to say that, according to the Bible, after a man married he had no business to see his father and mother or other relations, but should stay by his wife.
"When my stepfather died in December, 1910, I attended to the funeral arrangements, as my mother was too old to do it herself, being about 80, and when I got home my wife said to me, 'Did you have a good time?'
"Then I told her that while before I had been going to see my mother secretly, thereafter I would do so openly."
This declaration. Hammer testified, brought on a serious estrangement, and his wife finally, on March 24, 1911, left him, after a violent quarrel.
NEWARK, N. J. — Before Vice Chancellor Emery John P. Hammer, who is seeking a divorce from Anna Hammer, gave as the basic cause of his marital troubles his wife's too literal interpretation of the biblical injunction, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and cleave unto his wife."
"We often had words on account of my mother," Hammer explained, and so I got in the way of going to see her without saying anything about it to my wife. She used to say that, according to the Bible, after a man married he had no business to see his father and mother or other relations, but should stay by his wife.
"When my stepfather died in December, 1910, I attended to the funeral arrangements, as my mother was too old to do it herself, being about 80, and when I got home my wife said to me, 'Did you have a good time?'
"Then I told her that while before I had been going to see my mother secretly, thereafter I would do so openly."
This declaration. Hammer testified, brought on a serious estrangement, and his wife finally, on March 24, 1911, left him, after a violent quarrel.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Priest Says Tango is Doing God's Will
1914
St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 7. — Girls who whirl in the dizzy tango and kick up their heels and exhibit their ankles are doing the will of God, according to the Rev. D. S. Phelan, editor of the Western Watchman. The reverend editor is pastor of a Roman Catholic church here.
The will of God, he says, is that the girls shall get married and bear children and to do that they must exhibit themselves in such wise as to attract the attention of the sterner sex. He rails at the army of "crusty bishops and crabbed priests," reinforced by a lot of rheumatic dancing masters, who are opposing the tango.
In a tango editorial in the current issue of the Western Watchman Father Phelan says in part: "Don't mind, girls. These crusty old priests are only retouching the awful anathemas they formerly launched against the round dance so much in vogue now among our sodalities.
"People do not understand the innocent female mind. These tango dancing girls are engaged in God's work. The bewitching little miss who disports her charms in the ballroom is doing God's work as emphatically as the bishop in his orisons. But, girls, permit us to tell you that the man who falls in love with your pretty face is apt to become a better husband than one who is captured by your ankles. But, face or ankles, you have a right to fascinate him if you can."
St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 7. — Girls who whirl in the dizzy tango and kick up their heels and exhibit their ankles are doing the will of God, according to the Rev. D. S. Phelan, editor of the Western Watchman. The reverend editor is pastor of a Roman Catholic church here.
The will of God, he says, is that the girls shall get married and bear children and to do that they must exhibit themselves in such wise as to attract the attention of the sterner sex. He rails at the army of "crusty bishops and crabbed priests," reinforced by a lot of rheumatic dancing masters, who are opposing the tango.
In a tango editorial in the current issue of the Western Watchman Father Phelan says in part: "Don't mind, girls. These crusty old priests are only retouching the awful anathemas they formerly launched against the round dance so much in vogue now among our sodalities.
"People do not understand the innocent female mind. These tango dancing girls are engaged in God's work. The bewitching little miss who disports her charms in the ballroom is doing God's work as emphatically as the bishop in his orisons. But, girls, permit us to tell you that the man who falls in love with your pretty face is apt to become a better husband than one who is captured by your ankles. But, face or ankles, you have a right to fascinate him if you can."
Pastor Discovers Ideal for Bride
1914
Philadelphia, Jan. 5. — After compiling specifications for a wife, Rev. Henry Barnes, chaplain of the House of Saint Michael and All Angels, searched for a bride until he found one who measured up to the requirements. She is Miss Sara Elizabeth Robertson, 35 years old, supervisor of Visiting Nurses' society. The engagement of the pair is announced.
Barnes is a widower, his first wife having died a year and a half ago. He has three children.
The specifications which Mr. Barnes set for his wife follow:
First — Must be good and sweet to look upon and have an attractive personality.
Second — She must have plenty of snap and vivacity.
Third — Must have a capacity of grasping the vital things of life so she can keep pace with her husband and understand his viewpoint.
Fourth — Must have a broad understanding of humanity and love all men and women as her brothers and sisters.
Rev. Barnes says Miss Robertson is qualified to fill all these specifications.
Note: The article said her name was "Sare," which I changed. If it's wrong, sorry!
Philadelphia, Jan. 5. — After compiling specifications for a wife, Rev. Henry Barnes, chaplain of the House of Saint Michael and All Angels, searched for a bride until he found one who measured up to the requirements. She is Miss Sara Elizabeth Robertson, 35 years old, supervisor of Visiting Nurses' society. The engagement of the pair is announced.
Barnes is a widower, his first wife having died a year and a half ago. He has three children.
The specifications which Mr. Barnes set for his wife follow:
First — Must be good and sweet to look upon and have an attractive personality.
Second — She must have plenty of snap and vivacity.
Third — Must have a capacity of grasping the vital things of life so she can keep pace with her husband and understand his viewpoint.
Fourth — Must have a broad understanding of humanity and love all men and women as her brothers and sisters.
Rev. Barnes says Miss Robertson is qualified to fill all these specifications.
Note: The article said her name was "Sare," which I changed. If it's wrong, sorry!
Preacher to Don Overalls, Study Social Problems
1916
DENVER, Colo., Oct. 30. — The Rev. Allan A. Tanner, prominent Denver churchman, resigned yesterday as pastor of the First Congregational church and people's tabernacle to don overalls and study economic and social problems at close range in the industrial centers of the east.
"The church," declared the Rev. Tanner, "either must get back on a human plane or get out of business."
Says Parents Should Supervise Courtships of Young Generation
AURORA, Neb., Oct. 30. — Speaking on the faults of the American people at the men's meeting of the Aurora Y. M. C. A. Sunday Judge Corcoran of York, declared that some of the worst evils in America are the divorce evil, profanity and laxity in church attendance. He insisted that the divorce evil is being accentuated by the failure of parents to properly supervise the courtships of their children.
Too often, he said, boys and girls marry without paying any attention to the true sanctity of the marriage relation. He cited instances in his own court where girls of seventeen and eighteen, with children in their arms, have been turned out on the world as widows. This, he said, would never occur if the parents would see to it that their children formed proper companionships and thoroughly understood the sacredness of the marriage relation.
Judge Corcoran said that the vice of profanity is more common in this country than in Europe. For three months, he said, he traveled in Europe without hearing profanity, But immediately upon his return to America, his ears began to tingle with profanity from the lips of Americans. He urged all men present to align themselves with some church and become active workers. The meeting was attended by a large number of men of Aurora, Marquette and Hampton.
DENVER, Colo., Oct. 30. — The Rev. Allan A. Tanner, prominent Denver churchman, resigned yesterday as pastor of the First Congregational church and people's tabernacle to don overalls and study economic and social problems at close range in the industrial centers of the east.
"The church," declared the Rev. Tanner, "either must get back on a human plane or get out of business."
Says Parents Should Supervise Courtships of Young Generation
AURORA, Neb., Oct. 30. — Speaking on the faults of the American people at the men's meeting of the Aurora Y. M. C. A. Sunday Judge Corcoran of York, declared that some of the worst evils in America are the divorce evil, profanity and laxity in church attendance. He insisted that the divorce evil is being accentuated by the failure of parents to properly supervise the courtships of their children.
Too often, he said, boys and girls marry without paying any attention to the true sanctity of the marriage relation. He cited instances in his own court where girls of seventeen and eighteen, with children in their arms, have been turned out on the world as widows. This, he said, would never occur if the parents would see to it that their children formed proper companionships and thoroughly understood the sacredness of the marriage relation.
Judge Corcoran said that the vice of profanity is more common in this country than in Europe. For three months, he said, he traveled in Europe without hearing profanity, But immediately upon his return to America, his ears began to tingle with profanity from the lips of Americans. He urged all men present to align themselves with some church and become active workers. The meeting was attended by a large number of men of Aurora, Marquette and Hampton.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Groom Was Willing to Pay
1914
Became Impatient, However, When He Thought Officiating Bishop Was Hurrying Him
A prominent bishop of one of the largest denominations in the world tells the following story:
"A young man came to me one day and said: 'Bishop, I want you to marry me on next Wednesday.'
"'All right, young man; I'll marry you,' I assured him.
"'Well, I want the bell to ring,' he continued.
"'Very well, you can have the bell rung.'
"'Well, I want the organ to play.'
"'All right, you can have the organ played.'
"'And I want everything else that anybody ever had at a church wedding.'
"'Certainly; you shall have it.'
"Well, the night came, the bell rang, the organ played, the church was crowded, and everything went off as the young man wanted it. When the ceremony was over the young couple waited instead of leaving the chancel. So I held out my hand, shook hands with the bride and then held out my hand to the bridegroom. He had his hand deep in his trousers pocket, and as I stood with my hand out he said, somewhat impatiently, and in a tone that could be heard all over the church:
"'Now, don't be in such an all-fired hurry, bishop; I'm getting the money out just as fast as I can.'
"And everybody in the church giggled."
Became Impatient, However, When He Thought Officiating Bishop Was Hurrying Him
A prominent bishop of one of the largest denominations in the world tells the following story:
"A young man came to me one day and said: 'Bishop, I want you to marry me on next Wednesday.'
"'All right, young man; I'll marry you,' I assured him.
"'Well, I want the bell to ring,' he continued.
"'Very well, you can have the bell rung.'
"'Well, I want the organ to play.'
"'All right, you can have the organ played.'
"'And I want everything else that anybody ever had at a church wedding.'
"'Certainly; you shall have it.'
"Well, the night came, the bell rang, the organ played, the church was crowded, and everything went off as the young man wanted it. When the ceremony was over the young couple waited instead of leaving the chancel. So I held out my hand, shook hands with the bride and then held out my hand to the bridegroom. He had his hand deep in his trousers pocket, and as I stood with my hand out he said, somewhat impatiently, and in a tone that could be heard all over the church:
"'Now, don't be in such an all-fired hurry, bishop; I'm getting the money out just as fast as I can.'
"And everybody in the church giggled."
Monday, April 30, 2007
The Real Sheikhs — They Trace Their Descent From Heaven
1926
CATTLE MEN REAL SHEIKS
MEMBERS OF YAZIDIES TRIBE CLAIM THEY CAN TRACE THEIR DESCENT FROM HEAVEN
Aleppo, Syria.—Taous Malak, the "fallen angel" whom God expelled from heaven, is the patron saint of the sheikhs — not those whose handsome profiles thrown against the American screen have made flappers' hearts flutter.
The tribe of the Yazidies, worshippers of Satan, from which the original sheikhs sprang, are nomads living from cattle raising. They number about 12,000 and their habitat is north of Aleppo near the Djebel Soumann. Another branch is to be found at Khaltar, a small town in the vicinity of Diarkebir.
Trace Ancestry From Heaven
Sheikhs claim they can trace their ancestry from heaven, being direct descendents of Sheik Charaf-Eddin or "the moon." Another early sheikh was Amadin, which means "pillar supporting heaven," while a third one was directly related to the sun.
Some of the present day sheikhs claim to have the power of miracle in rendering inoffensive the bites of snakes and scorpions.
Why Devil Is Worshiped
"Why do you worship the devil," asked an American who had been bitten by a poisonous insect, and desirous of ascertaining the miraculous power of the sheikhs, had sent for one.
"Satan is the source of all evil and if we ignore him we cannot avoid his wrath. God on the contrary is the essence of kindness and therefore we have nothing to fear from him," was the way the reply was translated.
No Divorce Among Sheikhs
There is no divorce among the real sheikhs, in which they differ somewhat from the American species.
Sheikhs marry only the daughters of other sheikhs. The marriage ceremony is very simple. It is a question of mutual consent between the bride and the bridegroom, expressed before one of the older sheikhs. Both newlyweds are then branded with red ink on the shoulders and forehead.
The sheikh performing the ceremony then takes a branch of a tree and breaking it in two, says: "Remain united until death parts you as force has broken this branch."
—Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Aug. 12, 1926, p. 4.
CATTLE MEN REAL SHEIKS
MEMBERS OF YAZIDIES TRIBE CLAIM THEY CAN TRACE THEIR DESCENT FROM HEAVEN
Aleppo, Syria.—Taous Malak, the "fallen angel" whom God expelled from heaven, is the patron saint of the sheikhs — not those whose handsome profiles thrown against the American screen have made flappers' hearts flutter.
The tribe of the Yazidies, worshippers of Satan, from which the original sheikhs sprang, are nomads living from cattle raising. They number about 12,000 and their habitat is north of Aleppo near the Djebel Soumann. Another branch is to be found at Khaltar, a small town in the vicinity of Diarkebir.
Trace Ancestry From Heaven
Sheikhs claim they can trace their ancestry from heaven, being direct descendents of Sheik Charaf-Eddin or "the moon." Another early sheikh was Amadin, which means "pillar supporting heaven," while a third one was directly related to the sun.
Some of the present day sheikhs claim to have the power of miracle in rendering inoffensive the bites of snakes and scorpions.
Why Devil Is Worshiped
"Why do you worship the devil," asked an American who had been bitten by a poisonous insect, and desirous of ascertaining the miraculous power of the sheikhs, had sent for one.
"Satan is the source of all evil and if we ignore him we cannot avoid his wrath. God on the contrary is the essence of kindness and therefore we have nothing to fear from him," was the way the reply was translated.
No Divorce Among Sheikhs
There is no divorce among the real sheikhs, in which they differ somewhat from the American species.
Sheikhs marry only the daughters of other sheikhs. The marriage ceremony is very simple. It is a question of mutual consent between the bride and the bridegroom, expressed before one of the older sheikhs. Both newlyweds are then branded with red ink on the shoulders and forehead.
The sheikh performing the ceremony then takes a branch of a tree and breaking it in two, says: "Remain united until death parts you as force has broken this branch."
—Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Aug. 12, 1926, p. 4.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Clairvoyant Life Reader (1903 Advertisement)
Moline, Illinois, 1903
CLAIRVOYANT — Tells just the thing that worries, annoys and perplexes you at this moment, and what to do to gain your point; also gives names, all without you saying one word, or your money back. Ladies, 50c. Read the record of magnetic power. Can marry your mate in 170 days; can get your wish in 170 days; can be united with ones separated in 152 days, or no cost. Open daily until 9 p. m. Private entrance. 1719 Second avenue, Moline. Benson, the Spiritualist.
—Davenport Daily Republican, Davenport, Iowa, March 15, 1903, page 2.
CLAIRVOYANT — Tells just the thing that worries, annoys and perplexes you at this moment, and what to do to gain your point; also gives names, all without you saying one word, or your money back. Ladies, 50c. Read the record of magnetic power. Can marry your mate in 170 days; can get your wish in 170 days; can be united with ones separated in 152 days, or no cost. Open daily until 9 p. m. Private entrance. 1719 Second avenue, Moline. Benson, the Spiritualist.
—Davenport Daily Republican, Davenport, Iowa, March 15, 1903, page 2.
Why Young Men Do Not Wed
New York, 1903
Due to Their Own Extravagance and Young Women's Love of Luxury
Dr. Louis Albert Banks spoke by way of prelude before his sermon in Grace Methodist Episcopal church, West One Hundred and Fourth street, on "Some Reasons Why Young Men Dodge Matrimony." He said in part, according to the New York World:
"My observation as a minister in large cities for many years convinces me that there are two reasons more powerful than others which lead young men to shun marriage. The first is extravagant habits of living on the part of young men. They live up to their income, whether it be small or great. The majority of young men with whom I have been acquainted in the last 20 years were living so extravagantly that they dared not contemplate marriage.
"A second reason is that the young women of today in towns and cities, many of them, fail to fit themselves to be fit cooks and dainty housekeepers. Furthermore, if they marry, they are anxious to marry so that they may have hired help and begin about where their parents have reached after a generation of economy and hard work.
"A young woman would rather go into a store from a good home and earn money enough to secure the luxuries in dress she desires than to marry and have the burden of home life upon her shoulders."
Due to Their Own Extravagance and Young Women's Love of Luxury
Dr. Louis Albert Banks spoke by way of prelude before his sermon in Grace Methodist Episcopal church, West One Hundred and Fourth street, on "Some Reasons Why Young Men Dodge Matrimony." He said in part, according to the New York World:
"My observation as a minister in large cities for many years convinces me that there are two reasons more powerful than others which lead young men to shun marriage. The first is extravagant habits of living on the part of young men. They live up to their income, whether it be small or great. The majority of young men with whom I have been acquainted in the last 20 years were living so extravagantly that they dared not contemplate marriage.
"A second reason is that the young women of today in towns and cities, many of them, fail to fit themselves to be fit cooks and dainty housekeepers. Furthermore, if they marry, they are anxious to marry so that they may have hired help and begin about where their parents have reached after a generation of economy and hard work.
"A young woman would rather go into a store from a good home and earn money enough to secure the luxuries in dress she desires than to marry and have the burden of home life upon her shoulders."
Minister Denounces Secret Marriages
1903
Secret Marriages
Custom Is Denounced by Minister
There seems to be a prevalent and growing custom in some localities for persons who intend to marry to go away from home to a place where they are not known, and, with none of their friends present, to be clandestinely married by some total stranger, who, for a small compensation, is willing to be the instrument of their union, even though he has no assurance that the parties have a right to marry.
Some actually appear to think that they have accomplished a very brilliant maneuver and that they are to be complimented for their smartness in keeping the news from their friends until some time after the event, or until the fact leaks out through the list of marriage licenses granted, which appears in the newspapers.
The time was when a secret marriage was either a direct indication that the consent of the parents had not been obtained, that the parties were under legal age or that there existed some other very good or, we might say, "bad" reason why they should have "loved darkness rather than light."
In the eyes of those who look on such matters in a reverent and sober way, secret marriage is considered to be shameful and improper; yet it is claimed that there are reasons of another and different sort which make secrecy desirable and in some cases almost necessary. It is said that in some communities a "public" marriage, done in a stylish way, is attended by such expense that it is greater than circumstances can afford. Also, that the thoughtless ridicule and horseplay of friends is so unbearable that the only remedy is to escape from them by flight.
The way to correct such a condition is to have the marriage performed in so simple, unobtrusive, modest, and devout a way that the expense is of small consequence and the ignorant lack of consideration and propriety of one's friends is avoided.
As long as the present state of affairs is allowed to continue, when one hears of a secret marriage, while not wishing to be harsh in his judgment, he cannot but feel distrustful of the cause; for, if all was right, the marriage ought to have been done in an open and fearless way. — The Rev. Arthur Gorter in the Living Church.
Secret Marriages
Custom Is Denounced by Minister
There seems to be a prevalent and growing custom in some localities for persons who intend to marry to go away from home to a place where they are not known, and, with none of their friends present, to be clandestinely married by some total stranger, who, for a small compensation, is willing to be the instrument of their union, even though he has no assurance that the parties have a right to marry.
Some actually appear to think that they have accomplished a very brilliant maneuver and that they are to be complimented for their smartness in keeping the news from their friends until some time after the event, or until the fact leaks out through the list of marriage licenses granted, which appears in the newspapers.
The time was when a secret marriage was either a direct indication that the consent of the parents had not been obtained, that the parties were under legal age or that there existed some other very good or, we might say, "bad" reason why they should have "loved darkness rather than light."
In the eyes of those who look on such matters in a reverent and sober way, secret marriage is considered to be shameful and improper; yet it is claimed that there are reasons of another and different sort which make secrecy desirable and in some cases almost necessary. It is said that in some communities a "public" marriage, done in a stylish way, is attended by such expense that it is greater than circumstances can afford. Also, that the thoughtless ridicule and horseplay of friends is so unbearable that the only remedy is to escape from them by flight.
The way to correct such a condition is to have the marriage performed in so simple, unobtrusive, modest, and devout a way that the expense is of small consequence and the ignorant lack of consideration and propriety of one's friends is avoided.
As long as the present state of affairs is allowed to continue, when one hears of a secret marriage, while not wishing to be harsh in his judgment, he cannot but feel distrustful of the cause; for, if all was right, the marriage ought to have been done in an open and fearless way. — The Rev. Arthur Gorter in the Living Church.
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