New York, 1895
The Rev. William P. Estes, the newly appointed pastor of the M. E. Church at Oyster Bay, met with a severe loss Monday. Mr. Estes is the treasurer and collector of the charitable funds of The New York East Conference. Monday morning he left Oyster Bay on the 7:08 train, intending to turn in to the proper authorities the sum of $90, which he had received for the various church charities. When he reached New York the money was missing.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 19, 1895, p. 1.
Showing posts with label pastor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pastor. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Rev. Dr. Poulson
New York, 1895
With the departure of the Rev. Dr. Poulson as good a man has gone out of the town as ever came into it. He has been for forty years an active servant of God, and has delivered one thousand sermons and addresses. His work in Jamaica will perpetuate his memory. He baptised 20 adults and 71 children, performed 71 marriages, and 200 persons accepted Christ in his church. He carries a grand record from this to his new field of labor.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 4.
With the departure of the Rev. Dr. Poulson as good a man has gone out of the town as ever came into it. He has been for forty years an active servant of God, and has delivered one thousand sermons and addresses. His work in Jamaica will perpetuate his memory. He baptised 20 adults and 71 children, performed 71 marriages, and 200 persons accepted Christ in his church. He carries a grand record from this to his new field of labor.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 4.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Pastor Steals a Kiss
1916
For kissing the pretty daughter of a trustee of his congregation, Rev. J. Lewis Evans, pastor of the Congregational church of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, was ordered to resign "at once" by a resolution adopted at a meeting of the standing committee and the trustees. Miss Maude Jacobus, daughter of Edward J. Jacobus, a trustee, was not at the meeting.
The kissing incident is said to have occurred while Mr. Evans was moving his household goods into the parsonage. Miss Jacobus was carrying a framed picture upstairs. Mr. Evans, who is 55, was coming down. The stairway is narrow. They met in the middle and, in squeezing past, Miss Jacobus said the pastor threw his arms about her, hugged her tightly and kissed her "right on the lips."
—Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, IL, April 7, 1916, p. 2.
For kissing the pretty daughter of a trustee of his congregation, Rev. J. Lewis Evans, pastor of the Congregational church of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, was ordered to resign "at once" by a resolution adopted at a meeting of the standing committee and the trustees. Miss Maude Jacobus, daughter of Edward J. Jacobus, a trustee, was not at the meeting.
The kissing incident is said to have occurred while Mr. Evans was moving his household goods into the parsonage. Miss Jacobus was carrying a framed picture upstairs. Mr. Evans, who is 55, was coming down. The stairway is narrow. They met in the middle and, in squeezing past, Miss Jacobus said the pastor threw his arms about her, hugged her tightly and kissed her "right on the lips."
—Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, IL, April 7, 1916, p. 2.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Don't Be a Sloven
1910
No One Can Afford to Be Untidy
No man or woman is great enough to be slovenly.
I have known — and of course you have — many people who felt justified in developing their minds and ignoring their bodies, because they thought the mental was so much more important than the physical, a writer in the Colorado Springs Gazette says.
I think that is a very wrong outlook. No mental power, however great, exempts its possessor from the care of the person.
A brilliant, slovenly person may succeed in life, but only by using twice as much force as he need have expended. He will never go so far as the man or woman who takes care to add a prepossessing appearance to a prepossessing mind.
A few months ago I was much pleased to hear that a young minister for whose brilliance I had great respect had been honored by a call from a small town where he was preaching to one of Boston's most famous and beautiful churches.
Yesterday I was saddened by hearing that his resignation had been asked and given and that he had left the church and gone back to a small parish.
And the reason was simply this: He did not keep his linen clean.
A small thing, you say?
I don't know. A very large one, I should think, if it had the power to come between the congregation and his message.
A woman in our town whose slovenliness about her dress and her person has made her a town character took the civil-service examination recently. She is as clever as she is slovenly and passed at the head of the list. She has never received an appointment. It is an open secret that her failure to do so is simply because the officials will not have a person of her disgraceful appearance in a public position.
In the college from which I was graduated the commencement part is one of the prizes for which the best students strive. In awarding it last year a girl of the highest scholarship was passed over for one who had received less excellent rank because the first girl was nothing more nor less than "sloppy." The college was not willing that a girl of untidy appearance — no matter how brilliant her mind, no matter how clever a speech she might have made — should represent it on its commencement platform.
A shopkeeper might have an excellent stock of articles, but if his window show were thick with dust and his doorway choked with litter the public would be pretty apt to pass by and go to the more attractive shop down the street, though the articles sold there were no better or even scarce as good.
Any one who thinks the contents of his mind ought to make friends and win success for him, no matter how slovenly and unattractive his person may be, is just such a shopkeeper.
The examples I have cited have been extreme cases, of course. But on that account they are the better object lessons to remind any of us who may sometimes be careless in some slight particular that it never pays.
No One Can Afford to Be Untidy
No man or woman is great enough to be slovenly.
I have known — and of course you have — many people who felt justified in developing their minds and ignoring their bodies, because they thought the mental was so much more important than the physical, a writer in the Colorado Springs Gazette says.
I think that is a very wrong outlook. No mental power, however great, exempts its possessor from the care of the person.
A brilliant, slovenly person may succeed in life, but only by using twice as much force as he need have expended. He will never go so far as the man or woman who takes care to add a prepossessing appearance to a prepossessing mind.
A few months ago I was much pleased to hear that a young minister for whose brilliance I had great respect had been honored by a call from a small town where he was preaching to one of Boston's most famous and beautiful churches.
Yesterday I was saddened by hearing that his resignation had been asked and given and that he had left the church and gone back to a small parish.
And the reason was simply this: He did not keep his linen clean.
A small thing, you say?
I don't know. A very large one, I should think, if it had the power to come between the congregation and his message.
A woman in our town whose slovenliness about her dress and her person has made her a town character took the civil-service examination recently. She is as clever as she is slovenly and passed at the head of the list. She has never received an appointment. It is an open secret that her failure to do so is simply because the officials will not have a person of her disgraceful appearance in a public position.
In the college from which I was graduated the commencement part is one of the prizes for which the best students strive. In awarding it last year a girl of the highest scholarship was passed over for one who had received less excellent rank because the first girl was nothing more nor less than "sloppy." The college was not willing that a girl of untidy appearance — no matter how brilliant her mind, no matter how clever a speech she might have made — should represent it on its commencement platform.
A shopkeeper might have an excellent stock of articles, but if his window show were thick with dust and his doorway choked with litter the public would be pretty apt to pass by and go to the more attractive shop down the street, though the articles sold there were no better or even scarce as good.
Any one who thinks the contents of his mind ought to make friends and win success for him, no matter how slovenly and unattractive his person may be, is just such a shopkeeper.
The examples I have cited have been extreme cases, of course. But on that account they are the better object lessons to remind any of us who may sometimes be careless in some slight particular that it never pays.
Pastor Pleaded for Dumb Animals
1901
Rev. Dr. Spalding, Who Preached First Sermon in America on This Theme, Urges Mercy to Beasts
Rev. Dr. George B. Spalding of the First Presbyterian Church yesterday morning preached a sermon on "Cruelty to Animals" in response to a request from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which asked the ministers of the city to preach upon the topic. The sermon, which was of especial interest, was heard by a large congregation.
Dr. Spalding said that religion, in the commandments and the beatitudes, takes in God and man and every living thing.
Dr. Spalding spoke in particular of the law of Sabbath rest in the Fourth Commandment, which he said was the most tenderly humane law of the decalogue, which God intended should apply not only to "every son and daughter of mankind aching, breaking under the strain of the ceaseless toil of the week; but more than this, rest for the cattle which share man's work and strain and suffering."
Turning from the decalogue of the Old Testament to the beatitudes of the New, Dr. Spalding said the same union of heavenly and earthly relations was to be found.
"The beatitude 'Blessed are the merciful,'" he said, "stands like a queen among the sisterhood of royal blessings. There is no humanity without such mercy; there is no religion without such mercy; there is no love to God without a love which takes on this mercy towards man and bird and beast." He then continued:
"I look back to-day on forty years of ministry. It is my satisfaction that I have ministered to many a human want and spoken in defense of many of my fellows' rights, and perhaps in some way have lessened 'man's inhumanity to man,' but I rejoice with a special joy that early in my ministry I preached a sermon on 'The Rights of Animals' which has been registered as the first sermon on the subject ever preached in America.
Tail Hocking and Pigeon Shooting
"But how much, how very much remains to be done before men and even women will be truly merciful. The very hardest task still remains to be accomplished — to win society, to win fashion to humanity and mercifulness. What shall we say when the slaughter of pigeons by the thousands and the slow dying of many of them with legs and wings shot away is still the spectacle of the meetings of the shooting clubs made up of wealthy and intelligent men of the State? What shall we say when the fashion of the day demands that the horses shall be maimed and tortured before they be counted fit for public display in the market and street?
"Oh, gentlemen, oh, tender women, how long shall the awful cruelty toward these your friends escape your better thought, your natural sensibility? There are those who mock at such sentiments as weak, as womanly. They would brush it all away by affirming that no great pain is really inflicted. I know of what I am speaking. With my own eyes I have witnessed the whole awful process of torture extending through days. I have seen the sweating agony which these noble creatures suffer to make them meet the style which a merciless fashion inexorably demands.
"Is sensitiveness to such distress a turn of flabby nerve? and moral cowardice? I take refuge from such a charge in the lives of the poet, the truth of which has been proved on battlefields and shell swept decks and in the face of death in its grimmest forms:
'The bravest are the tenderest —
The loving are the daring.'"
—The Post-Standard, Syracuse, New York, May 13, 1901, p. 7.
Rev. Dr. Spalding, Who Preached First Sermon in America on This Theme, Urges Mercy to Beasts
Rev. Dr. George B. Spalding of the First Presbyterian Church yesterday morning preached a sermon on "Cruelty to Animals" in response to a request from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which asked the ministers of the city to preach upon the topic. The sermon, which was of especial interest, was heard by a large congregation.
Dr. Spalding said that religion, in the commandments and the beatitudes, takes in God and man and every living thing.
Dr. Spalding spoke in particular of the law of Sabbath rest in the Fourth Commandment, which he said was the most tenderly humane law of the decalogue, which God intended should apply not only to "every son and daughter of mankind aching, breaking under the strain of the ceaseless toil of the week; but more than this, rest for the cattle which share man's work and strain and suffering."
Turning from the decalogue of the Old Testament to the beatitudes of the New, Dr. Spalding said the same union of heavenly and earthly relations was to be found.
"The beatitude 'Blessed are the merciful,'" he said, "stands like a queen among the sisterhood of royal blessings. There is no humanity without such mercy; there is no religion without such mercy; there is no love to God without a love which takes on this mercy towards man and bird and beast." He then continued:
"I look back to-day on forty years of ministry. It is my satisfaction that I have ministered to many a human want and spoken in defense of many of my fellows' rights, and perhaps in some way have lessened 'man's inhumanity to man,' but I rejoice with a special joy that early in my ministry I preached a sermon on 'The Rights of Animals' which has been registered as the first sermon on the subject ever preached in America.
Tail Hocking and Pigeon Shooting
"But how much, how very much remains to be done before men and even women will be truly merciful. The very hardest task still remains to be accomplished — to win society, to win fashion to humanity and mercifulness. What shall we say when the slaughter of pigeons by the thousands and the slow dying of many of them with legs and wings shot away is still the spectacle of the meetings of the shooting clubs made up of wealthy and intelligent men of the State? What shall we say when the fashion of the day demands that the horses shall be maimed and tortured before they be counted fit for public display in the market and street?
"Oh, gentlemen, oh, tender women, how long shall the awful cruelty toward these your friends escape your better thought, your natural sensibility? There are those who mock at such sentiments as weak, as womanly. They would brush it all away by affirming that no great pain is really inflicted. I know of what I am speaking. With my own eyes I have witnessed the whole awful process of torture extending through days. I have seen the sweating agony which these noble creatures suffer to make them meet the style which a merciless fashion inexorably demands.
"Is sensitiveness to such distress a turn of flabby nerve? and moral cowardice? I take refuge from such a charge in the lives of the poet, the truth of which has been proved on battlefields and shell swept decks and in the face of death in its grimmest forms:
'The bravest are the tenderest —
The loving are the daring.'"
—The Post-Standard, Syracuse, New York, May 13, 1901, p. 7.
Friday, July 13, 2007
The Personal Devil
Arizona, 1907
"Hindrances of Satan" was the theme of Rev. Harold Govette of the Central Methodist church. His text was, "But Satan hindered us." 1 Thessalonians 2:18.
"There is no doubt about it," said Mr. Govette, "but what there is a personal devil. I believe this just as much as I believe there is a personal God. And I believe there is a personal God just as much as I believe that I myself exist. I believe that Satan is engaged and has been for some time in upsetting the affairs of God and man and in causing trouble generally. Some people say that if anything is of God it is bound to succeed, and Satan will not be able to hinder. But this is not according to God's word. For ever since he stirred up trouble in heaven, he has been trying to blast the designs of God and in every way thwart His plans.
"It was doubtless the purpose of God in the first place that our first parents should live together in a state of perpetual happiness, and that no sin, pain or sorrow should exist at all. But Satan hindered God in the promotion of happiness and caused man to sin and fall. However, God in wisdom and mercy counteracted the fall by the introduction of redemption through His Son Jesus Christ, and thus brought to pass through Christ what could not have been brought to pass if man had not fallen.
"Thus the desire and purpose of the apostle Paul to visit again the church at Thessalonica, to encourage and stimulate the faith of the brethren, were interfered with by Satan. And it was his hindrances which caused the apostle to pen the words of the text, 'Satan hindered us.' While Satan may hinder us in our endeavor to serve God and to our purpose to do good, yet if our faith in God and His promises be firm through the help that comes from God we shall finally succeed, and our faith will be the stronger and our hopes brighter and our spiritual life be much increased because of the hindrances met and overcome.
"Whenever God or man attempts anything worthwhile we may rest assured that Satan is going to throw some obstruction across our pathway. But the thing for the Christian to do when obstacles appear is not to look back but to seek strength from the strong arm of God and prepare to overcome. These hindrances should serve to strengthen us in our spiritual life, as the storm strengthens the fiber of the oak. Satan is strong, but God is stronger, and the cause of His Son will finally triumph, not only in Phoenix, but throughout the world."
The speaker here told of an incident where Mr. Finney, the professor of Oberlin, was once on his way to a certain city to help in a revival meeting, being conveyed by horse and buggy. He asked the driver if the horse was safe. He was assured that it was the old family horse and there was none safer, but Mr. Finney stated that he was much afraid Satan would get into the horse and hinder their progress. The driver laughed at such. However, before going far the horse took fright and it was with much difficulty and danger that they reached their destination. But on reaching the city in question God blessed the labors of Mr. Finney with great success, and almost the whole of its population was turned to Christ.
"My faith in God and my congregation is such that I am confident that such a thing as a landslide will not deter the progress of our meeting," said Mr. Govette in referring to the delay in the arrival of Rev. Dr. Bulgin, caused by a landslide.
At the close of the morning sermon there were two accessions and the pastor announced that the meetings would go ahead until the evangelists put in an appearance.
—The Arizona Republican, Phoenix, March 11, 1907, p. 4.
"Hindrances of Satan" was the theme of Rev. Harold Govette of the Central Methodist church. His text was, "But Satan hindered us." 1 Thessalonians 2:18.
"There is no doubt about it," said Mr. Govette, "but what there is a personal devil. I believe this just as much as I believe there is a personal God. And I believe there is a personal God just as much as I believe that I myself exist. I believe that Satan is engaged and has been for some time in upsetting the affairs of God and man and in causing trouble generally. Some people say that if anything is of God it is bound to succeed, and Satan will not be able to hinder. But this is not according to God's word. For ever since he stirred up trouble in heaven, he has been trying to blast the designs of God and in every way thwart His plans.
"It was doubtless the purpose of God in the first place that our first parents should live together in a state of perpetual happiness, and that no sin, pain or sorrow should exist at all. But Satan hindered God in the promotion of happiness and caused man to sin and fall. However, God in wisdom and mercy counteracted the fall by the introduction of redemption through His Son Jesus Christ, and thus brought to pass through Christ what could not have been brought to pass if man had not fallen.
"Thus the desire and purpose of the apostle Paul to visit again the church at Thessalonica, to encourage and stimulate the faith of the brethren, were interfered with by Satan. And it was his hindrances which caused the apostle to pen the words of the text, 'Satan hindered us.' While Satan may hinder us in our endeavor to serve God and to our purpose to do good, yet if our faith in God and His promises be firm through the help that comes from God we shall finally succeed, and our faith will be the stronger and our hopes brighter and our spiritual life be much increased because of the hindrances met and overcome.
"Whenever God or man attempts anything worthwhile we may rest assured that Satan is going to throw some obstruction across our pathway. But the thing for the Christian to do when obstacles appear is not to look back but to seek strength from the strong arm of God and prepare to overcome. These hindrances should serve to strengthen us in our spiritual life, as the storm strengthens the fiber of the oak. Satan is strong, but God is stronger, and the cause of His Son will finally triumph, not only in Phoenix, but throughout the world."
The speaker here told of an incident where Mr. Finney, the professor of Oberlin, was once on his way to a certain city to help in a revival meeting, being conveyed by horse and buggy. He asked the driver if the horse was safe. He was assured that it was the old family horse and there was none safer, but Mr. Finney stated that he was much afraid Satan would get into the horse and hinder their progress. The driver laughed at such. However, before going far the horse took fright and it was with much difficulty and danger that they reached their destination. But on reaching the city in question God blessed the labors of Mr. Finney with great success, and almost the whole of its population was turned to Christ.
"My faith in God and my congregation is such that I am confident that such a thing as a landslide will not deter the progress of our meeting," said Mr. Govette in referring to the delay in the arrival of Rev. Dr. Bulgin, caused by a landslide.
At the close of the morning sermon there were two accessions and the pastor announced that the meetings would go ahead until the evangelists put in an appearance.
—The Arizona Republican, Phoenix, March 11, 1907, p. 4.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Huz and Buz
1900
In one of the hill towns of Connecticut Parson Fuller, an eccentric minister of a century ago, is still a living tradition. He was rather austere in voice and manner, and quite imperious enough to suit his sacred profession at a time when a New England minister was expected to be the autocrat of his parish.
A larger church edifice had lately been built, and it happened that the first children to be "presented" in the new meeting-house were the twin baby boys of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Green. The happy couple felt the distinction of standing at the head of the record, and made every fond preparation.
Mrs. Green, while not exactly a literary woman, conceived herself a little superior to her neighbors on account of the number of books she had read. She had made up her mind what her little boys should be called, and at the appointed time she and her husband and the twins appeared before the minister, ready for the public ceremony.
"What are their names?" asked Parson Fuller, looking at the two infants.
Mrs. Green had carefully conned her lesson, but now she wished she had written it down. The eyes of the congregation were upon her. She was so overawed that she pronounced the names in a half whisper.
"Augustus Gerard Green and Gustavus Gerald Green."
"Speak louder, madam," said the minister.
A glance at her bashful husband convinced the flustered woman that any vocal attempt on his part would be less articulate than her own. Making a brave effort, therefore, she repeated the names.
"Augustus Gerard Green and Gustavus Gerald Green."
"Nonsense, good woman!" said the stern old man, loud enough to be heard by the whole congregation. "These helpless little creatures must not begin life with such a burden. I will christen them out of the Bible, after the two nephews of Abraham."
And christen them he did, with the names of Nahor's sons, "Huz his first-born, and Buz his brother."
The mortified young parents, after a season of secret rebellion, submitted to the inevitable, realizing that, as the matter stood, "Huz" and "Buz" would stick to the boys beyond recall. Indeed, it is asserted that the queer names became such a "drawing card" for the Green family that not only curious visitors rode long distances to see the twins, but a leading citizen of the next town hired Timothy to run his grist-mill, and his wife to keep school in the mill-chamber. Huz and Buz would attract customers to the combination, he said.
And so it proved. The prosperity and popularity of the father and mother increased apace, we are told, and the twin boys grew to be respected and useful men. One survived the other to old age, but the single stone — now crumbled away — that marked both their graves in the country burial-ground bore, besides the dates, only the simple inscription: "Huz Green, and Buz his brother." — Youth's Companion.
In one of the hill towns of Connecticut Parson Fuller, an eccentric minister of a century ago, is still a living tradition. He was rather austere in voice and manner, and quite imperious enough to suit his sacred profession at a time when a New England minister was expected to be the autocrat of his parish.
A larger church edifice had lately been built, and it happened that the first children to be "presented" in the new meeting-house were the twin baby boys of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Green. The happy couple felt the distinction of standing at the head of the record, and made every fond preparation.
Mrs. Green, while not exactly a literary woman, conceived herself a little superior to her neighbors on account of the number of books she had read. She had made up her mind what her little boys should be called, and at the appointed time she and her husband and the twins appeared before the minister, ready for the public ceremony.
"What are their names?" asked Parson Fuller, looking at the two infants.
Mrs. Green had carefully conned her lesson, but now she wished she had written it down. The eyes of the congregation were upon her. She was so overawed that she pronounced the names in a half whisper.
"Augustus Gerard Green and Gustavus Gerald Green."
"Speak louder, madam," said the minister.
A glance at her bashful husband convinced the flustered woman that any vocal attempt on his part would be less articulate than her own. Making a brave effort, therefore, she repeated the names.
"Augustus Gerard Green and Gustavus Gerald Green."
"Nonsense, good woman!" said the stern old man, loud enough to be heard by the whole congregation. "These helpless little creatures must not begin life with such a burden. I will christen them out of the Bible, after the two nephews of Abraham."
And christen them he did, with the names of Nahor's sons, "Huz his first-born, and Buz his brother."
The mortified young parents, after a season of secret rebellion, submitted to the inevitable, realizing that, as the matter stood, "Huz" and "Buz" would stick to the boys beyond recall. Indeed, it is asserted that the queer names became such a "drawing card" for the Green family that not only curious visitors rode long distances to see the twins, but a leading citizen of the next town hired Timothy to run his grist-mill, and his wife to keep school in the mill-chamber. Huz and Buz would attract customers to the combination, he said.
And so it proved. The prosperity and popularity of the father and mother increased apace, we are told, and the twin boys grew to be respected and useful men. One survived the other to old age, but the single stone — now crumbled away — that marked both their graves in the country burial-ground bore, besides the dates, only the simple inscription: "Huz Green, and Buz his brother." — Youth's Companion.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
"More Brains, Lord!"
1887
Rev. Dr. Sunderland, on accepting the pastorship of an American church in Paris, offered his farewell prayer as Chaplain of the United States Senate, a short time after. On this occasion he made some peculiar home-thrusts at the honorable gentlemen for whom, during four months previous, he had been daily interceding at the Throne of Grace. He uttered the following supplication very audibly:
"We pray Thee, 0 Lord! to give to the councillors and statesmen of America brains! More brains, Lord! More BRAINS!"
On hearing this very well-timed entreaty, but rather harsh criticism, Mr. Stunner dropped his bead upon his breast quite feelingly, Jim Lane rolled his eyes piously, Garrett Davis evinced signs of emotion, and a gentleman in the reporters' gallery uttered an emphatic "Amen!" by way of response.
Many of the honorable secretaries dropped their heads upon their desks to conceal a smile at the Chaplain's supplication, which smile extended to the dimensions of a broad grin, as the "Amen" was heard to proceed from the reporters' gallery. The worthy Sergeant-at-Arms, who was standing in his usual deeply reverential attitude, (with solemn countenance on religious thoughts intent,) turned the white of one of his official eyes in the direction of the self-constituted clerk in the gallery, but he evidently could not discover a countenance which did not exhibit the utmost decorum of expression.
—Anecdotes of the Rebellion, p. 21.
Rev. Dr. Sunderland, on accepting the pastorship of an American church in Paris, offered his farewell prayer as Chaplain of the United States Senate, a short time after. On this occasion he made some peculiar home-thrusts at the honorable gentlemen for whom, during four months previous, he had been daily interceding at the Throne of Grace. He uttered the following supplication very audibly:
"We pray Thee, 0 Lord! to give to the councillors and statesmen of America brains! More brains, Lord! More BRAINS!"
On hearing this very well-timed entreaty, but rather harsh criticism, Mr. Stunner dropped his bead upon his breast quite feelingly, Jim Lane rolled his eyes piously, Garrett Davis evinced signs of emotion, and a gentleman in the reporters' gallery uttered an emphatic "Amen!" by way of response.
Many of the honorable secretaries dropped their heads upon their desks to conceal a smile at the Chaplain's supplication, which smile extended to the dimensions of a broad grin, as the "Amen" was heard to proceed from the reporters' gallery. The worthy Sergeant-at-Arms, who was standing in his usual deeply reverential attitude, (with solemn countenance on religious thoughts intent,) turned the white of one of his official eyes in the direction of the self-constituted clerk in the gallery, but he evidently could not discover a countenance which did not exhibit the utmost decorum of expression.
—Anecdotes of the Rebellion, p. 21.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Sunday and Monday Beggars
1900
Ian Maclaren Says There Is No Difference
"The pew is a testimony to the family and ought to be maintained with its doors removed, and it does not matter whether a man pays $50 a year for his pew or 50 cents," writes Ian Maclaren of "The Pew and the Man in It" in the Ladies' Home Journal.
"The church authorities should see that the householder has his pew, with room enough in it for himself, his wife and the children which God has given them.
"There is no reason in the world why the rich man should not pay a handsome sum for his church home. And some of us have never been able to understand why an artisan should not give something for his church home also.
"Surely every man wishes to do what is right in the direction of his church. Every self-respecting man likes to pay for his home whether it be large or small, and it touches a man's honor to live in a workhouse, where he pays no rent and depends on the public. There is no necessity that this home feeling and this just independence should be denied in the house of God, but it rather seems a good thing that the man who works and gives to provide a house where he and the children can live together in comfort and self-respect six days of the week should do his part to sustain the house where they worship God on the seventh day.
"He is a poor creature who will allow a rich man to pay his rent for him on week-days, and I have never been able to see where there is any difference between being a beggar on Sunday and a beggar on Monday."
Ian Maclaren Says There Is No Difference
"The pew is a testimony to the family and ought to be maintained with its doors removed, and it does not matter whether a man pays $50 a year for his pew or 50 cents," writes Ian Maclaren of "The Pew and the Man in It" in the Ladies' Home Journal.
"The church authorities should see that the householder has his pew, with room enough in it for himself, his wife and the children which God has given them.
"There is no reason in the world why the rich man should not pay a handsome sum for his church home. And some of us have never been able to understand why an artisan should not give something for his church home also.
"Surely every man wishes to do what is right in the direction of his church. Every self-respecting man likes to pay for his home whether it be large or small, and it touches a man's honor to live in a workhouse, where he pays no rent and depends on the public. There is no necessity that this home feeling and this just independence should be denied in the house of God, but it rather seems a good thing that the man who works and gives to provide a house where he and the children can live together in comfort and self-respect six days of the week should do his part to sustain the house where they worship God on the seventh day.
"He is a poor creature who will allow a rich man to pay his rent for him on week-days, and I have never been able to see where there is any difference between being a beggar on Sunday and a beggar on Monday."
Sunday, June 17, 2007
America's Oldest Lutheran Divine
Nov. 1900
Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Hauer, who has just celebrated the ninety-fourth anniversary of his birth at his home in Hanover, Pa., is the oldest Lutheran minister in America.
With perfect health, in full possession of all his faculties, his interest in current events as lively as ever, Dr Hauer is spending his old age in calm enjoyment and soothing retrospect.
He is surrounded by his children, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren, who lovingly anticipate his few wants and brighten the evening of his days with their affectionate solicitude.
The aged clergyman was born in the famous old town of Frederick, Maryland.
Shorts
Solomon when arrayed in all his royal glory never wore a shirt waist.
The worst Christian watchers are those who are taking cat-naps.
To repel one's cross is to make it heavier. — Amiel.
Goliath was the first man to wear a bang on his forehead.
The dice of God are always loaded.
When a fellow borrows trouble there is often the devil to pay.
Too often we value outward show more than inward worth.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Church Aboard a Boat
1900
A novelty in church services has been supplied by the German Lutheran Zion Congregation of the Flatbush section of Brooklyn. One of their number, who owns a steamboat, gave its use to the pastor, the Rev. Paul F. Jubelt. He organized an excursion on it sixty miles up the Hudson, which would combine the regular church service on board with the ordinary routine of a day's outing on the water. The church choir was aboard and led in the singing.
What One Grain of Wheat Did
Did you ever stop to think of the possibilities of a grain of wheat? We are so used to seeing the field sown with wheat and the crop come up and ripen that we quite forget how each little grain does a great work through the summer days in multiplying and adding to the farmer's harvest. A farmer near Phoenix, Arizona, planted one grain of white Australian wheat, and at harvest time from it had sprung 1,360 grains of large, fat wheat. He planted ten acres of this wheat and harvested 177 sacks, each weighing 138 pounds. The single grain spoken of produces 36 stalks, so you see even a grain of wheat helps wonderfully.
A novelty in church services has been supplied by the German Lutheran Zion Congregation of the Flatbush section of Brooklyn. One of their number, who owns a steamboat, gave its use to the pastor, the Rev. Paul F. Jubelt. He organized an excursion on it sixty miles up the Hudson, which would combine the regular church service on board with the ordinary routine of a day's outing on the water. The church choir was aboard and led in the singing.
What One Grain of Wheat Did
Did you ever stop to think of the possibilities of a grain of wheat? We are so used to seeing the field sown with wheat and the crop come up and ripen that we quite forget how each little grain does a great work through the summer days in multiplying and adding to the farmer's harvest. A farmer near Phoenix, Arizona, planted one grain of white Australian wheat, and at harvest time from it had sprung 1,360 grains of large, fat wheat. He planted ten acres of this wheat and harvested 177 sacks, each weighing 138 pounds. The single grain spoken of produces 36 stalks, so you see even a grain of wheat helps wonderfully.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Apostle's Creed — The Office of The Holy Ghost
Pennsylvania, 1882
St. Paul's German Lutheran
At St. Paul's German Lutheran Church yesterday morning, the Rev. E. H. Gerhardt preached an instructive sermon on the gospel of the day in conjunction with the third article of the Apostle's Creed, as both suggest the office of the Holy Ghost. This is the first sermon of a series of three to be delivered in this church by the pastor on the Sundays preceding Pentecost, and on the third article of the creed in connection with the gospel for the day.
The pastor opened his sermon by calling the attention of the hearers to the expressions concerning the Holy Ghost in the three chief symbols of the church's faith, that there is a Holy Ghost "the Lord and Giver of life." The Holy Ghost is not made, nor created, nor begotten, but eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son, John 15:26. "But when the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father." That the Holy Ghost is proceeding from the Father and the Son is denied by the Greek church, Irvingites, Old Catholic and Moravians in their Easter Litany. The Holy Ghost is of equal essence and power with the Father and the Son, Acts 5:3,4; 1 Cor. 3:16. This doctrine is denied by the Armenians, Socinians, Unitarians, Universalists, (so called) Protestants, Swedenborgians, Bible Christians, Campbellites, Christians, Quakers, Hicksite Quakers, Mormons, Shakers, Christian Israelites, Seventh Day Adventists and Spiritualists.
It is the office of the Holy Ghost to sanctify us, to bring us to Christ in order that we may be saved. " Neither is there salvation in any other," (Acts 4:12). Jesus Christ became man, suffered and died in order that we might be His, live under Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness. To this end salvation appeared that we shall believe in Jesus Christ and come to Him. We cannot by our own reason and strength believe in Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Cor. 2:14; Rom. 7:18,19); but must be led thereto by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3). The Holy Spirit is powerful to work sanctification; this has been promised to us (Acts 2:1-18). The Holy Ghost brings us to Christ in no other way but by the Divinely appointed means, the Word and the Sacraments; and this by a fixed order of salvation.
The first in the order of salvation is calling. It is the universal and gracious invitation of God to enter His Kingdom and accept salvation through Christ by faith. All men are called through the Gospel, for that all men shall be saved that believe in Him who has mercy upon all men (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). Calvinists teach that God has decreed from eternity some to be saved, and some to be lost. After man has been called he must be illuminated, by which the Holy Ghost instructs the now called man and imparts to him a knowledge of his sinfulness as well as of Divine grace. To the illumined mind the Holy Ghost now produces deep sorrow on account of sins committed, and that by faith in the merits of Christ he shall be saved. Man attaining this stage will now appear improved, regenerated and born anew by the effectual working of the Holy Ghost through the means of grace, and this coinciding with justification, man upon entering that mystical union with God will experience more and more the presence of God, and His dwelling in him in a special manner. The sanctifying act of the Holy Spirit will be now more and more felt, and the believer continually seeking a higher degree of perfection in faith, love and obedience.
The pastor closed his remarks by earnestly admonishing all present unceasingly to pray to the Holy Ghost to preserve them in true faith unto everlasting life.
The theme for the next sermon will be The Sanctification of the whole Christian Church on earth.
—Chester Times, Chester, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1882.
St. Paul's German Lutheran
At St. Paul's German Lutheran Church yesterday morning, the Rev. E. H. Gerhardt preached an instructive sermon on the gospel of the day in conjunction with the third article of the Apostle's Creed, as both suggest the office of the Holy Ghost. This is the first sermon of a series of three to be delivered in this church by the pastor on the Sundays preceding Pentecost, and on the third article of the creed in connection with the gospel for the day.
The pastor opened his sermon by calling the attention of the hearers to the expressions concerning the Holy Ghost in the three chief symbols of the church's faith, that there is a Holy Ghost "the Lord and Giver of life." The Holy Ghost is not made, nor created, nor begotten, but eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son, John 15:26. "But when the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father." That the Holy Ghost is proceeding from the Father and the Son is denied by the Greek church, Irvingites, Old Catholic and Moravians in their Easter Litany. The Holy Ghost is of equal essence and power with the Father and the Son, Acts 5:3,4; 1 Cor. 3:16. This doctrine is denied by the Armenians, Socinians, Unitarians, Universalists, (so called) Protestants, Swedenborgians, Bible Christians, Campbellites, Christians, Quakers, Hicksite Quakers, Mormons, Shakers, Christian Israelites, Seventh Day Adventists and Spiritualists.
It is the office of the Holy Ghost to sanctify us, to bring us to Christ in order that we may be saved. " Neither is there salvation in any other," (Acts 4:12). Jesus Christ became man, suffered and died in order that we might be His, live under Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness. To this end salvation appeared that we shall believe in Jesus Christ and come to Him. We cannot by our own reason and strength believe in Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Cor. 2:14; Rom. 7:18,19); but must be led thereto by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3). The Holy Spirit is powerful to work sanctification; this has been promised to us (Acts 2:1-18). The Holy Ghost brings us to Christ in no other way but by the Divinely appointed means, the Word and the Sacraments; and this by a fixed order of salvation.
The first in the order of salvation is calling. It is the universal and gracious invitation of God to enter His Kingdom and accept salvation through Christ by faith. All men are called through the Gospel, for that all men shall be saved that believe in Him who has mercy upon all men (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). Calvinists teach that God has decreed from eternity some to be saved, and some to be lost. After man has been called he must be illuminated, by which the Holy Ghost instructs the now called man and imparts to him a knowledge of his sinfulness as well as of Divine grace. To the illumined mind the Holy Ghost now produces deep sorrow on account of sins committed, and that by faith in the merits of Christ he shall be saved. Man attaining this stage will now appear improved, regenerated and born anew by the effectual working of the Holy Ghost through the means of grace, and this coinciding with justification, man upon entering that mystical union with God will experience more and more the presence of God, and His dwelling in him in a special manner. The sanctifying act of the Holy Spirit will be now more and more felt, and the believer continually seeking a higher degree of perfection in faith, love and obedience.
The pastor closed his remarks by earnestly admonishing all present unceasingly to pray to the Holy Ghost to preserve them in true faith unto everlasting life.
The theme for the next sermon will be The Sanctification of the whole Christian Church on earth.
—Chester Times, Chester, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1882.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Pastor Bars Hobble Skirt
1910
No Woman, Wearing Garb of Latest Fashion, Can Enter New Jersey Village Church
Groveville, New Jersey — Rev. Peter Henry, pastor of the First Reformed church, has refused admission to his church to any woman who wears a "hobble" skirt, and has denounced from his pulpit those who have adopted this style of dress. He terms girls and women who wear them as "walking balloons," "lunatics" and "godless." He says the style is a travesty, and asserts the girls and women who wear such skirts should be "spanked."
Since the minister began his crusade few of the "hobblers" can be seen in these parts, and although a number of women in his congregation had gone to considerable expense in placing skirts of this style in their wardrobe, they are now bemoaning the expenditure, as they have destroyed them or given them away.
Lincoln — Learned or Unlearned?
Congressman Wise of Virginia, in his address on Lincoln, said: "Abraham Lincoln had neither the learning, the experience in public life, nor the social advantages of William H. Seward. Nor had he the political training, the polish, or the skilled weapons of debate possessed by his great antagonist, Stephen A. Douglas. What he had was a faith which knew no variableness nor shadow of turning, and a purpose that he boldly announced at the outset and never abandoned under any discouragement. It is a mistake to say he was an unlearned man."
No Woman, Wearing Garb of Latest Fashion, Can Enter New Jersey Village Church
Groveville, New Jersey — Rev. Peter Henry, pastor of the First Reformed church, has refused admission to his church to any woman who wears a "hobble" skirt, and has denounced from his pulpit those who have adopted this style of dress. He terms girls and women who wear them as "walking balloons," "lunatics" and "godless." He says the style is a travesty, and asserts the girls and women who wear such skirts should be "spanked."
Since the minister began his crusade few of the "hobblers" can be seen in these parts, and although a number of women in his congregation had gone to considerable expense in placing skirts of this style in their wardrobe, they are now bemoaning the expenditure, as they have destroyed them or given them away.
Lincoln — Learned or Unlearned?
Congressman Wise of Virginia, in his address on Lincoln, said: "Abraham Lincoln had neither the learning, the experience in public life, nor the social advantages of William H. Seward. Nor had he the political training, the polish, or the skilled weapons of debate possessed by his great antagonist, Stephen A. Douglas. What he had was a faith which knew no variableness nor shadow of turning, and a purpose that he boldly announced at the outset and never abandoned under any discouragement. It is a mistake to say he was an unlearned man."
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Birthday Surprise Party for Rev. H. P. Lane
California, 1916
Rev. Henry P. Lane, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, was pleasantly surprised Monday evening at his home, when a number of the members and friends of the congregation arrived to celebrate his fifty-eighth birthday.
In order that the pastor might forget that he was growing older, most of the guests came dressed as children. This group of "grownups" made merry during the evening, playing all the children's games that could be thought of, and in which the pastor heartily took part.
As a token of deep appreciation, N. P. Smith, on behalf of those present and others not present, presented to Rev. Lane fifty-eight crisp one-dollar bills, one for each year of his life. The gift was visibly a surprise indeed, and in his acceptance Rev. Lane expressed his sincere expression of good will.
Mrs. Lane, the hostess, had arranged refreshments, which were greatly relished at the close. Among those present from out of town were Herrick Lane and wife, of Eagle Rock and Paul Lane of Catalina, both sons of Rev. Lane.
—The Van Nuys News, Van Nuys, CA, Feb. 4, 1916, p. 1.
Rev. Henry P. Lane, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, was pleasantly surprised Monday evening at his home, when a number of the members and friends of the congregation arrived to celebrate his fifty-eighth birthday.
In order that the pastor might forget that he was growing older, most of the guests came dressed as children. This group of "grownups" made merry during the evening, playing all the children's games that could be thought of, and in which the pastor heartily took part.
As a token of deep appreciation, N. P. Smith, on behalf of those present and others not present, presented to Rev. Lane fifty-eight crisp one-dollar bills, one for each year of his life. The gift was visibly a surprise indeed, and in his acceptance Rev. Lane expressed his sincere expression of good will.
Mrs. Lane, the hostess, had arranged refreshments, which were greatly relished at the close. Among those present from out of town were Herrick Lane and wife, of Eagle Rock and Paul Lane of Catalina, both sons of Rev. Lane.
—The Van Nuys News, Van Nuys, CA, Feb. 4, 1916, p. 1.
Pastor Acts As Floor Walker in Department Store
1922
Union Hill, New Jersey, March 23. — Unable to make financial ends meet on his salary of less than $24 weekly as pastor of the Methodist church, Rev. W. C. Ramsay, spends six days each week as a floor walker in a store and the seventh in his church.
He was found today in the position of floor walker and section manager of a big Manhattan department store, a position which he has held the past year without the knowledge of his parishioners. Rev. Mr. Ramsay has been pastor of the Union Hill church for 30 years.
"The average human being doesn't work enough," he said. "I find that I can work as a floor walker, write my sermons, study and lecture in the evenings, preach twice Sunday and wake up Monday eager for my store job." — Associated Press.
Union Hill, New Jersey, March 23. — Unable to make financial ends meet on his salary of less than $24 weekly as pastor of the Methodist church, Rev. W. C. Ramsay, spends six days each week as a floor walker in a store and the seventh in his church.
He was found today in the position of floor walker and section manager of a big Manhattan department store, a position which he has held the past year without the knowledge of his parishioners. Rev. Mr. Ramsay has been pastor of the Union Hill church for 30 years.
"The average human being doesn't work enough," he said. "I find that I can work as a floor walker, write my sermons, study and lecture in the evenings, preach twice Sunday and wake up Monday eager for my store job." — Associated Press.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Pastor Talks on Family Life
California, 1922
Need of God in the family life was emphasized in a sermon by Rev. Arthur E. Paterson, pastor of Pilgrim Congregational church, yesterday morning. The more family life is cherished and built around the abiding presence of God, the more it will minister to the development of the individual and the betterment of the community, according to Rev. Paterson.
"The tactful guidance of a wise father and a discerning mother goes far in forming the habit of making right choices in life," Rev. Paterson said. "Where possible home instruction of the child is excellent for both parent and child. Throughout the many years of school and college the interest and co-operation of parents in studies and hobbies mean a great deal.
"The family life should be a help to the social enjoyments of life rather than a hindrance. Fortunate is the young person when newly-made friends can be brought into the home circle and welcomed there.
"The modern family does not live unto itself. It can make its influence felt throughout the community. Only as the family life of our country becomes less self-centered and more God-filled can our loved America play her destined part in the world life of the great family of God's children."
—Oakland Tribune, Oakland, CA, Aug. 21, 1922, p. 8.
Need of God in the family life was emphasized in a sermon by Rev. Arthur E. Paterson, pastor of Pilgrim Congregational church, yesterday morning. The more family life is cherished and built around the abiding presence of God, the more it will minister to the development of the individual and the betterment of the community, according to Rev. Paterson.
"The tactful guidance of a wise father and a discerning mother goes far in forming the habit of making right choices in life," Rev. Paterson said. "Where possible home instruction of the child is excellent for both parent and child. Throughout the many years of school and college the interest and co-operation of parents in studies and hobbies mean a great deal.
"The family life should be a help to the social enjoyments of life rather than a hindrance. Fortunate is the young person when newly-made friends can be brought into the home circle and welcomed there.
"The modern family does not live unto itself. It can make its influence felt throughout the community. Only as the family life of our country becomes less self-centered and more God-filled can our loved America play her destined part in the world life of the great family of God's children."
—Oakland Tribune, Oakland, CA, Aug. 21, 1922, p. 8.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Hope Crapsey Will See Error of Ways
1906
If He Doesn't His Jurors Decide That Church Shall Suspend Him
Rochester, N. Y., May 15. — The verdict in the heresy trial of Rev. Dr. Algernon S. Crapsey was today delivered to the accused minister. The four jurors state in their opinion sentence should be passed as follows:
"That the respondent should be suspended from exercising functions of the church until such time as he shall satisfy the ecclesiastical authorities of the diocese that his belief and teaching conform to the doctrines of the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed as this church has received the same. However, we express the earnest hope and desire that the respondent may see his way clearly during the thirty days that under the canons of the church must intervene before sentence can be pronounced to fully satisfy the ecclesiastical authorities of such conformity on his part."
The charges against Crapsey grew out of a series of sermons, delivered by him while he was rector of St. Andrew's church at Rochester, and which he subsequently published in book form under the title of "Religion and Politics." In brief the charges declare Crapsey in these writings denies the doctrines of the divinity of Christ, his virgin birth, his resurrection and the doctrine of the Trinity as contained in the Apostles' and Nicene creeds and the Book of Common Prayer of the Protestant Episcopal church of the United States.
Dr. Francis S. Dunham filed a minority report in which he says:
"I find from Crapsey's own statements and evidence submitted for his defense that his defense is that his error consists rather in presuming to define what God has not been pleased to reveal, and to interpret those doctrines in a manner not generally received by the church, rather than in denial and rejection of their truth and authority."
If He Doesn't His Jurors Decide That Church Shall Suspend Him
Rochester, N. Y., May 15. — The verdict in the heresy trial of Rev. Dr. Algernon S. Crapsey was today delivered to the accused minister. The four jurors state in their opinion sentence should be passed as follows:
"That the respondent should be suspended from exercising functions of the church until such time as he shall satisfy the ecclesiastical authorities of the diocese that his belief and teaching conform to the doctrines of the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed as this church has received the same. However, we express the earnest hope and desire that the respondent may see his way clearly during the thirty days that under the canons of the church must intervene before sentence can be pronounced to fully satisfy the ecclesiastical authorities of such conformity on his part."
The charges against Crapsey grew out of a series of sermons, delivered by him while he was rector of St. Andrew's church at Rochester, and which he subsequently published in book form under the title of "Religion and Politics." In brief the charges declare Crapsey in these writings denies the doctrines of the divinity of Christ, his virgin birth, his resurrection and the doctrine of the Trinity as contained in the Apostles' and Nicene creeds and the Book of Common Prayer of the Protestant Episcopal church of the United States.
Dr. Francis S. Dunham filed a minority report in which he says:
"I find from Crapsey's own statements and evidence submitted for his defense that his defense is that his error consists rather in presuming to define what God has not been pleased to reveal, and to interpret those doctrines in a manner not generally received by the church, rather than in denial and rejection of their truth and authority."
Monday, June 4, 2007
Jesus in Gethsemane
1921
Rev. William Bishop Gates, preaching in the First Presbyterian church last night at the second of the services being held each night during Holy Week, chose for his text, "The Cup Which the Father Hath Given Me, Shall I Not Drink It?" John 18:11. His theme was "Jesus in Gethsemane." He said in part: "George Matheson, that blind preacher of Edinboro, has deeper insight than other people into spiritual things because he is blind. I bring to you tonight some of his thoughts taken from one of his volumes 'Studies in the Portrait of Christ.'
"Gethsemane was Jesus' suppressed Hour. His grief had been long repressed. At last his sorrow broke forth. His work on earth was done and it is when work is done that sorrows assert themselves.
"Overwhelming grief expresses itself sometimes in numbness and stony apathy; sometimes in rebellion, the sorrow being diverted into anger; sometimes in a torrent of expression in which the sorrow finds outward play. This last was the sort of sorrow that overwhelmed Jesus in Gethsemane, as he cried out: 'If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.'
"What was 'the cup?' Surely something connected with his death. It was not mere recoil from physical death. Jesus whose soul was steeped in the thought of immortality, and who had just raised Lazarus from the dead could not fear physical death, nor was it physical pain. If hundreds have gone to the stake in serene confidence for Jesus' sake, surely the 'Captain of our Salvation' would not blanche at physical pain. Nothing personal could have brought such agony to Jesus. What He shrank from was not His share in the cup of suffering, but THE WORLD'S share. Jesus' life had revealed the infinite possibilities of righteousness. What awful unrighteousness on the part of man His murder at their hands would reveal. To kill him was to trample the love of the Father under foot. It meant the death not of a man but the death of purity, holiness, justice, mercy and love. Jesus felt himself standing alone in Gethsemane. There was no other who could breathe the divine air that He breathed. They were about to kill Him who had brought this divine air to the world. He was standing alone. It was the cry for communion with the world that Jesus uttered, — with the world which ought to have had but had not, appreciation and love for Him who brought the revelation that He brought."
—Olean Evening Herald, Olean, NY, March 22, 1921, p. 5.
Rev. William Bishop Gates, preaching in the First Presbyterian church last night at the second of the services being held each night during Holy Week, chose for his text, "The Cup Which the Father Hath Given Me, Shall I Not Drink It?" John 18:11. His theme was "Jesus in Gethsemane." He said in part: "George Matheson, that blind preacher of Edinboro, has deeper insight than other people into spiritual things because he is blind. I bring to you tonight some of his thoughts taken from one of his volumes 'Studies in the Portrait of Christ.'
"Gethsemane was Jesus' suppressed Hour. His grief had been long repressed. At last his sorrow broke forth. His work on earth was done and it is when work is done that sorrows assert themselves.
"Overwhelming grief expresses itself sometimes in numbness and stony apathy; sometimes in rebellion, the sorrow being diverted into anger; sometimes in a torrent of expression in which the sorrow finds outward play. This last was the sort of sorrow that overwhelmed Jesus in Gethsemane, as he cried out: 'If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.'
"What was 'the cup?' Surely something connected with his death. It was not mere recoil from physical death. Jesus whose soul was steeped in the thought of immortality, and who had just raised Lazarus from the dead could not fear physical death, nor was it physical pain. If hundreds have gone to the stake in serene confidence for Jesus' sake, surely the 'Captain of our Salvation' would not blanche at physical pain. Nothing personal could have brought such agony to Jesus. What He shrank from was not His share in the cup of suffering, but THE WORLD'S share. Jesus' life had revealed the infinite possibilities of righteousness. What awful unrighteousness on the part of man His murder at their hands would reveal. To kill him was to trample the love of the Father under foot. It meant the death not of a man but the death of purity, holiness, justice, mercy and love. Jesus felt himself standing alone in Gethsemane. There was no other who could breathe the divine air that He breathed. They were about to kill Him who had brought this divine air to the world. He was standing alone. It was the cry for communion with the world that Jesus uttered, — with the world which ought to have had but had not, appreciation and love for Him who brought the revelation that He brought."
—Olean Evening Herald, Olean, NY, March 22, 1921, p. 5.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Playful Kiss Doesn't Count
February 1914
Editor's Daughter Loses $5,000 Damage Suit Against Brookfield, Missouri, Pastor
Brookfield, Mo. — After deliberating eight and one half hours the jury in the case of Harriet C. Myers against the Rev. F. C. Atwood for $5,000 damages on the charge of forcibly kissing her, returned a verdict in the defendant's favor.
The charge made by Miss Myers, who is a daughter of Harry C. Myers, editor of the Linn County Budget, was first made public last November, although the alleged osculatory demonstration was said to have taken place more than a year before. Rev. Atwood, shortly after the charge was made, admitted from the pulpit that be kissed Miss Myers "on the side of her head, above the ear." He did this, he said, as the result of a "playful impulse."
Editor's Daughter Loses $5,000 Damage Suit Against Brookfield, Missouri, Pastor
Brookfield, Mo. — After deliberating eight and one half hours the jury in the case of Harriet C. Myers against the Rev. F. C. Atwood for $5,000 damages on the charge of forcibly kissing her, returned a verdict in the defendant's favor.
The charge made by Miss Myers, who is a daughter of Harry C. Myers, editor of the Linn County Budget, was first made public last November, although the alleged osculatory demonstration was said to have taken place more than a year before. Rev. Atwood, shortly after the charge was made, admitted from the pulpit that be kissed Miss Myers "on the side of her head, above the ear." He did this, he said, as the result of a "playful impulse."
Runaway Pastor is Found
1914
Writes Home at Cawden, Ill., He Left Wife and Parishioners to Escape Debts
Decatur, Ill., Feb. 20. — Rev. O. M. Eaton, pastor of the Christian church at Cawden, Ill., who has been missing since Feb. 10, has been located at Lebanon, Mo. A letter from him to B. E. Prater, cashier of the Cawden National bank, recites he left home because of debts.
The pastor told his wife he was going to Flora, Ill., on business. When he did not return next day a search was instituted.
Eaton wrote that he was employed and would send money to his aged parents soon. His wife and two daughters are at the home of her parents.
Writes Home at Cawden, Ill., He Left Wife and Parishioners to Escape Debts
Decatur, Ill., Feb. 20. — Rev. O. M. Eaton, pastor of the Christian church at Cawden, Ill., who has been missing since Feb. 10, has been located at Lebanon, Mo. A letter from him to B. E. Prater, cashier of the Cawden National bank, recites he left home because of debts.
The pastor told his wife he was going to Flora, Ill., on business. When he did not return next day a search was instituted.
Eaton wrote that he was employed and would send money to his aged parents soon. His wife and two daughters are at the home of her parents.
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