1901
The Rev. John McNeill was holding a revival service at Cardiff, Wales, and announced that he would answer any question about the Bible. At once a note was sent up to him reading as follows:
"Dear Mr. McNeill — If you are seeking to help young men, kindly tell me who was Cain's wife."
That seemed a poser, and the audience waited with intense interest, tempered with amusement, to see how the good man would extricate himself. After a pause he said:
"I love young men, especially young inquirers for light, and I would give this young man a word of advice. It is this: Don't lose your soul's salvation looking after other people's wives."
Showing posts with label questions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label questions. Show all posts
Friday, April 25, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Cottage Prayer Meetings
1900
The People's Forum
How would you make the cottage prayer-meeting more interesting and fruitful? — A. L. LESTER, Pontiac, Mich.
The little cottage prayer meeting is one of the most powerful means Christ uses today for the salvation of men. Every pastor who is seeking the conversion of young or old should encourage in every way in his power the meeting of small bands of Christian people for prayer and testimony. It is in these small home gatherings that so many young people find Christ as their Savior. In these meetings they are less likely to be carried off their feet by religious excitement which attends a larger gathering, and they feel God's presence oftentimes more deeply. Our subscriber asks how these can be made more interesting. If by "interesting" he means "entertaining" a wide field for discussion is opened. But if he means by "interesting," "more fruitful in conversions," then the subject is simplified. The object of a "cottage" prayer meeting is to place all more at ease. Those in charge of the cottage prayer meeting should aim to invite and have present some unconverted persons. The subjects discussed in an informal manner should be such as will draw them into the discussion, and the Christians present should seek to find out what stands in the way of their salvation. To give some point to a meeting will invariably arouse interest. If no unconverted persons are present let some of those present mention relatives or friends whom they wish to see converted. Let there be prayer over each one and let there be general discussion as to how God would have them reach these particular ones. Every cottage prayer meeting should be characterized by neighborly Christian greetings, the singing of Gospel Hymns, reading of Scriptures, prayer and testimony. The leader should use all the tact at his command to keep the discussions on the thought of the evening. The conversational manner rather than set speech should be encouraged and every effort made to draw out the timid.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
The People's Forum
How would you make the cottage prayer-meeting more interesting and fruitful? — A. L. LESTER, Pontiac, Mich.
The little cottage prayer meeting is one of the most powerful means Christ uses today for the salvation of men. Every pastor who is seeking the conversion of young or old should encourage in every way in his power the meeting of small bands of Christian people for prayer and testimony. It is in these small home gatherings that so many young people find Christ as their Savior. In these meetings they are less likely to be carried off their feet by religious excitement which attends a larger gathering, and they feel God's presence oftentimes more deeply. Our subscriber asks how these can be made more interesting. If by "interesting" he means "entertaining" a wide field for discussion is opened. But if he means by "interesting," "more fruitful in conversions," then the subject is simplified. The object of a "cottage" prayer meeting is to place all more at ease. Those in charge of the cottage prayer meeting should aim to invite and have present some unconverted persons. The subjects discussed in an informal manner should be such as will draw them into the discussion, and the Christians present should seek to find out what stands in the way of their salvation. To give some point to a meeting will invariably arouse interest. If no unconverted persons are present let some of those present mention relatives or friends whom they wish to see converted. Let there be prayer over each one and let there be general discussion as to how God would have them reach these particular ones. Every cottage prayer meeting should be characterized by neighborly Christian greetings, the singing of Gospel Hymns, reading of Scriptures, prayer and testimony. The leader should use all the tact at his command to keep the discussions on the thought of the evening. The conversational manner rather than set speech should be encouraged and every effort made to draw out the timid.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
The First Church
1900
The People's Forum
Where was the first church set up? By whom, and when? — T. J. W., Glouster, O.
There seems more or less confusion on this subject. Christians in those troublous times met in small bands from house to house, and while collectively they might be called the Church of Jerusalem, or of Antioch, or the Seven Churches in Asia, it is doubtful if it is possible to give any exact information as to priority. It is clearly stated that the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. On the other hand, if our subscriber will read St. John, the fourth chapter, he will receive some valuable information on this subject in Christ's own words to the woman of Samaria. She says: "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Christ replied: "The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him." This would seem to answer our correspondent. It was here at Jacob's well that Christ set up a universal church, not bounded by brick and mortar, but united by those unbreakable ties of spiritual communion with the Father of all. The members of this church were called "worshippers." Its creed was, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." It was founded on Christ and Christ alone. Its gospel was the gospel proclaimed by Christ. Nineteen hundred years have passed away and with all the progress which has been made the words of Christ to the woman of Samaria are hardly yet comprehended.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
The People's Forum
Where was the first church set up? By whom, and when? — T. J. W., Glouster, O.
There seems more or less confusion on this subject. Christians in those troublous times met in small bands from house to house, and while collectively they might be called the Church of Jerusalem, or of Antioch, or the Seven Churches in Asia, it is doubtful if it is possible to give any exact information as to priority. It is clearly stated that the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. On the other hand, if our subscriber will read St. John, the fourth chapter, he will receive some valuable information on this subject in Christ's own words to the woman of Samaria. She says: "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Christ replied: "The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him." This would seem to answer our correspondent. It was here at Jacob's well that Christ set up a universal church, not bounded by brick and mortar, but united by those unbreakable ties of spiritual communion with the Father of all. The members of this church were called "worshippers." Its creed was, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." It was founded on Christ and Christ alone. Its gospel was the gospel proclaimed by Christ. Nineteen hundred years have passed away and with all the progress which has been made the words of Christ to the woman of Samaria are hardly yet comprehended.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
Business and Religion
1900
The People's Forum
Do business and religion go together? — JAMES CRAIG, Starkville, Colo.
Why not? Is religion merely for dress parade on the Sabbath? Is it possible for a Christian man not to carry his religion with him into his business, professional or social life? If religion transforms a man thoroughly he would no sooner think of dealing unjustly with his fellows than he would of committing highway robbery. That a Christian business man is beset by many temptations and surrounded with pitfalls we are all candid enough to admit. Keen competition on the part of rivals, who are less scrupulous than he, threatens oftentimes to destroy both income and capital. Many have gone down to financial ruin in such extremity, but their Christian light sustained them and made them shining examples of Christian heroism. The majority of failures are not among Christian men, but rather among those who temporized, falsified statements and finally buried their good name with the financial wreck. In extremity the true Christian business man always has an enormous leverage in his hold upon public opinion where his non-Christian rival has not. Therefore, considered from any point of view we say religion and business do go together to uplift humanity and place all transactions on a higher level. Mr. Moody once said to J. V. Farwell, "Don't you see anything more in business than these boxes and goods?" The inquiry was characteristic of him, and through it he reached a great merchant's heart. It made transactions which footed up yearly into millions sink into insignificance compared with a conscience void of offence toward God and man, the blessings of a Christian life and the salvation of men.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
The People's Forum
Do business and religion go together? — JAMES CRAIG, Starkville, Colo.
Why not? Is religion merely for dress parade on the Sabbath? Is it possible for a Christian man not to carry his religion with him into his business, professional or social life? If religion transforms a man thoroughly he would no sooner think of dealing unjustly with his fellows than he would of committing highway robbery. That a Christian business man is beset by many temptations and surrounded with pitfalls we are all candid enough to admit. Keen competition on the part of rivals, who are less scrupulous than he, threatens oftentimes to destroy both income and capital. Many have gone down to financial ruin in such extremity, but their Christian light sustained them and made them shining examples of Christian heroism. The majority of failures are not among Christian men, but rather among those who temporized, falsified statements and finally buried their good name with the financial wreck. In extremity the true Christian business man always has an enormous leverage in his hold upon public opinion where his non-Christian rival has not. Therefore, considered from any point of view we say religion and business do go together to uplift humanity and place all transactions on a higher level. Mr. Moody once said to J. V. Farwell, "Don't you see anything more in business than these boxes and goods?" The inquiry was characteristic of him, and through it he reached a great merchant's heart. It made transactions which footed up yearly into millions sink into insignificance compared with a conscience void of offence toward God and man, the blessings of a Christian life and the salvation of men.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
Educating Indian Children In The U.S.
1900
The People's Forum
Can you give me the latest information concerning the education of Indian children in the United States? — H. I. M., Philadelphia, Pa.
Miss Estelle Reed, the superintendent of Indian education, answers our correspondent in an interview taken by William E. Curtis. In this interview Miss Reed says: "There are 50,000 Indian children in round numbers, and perhaps 35,000 or 37,000 are of school age. The enrollment for 1899 was 25,203. Since 1877 there has been a rapid increase in the allowance for the support of the Indian schools. In 1877 the appropriation was $20,000; in 1887, $1,211,415; in 1897, $2,517,265, and the allowance for the present fiscal year is $2,638,390.
"The movement to educate the Indians commenced before the revolution, when a few were maintained at the college of William and Mary at Williamsburg, Va., shortly after 1692. The first appropriation of which we have record made by Congress was passed in 1775 and carried an allowance of $500. The first Indian treaty in which any form of education was mentioned was with the Oneida, Tuscarora and Stockbridge Indians in 1794, and provided that one or two persons, besides keeping in repair certain mills built by the Indians, should instruct the young men of the three nations 'in the arts of the miller and sawyer.'
"I advocate legislation to compel Indian children to attend school, and I regard this of the first importance. I also advocate a change in our methods so that the children will be instructed more in industrial pursuits and less in the arts and sciences. The results accomplished at Hampton, Va., are gratifying, and emphasize the benefits to be obtained by Indians working under skilled instructors in mechanical schools. The Indians are much better educated than people generally suppose. An average of one in four can read, and even a larger percentage can talk enough English for ordinary purposes."
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
The People's Forum
Can you give me the latest information concerning the education of Indian children in the United States? — H. I. M., Philadelphia, Pa.
Miss Estelle Reed, the superintendent of Indian education, answers our correspondent in an interview taken by William E. Curtis. In this interview Miss Reed says: "There are 50,000 Indian children in round numbers, and perhaps 35,000 or 37,000 are of school age. The enrollment for 1899 was 25,203. Since 1877 there has been a rapid increase in the allowance for the support of the Indian schools. In 1877 the appropriation was $20,000; in 1887, $1,211,415; in 1897, $2,517,265, and the allowance for the present fiscal year is $2,638,390.
"The movement to educate the Indians commenced before the revolution, when a few were maintained at the college of William and Mary at Williamsburg, Va., shortly after 1692. The first appropriation of which we have record made by Congress was passed in 1775 and carried an allowance of $500. The first Indian treaty in which any form of education was mentioned was with the Oneida, Tuscarora and Stockbridge Indians in 1794, and provided that one or two persons, besides keeping in repair certain mills built by the Indians, should instruct the young men of the three nations 'in the arts of the miller and sawyer.'
"I advocate legislation to compel Indian children to attend school, and I regard this of the first importance. I also advocate a change in our methods so that the children will be instructed more in industrial pursuits and less in the arts and sciences. The results accomplished at Hampton, Va., are gratifying, and emphasize the benefits to be obtained by Indians working under skilled instructors in mechanical schools. The Indians are much better educated than people generally suppose. An average of one in four can read, and even a larger percentage can talk enough English for ordinary purposes."
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
The Funeral of a Saloonkeeper
1900
The People's Forum
How can a minister of the Gospel best perform his duty when asked to conduct the funeral of a saloonkeeper? — (Rev.) DAVID JONES, Wash.
As we answer this question there lies before us a ten-page letter from another minister who has just preached such a sermon, and he is bewailing the fact that it has brought about dissensions in his church which cut his financial support by half. His wife and children are in danger of going without proper food and clothes, and he is threatened with tar and feathers. "What did he say?" you ask. Well, here is a selection from his sermon, which will give you an idea of its general tenor:
"Good people, you have come here today, not only in honor of your dead, but in honor of our social, civil and religious institutions. You have asked the church and clergy for burial services, and while it is against the laws and constitutions of some churches to give burial services to those outside of their membership, I want to say for the benefit of our own members, who have objected to using the church on this occasion, on account of the business of the deceased, that it is not for us to deny funeral or burial services to any, but we are to serve all willingly, reserving the right to make them an occasion of benefit to the congregation and comfort to the mourners.
"If you think the business of this man is wrong, I want to show you that he had the highest authority within the gift of this country to justify and defend him in the prosecution thereof. He had the silent if not the open consent and endorsement of nearly every business, professional and official man in the city, besides a large lucrative patronage among the common people of the community. Therefore if he was wrong then you are wrong also, and if you think he alone will perish for the wrong, in the language of the text, I tell you nay; but except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish."
The minister who speaks plainly at a funeral will always be criticized. There are many, therefore, who would refuse to conduct such a funeral service, especially over a man who has lived a notoriously sinful life. They would reserve the lessons which might be drawn for a more appropriate occasion. There is no fixed law of propriety in such matters. Circumstances must always be taken into consideration. A minister should be guided by the best religious sentiment in his church and by his heartfelt convictions after earnest prayer for guidance.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
The People's Forum
How can a minister of the Gospel best perform his duty when asked to conduct the funeral of a saloonkeeper? — (Rev.) DAVID JONES, Wash.
As we answer this question there lies before us a ten-page letter from another minister who has just preached such a sermon, and he is bewailing the fact that it has brought about dissensions in his church which cut his financial support by half. His wife and children are in danger of going without proper food and clothes, and he is threatened with tar and feathers. "What did he say?" you ask. Well, here is a selection from his sermon, which will give you an idea of its general tenor:
"Good people, you have come here today, not only in honor of your dead, but in honor of our social, civil and religious institutions. You have asked the church and clergy for burial services, and while it is against the laws and constitutions of some churches to give burial services to those outside of their membership, I want to say for the benefit of our own members, who have objected to using the church on this occasion, on account of the business of the deceased, that it is not for us to deny funeral or burial services to any, but we are to serve all willingly, reserving the right to make them an occasion of benefit to the congregation and comfort to the mourners.
"If you think the business of this man is wrong, I want to show you that he had the highest authority within the gift of this country to justify and defend him in the prosecution thereof. He had the silent if not the open consent and endorsement of nearly every business, professional and official man in the city, besides a large lucrative patronage among the common people of the community. Therefore if he was wrong then you are wrong also, and if you think he alone will perish for the wrong, in the language of the text, I tell you nay; but except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish."
The minister who speaks plainly at a funeral will always be criticized. There are many, therefore, who would refuse to conduct such a funeral service, especially over a man who has lived a notoriously sinful life. They would reserve the lessons which might be drawn for a more appropriate occasion. There is no fixed law of propriety in such matters. Circumstances must always be taken into consideration. A minister should be guided by the best religious sentiment in his church and by his heartfelt convictions after earnest prayer for guidance.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
Christians and Life Insurance
1900
The People's Forum
Do you think it is wrong, from a Christian point of view, to carry a life insurance policy? — L. B. J., Peterson, Minn.
To answer such a question depends entirely on the point of view. If a person sits down and figures on life insurance purely as a lottery game and considers that he is betting on his length of life with a life insurance company, then life insurance to him is nothing more than a Monte Carlo. If, however, he looks at it from the standpoint of mutual helpfulness, is willing to share with others the care of widows and orphans, then it becomes a Christian duty. The world has small pity for the man who, for the sake of a few dollars which may benefit him, neglects to join others for mutual protection of his wife and children when he is taken away. Many times the widow goes to an untimely grave in seeking to support her little ones, and the children are thrown upon society to live stunted lives. Or the aged father or mother, depending on the strong arm of the son or daughter, is driven to the poorhouse to be given grudging support by the state. Many excellent people we know refuse to have anything to do with life insurance, because they look upon it as a lottery. To the others, and the number is growing, life insurance is a privilege and a Christian duty.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
The People's Forum
Do you think it is wrong, from a Christian point of view, to carry a life insurance policy? — L. B. J., Peterson, Minn.
To answer such a question depends entirely on the point of view. If a person sits down and figures on life insurance purely as a lottery game and considers that he is betting on his length of life with a life insurance company, then life insurance to him is nothing more than a Monte Carlo. If, however, he looks at it from the standpoint of mutual helpfulness, is willing to share with others the care of widows and orphans, then it becomes a Christian duty. The world has small pity for the man who, for the sake of a few dollars which may benefit him, neglects to join others for mutual protection of his wife and children when he is taken away. Many times the widow goes to an untimely grave in seeking to support her little ones, and the children are thrown upon society to live stunted lives. Or the aged father or mother, depending on the strong arm of the son or daughter, is driven to the poorhouse to be given grudging support by the state. Many excellent people we know refuse to have anything to do with life insurance, because they look upon it as a lottery. To the others, and the number is growing, life insurance is a privilege and a Christian duty.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
Moody and Sinless Perfection
1900
The People's Forum
Did Mr. Moody teach the doctrine of "sinless perfection" or "perfect love," or did he believe and teach that a Christian is "a sinner saved by grace"? — (Rev.) THOS. F. MARSHALL, Ironton, Mo.
Mr. Moody was never a perfectionist. He believed emphatically in God's power to save even to the uttermost, but so far as our knowledge extends he never advocated such an idea as "sinless perfection" or "perfect love" in this world.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
The People's Forum
Did Mr. Moody teach the doctrine of "sinless perfection" or "perfect love," or did he believe and teach that a Christian is "a sinner saved by grace"? — (Rev.) THOS. F. MARSHALL, Ironton, Mo.
Mr. Moody was never a perfectionist. He believed emphatically in God's power to save even to the uttermost, but so far as our knowledge extends he never advocated such an idea as "sinless perfection" or "perfect love" in this world.
—The Ram's Horn, March 17, 1900, p. 8.
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, June 12, 2007
Said by the Youngsters in Church
1910
Some Bright Remarks Worth Preserving, From Childish Lips
A little girl, after listening to the hymn, "In heaven there stands an ever open door," remarked that there must be two heavens, " 'cause grandma'd never had any open door where she is." And a dear little country laddie, visiting a city Sunday school and hearing about the "many mansions" of the better land, later explained that they had been "studying all about 'Paradise Flats.' "
Ecclesiastical modes and matters frequently are puzzling to the little ones. A small Chicago citizen was taken to a fine church, where the music, windows, furnishings, and all accessories were as impressive as the building. The minister, living up to his enviable reputation as an orator, indulged in a brilliant rhetorical flight.
"I know," he declared, "who gilds the sun and silvers the stars and paints the flowers and tints the sky and lends to the rivers their beauty, to the ocean its glory, to the skies their perfect light," and so on through long and effective periods. Finally came the interrogatory climax: "Who is it, my friends, who performs all these wonders? Who is it? Who?"
From the front pew where the baby listener had been all eager attention came a shrill, disappointed pipe: "You said you knew!"
Some Bright Remarks Worth Preserving, From Childish Lips
A little girl, after listening to the hymn, "In heaven there stands an ever open door," remarked that there must be two heavens, " 'cause grandma'd never had any open door where she is." And a dear little country laddie, visiting a city Sunday school and hearing about the "many mansions" of the better land, later explained that they had been "studying all about 'Paradise Flats.' "
Ecclesiastical modes and matters frequently are puzzling to the little ones. A small Chicago citizen was taken to a fine church, where the music, windows, furnishings, and all accessories were as impressive as the building. The minister, living up to his enviable reputation as an orator, indulged in a brilliant rhetorical flight.
"I know," he declared, "who gilds the sun and silvers the stars and paints the flowers and tints the sky and lends to the rivers their beauty, to the ocean its glory, to the skies their perfect light," and so on through long and effective periods. Finally came the interrogatory climax: "Who is it, my friends, who performs all these wonders? Who is it? Who?"
From the front pew where the baby listener had been all eager attention came a shrill, disappointed pipe: "You said you knew!"
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
The Deadbeat Prophet
Illinois, 1906
Yes, why does not John Alexander Dowie, "First Apostle," pay his debts? That question was bandied forth and back in Zion Sunday and it broke up a meeting arranged by Dowie. Police were called in, but they could do little more than keep the faithful and deluded from strangling each other.
It is a pity that it could not have been answered for Dowie that his debts have been paid. It appears that in these days it is necessary for a man to pay his bills if he lays any claim to being an apostle. The one who will not pay may overlay himself with a coating of seeming sanctity and saintliness and apostleship, but his competitors for the favor of the faithful are likely to get him in a corner at any time and call him a deadbeat The opponents of a professedly pious man are inclined at times to get raggedly familiar with him if he does not and will not pay his bills.
The lesson to be learned from all this is that if you expect to play the role of apostle with success here on earth it has become necessary for you to keep the finances straight. Certainly the time will come when a prophet who does not pay his bills will find himself without honor at home.
—The Daily Review, Decatur, IL, May 14, 1906, p. 4.
Yes, why does not John Alexander Dowie, "First Apostle," pay his debts? That question was bandied forth and back in Zion Sunday and it broke up a meeting arranged by Dowie. Police were called in, but they could do little more than keep the faithful and deluded from strangling each other.
It is a pity that it could not have been answered for Dowie that his debts have been paid. It appears that in these days it is necessary for a man to pay his bills if he lays any claim to being an apostle. The one who will not pay may overlay himself with a coating of seeming sanctity and saintliness and apostleship, but his competitors for the favor of the faithful are likely to get him in a corner at any time and call him a deadbeat The opponents of a professedly pious man are inclined at times to get raggedly familiar with him if he does not and will not pay his bills.
The lesson to be learned from all this is that if you expect to play the role of apostle with success here on earth it has become necessary for you to keep the finances straight. Certainly the time will come when a prophet who does not pay his bills will find himself without honor at home.
—The Daily Review, Decatur, IL, May 14, 1906, p. 4.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Child Would Not Offend Deity
1914
Child's Idea of Everyday Politeness Applied to All Cases and Needs
To a normal child all things and people, even those most highly endowed and wonderful, are to be taken simply. To a polite child, for example, the rules of everyday politeness are sufficient for all cases and needs.
A medical missionary recently returned from India tells the story of a sweet little girl, who was much troubled by the prevailing plague of mosquitoes.
"What does God make them for?" she asked.
Told that the Divine purpose in the matter was unknown, but that such purpose undoubtedly existed, the little one pondered silently for some moments. Then:
"Do you suppose I could ask him about it when I go to heaven?" she inquired. "You see, I'd just love to know why we have to have mosquitoes, but I wouldn't want the good Lord to think me rude."
Church in English Woods
Of Great Antiquity, Sacred Edifice in North Devon Proves Big Attraction to Visitors
Culbone church, which among many others claims to be the smallest church in England, is situated on the coast of North Devon, not far from the picturesque little village of Porlock, and the church is so guarded by hills and woods that the sun's rays reach it only four months of the year.
The building is but 33 feet long by 12 feet 8 inches wide, and has a porch, nave, carved oak chancel screen and Norman font, an alabaster altar piece and a quaint high pew near the chancel, used by the family of Lord Lovelace, by whom the property is owned. The slanted chancel is lit by a tiny, square-headed, iron-barred window, the oldest feature in the church, being pre-Norman, and cut out of a single stone. It is amply large for the population, which is about 35 in a parish of 1,337 acres.
In summer the church is crowded, owing to the influx of visitors from many parts of the world.
Child's Idea of Everyday Politeness Applied to All Cases and Needs
To a normal child all things and people, even those most highly endowed and wonderful, are to be taken simply. To a polite child, for example, the rules of everyday politeness are sufficient for all cases and needs.
A medical missionary recently returned from India tells the story of a sweet little girl, who was much troubled by the prevailing plague of mosquitoes.
"What does God make them for?" she asked.
Told that the Divine purpose in the matter was unknown, but that such purpose undoubtedly existed, the little one pondered silently for some moments. Then:
"Do you suppose I could ask him about it when I go to heaven?" she inquired. "You see, I'd just love to know why we have to have mosquitoes, but I wouldn't want the good Lord to think me rude."
Church in English Woods
Of Great Antiquity, Sacred Edifice in North Devon Proves Big Attraction to Visitors
Culbone church, which among many others claims to be the smallest church in England, is situated on the coast of North Devon, not far from the picturesque little village of Porlock, and the church is so guarded by hills and woods that the sun's rays reach it only four months of the year.
The building is but 33 feet long by 12 feet 8 inches wide, and has a porch, nave, carved oak chancel screen and Norman font, an alabaster altar piece and a quaint high pew near the chancel, used by the family of Lord Lovelace, by whom the property is owned. The slanted chancel is lit by a tiny, square-headed, iron-barred window, the oldest feature in the church, being pre-Norman, and cut out of a single stone. It is amply large for the population, which is about 35 in a parish of 1,337 acres.
In summer the church is crowded, owing to the influx of visitors from many parts of the world.
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