The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1874-05-14
THE CRUSADER.
Au Essay read before the HSlls6Oro Tenn
perance association, Aprlz 2s, 1874.
BY MISS E. L. GnANDG1RARD.


The tourist, who visits Westminster Abbey
and the solemn crypts of the old eathedrals
of the Continent, cannot fail to observe,
that among the monuments that crowd their
''fretted aisles" some attract far more than
others the attention of the visitor. Let us
approach agroup of these, and see for our
selves the object of their scrutiny.
What is there in that recumbent figure to
interest SO deeply? A statue rudely carved,
with helmet, shield and sword, with limbs
crosses, and crosses engraved on arm and
buckler-all these symbols tell US, that this
is the tomb of Crusader, one ofHthcse to-
BILE knights, who fell myrtyr to his zeal
As we stand by, and think of the heroic de-
votion and the self-sacrifce of these men,
to what they considered a religious duty,
we cease to wonder that after lapse of
600 years, they still should claim the worlds
attention. Self-consecration and self-sacri-
fee are admirable in any age. As we gaze,
the power of association brings to our mind
the great army of Crusaders, marching to
Palestine, with banners bright and pen
mons gay, clad in armor, yet enduring hun
ger, thirst, privation, separated for years
from friends and home and native land.
And what purpose could thus animate
their souls, and induce them to bear thus
patiently ''all the ills that flesh is heir tor"
Hear the answer in their battle-cry, "God
wills it! God wills it," They wish to res
cue from the pollution of the Turk the land
made sacred by the footprints of the Sa-
vior, the sepulchre that once contained His
pierced body. Though we, with our great
er light, may deem them misguided zealots,
and think that the eleven millions of men
that engaged in these Crusades and the two
millions who fell victims to their zeal,
might have employed their energy to more
purpose, and done God more service, in
enlghteniDg as far as they could, the poor,
benighted Mahommedan, still they are
worthy of our respect, as they acted ac-
cording to the light of their conscience.
But let us leave the old world, with its
historic associations, and return to the new,
that was not even dreamed of when the last
Crusade was ended. Come to the fair,
broad West, and you will see a grander
sight, and learn more impressive lesson,
than Europe has ever seen or History has
revealed to us. In this beautiful town we
all love SO much, and whose prosperity is
so dear to US, what scene presents itself?
Who are these, with earnest faces, walking
slowly down the street? Their counten-
ances express determination, their bodies
may be frail, but their faith is strong, and
you see nobility of purpose in all their
bearing, ''These," the sooffer and sneer-
ing skeptic will say, ''are but fanatical wo-
men, singing and praying in the streets, to
be seen of men, when they should be
keepers at home, as the Apostle so wisely
advises!" Do not be surprised that these
critics can quote scripture SO glibly. Did
not Satan tempt our Savior with ''Thus
saith the Lord?"
In this solemn and impressive process
sion, see the venerable matron, with silver
locks, forgetting the infrmities of age, in
her desire for doing good; the middle-aged
woman, in the full plenitude of her powers,
both physical and mental; the young moth
er, solieitous for the safety of her young
sons; and the blooming maiden, whose ar
dent zeal and bird-like voice cheer the
band with songs of praise.
But what can have called them from
their peaceful fresides? What is their
purpose? All! it is greater than any Cru
sader's of the olden time. 1t is the rescue
of husbands, brothers, sons, from tyranny
worse than the Turk 's-men, who by Gods
grace can be made fit temples for the in
dwelling of the Holy Spirit-to free the
loved ones from the powers of strong drink
and the grasp of the arch-enemy.
You may say that the enemy is entrench-
ed, the foe is willy and cunning; that the
assailant is weak and powerless when she
leaves her natural sphere-home. Be not
dismayed. God has ''chosen the weak
things of the earth to confound the mighty, +"
and they glory in their weakness, if there
by the cause of God is honored.
Nor do they throw themselves in the
breach, unguarded and unarmed. No val
liant Crusader ever went forth to battle,
clad in such panoply as they wear. Our
| mndar7, Crura dar-for VIA anoonf fha mama
given in derision, and will make it as signif-
cant of good as other titles bestowed in the
same spirit-( Methodist, ''Hugenot,
''Yankee'O is furnished with weapons from
the armory of Heaven, with the helmet of
salvation on her head, with the shield of
faith on her heart, with which she shall be
able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked, her loins girt about with truth, her
feet shod with the preparation of the Cos
pei of Peace, and the sword of the Spirit,
both quick and powerful, what can she not
accomplish? With such arms, how can she
fail of success? Who would dare be dis
couraged?
NOA ID BLU uAS5uh4uCu odN uOI, LUZ
am with thee; be not dismayed, for 1 am
thy God," is the declaration of the great
Leader. Yes, could our eyes be opened
as were those of the Prophets servant, we
might see the shining hosts guarding His
children, who are battling for His cause.
What encouragement, dear sisters, have
you in your noble warfare! The good al
ready accomplished has been so often and
so eloquently set forth by our wiser breth-
rem and venerable fathers in the cause, that
it would be both invidious and presumpt-
uous in me to dwell upon it, particularly as
1 have been prevented from taking an ac-
tive part in your self-denying labor. To
participate in your tolls is an honor which
every Christian and true-hearted woman
must covet.
There are some indirect advantages re-
sulting from this reform, which must strike
every observer very sensibly.
First. It gives woman an outlet for
her latent energy. There are many hours
in every woman's life when her household
cares are ended, that she could devote to
something higher than crochet or embroid-
of koLinn