The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1880-07-15
[PUBLIsHKp sY REouEsT.l !

realized? Yes, for God had given II.
In less than 800 years Israelnumbered
more than 100000 souls.
"Behold what a great matter a lit
tie fire kindleth."
Rome, once the mistress of the world,
with her thousands of inhabitants,
immense treasures, and conquerlng
armies, was, at one time, but seven
barren hills, and the camping place of
two brothers of fabulous birth and
blood>thirsty hearts. A look, Il
thought, 4 word has often been the
means of astounding results, the mo-
mentum of which, has raised, Us by
magic, nations into existence, or
thrown kingdoms of wealth and pow.
er into nOnentity.
The smallest things have developed
characters of the most brilliant hue,
or have made demons of men, who
were made in the image of God.
"A pebble in the strsamIet's scant
Has turned the course OF many river;
A dewdrop on the baby plant
Has warped the giant oak forever
About 100 years ago, Rob't Raikes,
of Gloucester, England, seeing the
necessity of the moral and religious
training of chillren-with II warm
heart, collected tngether the children
of "pin factory" and began, ON each
Sunday, to teach them morality and
religion. Now after the lapse of 100
years, what do we behold: See the
interest in the Christian church for
the salvation of the children. This
great matter" has enlisted the atten-
tim of the press, and weekly periodi-
Gals, adapted TO the moral necessities
of the young, almost food the civiiiz-
ell earth. Men of all grades of intel
lect have been touched by the fire,
and have fallen into line. The sol.
dier, the patriot, the iurlst, have, for
the time being, thrown aside their sew
eral callings and become the humble
teachers of bales. The rosy checked
girl and the marron of maturer years
have carght the holy zeal; the lit
tie miss with dimpled cheeks and flow
ing curis; the little boys with hearts of
love and smiles of peace are gathering
around the cross. All! ALL! ALL!
have ipined the Sabbath>school army,
and o! what an army. Near o,OOO,-
900 in our own country, meet us
around the cross to-day; all to learn Of
Gods creative power; all seeking the
grace of Jesus, for he is our captain.
All All! looking 20 the grand jub'
lice, and as we meet-in view Of the
blessed future-we sweetly sing: "We
will meet in the sweet by and by
How small the beginning of Nh
Raikes; how great the development;
how grand will be the results.
But l wish to improve the present
opportunity, by,
First-Calling attention to the pas
of "Our Country" Now, | am re
minded that this is our nations birth
day. One hundred and four years
ago, this nation came into life. Eng
lands king stoOd with armed legions
and a well.filled treasury-hot will
rage-ready to devour the "illegiti
mate" heir, but "llttle fire" burned
in the hearts of few, and threw thu
child into the cradle of "Indepen
dence," wrapped it in the garment
Equal rights" christened it Free
DOM" unsheathed their swords, ant
cried, Liberty or DEATH" for the ont
or the other of these, I'VE pledge ou
lives, our fortunes, and our most sa
cred honor" Long and fierce wer
the struggles; many bosoms heaved
many hearts ached; blood stained
the territory of the thirteen colonies
priyations dark and troubles lonI
prevailed, but the day finally broke
The heir has now reached his majorl
ty; he stands erect; around him gath
ers his thirteen sons and their Chi
dren, and peace, sweet peace, is tn
song of all. Who is this with sta
/ wart frame and buoyant steps tina
: comes to do homage ut his feet? l
. is George Washington, the father Q
his country. "First in war, first i
peace, and first in the hearts of hi
count. ymen." Independence is nov
declared, nay, has been purchase
, with blood; now Columbia is tn
Gland of the free, and the home of tn
. brave" Nations come to honor hel
A republican form of government an
democratic administration of he
; laws demands universal respect. Civ
r ilization is interviewer into her curriC
, ulum. and religion is the pillow an
ground of her truth. Gods blessing
have settled upon our nations patti
E From villages, towns of promMenc
5 have sprung into being; from towns
$ cities of culture, wealth. and fam
. have budded into life to bedeck OF
geographical plateau. From ter
| and hundreds, have come Thousand
r and millions Of free men TO raise th
flag Of freedom high, and join US t