New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-04-13
EfSTER.


newspaper theme Moral reflections are oX
pected from the secular press precisely as jubi-
liant anthems and soul-stirring sermons are
listened for in the churches. We do not know
whether this demand for the annual Easter
article is wholly reasonable Journalism Is con
ccrncd mainly with the progress or the decline OF
political government in tho world, with prob
lens of National legislation and civic admins
tratiOn. with the facts of industrial progress and
the practical business of the day with social
tendencies, intellectual movements and the re-
preston of crime. The newspaper is supposed
to mirror the political activities and intellectual
life of the age. Whatever makes a stir in the
world offers a fresh and timely theme If there
had been newspapers in Athens when Paul
preached from Mars Hill, his sermon would
have been duly reported for the benefit Of a
capricous public that was in hot haste to hear
aud learn of AIRY new thing. But when Christians
began to worship regularly in the classic city OF
temples and the silent influences OF spiritual
activity were at work. what was there for the
ncwsgathcrers to tell! journalism deals with
whatever cometh by observation III the affairs
of men and Nations. The Kingdom that cometh
not by observation lies outside the normal range
of editorial reflection. Those silent activities
which make Christianity what it is--thc breath
nys of its inner spiritual life the secret influ
ences which it is eXertng over the hearts OF
men--these things cannot find expression in the
cold. business like, news-collecting type of the
daily press.
TO the casual observer one Lent is like an
other, and each new Easter, with slight varla-
tons of weather is like the last one. For six
weeks there is less gaycty and excitement
there is less theatre going, dining-o and dane
ing there are fewer scandals and sensations in
society," old instead of new dresses are worn;
and prudent households have convenient time
for retrenchment in running expenses The
fashionable world is not so hostile to the Lenten
season rs the preachers often represent. Amer
leans overdo and exhaust themselves in their
pleasures as they do in the serious business of
life. Ash Wednesday finds them weary with
the winters round of well-ordered but not too
varied attractions. They are content to have
an abatement of social recreations thu ave al
ready lost their freshness and zest. Easter
finds them less jaded and affords them the
pquant sensation of an eXhilarating reaction
from a period of comparative quiet This il
what Easter means outside the churches.
But who shall say what Lent or Easter means
within the churches, where alone their real sig
nGcance is to be caught? Comparative Stats
ties Of the spiritual activities of Lenten seasons
are not within tho reach of the casual moralst
clergyman may contrast, If he chooses, the
fcrvor of one year with the lethargy of another
in the narrow circle of his own experience. He
may know that the attendance at special scrv-
ices has been better or worse, or that his con-
irmation class is larger or smaller, or that he
has been working with or against the tendencies
of his congregation. But if ne be Il wise
preacher, ht will not attempt to measure the
spiritual results and influences of Lenten dis
cipline and retirement, nor to say that this Is a
better Easter than the last. The best work that
is done the best results that are accomplished,
can never be recOunted. The best thoughts and
deepest joys of Eastertide experience cannot be
expressed. The activities of spiritual life and
progress operate secretly without observation.
The sacred senccs of Lent are more impressive
than the services and litanies. The secret stir
rings of the human heart impart to Easter its
highest significance, whether the altar be bare
or crowned with lilies whether the music be
triumphant or cold and lifcloss, whether the
preacher be dull or eloquent
1t is these hidden things that make Easter
what it is in the churches. And so it was on
the first Easter day. The browning work of
resurrection was done in the still hour of the
early morning, and done in silence. Deaths icy
touch suddenly thrilled with the quickenings of
Immortality; the linen clothes and the napkin
we're neatly folded and laid aside and noise
lessly the great stone was rolled away--so noise
lessly that the drowsy guard never suspected
that the greatest of miracles had been wrought
under their eyes. Resurrection had been rs
quiet. peaceful and inexplicable us the growth
of the first Easter lily blossoming near the open
sepulchre. 1t was in silence then-it is in silence
now-that the fairest flowers of the Eastertide
burst into loveliest bloom.
There Is droll feature In this burly -burly over