The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-08-20

attention to the fact that few people
would, even If they could, distinguish
between the accidents and the sub
stance, between the incidents and the
intent of the gathering. This is nat
ural because the incidents are on the
surface, and superficial, while the sub
stance is hidden to unthought. Per-
sonal fear would lead TO magnifying
of the evils incident to such gather
ings, and so make them more proml-
nent.
He then proceeded to enumerate
certain evils incident to such events;
such as fear for the safety of children;
increased temptation to lawlessness,
growing out of crowds; the presence
OF p!ckpockets, sneak thieves and
offensive camp followers in general.
The desire to make money, to in
crease political opportunities, etc.
He then referred to the sale of liquor
and expressed hope that the saloon
might be closed during the hours set
by the PEOPLE of Michigan; and to
to the rumors relative to the increase
of pest sports in the city, and called
on his hearers to sustain the marshal
and CITY Attorney in the suppression
of the threatened epidemic of lust.
Referring to these as incident to such
events he next called attention to the
purpose of the gathering. 1t was
reunion of men who had common
interest, and sympathies born of COM
mon danger, hardships and victories.
AS the christian has always been best
symbolized in some essential points
in the soldier-as one ready to obey
his captains order, sacrifice all in
loyalty to his cause, so death is anal
gous to the roll call after the battle,
and heaven is the reunion of the
soldiers of God. In the meeting of
friend with friend between whom
special love exists. AS the old vete-
ran loves to take the hand Of a tent
mate, SO the christian in heaven will
love to meet those nearest to him on
earth. But the ground of affinity is
deeper than personal; it is loaded
on real relationship on the part of
TIE soldier, the fact that one loved
and fought for his country, on the
part of the christian the fact that one
loved God and fought the battle of
right. AS the coming reunion will
be time of jubilation over past con.
quests, so will heaven be place of
jubilant recall. There will be no
monotony there. AS the reunion is a
cause of devout gratitude on the part
of every spared soldier so will heaven
be to those who are there. AS at this
reunion there will be large number
of those deeply interested IN the
event, who for various causes did not
have part as combatants so at the
saints reunion, there will be heaven
ly host interested in mans story of
the holy war-which they would have
entered-but the work of redemption
is committed to men, not angels.
The church is divided into three div
isions, the church dormant, the church
militant, the. church triumphant.
The church dormant are hiding in
the trenches, dropping to the rear, in
short are playing towards. The
church militant are fighting the bat
ties of truth and right in the shop, in
streets, in the homes, by the voice,
and pen, in the din OF political strife
every true and fearless man is of that
church militant. Every stinted policy
man, to weak to have an opinion, too
dishonest to hold it if it costs any,
thing, too fearful to announce it is of
the church dormant. The church
triumphant are gathering at the saints
reunion IN heaven. He who takes
up his cross, and in right manful
way fights for truth and right in the
name of the God Of battles, will be
decorated at the hands of the Great
Captain with badge of loyalty, and
receive the we'll done which heroes
deserves.