The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-04-15
A WORD FROM HOWARD"
He Discusses Several Matters of Interest &
Members and Readers.

He Discusses Several Matters of Interest to
Members and Readers.
DEAR II. I. C. BRoTHERs AND SIsTERs-It
has been quite awhile since 1 met with
YOU on the page. Illness has been the
principal barrier; so much of the time not
able to write at all. end the obligations OF
home duties 20 be filed, but trust l have
not been greatly missed.
feel to cherish more and more the
objects and efforts OF our club as | more
fully comprehend the vast amount of
selfishness and greed that actuates the
masses IN their various efforts in life. Re-
Gently | attended an interesting lecture,
delivered by returned missionary from
heather lands. during which ne repre-
sented by stereopticon views upon
canvass the various forms of idols
or Gods that are worshiped by
these heather people; and at the close
he sid Now, l viii show you the Amer
leans God" What! the God OF a Christ
ian country to be shown on canvass? A
thrill of wonder and expectancy seemed
10 pervade the audience for moment. but
soon there upon the canvass stood out
bold and distinct the face of a silver dollar,
and l thought how true it is, our peoples
God. More people today worship the
dollar than do "the true and the living
God" Yet, upon the face of that dollar, in
bold relief stood the words, I'm God We
Trust" and thought how very few who
80 eagerly seek the dollar do truly trust in
God: for if they trusted in Him they
would not resort to all manner of decep-
ton, scheming and classifying for the pur-
pose of gaining this almighty dollar"
Any occupation or profession that depends
on such dishonest methods for its success
truly becomes ignoble, and degenerates
the person so engaged, and when coupled
with spirit of envy or malice, is surely
''an abomination in the sight of God"
While iC is stated as true by biblical
scholars, that throughout the bible there
Is no sin so often mentioned and con-
demned as that OF avarice; there still re-
mains many claiming morality and even
Christianity whose daily life is one con-
slant scramble for money, either directly
or indirectly, caring little for the means
employed TO gain it, and trying to palliate
their conscience by terming it CONNER
cial taCt," business capacity" white
lies" etc. All lies, either by word or act,
are the intentional violation of truth and
cannot differ in quality, and must in
Gods judgment stand so revealed.
One eject always follows all manner of
falsiiying, deception and avarice, that of
closing the avenues OF the soul to all the
higher sentiments and feelings, thus caus-
ing it to become so contracted and stunt
ed in development and the conscience so
scared that such one cannot comprehend
any effort or motive {; owe that of their
own plane of selfshrcss. 1t is an order of
science that those who have advanced or
risen above, can comprehend below them,
while those who are below on the plane
OF the more sensuous life cannot reach 10 a
comprehension of the higher and also by
this law of comprehension, and therefore
attraction souls gravitate 10 their own
level 0! correspondence. Hence the say
ing: Birds OF a feather flock together"
1t Is also true that motive, either good
or bad, is not always cOmprehended for
want OF thought and investigation. For
we as people are little more than surface
swimmers. As one worthy member says:
Everybody reads, but few study" This
is truth worthy of being chrlstened a
maxim. Few. indeed, learn 10 read be-
tween the lines or beyond external ap-
pearances. To read does not merely i'm
ply the use of letters, but in a broad
sense, the consciousness of things gained
by contact with surroundings and its truth
made apparent by study and deep inves-
tigstion, without which there can be no
correct judgment formed, ana hence so
often the apparent success of deception,
vice and immortality so adIOity disguised
10 lead astray those who do not seek for
the motive, or look beyond their present
selfish gain or enjoyment.
Hence the value Of our organization;
the banding together OF those whose
hearts are stirred TO higher purpose than
that OF promoting selfish interests Amor
ganization which, as it is understood, at
tracts and holds in social friendship kim
dred souls in a united effort to advance.
aid and encourage TO higher life, of true
morality and integrity, all who are will ing
and try 10 attain such life. And if there
be many who do not yet understand and
appreciate our efforts, it is but the lot of
all those who advocate true reformation,
and appeal TO the highest nature of hui
mainly. So let us ever be steadfast to the
principles, interests and objects OF the
work before u.s. il we would attain lasting
good.
In conclusion, dear friends, / tender
most hearty congratulations to all our re-
Gently married members. May true hap
piness and long and useful life together
be yours to enjoy, is the wish of yours,
most truly, Howard"
Danvile, Ill, April IL.