New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-12-18
inf, the Croton reservoir and not into the
Wv Tariff Reform Leagues soup.
,,l,.n,rlL .SNNUII.

A. Uosnitol Sunday occurs this year on
chr;stmas Day. the fear has been expressed
a., +horo NAV he some dimnution OF the con-
,n;hutions for this worthy cause, as the Christ
ms collection in many churches Is usually
devoted to some other purpose FOR t"'S ic"-
SON the Hospital Sunday COLLECTION Will oe
extended over many Sundays, ana IL Is hopeu
that in this way an opportunity VIII De given
20 overy church TO contribute IT'S offerings 10
this charity.
r. is unnecessary to go into any afgu-
mont 70 prove the need of these collections
Considered merely as philanthropic impulse
opart from religion, hospitals speak Tor theii-
selves They need no advocate sui less
dofonder Their work is directly in the line
of the spirit of altruism, which, III 80 many
ways. is changing the aspect OF modern me-
Fvcn for selfish reasons, they are worthy vi
most generous support; for the measure OF
tbo;r mission is not mems deserts, but their
moods and there are none of us so healthy OF
,roaltbv or so secure from the vicissltudes OF
fortune. that we may not some day be IN
,os;t;or where we will need their merclfu
,niris+,ations The man who helps them this
,.oor with q substantial contribution may nave
70 ask their kind offices next year tor thoso
he loves, or even for himself. Moreover INC
men and women who so unselllShly devote
their lives to the care OF the SICK IN the nos
nitals deserve some substantial marx OF con
fdonco from the community ana IN Wh'iU Dct-
FOR way can that confidence be shown than by
o;vnc them the means wherewith to do thclr
,,orl, 90 that they may not be haraSNed by
financial difficulties? Such work can never be
,Ioosont in itself and many features OF 1t are
actually rcpul>ivc. That so many devoted men
and women do it uncomplaningly, ana even
iovfullv. is due to an enthusiasm Tor human
inv 50 pure and lofty that we need quarreI
with no ono who calls it divine The WorId
is the richer in every way for their devotion
n hclplcss and afflicted humanity, and civil
ization is lifted out Of the low plano OF selfish
moss bv their lives. And surely it is small
thing for the rest of us who are looking on 10
show our sympathy and admiration, not only
by our words. but by Our acts.
TO the churches this duty Of supporting
tho boSpitals comes homo with especial force
II is the boast of Christianity that hospitals
and a,ylums Of all kinds are largely the out
growth If it, teachings. Certainly 1t deVel-
opeI and fostcrcd them at period when inc
| world had little thought or pity Tor those WI"
had fallen by the way in the battle OF ne
And today the Christian Churches arc doing
moro than any other agency to keep alive the
spirit Of brotherhood which alone makes any
,ort of philanthropy possible. Hence, among
other things. the establishment Of Hospital sun
dav few years ago, which was not only a
happv recognition of religious interest IN the
HOSPITALS. but gave individual church members
m opportunity 10 make their contributions TO
| bnspitals an act # religious worship The
popularitv Of the institution. voluntary and I'M
| official though 10 is. has been growing from
wear = year and it i sincerely to be hoped
! that It's conflict with Christians this year Will
not Interfere with its aims. but rather that the
thought OF the helpless Babe in the Manager.
which undprlicS the Christmas festival, will
bring home 10 many hearts the sacred claims
upon every one of us, of all those who,
in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow,
need. sickness or any other adversity.' What
ever NAV be said about the obligations Of those
outside the churches t. help their fcllow-mcn.
there can be no debate about the duty of
Christians t. preach the Gospel Of brothcrly
love and service to Chri>t'S Door and afflicted.
wherever they are found