Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1893-07-26
The Summer Christian

AhO
A very large proportion of the peo-
pie who annually spend a portion of
the summer away from home are
church members. There is reason to
fear that much smaller proportion
take care to conduct themselves while
on their vacations in such manner as
to do credit to their Christian profes-
sion. Sometimes seeming sanction
is given to the scoffing remark of world
ly observers that church members
when they take an outing leave be.
hind their p iety as well as their busi-
ness. In most instances whatever
degree of truth there may be for such
criticisms arises rather from want Of
thought than want of principle. Hypo-
cricy isnot 80 common as carelessness
Perhaps the chief form of iDconsis-
tency on the part of churchgoing
people whent on their vacations con-
sists in neglecting to go to church
Generally there is no lack of oppor-
tunities for public worship. There is
scarcely a seaside, lakeside or noun
tain side resort in the country where
divine services is not held at least once,
in at least one spot, every Sunday.
To be sure, many of the pleasant
appurtenances to which one is accus-
toned may not be found. The sum-
mer sojourner is perhaps stranger
among strangers. He can not listen to
the voice of his favorite preacher or to
the music of an artistic choir. In very
many cases, especially at the less
popular resorts, one is unable to attend
service conducted according to the
forms and by a clergyman of his.own
denomination. At the same time, the
vacationist feels freer than usual to
stay away from church, since the
probability is that no one who knows
him will know whether he goes or
stays. Thus he is tempted in two ways
to absenteeism by a diminished attrac-
ton and diminished impulsion.
But mere church attendance on q
Sunday morning or afternoon does not
fill the measure of consistent Chris
tian's vacation duty. It is an unpleas
ant thing to say, yet no more than
truth, that good many city church
members, quite prosperous in worldly
affairs and liberal in paying pew rent
ais at home, contribute little or moth
ing to meet the expense of worship at
their summer resort. Let us charit-
ably hope that thev do not mean to be
SO mean as their conduct implies. 1t
may be that they cherish vague i'm
preston that the Gospel is one of the
bounties of nature, like Congress water
at Saratoga or the surf at Newport.
Once more, there is a duty besides
what relates to hearing sermons and
dropping cash into the contribution
box. In a vast number of delight
full little summer resorts there is hardly
any permanent population at all The
summer church is dependent upon the
summer congregation for everything
from the clergyman to the sexton.
In many such places the meeting house
is closed from October to June.
Therefore it behooves every right
hearted worshiper to lend hand and
lend voice in keeping the work going
Some have musical ability. Others
are endowed with gifts of acceptable
speech in meetings for social worship.
Yet Others are qualified to teach in
Sunday School. 1t is a quaint old
saying that the devil never takes va
cation. If that be true the fact does
not prove that his enemies should fol-
low his example by refusing even to
quit their regular business and abode ;
but certain it is that the sincerely
religious man or woman has no need
and should have no inclinotion to lay
aside at any time or in any place
the practice of Christian activitie.
The body demands rest and recrea tons.
The mind becomes weary with toll and
must relax but the pure heart never
languishes, the noble soul runs and is
not weary, walks and is not faint
New York Press.