Smyrna times., 1897-07-07
Patriotism in the Pulpit.
HOW THE FOURTH WAS SPENT AT OUR
CHURCHES.

CHURCHES.
Rev. A. Stengle, the pastor, had
well-filled auditorium to hear his pa
triotic, able, and dignifed sermon
Sunday morning. The character of
the occasion was manifest in the pres
ence of the national colors, which
were appropriately displayed. His
text was from the Psalms-"He hath
not dealt so with any nation" The
United States, he held, were no less a
''chosen people" than the Children of
Israel. He traced the origin and his
tory of this nation from the Oppres-
sion of the old country, in search of
place to exercise the liberty of con-
science, followed its successive steps
of building up until it had become a
great nation of 10000, 900 people, and
said that America had done more in
100 years for humanity than the
Israelites had done in 1000.
METHODIST CHRISTIAN ENDEAvORs.
The topic of the Christian Endeavor
Society in the ewing was "COnsecrated
Patriots. MedfOrd H. CahOon, Esq,
of Wilmington, was the leader, and he
was greeted by large and apprecia-
tive audience. The program opened
with an organ voluntary by Mrs.
Marion Coverdale, followed by beau
tiful anthem, ''Praise We the Father"
by the choir. A feature of the sing
ing, which was all good, was a solo by
Miss Miriam P. Sheppard, of Camden,
Del, who sang simple selection in a
sweet, clear voice, and America, by
the Junior Endeavor Society.
The address of the evening was
made by Mr.. Cahoon. taking as his
subject the topic of the day, "Conse-
Grated Patriots" For fifty minutes
he held the close attention of his au-
dience in a vigorous, healthy, mastery
talk, which pleased his hearers.
PATRIOTISM OF THE PREsBYTERIANs.
The Presbyterians did not pass the
day by without some recognition Of
our Nations Birthday. The church
was neatly decorated with flowers and
American flags, and the choir sang
choice music. Rev. j. L. Estlin, the
pastor, took his text from st. John,
Sth chapter, 36th verse: "If the Son
therefore shall make yOW free yolt
shall be free Indeed"
Patriotism was the underlying
thought of his remarks. He said: "a
liberty-loving people believe their
country chosen of God 60 do His will.
At one time He chose the Egyptians
and civilization was born. Again He
made selection and the Hebrews 90
forth to establish religion and the ideals
of Justice, equity and righteousness.
Later on the Greek nation is selected
and the world is adorned with art.
The Romans began their history on
the Palatin Hill and by them men
were taught the majesty Of civil law.
Now, why did these nations fall? II
was because they ceased to acknowl-
edge Gods eternal laws, and this dis
regard brought tyranny, despotism
and ruin. Is it not likely that the
United States of America are the
chosen Of God? This cannot be said
of versatile France, martial Germany,
reactionary Austria, tyranical Russia.
The American people have a better
pedigree. The Greek nation sprang
from eannibals; the Babalonians from
outlaws; the Romans from freebooters,
for Julius Caesar even found the ma
tives Of Briton but painted savages.
The men who laid the foundations
of our American Republic were both
intelligent and pious. We may we'll
] be proud Of our ancestry. Religious