The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-09-18


we must face, daily ana almost hourly
which, while they may present, apparent
IT, but insignificant details, yet IN thell
results reach far down into the vital pilh-
ciples of our very religious existence. our
country il not a Christian country IN gov
eminent. in statute, nor by constitutional
or legal enactment. but by preponderance
OF an overwhelming majority u - so III
sentiment and IN atmosphere. we may
with correctness say We are HFihs III
Christian community. Outside Of our own
homes and social gatherings ana our
house OF worship. our environment ana
its compelling influence Is not that or our
own teachings. our children on the
streets and at school, are constantly re-
minded OF a faith not their own our
nolidavs are 10 them a source OF neon
venienoe and OF additional work al school,
while. on the contrary, the days observed
in oommemoration of a Christian insutu-
ton are a Joyful relaxation We e-aefs
are affected In the same way CnFlslhlaS
ana Easter are turning points IN the conn
mercial year. Most OF us violate our own
Sabbath day and observe that or our
neighbors. We were more tndh hunna"
ala we remain unaffected by these iniiu-
nnIEH
cause they are beneath the surface. Inc
average human being moves along me
line of least resistance. Thus we ma
most pathetic. but not surprising. indlUer-
ence 10 our own teachings steadhy STOW"
ing among old and young. The hold OF
faith upon them Is growing weaker theF
willingness to make sacrifices FOR IL pei
ceptihly lessening, and most patneilc OF
All their moral strength IS waning Iha'
sturdv integrity that wiz not aoaie lh
face Of an temptation, that high npDills
of character that never stoops 10 IAN
mean advantage, that irreproacnaui1 iIDn.
or that will not tarnisn us ltr ltor'
for the sake OF gain, that inooHl az
courage that bears up under every 80.
ter. that sublime faith that sees GOO
eve, through it's tears that hears HIS
| voice above its own sobbing, mat ieeis
His comfort I'm It's pain-numped heaIt,
| mat cries I'm it's deepest sorrow, on Ily
Fatber Thou art the just judge lHy
| u,iu he doner' these the most prell9u'
| noseossions Of ufe-these are snpphB
| from ms. Shall we lose them, on my
| friends. without making an eHolt 70
| gain them-an united effort or youns e.'I I
"a ~ men and matron and youth ana
maid?
A NEW ERA or FAITH
Let this New Year be likewise new ~
era Of faith. Lift up your means, "a, .,
| gates and be We lifted up, we eNeIia5,'l.s
| Soors and let the King Of Glory enter.
WIZ fs the King OF Glory2 God, potent
| ana ali powerful; He IS the King oi
| Glory" 1Ps. pa Lift up your heads, on,
nv friends. and let the doors or you'
bearts be opened, and let our King OF
| Glory enter. -.
See what an inspiring example we nave
IN the norton which was read lo-uay
| When Abraham went forth 10 the cfl7i9
Of his trial al the binding OK isaac az,
| leaving his serving lads u is saiu' an.
| n+bs two Of them fhe and Isaac went
| along together" And later, after isaac
| had asked his simple question as 10 the
| whereabouts Of the lamb for slaughter
| q IL again said. "and tho two went To-
| gethero Abraham, OF course, believed
| mai he was going 10 a fearful agony me
| Nfidrash tells US that Samuel told isaac
| whittier and why ne WAS going ana YET
| "the two went together" what an eA-
ouisite picture OF sublime faith. tather
| and son, old age and youth, going 10 the
supreme trial for faiths sake, ana soihs
| together eide by side, the father ls@n-Hs
| upon the strength Of the son. ana ne son
/ trusting In the wisdom OF the father. HOW
1
See, yonder is the mountain raising high
| its hoary head into tina clouds. standing
| our bold and prominent above the sur
| rounding plain, and seen from afar on.
on one side rests the serving lads with
the patient beast OF burden, waiting tne
return of their master. Sec him with
| his son, climbing the mountain side-the
| one gonng 10 make more than his own
lifes sacrifice, the other knowing he was
| to be sacridced-yet both going together
up up into the mountain heights or q
spiritual glory as Is seldom recorded In
the annals of men. Why cannot we make
thus an united effort for moral uplifting
why cannot we, father and son, mother
and daughter, old and young, all together
walk up the mountain Of spiritual growth
OF nobility OF character OF splendid
honor, OF holy action. OF the pure. God
fearing. righteous life.
THE VOICE OF THE SHoFAR.
| This New-Year's calls TO US 10 awaken
The voice of the Shofar Is silent, becaus'
| this Is the Sabbath day. That very siienc'
Is eloquent with appeal. IL means reve
renee. that exquisite fragrance or faith
Ii. means sacrifice; Il means conservation
Let our lives, too be eloquent with thes
things Let our very conduct speak will
the tones of truth, and make heard tn
| voice Of earnest conviction blessed b.
ne that eemeth In the name Of Cod" wa
the greeting we give 10 the year; W.
bless thee from the house OF God" Aye
so be IL. We will bless the year from tn
house Of God. We will make this hous'
i Of Cod the central sun Of our world