The times., 1898-10-26

gent import. In the life of the nation,
as in the life of the church, we may not
forget that 1t is not our cleverness, not
our wealth. not our numbers, that are to
determine these.
No genius in craftsmanship. no mere
bulk in our accumulations, no numerical
greatness constitute enduring strength.
whether in those issues that affect great
social problems or great national under
takings. In the increasing complexity of
our American life, with its endless varie-
ties of radical traditions, its ever-increas-
ing accentuation of social or commercial
rivalries or competitions, its not unnatu-
raj disposition to grasp at territorial aS-
grandiZement or imperial expansion, ere
need forever to be heard the clear notes
of those august and simple axioms on
which rest integrity of character and
righteousness of conduct. II is the per-
petual temptation of success whether it
be the success of the individual or the
triumphS of the state, TO forget these. and
to believe, living as we are in the hot
glare of our personal or national tri-
umphs, that force and will and the splen-
dor OF illustrious achievement are the
things that make a people great. And
yet forever through all the clamor and
glitter of these there penetrate the clear
tones of that unerring voice which is the
voice of conscience and or duty, because
il is the voice of God.
Office of the Church.
To make men pause and hearken for
that voice, the voice of that divine vicar
of Christ, which is the voice of God, the
Holy Ghost, this is our office. yours and
ours, dear brethren, and then to persuade
men to obey it. No social reconstructions.
no political mechanism, no art of intel
Loo a..l
leadership, will suffice to lift men out of
those lower airs of greed and corruption
and self-seeking, down into which ma
tion or man may so easily and so swift
ly descend-nothinE, in one word save
that one transcendent power which, as it
wrought once to change the heart of He
brew sophist and Roman soldier into the
heart of chidlike obedience to Jesus
Christ, waits to work its kindred miracle
today. Be students of your age and the
disciples of all best learning of your gen.
GRAFTON, but never forget that God alone
can guide, and God the Holy Ghost alone
renew, enlighten. and upbuild US.
Final Prayer.
Let us pray, then, brethren, for the out
pouring of the spirit of God. May the
blessed angels who minister unto the
heirs of salvation waken us all out of
sleep, as the prophet of old was awaken
ed. and make clearer to us the vision of
the source of life. the mission of the
Comforter. Could we all look up with
simple faith, win2lng our prayers with
our aims, that they might go up as a
memorial before God, the windows of
heaven would open. and such blessing
be poured out that there would not be
room enough to receive n.
May the blessed Spirit breathe upon us
with His quickening power and hll our
hearts with love and hope. establishing
in us that kingdom which is righteous
ness, joy. and peace in the Holy Ghost
And may the God of Peace. Who
brought again from the dead our Lord
Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the
Sheep through the blood of the everast-
ing covenant, make you perfect in every
good work To do His viii, working in you
that which is well-pleasing in His sight,
through Jesus Christ, 10 Whom he glory
forever and ever. Amen.
When Bishop Gailor finished the Te
| Deum was sung, after which a special
prayer of Thanksgiving was offered by
I Bishop Doane. The benediction was
spoken by Bishop Whipple.
The recessional hymn, Jerusalem, the
Golden" followed, the choir and bishops
marching out as they had entered. and
the triennial convention of 1895 was at an
end