The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1900-03-02
LENT.

Ou euuosudy, ASH "ooAoeuoys
Lent commenced. For the next forty
days, excluding Sundays, the Faith
full are exhorte d to come apart from
the world and rest and refresh their
souls for there are so many of the
cares of this world coming and going
that there is not for all, leisure to par
take of spiritual food. The open
church door asks each and every one
to come and daily kneel with his
fellow man i'll penitence, confession
and petition. Fast by denying oneself
luXuries, amusements and social
functions that each may have time
and mind and heart for spiritual
food and pleasure; tongue, temper,
habits that self.control may be learn
ed. Such in brief, are the rules to
guide all who profess religion as is
taught by those churches which OBJ.
serve the Lenten season.
Lent is of very ancient, if it be not
even of primitive, institution. The
earliest illusions to it speak Of it as
an established usage handed down
from the Fathers. The forty days
period is commemorative of our
Lords forty days fast, or of the similar
perfunctory fasts of Moses and Elias.
In the acts of the Apostles it is record
ed that, on some special occasions
fasting, in connection with prayer
was practiced both by apostles and
churches. In the Epistles it is
recognized as at times helpful to the
offering of special prayer. st. Chry-
stom says that "as many persons used
to come to the communion thought
lessly, especially at the time Of the
year when Christ first gave it to his
disciples, our fore-fathers appointed
forty days for fasting, prayer, preach
ing and holy assemblies; that all men
being carefully purified by prayer,
alms-deeds, fasting, watching, tears
and confession, might come with a
pure conscience to the holy table,"
While the observance of Lent is
confined to comparatively few
religious denominations as part of
the church ritual, yet its observance
in some measure is recognized by
every one who processes Christianity.
Certain religious rites may possibly
be deemed unnecessary, yet in some
other manner it is commemorated by
not doing or denying oneself some
otherwise innocent pleasure.
While we of the broader faith do not
deem it necessary to abstain from our
ordinary meals and are accustomed
to take the usual nourishment for
our bodies yet we find ourselves, un-
consciously perhaps, drawing in or
curtailing our actions during these
forty days of fasting and prayer.
There are many persons in the world
who believe that going to church, if
not compulsory, is a very commend.
able habit but for some reason or
other, often trifling, are seldom seen
within church doors. During Lent,
however, many of these same persons
are frequent public worshippers. 1t
is h wellknown fact that during this
holy season churches are better filled
than any other time Of the year. In
many other ways we can see the OBJ
servapce particularly in the decrease
OF theatre goers and social entertain
ments. To the set which commonly
denominates itself society" there is
a thorough relaxation,
Viewed from any standpoint the OBJ
servance of Lent is an excellent habit.
There must be relaxation after effort.
Our minds and bodies cannot stand
the strain without rest. And what is
more striking or uplifting than for
us to divest ourselves of worldly
thoughts and endeavor to throw off
the carnal mind and walk spiritually
with God. Few men allow themselves
to come In contact with the pure
spirit of the Creator. They shudder
at the thought, and yet how vain and
futile it is to permit or harbor the
thought that God does not know our
Utmost feelings. Then, let US divest
ourselves during this penitential sea-
son of any false hopes, or theories and
endeavor to draw nearer to God, re-
lying entirely on him for help, success
and strength. We will come forth
with renewed strength the better en-
abled to battle with the hard cruel
selfish world and with courage I'M
daunted, tread the thorny path of life
with an uplifted heart, that nothing
can cast down, drawing each day,
comfort from our affections with an
unwavering faith in a blissful i'm
mortality.