The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1901-02-22
LENT.

With the onward march of time we
have again approached the Lenten or
penitentialseason. For thepast year
our minds busted with thoughts of
worldliness have either pursued the
elusive almighty dollar, or the glitter
ing bauble of pleasure, and the time
has now arrived when it is well for
us to lay aside the daily round to
which we have become accustomed,
and, in the words of the Master,
"Come We apart and rest awhile"
While Lent is not a regularly
ordered event in all of the churches
yet as the years go by the fitness Of
its observation has become more ap-
parent, and the most straight laced
congregations have gradually I'M
Bonded to its prevailing customs.
Of course, Lent is like all other holy
periods. No one, for instance, knows
nor does history inform us that the
day of our Saviour nativity was the
25th of December, yet universal GUS
tom has made this the time when this
important event is celebrated. Lent
is not even fixed at any arbitrary
time and it seldom occurs at the same
period in different years. 1t can
therefore readily be seen that the inn
portance of all these different periods
is the commemoration of the different
events in our Saviour's life.
The actual Tasting imposed by some
of the churches is simply the outward
show of the proper humiliation ofthe
inward spirit. Throughout our
Lords life, humility ofspirit was con-
stantly taught. From his humble
advent into the world in a manager
down to his ignoble death with
thieves upon the cross, He taught
by precept and example that the true
Christian must show that just hon.
age which a creature owes to its
creator.
After all what is more commenda-
BILE than a proper degree of humility.
How we shun the companionship of
a conceited person, and how we love
the gentle spirit of one who has a
modest estimate of his own worth.
The season of Lent gives to every
one ample time to examine into his
inmost feelings. By temporarily
laying aside the gaities OF life, oppor-
tunities are allowed to see just how
close we are trying to follow in the
footsteps that lead to higher and
better things. Abstaining from those
things which in themselves are at
the most only 1uxuries teach us the
excellent lesson of self denial. The
frequent practice of these denials en-
able us to discover just how much
control we have over our inclinations
and desires. To be able to properly
control ones own self is the first step
towards Christian life. Whenever
we feel that a habit, no matter how
trifing, is gaining the ascendency we
should Immediately curb it in order
to circumscribe our actions and keep
our desires within due bounds. The
proper life is one that respects spirit
ofmoderation in all things. The laws
of nature are memorable on this SUBJ
ject. Any excessis promptly punished
by Dame Nature and if her first pro-
tests are not needed disastrous re-
suits inevitably follow.
So now during the penitential sea-
son let purge our minds and bodies
of that which is earthly and as Christ
prepared His body while it was in
the shape of man for it's future abode
SO should we emulate His example by
endeavoring to accept His teachings,
the better to enable us to reach that
Temple not made with hands, eternal
in the Heavens.
THE COUNTY FAIR.