The National tribune., 1903-04-23

cient religions work for the army in this
section than any other man.
The first anniversary of the Christian
Commission was held on Jan. ~, lS63, III
the Academy of Music, Philadelphia. Adj
dresses were delivered by George III.
Stuart, Rev. Robert Patterson, Bishop
Matthew Simpson, Col. s. NJ. Bowman,
w. +. Dodge, and former Governor
James Pollock.
The second anniversary of the Christian
Commission was held in the hall of the
House of Representatives. Hon. Will
liam II. Seward. Secretary of State. pre-
sided, and President Lincoln, Fice-Presi-
dent Hamlin, and members of the Cabinet,
Chief Justice Chase, Admiral Farragut,
and many members of Congress attended.
Addresses were made by Secretary Sew
ard, George II. Stuart, Gen. NJ. X. Pat
rick, Gen G.. Il. Fiske, and others. Chap
lain McCabe sang 1.-The Battle Hymn of
the Republic" and Philip Phillips .'Your
Mission" by special request of President
Lincoln.
BOTH SONGS THRILLED THE AUDIENCE
and were accompanied with manifesto
lions of extra ordinary emOtiOn-the first
stirring every heart like the blast of a
trumpet and the second by its tenderness
and pathos suffusing an eyes with tears.
1t was noticed that President Lincoln rose
with the thirmg and joined heartily in the
chorus of the Battle Hymn, and that
while Mr.. Phillips was singing he shared
fully in the emotions of those around him.
As appropriate TO this occasion the
words of the last song are here given.
YOUR MISSION.
BY Mrs Ellen Huntington Gates.
If You cannot on the ocean
Sail among the swiftest fleet,
Rocking on the highest pillows,
Laughing at the storms you meet;
You can stand among the sailors,
Anchor'd yet within the bay,
You can lend hand to help them,
AS they launch their boats away.
If you are too weak to journey
Up the mountain steep and high;
You can stand within the valley,
While the multitudes go by;
You can chant in happy measure,
AS they slowly pass along,
Though they may forget the singer
They will not forget the song.
If you have not gold and silver
Ever ready to command;
If you cannot towards the needy
Reach an ever open hand;
You can visit the afflicted,
Ger the erring you can weep,
You can be true disciple,
Sitting at the SaviOur's feet.
If you cannot. in the harvest
Garner up the richest sheaves,
Many a grain, both ripe and golden,
Will the careless reapers leave;
Go and CLEAN among the briers,
Growing rank against the wall,
ha fhaf fhaip 81,
Hides the heaviest wheat of all.
IL you cannot in the conflict
Prove yourself soldier true,
If, where fire and smoke are thickest,
There's no work for you to do;
When the battlefield is silent
You can go with careful tread,
YOu can bear away the wounded,
You can cover up the dead.
Do not, then, stand idly waiting
For some greater work to do;
., improve each passing moment,
For our moments may be few.
Go and toll in any vineyard,
Do not fear to do or dare;
If You want n field of labor
You can find it anywhere.
A MEETING OF THE CHRISTIAN COMMISSION
was held Sunday evening, Feb 90, 1863,
in the hall of the House of Representa-
tives by special vote of the House. Chief
Justice Chase presided, and addresses
were made by Gen. o. o. Howard. Adj
miral A. ii. Foote, Hon. Horace May
nard. former Governor J. Pollock, Rev
w. J. r." Taylor, Rev. J. II. Duryea, G.
II. Stuart, and Joseph Patterson.
The ANIMAL meeting Of the Christian
Commission was held in Washington in
the Il Street Baptist Church on Jan. 90,
1860, and the delegates called on Prcsi-
dent Lincoln and extended their thanks to
him for furthering their work.
In response, Mr.. Lincoln disclaimed any
title to thanks for what he had done. Nor
do know" said he, that l owe you any
thanks for what you have done. We have
all been laboring for common end. You
feel grateful for what have done-that
is right; and l certainly feel grateful for
what you have done-that is right; and
yet in the fact that we have been laboring
for tie same end, the preservation of our
country and the welfare Of its defenders,
has been our motive and joy and reward"
The fourth and last anniversary was
held or Sunday evening, Feb. II, 1885, in
the hall of the House Of Representatives,
on which occasion Speaker Colfax pre-
sided. Letters were read from Secreta-
ries Stanton, Seward, and Chase, Gems.
Grant, Sherman. Meade, Howard, Pat
rick, Hancock, Thomas. Burnside, Butler,
Ord. Barnes, and Meigs, and Admiral
Farragut.
Addresses. we're made by Speaker Col,
fax, Charles z Demond, Admiral G. m.
Davis, Rev. Herrick johnson, Senator
Doolittle, Gen. Augur, Rev. b. w. Child.