Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-09
Sunday Morning Talk
The Autumnal Reunions.

Summer scatters, but autumn reunites
the members OF numerous social circles
who have been dispersed far and wide dur
ing the heated term. Joyous, indeed. as
rule are these reunions OF parents and
children, teachers and pupils. pastors and
parishfoners, and often they date the be-
ginning Of new eras. For people who have
been separated for a considerable time can
never resume relations exactly where they
were broken OF. They have changed per-
ceptibly or imperceptibly. There has been
either growth or deterioration. Absence
has either made the heart grow fonder. or
the proverb "out Of sight out OF mind
has found fresh illustration. Distance
from one another has cooled some fires
that perhaps had blazed too brightly. 1t
has given a new perspective to life. ana
some of the things that once seemed dig
now look trifing, while other matters. Tor
merly looked upon as of slight conse-
ouence, have grown large and command
ing. Thus does separation serve a multi
tude Of uses good or bad.
The reuniting Of members OF the same
circle is one Of the sweetest features OF
the autumn. The other day at a great
railway station crammed with travellers
returning from the mountains and the
shore I witnessed the greeting of a young
girl in her teens and her mother. The girl
was nicely, even daintily attired; she look
ed fresh and happy after her summer out
ing. The mother seemed care-worn; l
doubted whether she had been away from
home at all. I fancied that there might
not have been money enough to provide
an outing for both mother and daughter. so
the former. with that spirit OF seit,ooaati0n
SO characteristic Of mothers. had cheerfully
sent her child away. But now she was
back, and after an affectionate salutation
the two went of together arm in arm.
My imagination followed then into the
Nov. mother. It's your turn to rest. and
YOU are going to sit in the rocking chair
and hear about my good times while get
supper" did not believe that the pretty
maiden had come back to put on airs"
to compare unfavorably her plain sur
roundings with the more luxurious home
where she had been a guest. i saw in her
rather the type Of many sons and daugh.
from q mighty good time with the girls"
or the fellows" to love their own home
all the better, to be kinder to the old folks
than ever before
Think. too, of the reunions that will be
going on this month and next in thousands
Of school buildings Over $4,000. 900 pupils
can be found In the public schools Of the
United States alone Many Of them shrink
from another season of confinement and
routine, but down deep in their hearts
right-minded boys and girls rejoice that
they have the privilege Of getting that
priceless boon-a good education. And
to see again the faces OF admired teachers.
to renew the happy comradeship Of student
life Is q gladstone thing. Only let the new
term be on q higher level than the old. Let
animosities and prejudices. let sloth and
truanoy have no place in the record Of
the new school year.
This Same gentle admonition may, per-
haps, be offered to those resuming the
common duties and responsibilities Of
church maintenance. Better put some
memories behind you: better greet your
brethren In the pews and your leader IN
the pulpit with hearty handmade that
carries with Il the pledge OF greater fdel-
than hitherto. Such spirit may make the
new church year notable for harmony and
nroarasa THE PARSON.