Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-08
CONDUCT AND BELIEF
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT AD-
DRESSES EPIsCoPALIANs.


ident Roosevelt delivered the principal ad-
dress at the services held today to commem-
crate the 2OOth anniversary of Christ Epis-
copal Church
The little edifice was beautifully decorat-
ed. The pulpit was banked with hydrangeas
and golden rod, and the aisles were lined
with the same flowers. The nave was filled
with ferns and plants. Mrs. Roosevelt
coupled a pew close to the chancel rail.
With her was Mrs. w. Emlen Roosevelt.
Although admission to the church was by
ticket only, those fortunate enough to pos
sess the coveted bits of cardboard took no
chances, arriving early in order to be sure
of seats. Around the-doors gathered those
who lacked the permits to enter. and glared
enviously at friends who were able to gain
admission.
Rev. Frederick. Burgess followed Mr..
Washburn. He took for his subject THE
Real Mission of the Episcopal Church in
American Life" The bishop of Long Island
prophesied that it was only question of
time before the Episcopal Church would
embrace all other denominations and be-
come the church universal.
After brief addresses by Rev. Mr.. Geer
and Rev. DR.. Vandewater, President Roose-
welt was introduced by Mr.. Washburn as
the friend of all Of u.s."
Evil Tendencies at Work.
President Roosevelt said in part:
1T Is true that evil tendencies are at
work among us, but there are good ten
dencies at work as well. don't believe we
are worse today than we ever were. Not
that I mean," he added hastily, that we
are very good.
II feel" the President resumed after the
laughter had subsided, that there has been
a worldwide growth in broad Christian
charity. l believe that the different creeds
are coming closer and closer together all
the time. The churches are realizing that
they can best serve the Lord by standing
shoulder to shoulder in the war for clean
living in the home and nation. Let those"
the President exhorted, who profess Chris
tianity give in their lives an approximate
expression of the faith that is In them. I
doubt if we can do more than that 1t is
the conduct of the average man who goes
to church, not his conduct on Sundays, but
on weekdays, that leads the public to de-
termine the worth Of the creed he processes.
A man shows both in how he earns as well
as in how he spends his money whether
the word of the Lord Is really in him.
The Church Necessary.
The President said:
IT trust our old friends realize how good
1t is to see them back again. l have only
a word or two to say. I cannot understand
any American citizen, who has the faintest
feeling of patriotism, failing to appreciate
the welfare of the country. If 1t were not
that the growth of the church has 9eorre-
sponded with the growth of our towns and
cities this would not be nation today, Tor
the country would not be a fit home for
civilized men. Our prosperity must only
serve as the base on which to build our
higher spiritual life. As fayman who fs
not expected to go into any question OF
dogma, l wish to emphasize the Importance
Of our people being taught to realize that
Christianity manifests itself In the lives
Of those who profess It,"
The President here read from the Epistie
of ST. James the verses beginning: BE ye
doers of the Word and not hearers only. BY
their fruits ye shall know them" The
President continued:
Conduct the Test.
Conduct is the test of belief. When we
hear in the newspapers of some man
hitherto esteemed Christian in the COM
munity who has been guilty Of business
dishonesty or any form of criminality, 1t is
the members of all churches who should
take his downfall most to heart
But each of us is the guardian of his
own life first. He Is his brothers keeper
next The nominal Christian who observes
all religious outward forms, but yet en-
bezzles trust funds, is more guilty than
the man who has never profeSsed Chrlstlan-
ity. suppose that any man occupying any
public position comes in contact with SO
much that Is base and venal that there Is
bore in upon him the need of multiplying
to the greatest possible extent every force
for good we, have. We cannot continue as
a republic or rise to any level of greatness
unless we cultivate that spiritual life which
is set forth in the gospel
There is nothing 1 abhor more than an
untruth, even though 1t may be merely
conventional one. Therefore, must not
seem to deprecate the acquisition Of this
worlds goods 1 don't believe in preaching
to men precepts which they will under NO
circumstances follow. Take care OF your
bodies If you disregard the care of your
bodies other persons will have to take care
of them for you. But don't put material
things first"