The evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1907-1908, 1907-07-05
c. T. y. EXERCISES
REV. H. B. LEACH TALKS ON
LIBERTY.
Says Hope of the Future Lies in Amer
ica-Tells Meaning of Freedom
to Large Audience.

The Rev. Hedding Bishop Leech, pastor
of the Union Street Methodist Episcopal
Church, was the principal speaker at the
patriotic exercises of the Women's Chris
tan Temperance Union, held In Union
Hall, Mulberry street, yesterday.
Mr.. Leech's theme was Liberty and
he spoke first of Jehovah's to
the people through Moses, that liberty
should be proclaimed throughout the lnnd
unto all of the bitants Following
this Mortgage were cancelled. property
readjusted. slaves released and servants
redeemed. This. said Mr.. Leech. was a
prophecy of the time when universal JUS
tice would be done. He talked of those
who have come to the shores of this
country. seeking liberty OF conscience. in
Guiding the Hollanders, Pilgrims, Puri-
tans. Huguenots. Quakers. Scotch, Cava-
Tiers, English Roman Catholics and others
since. saying that they had found the
liberty they wanted and that the hope of
the worlds liberty was centred In Chris
tinn America.
''our fathers he went on. died not
for empire nor because OF hatred. They
died to purchase and preserve priceless
liberties. If they died for them ugh we
not TO live and labor for them? Anerica
was called into being to give a new Inn
pulse 20 the cause of human freedom
and rights and she has never forfeited
that mission Mr.. Leech dwelt on what
liberty had cost since men had claimed
1t as their right, saying that We ought
to remind ourselves and the new gener-
alton of the cos of liberty, which had
been bought with blood, treasure. the
tears of widows and the cries OF orphans.
Mr.. Leech then talked for. a few mo-
ments of liberty as 1t IL today, saying
that II was not idle to talk of bondage
in this land of freedom, where people
were really slaves to custom, to fashion,
to luxury. passions and evil habits. He
said that any man who had lost his self
respect was u slave and TO. be pitied. He
quoted che is the free man whom the
truth makes free, and all are slaves be-
sides and added that liberty was the
fullest opportunity for man to be and
do the very best in him
In Analysing freedom aud just what is
meant Mr.. Leech said: Freedom is not
the absolute right to do at all times as
one pleases. No one Is absolute master
of his time, inclinations. money or rights.
Freedoms object is usefulness, TO develop
and strengthen manhood. The only re-
straints OF Christ's teaching are directed
against those passions that enthrall and
degrade men.
He is the good Citizen ended the
speaker, who endeavors to promote
righteousness. who helps TO drive out evil.
to right the wrongs of men, and TO make
the world better. The most valuable asset
of any country is not In its natural adj
vantages, or undeveloped resources, or
material prosperity, or cities or fertile
acres. Its most valuable possession is the
loyal. intelligent citizenship which COM
poses 1t. The man who aspires to the
noblest a%ttainments of soul, who loves
rectitude and honor, who does justly, is
enriching his own life and the life of his
native or chosen country
Mr.. Leech added that the progress OF the
world for centuries to come depended
upon the next few years in the Unitel
States, and that America held the KEY
to the future.
The Declaration of Independence was
read by William G.. S0utar. and a number
OF patriotic Rotations were well given by
Miss Nettie Wood. james Ward rendered
several musical selections. The hall was
decorated with the national colors and
flowers. Mrs. Sarah E. Blanchard. pres
den OF No. l Union. presided. There was
a large attendance.
The annual meeting Of the union will be
officer will be elected to succeed Mrs.
who has rendered her r~esigna-
tion and who has served the union for
twenty-five years. Mrs. Blanchard Is pre-
pairing n resume OF the work of the union,
accomplished during the years of service
as an officer. This report will be read at
the annual meeting.