Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-06-22
"A Successful Farmer" Sub
jeet By Rev. J. R. Clifford.
Praises Attitude Of Grange in De-
barring Saloon Man from Order.

Gardiner Grange, NO. 4o9, l.. OF H.,
attended services Sunday morning in
q body at the Highland avenue Metho-
dist church to listen to an able and
interesting sermon upon the theme "A
Successful Farmer by the pastor, Rev.
John r. Clifford. About 10 members of
the order were present.
The speaker by way Of introduction
gaye brief sketch OF the history of
agriculture He alluded to the Baby
lonian and Egyptian farmers and said
that the Hebrews learned their art of
agriculture from the Egyptians. He
spoke of the unique plan of Moses.
whereby this work was made part of
the state plan, the real foundation of
the state, by giving to every man
piece of land to till and descend to his
heirs, which could not be diverted from
the family. since in the year of Jubilee,
all land returned to the original heirs
and thus there was no opportunity for
the rich to obtain large estates ana
thus Cypress the poor. Continuing he
said:
in our own day and in our own
America the Importance of huabandry
ment. Neither as an Individual, nor as
a nation could we live long. to say
nolhing of prosnering We're it not for
the farmer.
at was of interest to me to read re-
Gently that the farm products OF our
country during 1907 We're $, ,000,OeO,OOo,
enough to supply our own markets and
$1,000 09,D00 worth for the markets OF
foreign countries. Furthermore the last
item of $1,000. 900 is nearly double
the amount we received in agricultural
products in the same year.
some one has said that the value
Of our exports for that single year
would build high class railroad half
way around the globe and also that
the products of the farm so far eX-
ceeded the national requirements that
the farm still continues to overshad-
CIV the mill, the factory and the work.
shop in producing exports.
$40 what extent these results should
he attributed to the organization,
whose representatives meet with us
this morning. those who are more Ia
milar With the facts than 1 should be
Judges, but from the view point OF
one having but imperfect knowledge
Of the order and it's workings it seems
reasonable to suppose that the $1,000
members in our own State must be
making their influence felt, not only
in Maine, but in Il much wider circle.
1--WE commend the positions you
have taken for civic righteousness ana
also for the cause of temperance by
debarring the saloon man from your
order. The object for which you exist
is a worthy one, meaning as 1t does
The education and advancement Oh
members. You are not q political or
ganization SO you declare. You are not
religious or Christian society in the
sense that the church is and yet your
presence here today betokens your be-
lief in Christianity.
I'VE agree with the statement OF
your master of the state Grange in
his last annual report that the great
ness of the Grange will be measured
by the moral and intellectual stature
OF its Individual members and your
best work is the developing of high
er type of manhood and Womanhood
IN our State"
The speaker then went on to deVei-
op his theme of the successful farmer
from the career of Isaac as related IN
Genesis. The success of Isaac came
from his adaptability to success, MS
industry and Divine goodness and CO.
operation. His success resulted IN the
enmty of the Philistines, the suspl-
cion of the king and the development
OF his ri, in naflenco. per-
severance and piety.
In conclusion he said: "There is only
one royal road to success and That IS
by diligence and devotion. Material
prosperity is often thrown away by
litigation. Isaac had a good crop and
ne didn't waste it in disputes with the
Fhilistines. The Golden Rule is the
safe rule for all to follow and lastly
material prosperity should stir the
heart with gratitude to God"