davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10
rETsFEEE TTs#B8#4XX#
What Comes Of Trying
BY Dr. James B. Clayton.
rbe Testing Of Your Faith James,
What Comes of
BY DR.. James B. Clayton

station and gifts, but the greatest gift
and the best opportunities for successful
living are useless until we try to make
the most of them. The strongest man
will have moments Of relaxed tension,
have his moods and his failures. but to
make trying the end Of life rather than
the things that trying accomplishes is
to live Inc best life possible.
Trying should be our attitude toward
life and work rather than crying or pry-
ing. There Is much to discourage and
much to be curious about. but neither
tears nor curiosity can make the most Of
living The man who tries, appreciates
living. He learns that living is not get
ting things done merely. but the continual
exercise of his powers to get more things
done And trying is. therefore the full
fillment Of life. Not daunted by failure
nor stated by success, but a life'of con-
tinuous trying for some noble end, and
as soon as that end is reached trying for
some further end makes life happy, USE
full and great The famous Frenchman
who committed suicide because Of the
eternal buttoning and unbuttoning lived
for appearances. The best things of life
come only to those who have grit and
grace and who, though their faith is tried
by failure. set themselves anew to the
divine task of using their powers for
worthy ends.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10
The First Missionaries


Sundays In each. and six souls before Won
going unsaved and you have not brought
one or them to salvation! How dreadful,
pray w
Down he went upon his knees and
p,aSeo TOT Reynofds-a terrible arraign-
neht oeiore God of his neglect, blind
ness, easily satisfied conscience while
sous were going to perdition. God have
mercy on this man!' he. cried.
REYNOLDS was angry and went ont tn
mo comfort from his wife, who simplv
oppressed establishment that he shoi,Id
pc onenoed at such a thing. Then he
returned and Immediately the man nro-
posed TO pray for him again. Still more
deeply hurt and really angry. he staved
away from the man until hedtima go
tnen saw him to his room with fen
words. After Reynolds retired tn bia own
room, the Spirit began to move him and
ne could not sleep. He paced the room
back and forth. then tried to prav oil The
time more agitated. Finally at o.clocS
ne called up an old minister TO prav Tor
him. and soon a great peace fiIIsd hi.
soul He could hardly wait until the Sun
day sehooi hour to talk to his girls. and
WIN tears, now Of joy. he appealed to
tnem. ana every one of them accented
Christ that day. He took them IN hts
home for prayer and all were clearly CON.
verted. Then he began his touring Of
the American continent like a fame of
fire. everywhere stirring other teachers To
such direct. personal evanzelistic uorL
with their classes
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10

than to others. Last summer a Boston On
nastor, while visiting lonely isiano IN
the pacific, twenty miles from the main
land. Ito which the steamer came once
a week to supply the fifteen iamliies
With provisions. heard Of lonely Oh
connie who lived so far from the neigh
hors that they were seldom Visiteu.
I'VE talked for some time on CHRISTIAN
living" the visitor said. on his return.
..ard 7 was not surprised when mrs.
Jackson. the old lady, said:
..The only comfort we have had IN our
solitude has been the Bible! During all
the wears OF our sojourn on the Island
He Ia. never forsaken u.s..
Before taking my leave Mrs. Jack
son handed me the old-fashioned Bible
and asked me to read a chapter. i read
the Ninety-flrst Psalm. He that dwell
eth in the secret place OF the Mos.
High shall abide under the shade OK
the Almighty, and on through the
chapter Then we had prayer together.
.As was going l said to the Old
neople. Your. life has been lonely on
the island Lonely was the reply.
NO. indeed, sir!s He has been our con-
slant Companion and Friend: God Tor,
give me. for suggesting such 2 thing:
How can two OF His sAints be lonely
when He is with them all the time?
they walk ana talk with Him just 60
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10

known much about it. and should come
into my house and see me speaking into
q hole in the wall, and should ask me
what I was doing, suppose l were to tell
you that I was talking to a friend out
side at distance and getting answers
from him. to my great enjoyment and
profit, and that shouldn't really want to
live without the privileges of the teie-
phone, might not my statements seem
improbable to your
The argument was continued Suppose
you should afterward see twenty-thirty-
forty OF your friends talking into a hole
in the wall and hear them tell you the
Same story, wouldn't you think there was
something in it? Well when MANY of
US tell you to try the spiritual telephone
that will put you in intelligent commune
cation with the Friend Of Friends, why
not try it?'
The argument was so pointed that the
young man resolved to make the ex !.
pertinent. and he soon became an ar.
dent believer in the actual presence of
God, so that he could talk to Him at
any time and on any subject When
Henry Clay Trumbull told OF this ex-
perience in his book on Doubts and
Doubters." the friend delighted in tn.
knowledge Of Gods presence with him
every day and every moment.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10
Sunny Side Of Life
..7.tS-t.

solemn face he ever saw came to him.
claiming to be a minister. and borrowed
SO from him. 1t doesn't surprise ps
at all to be told that DR. Talmage always
closed his story with these words! i
have never seen the man or the money
since"
If we are, in truth, lovers or the Loro'
and are earnestly striving to do His viii.
something of His joy and gladness VIII
be sure to shine in our faces: we cannot
help but be full of happiness, for We
have the consciousness of being at one
with Him, and of trying to make those
about us happier and better.
What little supbeams are the children
who smile! What little blessings are those
who. strive TO do their best.
Paul says: Rejoice in the Lord Az
ways, and again I say rejoice and he
wrote this from a Roman dungeon. How
can we help but rejoice when We have
such a Savior: and such hope in His
power to save u.s.. When the soul is free
from faint Of sin, when the heart is
innocent of evil, II is easy to be cheerful
and glad II we would be happy, let us
not neglect to give heed to Proverbs, 4:-,:
Keep thy heart with all diligence, for
out Of it are the issues Of life"
Comment on todsy's Junior Christian Eh-
deavor topic, "Cheerfulness. Proverbs, 1881
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10
Regret Dr.. Thompson's Resignation
r. =. 3.f. y .a<f.t t.tttttt4.

In his letter of resignation Dr. Thong
son said:
After long and prayerful considers
ton l have come to the conclusion that
it is my duty to tender my resignation
as your pastor, and I ask that You will
unite with me in requesting our presby-
terry at it's approaching meeting in the
West Street Church to dissolve the pas
toral relation, to take effect on the S1st
day of May.
ut is not necessary that 1 should re-
hearse the reasons governing me In this
important step. They are altogether per-
sonal to myself and are conclusive.
Permit me to express my high regard
and affection for you all. Our association
has been without single note OF dis
cord. You have shown for me and mine
the greatest kindness and consideration
through all OF these years. No pastor
was ever more blessed with the conn
dence and love of a noble Christian peo-
pie You have been a benediction and
an inspiration to me. l leave you. believe
me, with the greatest reluctance and re-
greet, and l shall carry with me happy.
grateful memory of you as long as life
endures.
For my successor I could ask nothing
better than that he may and as warm o
place in your hearts as I have known
May your sympathy and cooperation be
as helpful to him as they have been to
me, and may this dear church maintain
the pure gospel Of Jesus Christ and ever
grow I'm zeal for the extension OF the
Masters kingdom and In spiritual power
and beauty.
II have labored for you as best could.
1t has been my endeavor to preach the
whole counsel Of God, sincerely. beliey-
ingly, lovingly. / have longed and prayed
for the salvation OF all who have attended
our services, and l testify in this my let
ter Of resignation that Christ died for
the ungodly. and IS the only Precipitation
for the sins OF the world Cherish this
fundamental truth, dear brethren-and my
uncovered friends, l implore you to ac-
cept 1t whole heartedly and grove its
value az the sheet anchor OF your souls.
II record my gratitude TO God for all
that He has enabled us to do to promote
His glory. and for His constant favor
whereby our present prosperity al
church has been secured.
..Confi6inz in His promises and depend
ing upon the Holy Spirit for guidance.
protection and support as each day comes,
let us joyfully anticipate our final meet
ing in our Fathers house. where partings
are unknown"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10
Goes Fishing for Souls.

The Sunday school lesson to be studiea
today tells how the first Christian
workers we're awakened to their duty of
winning men to Christ. For long time
they had been content to be companions
Of Jesus, listening to His words. enjoying
His friendship. They were plain men.
fishermen. many Of them; their life had
been spent in the struggle to gain a ,iy-
ing. They must have been startled when
Jesus told them they must 10 out through
the country, two and two. inviting men
and women to come TO Christ They were
ing no preparation for. their journey, but
thinking only Of their mission. They
were to make every effort to win souls
by kindness, but they were not to SUBJ
NIT to i'll treatment. Whenever they were
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10
Spring Meeting Of Presbytery

eHE spring meeting of the pres
bytery of Washington city will
be held in the West Street
Presbyterian Church Monday
evening and throughout Tues
day. The meeting is an especially i'm
portant one. as a new moderator will be
chosen to succeed Rev DR.. Edward N
Kirby, pastor of the Ballston, Va, Pres
byterian Church, who has held the Office
for one year.
Rev. Titus E. Davis, who recently sue
ceeded to the Office of stated clerk after
the resignation of Rev. Dr. Bittenger,
who had served in the position for thirty
five years, it is understood will be re-
elected to the place. Rev. George NJ
Cummings, pastor of the Garden Me-
mortal Presbyterian Church, will also
probably be reelected permanent clerk OF
the organization. He has heretofore been
moderator.
The general assembly of the Presby-
terrain Church meets in Atlantic City In
May, and the presbytery at this session
will choose two clerical and a similar
number of lay delegates to that body.
Rev. Mr. Davis will in all probability be
selected as one of the clerical representa-
tives to the New Jersey gathering. Rev.
Zed H. Copp. who for some time past has
been in charge of the work at Bethany
Chapel. will, it is understood, be received
as a member of the presbytery.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10
How He Was Set to Work.

II vas an old-tine minister who a"ak-
ened HIM The old man was blunt ana
rather sharp in manner, and at once
asked Mr. Reynolds what Christian work
he was doing Then occurred brief con-
versation of questions and answers, which
n first amused Reynolds, and then an
sered him greatly. lie had said he was
teaching a Sunday school class.
What kind of class'
"Six young ladies-a nice kind of a
class"
"Hov long have you had 1t"
Two years | think.
"Weli. how many have you brought TO
Christ in those two years of great OPP
portunities?
II don't know. We have splendid
interest, but not any have yet become
Christians" said Mr.. Reynolds, still In
good humor and self-satisfed.
What" almost screamed the old man.
sxou have-hadtwor whols-I f3ty-tWo
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10

- - UGH regret is being expressed
IA "A among the members of the
~" lexington Pres yt err a n
Church at the resignation of
Rev. DR.. William Taliaferro
Thompson, the pastor. which was ac-
cepted by the congregation during this
week. In resolutions passed at the meet
ing of the congregation it was recited:
I'VE, the members of lexington
Church accede to the request of our pas
tor. Rev W. Taliaferro Thompson, d. D..
that we unite with him in asking presby-
terry to dissolve the pastoral relation.
I'VE take this action reluctantly, being
led to do so solely because we believe
that, as he has stated to the congrega-
ton. his decision to take this step Is con-
elusive.
I'VE desire at this time to express our
high appreciation of DR.. Thompson's work
as our pastor.
THE growth of our church during his
pastorate of little more than nine years
is abundant evidence OF his success; and
this success has not been attained by So
called popular" methods or by any
questionable schemes for drawing large
salvation through Christ with an earnest
ness. a. zeal and sincerity. and withal
witt. a kindness and a love that have al
ways carried conviction to our hearts.
"As a pastor DR.. Thompson has eX-
celled: he has been watchful, faithful. dill
pent-visiting the sick. comforting those
VIII, mourn. sympathizing with any who
are in trouble. pleading with the indiner-
ent, warning the careless. PRAYING Ior
ali. In his sincere and whole-hearted de-
votion to the cause Of Christ and TO the
interests of his people he has been, by
precept and example, an inspiration to
those who know him to lead higher and
better Christian lives.
.'By his kindly and cheerful disposition
and his sympathetic interest he has won
our affection and esteem.
I'VE would be more than glad to nave
Dr. THOMSON remain as our pastor. We
believe that his work would be blessed
i'm the future as it has been in the past.
"In leaving us DR.. Thompson Will take
with him our sympathies. our love ana
our prayers.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10
.. Evangelist at Lincoln Avenue Church
Il. 4

gelist like Robert Downing shows, it is
declared. the energy and firm purpose Of
the members OF the congregation to sue
coed IN the work. There will be several
additions to the church by letter today
The fame Of this portable church has
gone out over the country. The pastor,
Rev. F. Blair Hanson, has received in
Quiries from different states as to the
satisfaction given by the building for
church purposes and has answered that
it IL in every way satisfactory for the
needs of q small congregation.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10

9O try or not to try is the funda-
mental question underlying
commercial, industrial, profess
sional and religious life. With
out faith it is impossible to
realize the value of life and of making
the effort to live happily, wisely and sue
cessfulIy. We must believe that certain
things are worth doing and getting or we
shall never make any effort to DO ana
to get, even what we want. To have
our faith tried is blessing, for developed
faith is essential to all lasting successes
All the great words of the gospel are
ehort-faith, hope and love; way, truth
and life: lost. seek and joy; SIN, death
and save; God. man and Chr1st-are
among l. shortest words in the Bible
and common speech, and among the
richest and commonest The Bible
frequently uses the word "seek in
the sense of "try." That little word and
the effort it indicates, translates dreams
into deeds, plans into achievements and
even failures into successes. Is it worth
while to try? We have each and all
thousand opportunities appropriate to our
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10
Public Recognition Services


EN.' DIR. J. j. MUIR of Temple
Baptist Church will preach the
III sermon on the occasion of the
Il public recognition services for
the newly established Baptist
at Congress Heights, TO be
held the evening of April 49, Rev. H. w
o. Wilmington. pastor of the Brookland
Baptist Church, will deliver the charge
to the congregation while Rev. J. w.
Many. pastor OF the East Washington
Heights Baptist Church, will deliver the
OF welcome on the part of the
The services will be held
in the town hall at Congress Heights,
and it is expected that the attendance
will be large Rev. r. s. Owens. pastor
of the Maryland Avenue Baptist Church,
will conduct the Scripture reading at the
opening. while Rev. Hubert Bunyea, who
recently accepted call to become pastor
of the Randle Highlands Baptist Church,
will deliver the recognition prayer. The
new congregation starts with nearly
members and already has a
Sunday school under the di-
rection Of Richard Jones. The decision
was reached at a recent council of the
Baptist pastors of the city to recognize
the congregation. Rev. Edmund Hez
Sven was moderator and ]. r. Bradley
the clerk. The committee appointed to
have charge of the recognition services
is made up of Rev. Hugh L. Stevenson,
pastor Of Bethany Baptist Church; Rev.
F. w. Johnson, pastor Of Grace Baptist
to have charge of the work at the new
church.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10

In view o. the recent cancellation of Col
Roosevelt's engagement to pay his re-
spects to Pope Plus x it was naturally
expected in many quarters that some i'm
portant action would be taken at one o.
the meetings; but after elaboration only
a dignifed cablegram pledging continued
allegiance to the molly see was sent. No
mention, however, was made OF the
Roosevelt incident, but 1t is pointed out
that when the message from the Ameri-
can hierarchy was received in Rome
1t doubtless gave the pontiff much pleas
ure to know that while the American
prelates of the church were fully cog
infant of the turn of affairs in Rome In
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10

God has gatnere0 the
Sunday school army,
sending to its assist
ance leaders who
have been developed.
most Of them. not
from the ranks OF
ministers, but from
those who worked at
the desk or In the
factory or In the field.
Many will be the rem
iniscent words spoken
of those among the
leaders whose work
on earth has been
finished. The name
of William Reynolds
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10


Who Hest in my heart.
And yet beyond imagined space
outstretshed and present art. 49,, t
Around me and within.
10 more TO me than health and wealth.
Or love Of kith and kim
God in Special Places.
1t is a JOY, too. to think of God in spe-
cial places and in special times. We do
not thus imply that He is not always and
everywhere present but we become more
clearly conscious of His presence and His
love at times. When we are in church.
for instance, and we remember those
glorious words, THE Lord Is in His holy
temple let all the earth keep silence be-
fore Him. CHab. 2:2O). we recall how the
Master said, Where two or three are
gathered together in My name. there am
II in the midst of them est. Matt,
1920. And we know also that to those
who are shut in and cannot go TO church
there comes an especial nearness OF the
Christ when their hearts are fixed upon
Him and their prayers are offered. How
dear also is the truth that God is near
us in an especial manner when we are
In trouble and sorrow. when In an agony
Of loneliness and doubt we shut ourselves
away from the world and kneel before
Him who loves us with an everlasting
love. Then His arms are stretched out
to receive us and comfort us; then the
light of His countenance is lifted upon
us, and He gives us peace. And, again,
in moments of soul-consecration. when
we lay before Him all we have ana all
we are and ask Him to accept us ana
make our lives useful in His service, then
He comes very near ana we KNOW ne
loves us and will take care of US. Ana
yet, once more. when we honestly con-
TESS our sins and ask Him to pardon US,
when, "grieved and wearied with the nur-
den," we bow before Him and ask Tor
l hot S0
and that His forgiveness is freely given
without upbraiding.
In the glory of nature, also, We feel
Him near, as did David. The stars ana
the mountains, the rivers and the sea, the
flowers and the woods all sing wondrous
story of His presence, and we know the
world He has made and for which the
Christ died Is not only dear TO HIM out
that He is in it. speaking precious mes
sage to all who have ears to hear. 1t Is
imnossible for any man really to under
stand nature unless he feels Coo pres
ence in all her beauties. The grandeur Is
beyond speech. The heart bows down IN
silence; the spirit adores Wltnout IAN
guage: but God knows. and He CAUSES
the gifts Of His creation to hover ABOUT
us and pour into our very beings their
lows and their calm. We need more OF
this nature-worship. ! often wish tnat
schools at times and point out to them
in field and wood and stream the beauties
of Gods creation and teach them how to
read His message and Understand his
| truth, 1t would be worth more than any
amount of psychology and other curious
studies. and would refresh mind and body
and spirit with new life and q new
courage. Even the poorest, with our
splendid parks near our large cities, can
enter into this great and divine life. and
learn of goodness and power and mastery
and peace in the midst of trees and
flowers.
Let us think how this truth of Gods
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-10
Gods Home.

SSiiH6 VI dOu IOkS. NrOO = power, SOU b
mercy and Gods home.
Gods Home.
The presence of God means that COM
ing OF sure time when we shall see
Hin and be with Him forever and know
Him. Christ's dear words, Il go to pre-
pare a place for you,'' do not teach that
He leaves US. but rather that, being near
us. He is also preparing home for us
to which we shall go, and that His pres
ence here is at once proof and a pledge
of our lasting happiness, our glorious
peace, the coming for earth and men of
a new era. The human belief. which will
not die but is ever expressing itself in
discovery as well as in philosophy, that
is a perfect condition possible. is an echo
Of the divine will. OF course, IL there is
God who loves and cares, He will not
leave us in the depths of struggle and
longing always. Because my God is near
me know that He has plan for me-
sire, but plan which In His great love
He delights in, that at last l shall be
happy and free, emancipated from all
that now hurts me, and brought to all
that l hope for. AS / hear Him speaking
there is always in His message an ex-
preston Of what is to be, Of joy to come.
Pope's declarations:
MAN never is, but always to be.
blessed
is not cry of discomfort or of vague
longing, but rather a prophecy of the
good finally to come which Is the inspira-
ton to lure man on. So Pascal in his
Thoughts writes: Thus we never live,
but we hope to live and are always dis
posing ourselves to be happy. Anticipa-
ton is the power ruling progress"
Oh, the joy of 1t! Gods presence is ever
pointing me. calling me onward, telling
me of great delights to come, teaching me
to enjoy the present pleasures Of life be-
cause they are promises Of greater pleas
ures which will never fail am not sure
precious lesson from Gods nearness. He
Is leading us on our way, and the way
has an end. He is guiding us, and the
path has glory into which it will bring
US. Onward we go, for heaven is before
us and Christ is with US. and there can
be no failure If only we keep hold of His
hand. At last, oh. my friend, at last.
heaven, and peace and joy and the sight
Of Christ and the reunion of dear ones!
Isn't the struggle worth while and the
patience wise and the earth-life splendid
as upon it. glows the brilliancy of the
home awaiting US.
Dear Lord, I wonder that Thou canst
abide with me when !! am so weak and
foolish and sinful and even forgetful OF
Thy presence. I wonder that Thou canst
stay with the world when the world is
so rebellious and regards Thee not. But
oh, l thank Thee! Thou art here; Thou
art near me. loving me, helping me. show
ing. mercy and pity. And Thou wilt guide.
me at last to heaven. and there with open
eyes I will behold Thee, with pure heart
will love Thee. with unlimited might
shall serve Thee My Friend, 1 thank
Thee. Amen.