The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1912-02-24
IENT SIGNIFICANT
OF CHARITY AND UNITY
IN MODERN CHRISTENDOM
Time of Misunderstanding and
Criticism Among Denomina-
tions Has Passed
SERVICES ARE AID TO MEN
Rev. j. Percival Huget, Congre-
gationalist, Points Out Bene-
fits of Lenten Period
SERVICES ARE AID TO MEN
~ the Rev. ). PeRcVAL HuoET.

BY THE REV. J. PERcivAL HuoET.
IA In a general way, IL may De sara
that the manner of the observance OF
Lent lie twofold Our customs ana
gusages are alons one or the other OF
these two lines One. of these tine
makes much OF the recognized forms
and obseryances OF religion. the keep.
ing of holidays. the faithful attend
ance upon stated or special services,
and the practice OF private devotlons
( particularly related TO the season OF
special earnestness and thoughtful
ness in the Christian lie. The other
form OF observance is one which mani
TESTS itself only slightly in any devia-
tion from the usual manifestations OF
the spiritual life, but none the less
genulneiy seeks in these solemn days
10 trace the footsteps of the Master
Through His suffering 10 His t.ory,
and TO learn OF Him The way OF the
sacrificial and jhe beneficent life.
# Perhaps the most significant thing
about modern obsel yances of lent is
In the enlarged appreciation by each
class above referred 10 OF the SINGER
sty OF heart and genuineness of obsery-
ance of the other We have passed
from the time OF misunderstanding
and criticism 10 the time of charity
and unity. We are learning that in
THE varieties OF religious experiences,
IN the many modes OF manifestation.
there is a great underlying unity
The observance of these weeks,
Therefore, whether specially set apart
on the church calendar or not so desig-
mated, IL OF real value to the spiritual
Ard thfo oh u,flI exnraa.
itself somewhat as follows: First ofe
all, in deep thoughtfulness in matters
OF personal. religion It Is a good
time for determination and for the
putting away OF that which is un-
worthy In desire or deed. II Is a good
time for self-denial, not merely for
reasons Of penance, but also for the
removal OF unworthy habits and also
for the accumulation OF means or OF
strength for. good works. For the
value OF such self-denial Is not found
III that which Is negative. but I'm that
which In positive. II Is not so much
in the ceasing to do as in the begin
ming to do. But oftentimes We can
not begin until we have first made an
end OF that which Is contrary to right
doing. In all Of this personal exam
IS that OF the example OF the Master.
In these days we may we'll all seek 10
follow in His footsteps and to learn
OF Him.
Services Big Help TO Men.
II Is well, too. at this time that men
should turn with new reverence and
new loyalty to the church OF Christ.
It's meaning In human life and its
|@4uI - ~ To, hnF
men ought again and again TO turn
back humbly and Loyalty to share in
both privilege and obligation. Attend
ance upon the services OF the. church
does tend TO growth In grace and in all
christian virtues.
II is also customary in most church.
es, and increasingly 80 in all, to make
OF this time the occasion for the pres
entation OF the claims OF Christ as
Master and Lord TO those who have
not heretofore publicly accepted dis
cipleship. II Is a time for ingathering
Through confirmation classes, days OF
decision. or periods OF pastoral In
struction. IL is also a time well and
seriously used In many churches for |
definite and vigorous eyangelistic |
work.
WO IedIuTeS Oh TIE observance VI Il
the season In our own city are OF
much interest and value. One OF these I
IS the INSTRUMENTATION MONDAY
meetings at the Detroit opera house.
These services have been OF great in.
SEPARATION and value and seem to grow
IN favor with the years. The other is |
that OF the Simultaneous Evangelistic |
Campaign, q union service in spirit |
though not In method. In this campaign |
many churches enter upon q vigorous |
movement to reach the unchurched, |
each church, however. using its own |
methods and fits own workers. In this |
way. the benefits OF united move |
ment are secured. but each church Is |
left free TO use the methods best suit. |
ed 10 its local conditions or its Gus |
tomary method of work.
Altogether, this becomes a season OF |
the year when the experiences of !
faithful men and women are deepened. |
and when many are earnestly called 10
the inspiration OF the higher life.