Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1914-05-29
PRE-MEMORlAL SERVICES
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those of tomorrow?
The question may be asked: What is
the greatest need of our times for the
betterment of Christian society? Is it
churches? Temples of worship are,
indeed very necessary. The construc-
ton of elegant and well-adorned houses
of worship is an evidence of the faith
and devotion of the people. But they
are not the most essential thing for our
day. The primitive Christian paid
homage to God in the catacombs, and
some of our forefathers adored their
Lord and their God under the canopy of
heaven, in secluded mountains and in
the caves of the earth; and they were
the best of Christians. Moreover, what
would be the use of churches, if we had
no worshppers to frequent them
Is it schools that are most needed?
Christian schools are certainly demand
ed for the preservation of the faith and
morals of the rising generation. But
they do not constitute the most essen
tial requisite.
Is it hospitals and sanatariums that
the times call for ? Hospitals are in
deed the landmarks of Christian civili-
cation, and they contribute greatly to
the alienation of human suffering. But
they do not constitute the greatest need
of our day. They relieve the misery of
only small portion of the community.
Does the country need majestic and
colossal state houses for our legislative
bodies? The Convention that met in
Philadelphia in 1887, to devise the most
momentous Constitution ever framed
for the civil guidance of man, assem-
bled in a hall not conspicuous for its
majestic proportions.
What is the greatest need of the time
for churchmen themselves Isit state
ly palaces that are required for her
Bishops and clergy? No, my brethren.
external pomp does not augment the
dignity, nor increase the influence of
clergymen. 1t is not the dwelling that
ennobles the minister of God, but it is
the true and faithful minister of God
that ennobles the dwelling.
What the times call for is men, sturdy
Christian men, endowed with the c ur-
age of "thcir convictions. We need
men who are controlled by conscience
rather than by oXpediency, men who
are guided by principle rather tan by
popularity, men who are influenced by q
sense Of duty and not by self-interest,
who are swayed by spirit Of patriot
ism rather than by desire of politica
preferment, Above all, we need mer
of strong Christian faith, who are pre-.
pared to uphold their religious convic-
tons in the face of obloquy and popular
prejudice. IN word. we need mer
and women of upright Christian
character.
True, sincere and practical religion is
the balance-wheel of every we'll
ordained human life, it is a check
against human passions, tits dampel
that regulates the fire OF youth, it is the
rudder that keeps the ship Of hfe in its
proper course, it is solution OF the
great problems of life, it is a conso!a-
ton to man in the evening of his
career, it tells him that the words
"dust thou art, to dust thou shalt re-
turn, were not spoken of The souls
religion offers hope to the sick, to those
Who are laden with sorrow and grief
and says to them with our Lord and
Savior on the Mount: Blessed are they
that mourn for they shall be comfort D.,
blessed are they that hunger and thirst
after justice for they shall have THEN
ItiN; the merciful for they shall obtain
mercy; the clean of heart for they shall
see God; they that suffer persecution
for Justice sake, for theirs is the
Kingdom of Heaven" And that place
in Gods Kingdom may be assigned tc
each and every one Of you after th,
short life is over, is my best and sim
cerest wish for you one and all.