The Mankato free press., 1914-05-29

great commander should Join the
company OF immortals who had laid
down their lives for their country.
Did Not Die In Vain.
These memories impress us with
the cost of liberty and law. II Is
for US highly to resolve that these
shah not have died I'm vain. The
principles for which they gave their
lives full measure of devotion are
not dead issues. They will be as
secessary to human welfare in the
thirtieth century as they are In the
twentieth or as they were when our
fathers framed the fundamental law
OF our land. II Is for US to see
that these pledges Of liberty are not
lost through ignorance or selfishness
or made the playthings Of the dema-
gogue. In the recent terrible dis
grace TO the state OF Colorado we
see anew how little liberty and its
limitation I'm the rights OF others
is understood. and how greatly we
are lacking in respect for law and
government. Have we forgotten
their cost?
Should Give New Confidence.
These memories should give US
new confidence In the good will of
him who dwelt I'm the bush. What
God has done for US. the way his
hand lead US in that terrible or
deal should assure US of his pur-
poses of mercy toward us as a ma
tion. will turn aside now and
see why the bush was not con-
sumed and II we look closely we
will see that 1t was because God
was In the burning bush. In love
and pity he redeemed us and the
angel OF his presence saved US. Let
us not forget those days OF fast
ing and prayer and those days OF
thanksgiving called for our God fear
ing president. God spared us for
the service of humanity.
Another Ray of Light.
There Is still another ray of light
falls upon us from the burning bush.
II brings to memory not the fierce
contest out the hallowed memory
of that friend that was loved long
since and lost awhile The passing
years do not diminish but only
purify that affection. Christ teaches
us not merely to look back In mem
ory to these friends of long ago
but look forward in faith to where
they live and await us. Have We
not read in the Book of Moses.
says Christ. I'm the place concern.
ing the bush how God spake unto
him, saying, I am the God of Abra-
ham, the God of Isaac and the God
of Jacob; and then he adds. He
is not the God of the dead but
of the living
In the burning bush of Christian
experience let US learn not to look
back but forward to our comrades
and friends. We have not left them
behind us. They are gone on be-
fore US. They have been promoted.
They have outstripped us in the
race. God has overwhelmed them
with honor. Are you growing old?
Though the outward man perish the
inward man is renewed day by day.
One day we shall turn aside and
see a greater sight than the bush
that burned without being consumed; I;
We will see each other having passed
through the fires OF death clothed
and immortal. We will be comrades
again with the comrades Of our
youth. The only reason in the
world why you doubt this is be-
cause II is too good, too wonderfully
blessed to believe. But we are as
sure of IL as we are sure of God.
We have not forgotten that wherever
there was a soldier passing through
the baptism of fire there was a
heroine at home in the fiery furnace
heated seven times hot. God only
knows what these mothers and wives
and sweethearts suffered for their
oountry's redemption. And when
death brought rest and peace to
her soldier on the field of battle
who knows the profound agony and
pride OF all these weary years. To
meet one another again. My God!
No wonder ecstacy transcends faith.
But II Is true. Christ himself Is
its surety and pledge. Because live
We shall live also.'"