The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1917-01-26
HEATHENs VS.. CHRISTIANS

A great treat is in store for the peo-
ple of Brownsville who avail them
selves of the opportunity of hearing
the three lectures to be delivered by
Prof. G. w. Dyer at the Methodist
church next Sunday Prof. Dyer IS
one of the foremost orators of the
state. He holds the chair of applied
Chemistry in Vanderbilt University.
Recently he spent a day in Columbia
Tenn, where he made a splendid i'm
preston, which was productive of the
following editorial in the Columbia
Herald:
prof. Gus Dyer's definition of the
heathen' and the Christian is pretty
apt. More lectures like that of Mr..
Dyer delivered at the Methodist church
recently should be heard in this and
every other community. 1t would be
!. fine idea to have Mr.. Dyer speak in
every community in Maury county.
If there is anything that must be
combatted and overcome, if we are to
have real community progress, it is
the spirit of selfshness, the lack of
public spirit so characteristic of many
who but for this failure could be very
useful public servants. One does not
Rave to be elected or appointed to
Office to serve the public. His opportu-
mites are often just as great or great
er in private station.
There is not a community in this
county where the 'heathens' speaking
in Dyer's sense. do not impede pro-
aress. Their would be better schools,
better churches and improved roads
if there were more of Mr. Dyer's
Christians that is men and women
who would rather serve others than
have others serve them. Many like
to sit back and shift all burdens of
public service, of general community
welfare to the shoulders of others.
They are perfectly willing to enjoy all
the benefits that come from the unset
fish efforts of others but they simply
decline to be participants in the efforts
necessary to bring about the benefits.
As Mr.. Dyer well said the Christ
ian is the individual, man or woman,
who would rather serve than be served
That is the real spirit Of the Christ.
1t is the first essential of the true
follower Of the lowly Nazarene. 1t is
this that lifts the Christian above all
other creeds and religions. 1t is this
spirit that lights and illumines the
whole world. This unselfsh desire to
do for others that all may be bene-
fitted is the very spirit of Christ, who
suffered and died that men might live.
1t is the spirit that has builded asy-
lums, and hospitals and schools for the
afflicted and the deaf and the dumb.
1t is the spirit that moves all of our
charities.
All this great privilege and oppor-
tunity of being Christians, of getting
the spirit of the Christ. How very
very few Of US really avail ourselves
Of it. Why not life of service? Why
complain at the frequent demands that
are made upon our time and means and
efforts for the good of others? After
all is not that very thing the best Cd.
portunity to really enjoy life? What
does the woman or the man who lives
apart from the activities of the world
who has no place in the movements t.
make the pathway of humanity easier
and better and brighter, really get out
of life? What barren, what beal
and what a narrow rod must the 'hea
then travel. Who would exchange tn,
glorious privilege of being a Christ
ian with all the burdens that the tern
implies for any life of ease and luxur,
and selfshness the most opulent hea
then may lead?"
MADAM DE THEBEs.
Madame de Thebes, the Frenc