Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-11

OF ST. MarysS church or GreeHey11le,
presented Jephthah and His Daughter.
a dramatic caatata, in three acts. The
cantata was presented under the di-'
fectfon of Miss Lena C. Boudreau, or
ganIst, and the entire proceeds win
be used for the beneflt of the church
The cantata was excel1ently present
ed before the delighted audience and
Ecoufd hardly have been improved upon
even by professional players. The
costumes were elaborate, beautifully
colored and true to Biblical days The
scenery also was appropriate to the
Present as honor guests were the
following: Rev. John H. Brodericl.
Rev. Peter G eCuny. Rev. I. ". Macie-
jewska Rev. John II Fitzmanrice and
witch, Rev. William A. Keefe of Plain
field, Rev. John F. x Quinn of Mont
Vile, Rev. J. Y. E. Beianger Of Baltic,
ington, d. c. and Rev. Richard P.
The solo work in the cantata was
especially commendable, the soloists
showing almost perfect control and
wide range and the chorus singing al
so came in for decided approval as
did the Wind dance.
Miss Sadie A. Driscoll as Jephthah's
daughter. was the particular shining
star of the evening but it can be said
in all sincerity that the others in the
case carried their roles in fauIt1ess
manner.
A Fathers Rash Vow.
The story of the cantata is, that the
Israelites were the owners and occu-
pants of the land of Gilead. and were
about to have war made upon them by
the Afnmonites. The Ammonites were
already encamped within the borders
Of the land of Gilead. The IsraeIites
being inferior in numbers and strength
to the Anmonites. were greatly
troubled as to who should success
L.. - As - IL l.
enemies. At this time the Israelites
were idolatrous, worshipping Baal and
other gods. While lanenting. because
they had no leader of sufficient PROV
ess to cope with the Ammonites, and
avowing that whomsoever should sue
cessful1y lead them in battle against
the Ammonites (who were a fierce and
warlike nation). should be their ruler,
God had said to them. through his
prophet that. because they had for
saken Him and served BaaI and other
gods He would deliver them no more.
But Gods soul being grieyed for the
great misery of Israel. and they now
having put away their strange gods.
He determined once more to deliver
them. While the Israeiites were at
Mizpeh 1amenting their expressions,
it was declared that whatever man
should successfully lead them against
ruler Of al the land and inhabitants of
Gilead- Elders of Gilead had al
ready gone to the land OF Tob, where
Jephthah, a warrior and mighty man
of yaIor, had take-s refuge. Jephthah
had previously been driven from his
home. His fame as e warrior among
the frne-botters of Tob had been echo
ed hack to Gflead. and all Israel pray
ed that he might return and take COM
mand of their army.
The elders returned from the land of
lob with JeDhthah, who entered the
camp of the Israeiites. and, after some
discussion, was declared ruler of all
lead Jephthah then sent messeng-
er to the King of Ammon. desiring to
know why he should rise against him
in his own land. Upon the messeng-
that the King of Ammon demanded the
restora ton of the lands of Gilead
peaceably or in war. JephtI1ah immedi-
ately prepared for war and vowed to
heaven that if God would give him
victory over his enemies. he would up
on his return home, sacrifice to the
Lord for burnt offering the first thing
that should meet him at the door of
his house Preference. Judges 1: 30
33).
Jepf1tI1ah proceeded to war against
the King of Ammon, and after series
of battles overcame him with a mighty
slaughter, and possessed himself of
all the land of the Ammonites. The
rnafdens of Gflead. having heard of
Jephthah's victory, assembled upon
the mountain to await the victorious
army's return, and gave the day to
singing. playing harps. ringing tim
brels. dancing. and gathering flowers.
When Jephthail and his heroic army
appeared his daughter and only child
fastened to meet him upon which.
JephtSat, recolIecting his rash VOW.
was overcome with grief. and Informed
her of the VOW he had made. She. how
eN-er, being equal to the occasion, sub
mits herself n willing sacrifice. and
desires that the VOW be paid 1t be-
rr,-v hal ri -
months should pass that she might pre-
pare herself Preference. Judge 2:37-
400, and the time having elapsed for
the fuIfi1Iment Of the vow. Jephthahy
her ccmranfous. repaired to the plaf
of sacrifice. where n daughter became
the victim of her fathers rash VOW. Z.
The Programme.
"A synopsis Of the programme fol-
lows:
Introduction, instrumental.
Act /. scene /. Jewish place Of as
sembIy in Mizpeh-Jews mourning the
oppression of Gilead-s How Long, Oh,
How Long Chorus of Jews)-The Is
raelftes lament the absence of
-leader-.sWhomsoeve shall lead the
armies of Israel shall be our ruler
Appearance OF the Prophet. Bow Down
to Cod (solo and chorus)-"Tis he
can save, and he alone" God from
heaven come down prayer chorus,.
y
senger approaches camp.--1 have a
message to the Prince."-"His name
is Iaphthah-" Praise the Lord (fuIl
chorus)-'Iet every hill and valley
ring Oh. Israel : (recitativef-l
"Henceforth forswear your idol gods"
Praise the Lord Gull chorus). He plac-
ed the stars in the skies-Behold. we
bring befour you Jepthah. HALL all
Hail full choruse) Jephthah has
come home. RAISE the song of glad
ness" Eye have brought me home"
shall be your headz'' HALL all HALL
(fuIl chorus). Go thou quickly (soloo
Jephthah sends message to the King
of Ammon. bring me his answer.
yea or nayT Presentation of swordo
Now art thou made ruler. All Hail
Gull chcrus.)
Scene 2. Camp of Jephthah in Miz-
peh. Jephthah alone. Then shall it
be in war" JephthahN's vowa I'll give
her liberty (so1o)- On to the Battle
field s(soldiers' chorus). Grand march
to battle. We fear no foeman's steel.
Tableau, Jephthah's victoryh
Scene g. A story night upon the bat
tlefieId E1oni's death. (Enter NaomD