The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-04-05
Rev. John c. Sage, Rector Of st.
Johns Church, Gives His Annual
Good Friday Message to
Local People.
TO ASK DIVINE AID
Christians Of All Den omInatlons In.
vlted to Participate In Three
Hours Service
Tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be Good Friday. 1t
Is the anniversary of the crucit1Non
of Christ, and is being recognized by
local churches. Prominent among
these is st. Johns Episcopal church,
where the Rev. John c. Sage will con-
duct three hours devotion, and to
which christians Of all denominations
are invited.
DR.. Sage has for several years Civ
en- an annual Good Friday message,
and this year 1t is particularly solemn
and beautiful, coming as it does at
the time when our country is involved
in a great crisis. His message is CIV
en- herewith:
| For several years past, through the
kindly courtesy of the editor of The
| Gate City, 1t has been my privilege to
remind my fellow christians In keo-
kuk of the anniversary of the death
of Jesus Christ on that Friday which
we call Good. In the midst OF the
upheaval Of civilization, in the peril
we are in ourselves as a people on
the brink of war. surely the remem-
brance of the Son of God and Son OF
man dying ON the cross that humanity
might learn the lesson of sacrifice,
will be a very needful and pertinent
lesson to heed at this time.
| we Ill LILO lllANuAo WCoN ho'S AoS~A~N
largely at the material results OF
civilization-we have often failed to
remember that the only civilization
which can endure must be based on
the principles which Jesus Christ en-
unciated and for which He died. Con-
seuuently in the past we-even chris
tan people-have neglected to call to
remembrance the deep spiritual mes
sage Of life which was given on the
first Good Friday. as the Savior OF the
world offered His life, ransom for
MANY, We are often ready to rejoice
in the glad message of Easter, and
christian people Of every name fall
not to keep the feast. But how ABOUT
the day which made Easter Joy pos
sible? The love OF any man mas
grown cold who remembers not the
anniversary of the death OF a loved
one How cold must be the love OF
some christian people then Tor the
Master whom they profess TO 1oilow
lie they will not stand for time with
those first disciples at the foot OF the
cross and hear the greatest sermon
ever preached as the Elder Brothe
of mankind breaches from that cross!
| AS a christian man l rejoice that
christian congregations are more ana
more gathering on Good FRIDAY to
hear that message. In many clues
the stores and schools are closed and
people are not unmindful of the sor-
rows Of the day. Here in our city, at
any rate, there has been an 1ncreas-
/ ing recognition that Good Friday
means more than other days. It has
been my yearly privilege to welcome
to ST. Johns increasing numbers OF
christians of all names who join with
us in familiar hymns and simple &C.
yotions and hear the seven last say
ings which our Elder Brother Jesus
Christ, speaks from the cross. Again
this year I invite whoever Will, to
come to this simple service. me
hours are from noon to o'clock.
Come when you wish, enter and leave
during the singing Of hymn.
On the eve of what may be the great
turning point in our nations history,
NAV we not do we'll to grid up our
IIoins as christian soldiers and testify
| to the community our belief that no
war has ever been won and the fruits
| Of victory kept, save as the people
fought and conquered from spiritual
impulses and principles based upon
the sacrifice Of the death of the bon
of man on Calvary's cross?
The bell of St. Johns Will toll TOR
five minutes at noon. VIII not every
| christian pause long enough to say
40 savior of the world, who by Thy
cross and passion hast redeemed us,
| save us and help us we humoly De-
seech Thee, o Christ