The Dayton forum. [volume] (Dayton, Ohio) 1913-1949, 1918-11-22
sT. MARGAREIys NEWS
Father j. N. Samueis- BeIboder, Vicar

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Thanks be to God who giyeth
us the victory" These are the words
from which d stirring sermon was
preached at ST. Margaret's last Sum
day morning by the Vicar. "rrue VIC
tory, victory Of real abiding value,
and transcendent worth, Is won |
through sacrifice, suffering and
death. DO not shrink at the word
death" Think boldly Of the idea
and all it manifestation OF hui
man funetioning, dissolution, forget
fulness. That Ii the ordinary fact OF
death But to the Christian, the per-
son who takes firm hold Of the hands,
or even the skirts of Jesus Christ and
endeavors to live for Him, death
means 4 change from material and
human existence to d spiritual and
divine life. A happier existence, a
fuller satisfaction, joyful reeogni-
ton of life, because he has learnt the
true values Of things and is able to
give each it's true worth and import
ance. The Christian life on earth is
a school that fits its pupils for this
higher spiritual life to come. And
some Of the lessons Of this school are
sacrifice and suffering. Take today
the great war, the clash Of arms, the
whirr of flying machines, the deafen-
ing Of giant guns, the cry Of the
wounded, the groans of the dying, the
labor and sweat Of men and women,
the high tension Of mind as they an
xiously watch the result Of the recent
death grapple; what were they?
They were but Christians in labor, in
auffering, in sacrifice to defend the
doctrine and life of Jesus Christ.
They were the outward and visible
sign of the faith of the Christ, battl-
ing against the faith Of arrogant and
contemptuous might. They were the
open defense of nations and peoples
who rather death in the holy cause of
Christ and set themselves and fought
in martial array for the ideals which
make heaven easier of attainment.
They fought and millions died. But
this death Is swallodew up in victory.
Victory is ours today. Our hearts are
full Of joy solemn JOY, indispensable
joy. And thanks be unto God who
giveth us the victory through our
Lord, Jesus Christ.
One fears that our country did not
celebrate this victory appropriately.
Instead Of call for special national
thanksgiving there was an outbreak
and d very primal display of animal
instincts. Rough stuff" semi-vul-
garity, careless and thoughtless LAM
guage; even an effigy, dragged
through the streets as a semi-lyching
exhibition of the arch enemy. This
has and cannot but have bad and
lowering effect upon the young. We
arc none too far removed from the
lynching instinct as yet to indulge in
any act that reminds us OF 1t. No!
no! The president, the governors, the
legal authorities of the country lost
an opportunity for elevating God
when they did not call the people
first to solemn worship of thanks
giving, and then to such other ways
of rejoicing as they may have
thought fit. God gave the victory
Man ungratefully withheld the thanks
from Him until he had wallowed and
was satisfied. Not so! Oh Chris
tians. Do you celebrate the death of
your sons with wild carnival9 Do
you look upon ten million graves with
a hellish hurrah Does the armless
and legless and nerveless suffering
soldiers move you only to hoot, and
halloo, and shout nonsense? Is it
this for which they fought? Canada
did not do this first. She thanked
God first; so did England and so did
gallant, imperishable LaBelle Francei
Let US hope as Christians our SOL
diers' return will be better celebrated
and as their deaths have brought us
victory so we shall first give thanks
to God,
The Supper and Ball Maseme were
both great success. AS usual, every
one had very enjoyable time We
thank one and all and invite them
heartily to come again.
De not forget the minstrel show
now being prepared by Mr.. Fred Par
sons and his assistants for the Mems
Club. The tickets are out, and it
promises to be the finest local pre-
sentation. Great fun and stirring
times are promised. Ket your tick
etsi Get them quick.
Rapi1IaY. Saryirps uayt Sunday