Phoenix tribune., 1923-06-30
Week Day Sermonette
By H. T. S. JOHNSON,
Inteuracial Secretary for Oklahoma
A COMMAND AND A PROMISE
A COMMAND AND A PROMISE

[ Matt 1918 "Ask and it will be given you; seek
and you will find knock and the door will be opened to
YOU
The Lord Jesus meant these words not only for the
people to whom He spoke in that matchess
the Mount but especially applicable to the Negro in the
United States because to him many privileges de-
nied advantages hidden and doors closed that he must
continually ask seek and knock order to throw off the
handcaps of slavery, ignorance and superstition that
stand in the way of his coming into his Therefore,
my PRAYER is that the Negro in this country will think of
the scripture which consider this week. coming
from the burning heart of Jesus to him.
''Ask is the first command, followed by the prom
ise "it will be given you. If race, would regard
this command and promise meant for u.s. personally
should not have to get along without many things
that would be for the asking. Without intending
to overlook make any for the white mans pref
udce against the Negro it is but fair to say that if
ask for hem many things denied would be given
White ready to help get better Accommodations
on the railroads. But not asking for them The
masses of our people, many of them Negroes of
wealth and educaon suffer the humiliation of the pres
et Jim crow regulations without word of complaint
This is generally tre that when occasional Negro
protests and asks for better Accommodations he is looked
upon by agitator. Too many of our big
stand in with the conductor and ride at reduced rates.
Those who do obgate themselves the extent that hev
cannot protest against anything. They paying too
much for the little rebate they get It is costing them
serespect and the freedom to ask for better treatment
on public carriers.
The Corporation Commission is supported by public
taxation The Negro therefore contributes to its main
tenance. That Commission, know from personal exper
ience will investigate every complaint brought before it,
without reference to the complexion of the
pantant Much could be done toward making better
Editions it, in apprecabe numbers would ask that it
be done.
We suffer a race in respects because fail
to asker In the matter of parks play grounds
water lights, better school facilities etc. lack
not only because Of the white mans prejudice but also
because do not ask for relief along these lines If
ask and in the interest of the Negro child for the things
1a1
men will join us in the appeal until it is granted We
know this because of past experiences and because God
word says, 'Ask and it will be given you.''
''Seek and you will find, is the second command
succeeded by promise. For things it is only
necessary to ask. But for others we must seek We
must seek opportunities advantages and friendships
These do not just for the asking Let members
of the Negro bend energies towards seeking
remedy for all racial ills This best be done through
nterracla cooperation practice of the better ee
ment of both getting together in every community
for the express purpose of making local conditions con-
tribute to the well being Of all concerned If seek
patience sef-control opportunity, privilege and the
abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, they will be found
and with them, an experience of such peace earth
and good will toward men, was prohpesied by the
gentle shepherds of ,Judea
Our text says, also; "Knock and the door will be
opened to you To ask for that which plainly before
and unquestionaby own; to seek for debatabe
knock at closed doors which keep from the best things
of life until those doors opened.
We have not space to discuss the many doors upon
which it is privilege to knock Just let your think
work and field of service will open before you cal
cuated to deepen your obligation to God and man. while
vision of accomplishments will rise in view showing
how nightly God fra and errng mankind in
His program for kingdom building. Remember ''it is
always he who asks that receives he who seeks that
finds and he who Knocks that has the door opened to
him. -