EL PASO HERALD
Christmas Exercises Promise To Surpass Those Of Former Years
Children Take Unusual Interest
In Sunday School Preparations
Christmas Programs Are Found by Teachers to Have a
Fine Influence on the Year's "Work; They Doubt
Fable About Children Takng Interest Only
Before Christmas, Claiming Attendance
Equally Good After Holidays.
A
S the date with the red circle
around it marking the Merry
Christmas season approaches, the
faithful among the Sunday scnooi
workers of the city are spending much
of their spare time in preparing and
drilling the classes for the annual
Christmas program. Reports from all
the Sunday schools show that unusual
interest is being taken by vhe chil
dren in this work and the Christmas
entertainments this year- prls ;
surpass the splendid ones which have
been given in the past. The Chris
mas programs are fouad by the Sun
day school workers to have a fine in
fluence on the work of the year.
The old fable about children attend
ing Sunday school just before Christ
mas is reversed in actual practice, the
Sunday school superintendents assert,
for they say that after seeing the fine
program and the organization within
the Sunday schools the children are all
anxious to attend after the Christmas
holidays. . . ..
The Christmas celeoratlon of the
Sunday school of the First Presbyter
ian church, will be held Tuesday night.
December 28, at 7:15 o'clock in the
church. Great preparations are being
made for this event by the Sunday
school. , . ,
To discuss the Sunday school affairs
the regular , monthly meeting of the
teachers and officers of the Sunday
school will be held Friday night, De
cember 19, at 7:45 o'clock in the
.huMi hulldinsr.
Practice Drill and Choruses.
The Alta Vista Methodist Sunday
scnooi is planning for a splendid
Christmas entertainment and tree.
Much time is being given this week to
training the children to take a part
in the program that is being arranged
by Miss Nevada Bedford. The program
wiU consist largely of drills and chor
uses in which the entire school will
Save a part It will not take over
thirty minutes for the program, after
which, the presents will be distributed
under the directions of the beneficent
old Santa Claus who has promised the
little folks to be present in great fash
ion. Active preparations are being made
in the Sunday school of the First
Christian church for a Christmas en
tertainment which will be held on
Tuesday night. December 23. The Sun
day school will also participate in the
exercises to be held in Cleveland
Square on Christmas Eve.
"Want to Get Into, New Church.
Much interest has been awakened in
the First Methodist Sunday school by
the prospect of getting into the new
church before summer. The effect has
been seen in greater effort on the part
of the teachers and officers and a much
larger attendance.
The following were elected at the
December board meeting to serve as
officers for 114:
Miss Jessie King, superintendent: C.
H- Appleton, first assistant superinten
dent; Mrs. S. H. McMullin, superinten
dent of the primary department; Mrs.
C. H. Appleton, superintendent of the
Sentence Sermons
JOHN THE BAPTIST has, been called a preacher with one sermon, but it was
straight and to the point Rev. Henry Easter, of St. Clement's Episcopal;
church. . "
Some folk seem to think they are conferring a great honor on the Lord when
they offer their services to him. The fact is that we are highly honored when. God
is willing to accept our feeble efforts. Rev. Herman G. Porter, of the First Metho
dist church.
While a single disciple of Christ, living in a community of unbelievers, could
worship God acceptably beneath, the shadow of his own vine and fig tree; yeta,
Tmif hundred disciples Eying in the same community could worship Him more ac
ceptably by coming together in one place than by staying at home and each trying
to worship alone. Hence the command: "Neglect not the assembling of your
selves together.' Rev. J. H. Allen, of Austin Park Christian church.
"In the quickening of trade, in the stirring pulse of the whole world during
the Christmas season, a blind man ought to recognize the power of Christ." Rev.
"W. C. Baber, of Altura Presbyterian church.
- That such a one as the Messiah should appear in the course of the utif olding
of God's plan is implicit in all the Hebrew
Christian church.
God and the -universe are on the side of progress; the veryxelements that seem
to war with one another without purpose, keep and exercise their gigantic poten
tialities to help vi'v in his onward march through the ages. Rev. John E. Abbot,
of the Westminster Presbyterian church.
It was the work of the Holy Ghost for Paul and in Paul which enabled him to
say: "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Rev. C. W. Webdell, of the
Trinity Methodist church.
God's image, found in man, cannot be the physical machine, miscalled "man"
we must search deeper. It would not surprise me, in the last analysis," if the
"image" should be found within the mento-moral and spiritual circle of being. The
conscious and unconscious plane of mentality possesses heights and depths un
dreamed of by sage and philosopher. Rev. Chas. H. Armstrong, of St. Paul's
Lutheran church.
William, Tell may never have actually lived but the ideals which have clus
tered around the ideal hero have been of inestimable value to Switzerland. So,
socalled facts may or may not be truth, but the poetry thrown around them has
been of great importance. As regards actual and ideal truth, the latter is immeas
urably useful. Rev. Miles Hanson, of the First Congregational church.
The giving part of this happy season is the thing that makes Christmas
"Christmas," and which really constitutes the Christmas spirit. I do not mean
perfunctory giving or conventional giving, or giving to receive or giving because it
is expected or because you expect others to give, but giving which has back of it a
heart of love, a heart that longs to give. Rev. Wallace R. Evans, of Highland Park
Methodist church.
One of El Paw's greatest needs is a home and school for wayward and
friendless girls. Every man should help the good women of the Rescue Home
association in their effort to secure such an institution to the extent of his ability.
Rev. Kenneth Brown, of the East El Paso Presbyterian church.
He who fails to properly value the little things of life will never attain the
great. Rev. A, E. Boyd," of the Highland Park Baptist church-
Blessed indeed among women was Mary, the mother of Jesus, but still more
highly favored is every one who, doing the will of the Father in heaved, is called
the brother, sister, or mother of Jesus. Rev. C. L. Overstreet, of the First Pres
byterian church.
Tbe exceeding sinfulness of unbelief lies in the fact that it pours contempt
upon the wisdom, love, sovereignty and veracity of God and slanders the char
acter ef Jesus Christ Rev. W. H. Duncan, of the Alta Vista Methodist church.
Sometimes whena brother is asked to give something to the Lord, he replies
by saying, "I will give the widow's mite," disparaging the smallness of the
widow's mite by comparison with the smallness of his own gift. The widow gave
cheerfully and she gave heroically. That is,, she gave all she had. Can such a
brother find any similarity between the" pittance which he gave from his abundance
and the widow's colossal gift all her living, Rev. J. F. Williams, of the First
Baptist church.
The gospel of Christ attacks sin, the
away. Rev. Paul G. Birkmann, of the
junior department: Mrs. "W. E. Daw
son, superintendent of visitation and
home department: Mrs. N. .m. -tsretney,
superintendent of cradle roll; R. S.
Crowley, secretary: W. R. Hannaforu,
treasurer. Instead of naming a pianist
and chorister as heretoiore. it was ae
cided to elect a director of music and
Mrs. R. S. Crowley was chosen for the
position.
George Mead succeeds A. R. Kuiken
as teacher of the first year junior
boys. Mr. Kuiken has returned to his
home in Indiana.
It has not been possible for the jun
iors to have a room by themselves in
the present church: but a superinten
dent has been provided in the person of
Mrs. C. H. Appleton. and it is expected
that the work will be so thoroughly
organized by the time the new building
is ready that it will start in its new
quarters without a hitch.
Dr. G. N. Thomas has helped along
the new enthusiasm by offering so
cents a Sunday to the class that has
the highest average collection. The
money is applied to the class's sub
scription to the new church.
Trinity Plana for Christmas.
A tree and a program will be given
at the Trinity Methodist church at
Christmas time by the Sunday school.
There were 125 present In the primary
department oi this school last Sunday
and the present total enrolment is 4'n.
There were 34 teachers enroled last
Sunday, there having been but three
absent. The total attendance last week
was 387 and the collection amounted to
$13.73.
Sunday School Elects Officers.
Officers of the Highland Bark Bap
tlsct Sunday school were elected. Wed
nesday evening. F. H. Sanderson was
elected superintendent: J. K. Griffith,
assistant superintendent; Miss Willie
McClure, secretary, and Miss Grace
Robertson, treasurer. Mrs. F. w
Pierce, Mrs. M I Griffith, Miss Jessie
Sanderson, Miss Grace Robertson and
Mrs. Stuckey have been appointed as
assistants in thel junior department.
Mrs. T. A. McClure is in charge of the
traln'ng of the Sunday school children
for the Christmas entertainment, and
is being assisted by a number of the
women of the church.
COULDN'T TAKE CARE OF ANIMALS
In a boarding .house ror bachelors,
Amanda, a typical "mammy," looked
after the guests' comfort in true South
ern style so well that one of the men
thought he 'would like to take her
away with him in the summer in the
capacity of housekeeper. Toward
spring he waylaid her in the hall
one day and said:
"Mandy, do you like the country?"
Mandy reckoned she did.
"Would you like to go away" 'with
me this summer and keep house for
me?'
Mandy was sure she would.
"Suppose I get just a bungalow. Do
you think you could take care of it
nicely by yourself?" ,
Mandy gasped and rolled hec eyes.
"Deed no, massa! Reckon you all
better get somebody else; I don" know
nothin' about taking care of any ani
mals!" By El Paso Ministers
writings. Rev. Perry J. Rice, of First
root and source of man's woe, takes it
German Lutheran church
-
OUTHFUL
A . Nation,"
Future of the American Republic Depends Upon the Youth of the Country for
Civic and Religious Progress.
By Rev. CHARLES H. ARMSTRONG, Ph. D., Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
Text: "Remember Now Thy Creator
In the Sajs of Thy Youth." Eccl.
chapter 12, vcrae one.
O
DR theme, "Youthful Righteous
ness," is an Important considera
tion, at this period of race his
tory, for all good and patriotic citizens
of whatever political parly or leligious
body. Thinkers are agree that if in the
body politics there be lacking a def
inite conception of, and desire for. tnat
"righteousness that exalts a nation"
true patriotism, or love of Fatherland,
wanes and reaches impotency.
The American republic, still but an
experiment, without Godly men and
women is certain to drift into turbia
waters and finally wreck on sands of
anarchv and national death. All norm
al Americans, not intending to insinu
ate that our course of state has been
over the thoroughfare of perfection,
are proud of our progress during the
nearly 140 long years since colonial
swaddling clothes were exchanged for
long trousers, and we hope for greater
national stature and goodness as the
coming decades are ushered into be
ing. However, bear in mind, for this
laudable wish to fructify, we are de
pendent on the youth of this country,
a few years hence, behold our men and
women "of affairs" of today in the
fleeting twilight, that zone of senility,
and the boys and girls of the present,
stepping from the dawn of adolescence
Into the morning light of civic affairs.
And may their tasks then be performed
far better than their predecessors.
The text, a part of the first verse of
the 12th chapter of Eccl., "Remember
now thy Creator in the days of thy
youth" introduces, perhaps, the most
exquisite prose poem of holy writ; a
more touching and beautiful descrip
tion of man's descent of the western
slope than your speaker has yet found
in the entire range of ancient or mod
edn literature that he has examined.
Reaches Highest I,lterary Standard.
The author in question had attained
a high standard of literarjr and splri
ual apprehension. Note his Imagery:
"silver cord, golden bowl, the pitcher
broken at the fountain, keepers of the
house, strong men, men goeth to his
long home and the mourners go about
the streets."
Not even does a great modern poet
later a laureate of England, approach
the beauty of metaphor used by this
Hebrew writer, although Tennyson
points to the starry expanse and sings
of the "Pleiads, rising through the mel
low shade, glittering like a swarm of
fire flies tangled in a silver braid."
' Some knowledge of anatomy is dis
cerned, also, from the metaphorical ref
erence to the spinal cord and cranium
as "silver cord and golden bowl."
It is certain -that the inspired sages
of an ancient civilization often pon
dered in thought, if not in words, the
all abosrbing question of death's to
morrow as evidenced by Job, "If a man
die, shall he live again?"
Answer had to come to them, as it
must to us when we really think from
"consciousness," from the inorganic
lips of nature and from that "still,
small voice," inspiration of the father
over all.
The Important Question.
As the earnest, ambitious, thought
ful young man or woman faces the
future, an interrogation point flits be
fore mental vision. "Shall success re
spond to my efforts?" is the question
Well, what is meant by "success?" The
acquisition of great wealth in this age
of swollen fortunes the placing on
one's forehead of the corona of fame,
or simply having a "good time" witirin
the marble palaces of pleasare"' No,
true success may be defined, is. rins
ing the greatest good to 'the" greatest
number along lines of effort absolutely
right." ,
Above all, however, there is one
consideration outweighing that of suc
cess in life; for on this, true success
is ever dependent. That is. one's re
ligion. Settling definitely and for all
time. In one's mind, whether or not
earth-life, a brief span of 'years at
btst, is the all of conscious existence.
The question of personal immortality
and of the soverignty of a Supreme
Being.
Burr's Strngcle.
It is said of Aaron Burr, while yet
in college, that he found "himself in
tently thinking on the subject of his
soul's welfare; for nearly a week, alone
in his room,- "almost persuaded," he
thought of giving himself to God
through Christ. Unfortunately, though)
his evil genius triumphed, and he
went forth from the chamber of- con
viction, determined that he would
never think of spiritual matters again.
Recall the tragedy clouding this
gifted man's latter days. The Burr
Hamilton duel is a matter of history.
Pull of hatred, from a fancied in
sult. Burr issued the challenge, which
tho barbarous code of ethics! of that
day, forced Hamilton to accapt. They
met nn the so-e11el fielri nf honor.
Hamilton, having the first shot, dis-'j
narged nls pistol into the air, not
even aiming at his opponent. Burr, In
his turn, took most careful aim and
killed his Illustrious colleague; bru
tally assassinated practically an un
armed man, a .fellow creature. Think
you, had he become a Godly man In
the old college days, that-he could
have acted so odiously, so sinfully?
"What Is Man;
It Is important, too, before begin
ning life-work, to decide what we
really are. Two accepted definitions
of man are current in this age. (1) Sim
ply a piece of machinery, resultant of
"natural evolutionary forces." (2) A
creation of divine love, made up of
both soul and body.
Are we really and truly machinery
created by blind cosmic-energy, in
tended to run, like a clock, for a cer
tain time, and, when our parts are
worn out, to be dumped into a rubbish
heap somewhere? What do you think
of this conception?
In Washington, District of Columbia,
a man inside a glass case, is on ex
hibition; he cannot see, hear, think or
talk. Strange, but true. Certain parts
of carbon, iron, salt, lime, sulphur are
there to supply the "physical test." Yet.
and I am deeply in earnest, is the man
there?.
Materialism, remember that word and
what it stands for, and as valiant sol
diery of the cross, wage unrelenting
warfare against it, asserLs this dictum,
which is a world wide slogan of these
so called thinkers. "No thought with
out phosphorus." Phosphorus is a
chemical found in brain cortex, hence
they mean this: "Death ends 'man."
Ernst Haeckle is a - -notej German
philosopher and for years was a pro
nounced materialist. In a recent book,
"Scientific Confession of Faith," he de
clares: "Materialism is an ambiguous
party word; spiritualism could quite
easily be substituted for it." He also
asserts that he doesn't deny Immortal
ity. Thus, while he Is not a christian,
this position makes him -a Theist, that
14 one believing that God simply re
veals himself in nature.
To clarify his terminology. He does
not mean by "Spiritualism" the doc
trine of spirit communion through
"mediums," he does mean that some
thing beside death ending elements is
inherent in our composition.
(Are llccomlnc Arcbnlc.
Haeckle's one time "ism" and "skep
ticism" and "'Atheism" are badges that
scientist ind ps-udo scholar formerly
wore bodlv and proudlv but, wltn
clearer lieht cm true r-lis:on th
J sicjnia, or Uiuis, arc b. omiri0 iuth.ac i
Righteousness
An Important
No longer the deeply learned flaunt
doubt and scorn in the faces of church
goers. Time has modified ibeir once
beligenernt spirit. Many, if not all, of
our leading scientific men are rever
ently standing within the magnificent
temple of faith. These noted and
scholarly individuals, with thoughtful
mien gaze upon the tiny atom, an
"electron" now, and assure us that
there is no "dead matter" but that the
smallest imaginable part of "matter"
thrills with "life," "energy," and they
say, "Perhaps, after all, the power wor
shipped by religionists as God is back
of this atom life.'
Indeed, the following deliverance of
a well known scientist sounds more
like an outburst of illumination from
some Theological school: "A God whom
we may approach In some far off to
morrow Is to give way to a God in
whose bosom we rest, tne presence oi
whose love and life we dally and hour
ly feel. God the ultimate fact and
spirit, the sure foundation on which all
things rest; this is the thought of the
20th century, into which we of the
19th, are just beginning to enter."
Also, listen to what one of the really
great men of our day (an inventor;
says: "One need but take up the study
of chemistry and note the precision
and nicety with which certain elements
combine, thereby showing the affinity
existing between them, to decide that
there is a thoroughly competent en
gineer running the universe."
"Worse Than Folly to Deny.
It is worse than folly to deny a ben
eficent being, all loving, wise .and
powerful, who, as our Bible affirms,
created man a "spirit," In his image
and likeness; nor can we escape the
conclusion that earth life, varied, kal
eidoscopic, checkered with good ano
evil, a brief span of years, at most, ir
not all, not our end. Rather, death be
comes a gateway thrpugh which God't
children pass Into a wider, grander.
more glorious Iieid oi conquest, anu
joy ineffable.
What more important tnen, at tne
outset of our journey, than to remem-.
her our creator? How remember!
Give soul the true man through
Christ into the keeping of divinity, and
worship In spirit and in truth. Be
come useful, live members of thi
church.
The gentle man of Galilee, God mar
that he was, once read doubt in his
disciples' souls, and with loving hand
drew aside the curtain obscuring fu
ture, and with accents melodious, enun
ciated a glorious fate for those who
trusted him
"In my father's house arc many man
sions. . , . . I go to prepare a place for
you And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again and
receive you to myself, that -where I am,
there ye may be also."
Shall we not with all confidence and
trust believe that these "many man
sions" are intended for. occupancy by
faithful disciples, the whole world
oer, from every tribe, kindred, denom
ination? A Glimpse BnctTTardc
Peer with me, In imagination, nearly
2000 years ago, into a Roman dungeon,
below the level of the historic Tiber,
Behold an aged prisoner there by the
orders .of that infamous Nero, -who ,
said to have fiddled while the "eternal
city" was being consumed by flame.
It is the aged apostle to the Gentile
world, Paul, who languishes here with
a ghastly prison pallor' on nts paia
drawn face. He move3 across tne
stone floor and clanking chains affixed
to his emaciated body give forth their
metal laughter. He sinks, with a
groan, upon an iron bedand buries his
faca in trembling hands; and then, into
a dream of the past befalls.
In 'youth-once more, full of vigor
and enthusiasm, he is en route to Da
maseuiL to nut to death1 those, of his.
brethren, differing with him religious''
ly. A realistic dream, maeea, ior a
human voice Is speaking. Who what
is it? He awakes, beholding the one
he loves, Christ; darkness is trans
formed into day. The lips of his visitor
continue and he catches, "With thee,
Paul, until the end." The vision fades,
Paul is again alone
A short while later, to one of his
epistles, he added these words, "I have
fought a good fight, I have kept the
faith. I have finished my couifre." And,
just a short while after, came martyr
dom. Ought we not thon to endeavor,
as did this erreat discinle and message
1. bearer, to fight valiantly, keeping the
As gladiators, in time's arena, there
fore, let us contest heroically for right
never stooping to dishonest methods to
attain success.
And I think, if God were to send ur
a message today it might be. "I expect
all my children, in life s conillct, to dc
their duty. Only, ours Is a bloodless
battle against sin. none the less a
battle to try our souls.
r. iJ.,. .. ii,..i .,. tnn I
Cannot Ignore the Personal Equation. J
We cannot safely ignore wnat may
be termed "the personal equation" in
pur spiritual future, any more than ws
dare eliminate personal responsibility
in professional, business or social life
Consider (1). That we did not creat
self; (2) that a specific purpose was
held by the creative powei in launch
ing us on the sea of life; (3) and that
unaided, it is impossible for ns to ac
complish that purpose.
By way if illustration, suppose God
created us in time to explore the
Solar system and tabulate results, and,
also. In eternity, to perform some use
ful functions. All Is mystery, vast and
deep, as we survey the field. Our
studies, in the primary grade, prove
that we create nothing ourselves, onl
discovering, directed by teacher, prin
ciples and laws already created,
formed. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry,
the higher mathematics, chemistry, ge
ology, astronomy all point to a higher
mind than ours!
Tnjlor'n Tribute to nducntlon.
In regard to education as usually
considered, I quote from the deceased
exgovernor. Robert L Taylor: "1
walked with Gibbon and Hume through
the somber halls of the past and caught
visions of the glory of those classic
(epublics and empires that flourished
ong ago, and whose very dust is still
eloquent with the story of departed
greatness. The spirit of genius lingers
there still like the fragrance of roses
faded and gone.
"I thought I heard the harp of Pin
dar, and tho impassioned song of dark
eyed Sappho. I 'thought.' I heard the
lofty epic of the blind Homer, rushing
on the red tide of battlev dha the divine
Plato discoursing like an oracle fn hl&
academic shades.
'"The canvas spoke and the marble
breathed when Apelles painted and
Phidias carTed.
"I stood with Michel Angelo and be
held him chisel his dreams from the
marble.
"I saw Raphael spread his visions ol
beauty in immortal colors.
"I sat under the spell of Paganlnl's
power. The flow of his melody turned
the verv air into music I thought my
self within the presence of Divinity as
I heard the warbles and murmurs ana
the ebb and flow of the silver tides,
from his violin."
"Qur Bob," silver tongued, himself
had not spurned an "education," hence
the "Decline and Fall of the Roman
Empire," Gibbon's creation, intelligibly
presented a drama of our storied past.
Neither Gibbon nor Hume could in
terest one without mind training, edu
tation Mar tcv voutluul auditors, without
exception, apply with diligence to ail
"Which Exalts
Consideration
intellection, mental work, so that,
whensoever the hand of time's clock
shall point to the hour of their destiny,
they may be qualified to fully protit
thereby.
Little Red School House a Citadel.
Remember the little "red school
house," a proverbial phrase row. Is our
strongest citadel, so far as civil fact
tors extend, for the perpetuation of a
republican form of government;. educa
tion, mental, moral, spiritual, in the
broadest application, is the crowning
glory of this republic and of Anglo
Saxon Europe, while illiteracy is the
supreme shame of the Latins, Africa
and Asia.
Nations, systems and Individuals, of
past ages, entered the world lists, to
battle for supremacy; but, instead ot
erecting their superstructure upon such
foundations of truth as had been re
vealed to them, they attempted to build
on sands of greed, dishonesty, unfaith
fulness. False to "standards" of right,
as defined by their ethical codes and
creeds, the inevitable consequence was
that outraged law flung their mori
bund dynasties into the nadir of ob
livion instead of leading them, victor
ious, to the very zenith of national
greatness.
And it does not require a high grade
prophet today to forecast the destiny
of the world powers of our age.
Should this civilization prove recreant
to opportunity, blindly worshipping
the gods of mammon, turning a deaf
car to divine importunation, through
the Holy Spirit, our glory shall depart
and time's annals refer to us as "have
beens."
It is not always the army winning
the battle nor the individual triumph
ing over his adversary that is success
ful. Who really was successful at
Thermopylae Leonidas with his name
less 306, defeated, or Xerxes, with his
Persian . hordes, victorious? Vas it
Christ, in purple- robe of mockery,
crowned with thorns, or Pontius Pilate,
i Roman procurator, who truly gained
the contest? Are those who amass lor-
tunes, and who enjoy the good things
or, mis me, more successiui man uie
humble tollers, with an ideal ever be
fore them a cloud by day, a pillar of
fire by night who falter and fall by
the wayside, unable to longer endure
the terrific strain placed upon their
tired shoulders by an iniquitous sys
tem? Good Men Needed.
Once your speaker felt that, in order
for a young man to serve Deity ac
ceptably and efficiently, it meant en
tering the ministry. That fallacy has
long been dissipated. God needs good
and true men and women in all the
walks of life. The crying need of the
age is give us men and women, too.
who will live and act consistently all
the while, living exponents and demon
strations of the golden rule.
Copy the Pure nnd Good,
If our youth copy after the pure and
good, with lofty and legitimate ambi
tion and aspiration their stimulus, suc
cess beyond their wildest dreams shall
be attained.
The man God. our historic Christ,
carpenter of Galilee, is honored by all
the world as the ideal man. the per
fect model. Worship him, then, not
with incense, aromatic circling heav
enward; not clad in robes Immaculate,
chanting Latin liturgy; not in stated
ebulitions of mere emotion, nor in
formalistic outward expression; but,
through Christ's' example, when on
earth, worship your creator by pour
ing time and talent and money gifts
upon the altar of loving service to your
fellows.
-The Faith of St. Francis.
St Francis of Assissi, of the 13th
century, and founder of the order of
"Franciscan Fathers." or monks. " In
Jiis careless and ungodly yoith. seek
ing soul peace, onoe visited the cnurcn
of St. Damian. standing sequestered
among the TJmbrlan hills of northern
Italy. Dilapidated and served by only
one poor priest, with scarcely where
withal for necessary food, the chapel
contained naught but a stone altar,
above which hung a painting of the
crucifixion. Kneelinf before the pic
ture of the one on the cross, whose
open eyes seemed to pierce his soul
the penitent man prayea: ureal ana
glorious Gpd, and thou. Lord Jesus, -l
pray ye shed abroad your light in the
darkness of my mind. Be close to me,
Lord, so that in all things I may net
only In accordance with thy holy wilL"
Bv aniJiv. it seemed to him that he
could ndt remove his eyes" from those
of the picture something mawewus
was taking place within him, and a
voice seemed speaking In an ineffable
language. Then and there he dedet
cated himself to Christ.
Because of his sincerity, the life of
this one time sinner became so simple
and beautiful that Ernest Renan, com
menting thereon, said: -"There nave
only been two christians, Jesus and St.
, -..,. til ' tyat T?,a.i,
j. ........ a.w. J IU US b.nb .,ua.w..J
of Assissi dwelt -so earnestly and con
stantly In thought on the sufferings
of Christ on "Good Friday" that he, at
last showed on his body "marks" of
crucifixion, only they were "mental, in
stead of Roman infliction, technically
denominated, "stigmata."
In conclusion. Remember your .crea
tor in youth, while vou may be ofSer
vlce to him in ministering to humanity.
To become a "workman that used not
be ashamed." secure tbe clearest men
tal conception possible of Christ Jesus.
This may be accomplished only, today,
by a careful study of his life, left by
holy biographers. A clear vision of
the Christ character, outlined before
the eyes of consciousness, will consti
tute your highest spirito ethical ideal:
then, with tnis divine model before you
each day. enter heartily into all .the
true pleasures of physical existence. If
desired, and loyally face the responsi
bilities of life sculpture. With your
religious convictions Dermeadng ever?
fiber of body and soul, you shall sue- J
cessiuiiy tread tne , upward causeway
of life, without -the faintest suspicion
of unholy method's and efforts, and.
sequentially, on this order shall "ome
to you growth, unfoldment, Christ
stature.
I want to leave you wizli these three
lines only, that I trust may prove an
Inspiration to you. as they have to me.
on your upward journey. Thev call to
mind the master sentiment in' the mas
ter poem of the last century, and are
found in "Memoriam," by lord Alfred
Tennyson.
"One- God. one law. one element
And due far off, divine- event.
Towards which, tho'whole creation
moves." - ' .
Our race was born for a'noble-des-llny.
From prehistoric times until the
present, the branches of - the race,
making up humanity, have solemnly
passed in procession across time's hor
izon, longing ever, praying always, for
"the perfect day," but catching only
glimpses of that "one God" manifesting
ever through law immutable
AUTO TCRAS TURTLE;
SHEEPMAN IS INJURED
Proscott, Ariz., Dec; 13. C. C. Hutch
inson, a wealthy s"heepman of Phoenix
and Seligman, was seriously injured
at Seligman when his auto turned tur
tle and he was pinned underneath. He
remained under the car several min
utes and suffered an internal hem
orrhage. A special train brought him
to Prescott His recovery Is doubtful.
The accident was caused b- the gear
going Trnnsr when the car was travel
ing at a high rate of spee-j
Protestants' Missionaries
Not Disturbed In Mexico
Reports to Home Bodies Say Their Work Continues,
Despite the Unsettled State of the Republic Eight
Catholic Cardinals May Be Chosen; Episco
x palians May Elect Missionary Bishops.
A n l?
yl as a' rule, that their work has
-1 been Iess lnterierea wnn uj
warlike conditions there than they
would have expected. Practically all
of them refuse to quit their posts.
The American jBible society reports
having recently shipped a large num
ber of bibles, with the full belief that
they will be sold as previous shipments
have been. Robberies of colporters are
frequent, especially in the states south
of Mexico City, and to some extent on
the Pacific coast, but in the northern
states they have been little molested.
Methodists and Baptists refuse to talk
of political conditions, but say they are
maintaining their religious work with
out interruption worth mentioning.
The Presbyterian church of Mexico,
closely related to that in this country,
is strongest in Mexico City, and has
repeatedly had the protection of the
present government for its interests.
It reports to Presbyterian headquarters
here that schools are much disturbed,
but that strictly spiritual work is little
affected. Bishop Aves, of the Episco
pal missionary district, reports that
his American work is strongest in
Monterey, and has been hampered by
the removal home of large numbera of
families. His Mexican work, chiefly in
the southern states, goes on without
serious hindrance. Quakers have some
work, and they have suspended opera
tions in meeting houses for relief work
in fields. Unlike other countries, Mex
icans have formed no sanitary commis
sions, and almost the only relief work
carried on In the armies outride of the
government hospital work, is led by
Quakers, and assisted in small ways by
a few Protestants. Christian mission
aries report that they are praying for
peace and sticking to their work.
CONSISTORY MAY CREATE
EIGHT CATHOLIC CARDINALS
A consistory is soon to be held at the
Vatican, possibly near the end of this
month, when it is expected that six and
probably eight new cardinals will be
created. None of these will be Ameri
go,, TVi KnnntrlM tn be honored in
largest- measure will be Germany and
Spain, with enough Italians raiseo. w
the purple to keep the balance of pow
er in the college. Germany will be giv
en a representative in the curia, or
governing body of the church at Rome.
The Archbishop of Cologne, Monsignor
Hartmann just now in Rome at the
head of a pilgrimage, will be raised to
the College. To Dominican order will
be given a reperesentative, for it has
long been without one in the College.
A new Spanish cardinal will be named
to reside in Rome in place of the late
cardinal Vives y Tuto, and a Spanish
prelate will be raised to the purple In
place of the late cardinal Aguirre. So
will be raised the- new archbishop of
"Vienna. Little is known as yet about
the Italians to be honored, beyond the
archbishop of Genoa, and the arch
bishop of Bologna.
In this connection it has- become
known that the Vatican is much im
pressed by a book just published by
the Rev. Robert Hugh Benson, the son
of the late Anglican Archbishop of
Canterbury, who left the Anglican for
the Roman communion. The title is
"Confessions of a Convert" and the
parts that impressed the Catholic
church authorities ewre those in which
father Benson praised the real and in
telligence of Anglican clergy of his
Intimate acahaintance. THe usual
I course of converts has been to do the
opposite, but the Vatican is now sam
to believe that this new development
-will bring other Anglicans to the
Catholle church through the Benson in
fluence. For this reason it is .thought
in Rome that father Benson mav re
ceive some recognition irom tne Vati
can in connection with the oonslstory
soon to be held.
EPISCOPAL MAY ELECT
MISSIONARY' BISHOPS SOON
Only a iftw weeks since their ad
journment, there Is already talk that
Episcopal bishops will meet again
soon to elect bishops for the important
missionary districts of Spokane and
Cuba, and perhaps to take into account
the situation in Panama and Central
..America. Three new bishops are to be
CHRISTMASf IDE IN THE 7 J
SPANISH SOUTHWEST
By EDITH C. LANE, for The Herald.
The Christmas Fires.
I
N December we used always to watch
for the fires of the mountains;
a beautiful custom observed for
many generations among the Indians
and Mexicans of both old and New
Mexico. It h a custom fast falling
away a great pity, too, as these quaint
old-time ceremonies were exceedingly
impressive, and added a solemn realism
to the legend of old and of the Christ's
coming.
The high peaks of the pine and cedar
laden Sandla mountains in New Mexico
were for years the most beautiful sight.
For a week or more before Christmas
huge bonfires were built by the Indians,
as well as by the native sheep herders,
who ' kept them burning brightly the
whole night through. When the' nights
were unusually dark, even to black
ness, the fires apepared to -come from
the sky itself. They were supposed to
light the way to the ancient church of
San Felipe, at old Albuquerque, and to
various small villages, where a short
service was held, though the maiorlty
came; to the large church.
Along the summits of Mexico moun
tains the fires burned brilliantly with
a queer, fantastic light, while often the
figure of some indian would appear be
fore the flames, like some vision of an
other world. Aside from the Catholic
version of the fires, the Indians had
theirs, which was their faith unshat
tered, that the beloved Moctezuma
would one day return to his people.
No genuine Aztec could to this day be
convinced that there was even a pos
sibility of Moctezuma not returning,
for was he not an indian of tbe noble
type? and to this sort of indian, their
word is never broken. "An Indian's
promise is unbreakable." and to those
who know and love- the genuine Indian i
this is neither a jest or subject for'
comment, it is the truth.
To me there is something wonderful,
something mysteriously grand, in the
unwavering faith of not only the Aztec
tribe, but the worth-while Indians of
any tribe they cling so unfalteringly
to their tribal legends, beliefs and cus
toms, they are so high in their ideals
J of-honor, so firm in their friendship.
that l often wonder if In many ways
the white might not learn from the In
dian; to find, perhaps, the fulness of
living in their conception of one's
duty to the "Great Spirit" of the rev
erence due nature's beauties, and of
faith and complete trust. That is proved
generation after generation, and bv
the present few that are left to build
their Christmas fires.
r rKiL'!
rasiffent Tvler. at HaCerstown, who
goes to North Dakota; the Eev. F. li
Howden at Georgetown, wno goes to
New Mexico; and Rev. C. B.. Colmore,
dean of the cathedral at Havana, who
comes to- the University of the South
at Sewanee to be eonseerated for
Porto Rico. The last named will also
have charge of Episcopal work in
Haytl, whose bishop lately died.
The Rev. Dr. William Cabell Brown,
who Is head of Important work In Rio
de Janeiro, was elected to Cuba, but
he has declined, saying he must re
main in Brazil. He was a translator
of the prayer book Into Portuguese,
and assisted in the Bible translation
into the same tongue, and he is said
to feel it to be unwise to change now
to Spanish work. He is the second to
decline the Cuba place, the other hav
ing been Rev. Dr. Milo H. Gates of
New York. Rev. Dr. W. T. Capers, of
Philadelphia, was elected to Spokane,
but declined and he has now been
elected to West Texas, but has not yet
given his decision. The Spokane Is a
missionary district. West Texas an in
dependent diocese, whose bishop Is re
tiring. Panama church interests have
lately developed, and English interests
are urging some Central American ter
ritory upon the Episcopal church in
America as a part of a district to go
with Panama. The date of the possi
ble meeting of the bishops for thed
elections is set for April, but the of
ficial call has not yet been issued.
CHRISTIANS IN CHINA ARE
FIGHTING AGAINST CONFUCIANISM
Keen Interest obtains in. all bodies,
Protestant and Catholic in this coun
try over the agitation to write Con
fucianism into the constitution, now !n
the making, as the state religion of
China. American mission boards hav
ing work In China are receiving re
ports and sending them out widely. Ad
ded interest obtains here because the
leader of the movement, Chen Huan
Chang, was educated at Columbia uni
versitv. New York, and holds from
that university the degree of doctor of
I philosophy.
He Is a memoer oi tne
Han-Lin, or National Academy of Lit
erature of China, which noias, accord
ing to Dr. Chen, that if tne new China
is to be saved from political and moral
anarchy the histerfe faith must be le
gally established.
Following clesely the American
method of agitation. Dr. Cben has
founded a society of distinguished
Chinese scholars, and these recently
held a convention at tbe birth place
of Confucius in the Shantung province.
The 'movement led by this former Co-
lumbian university student has at
tracted attention of Chinese officials,
and president Yuan Shi-Kai has issued
an edict practically endorsing it. His
act led to the conference just held at
Pekin. attended by leaders of all other
bodies. Christian, Islam, Buddhist and
Taoist. to protest. For tlrem. It i
stated that they do not favor one of
their respective faiths to be made the
state one, but believe that a free churca
in a free state tbe best plan.
Until the overthrow of the empire
four years ago Confucianism, -was the
state religion, the emperor being the
head of tbe faith, and Its. services be
ing a charge upon, tbe -public reven
ues. It -is now simply fighting for
what itbaa. heretofore enjoyed. The
mass of Chinese people are Conru
clanlsts, and Christian leaders in this
county, speakin&.qf Confucianism, sav
it is immensely-uresor as a religion
to almost alL otherS, ndT' that it has
done much for the millions of East
ern Asia.
The- Christian forces In China, ar
dayed against any state religion, num
ber about 2.350.000. In evangelical
churches there are 5,452 foreighn mis
sionaries, and 5.SS0 ordained Chinese
pastors and workers. There are also
5,000 Christian school teachers, and the
actual- churelr -membership Is 470,000.
Catholics have in China 4S bishops.
1475 foreign and 697 native priests, and
1.34S.000 communicant membc'i
Bishop Bashford and' Bishop Lewis In
the Methodist church. -Bishop Graes
of the Episcopal, church; Bishop Scott
(Continued wLaat BftatWs section.-
The Mexican Posada.
Hp HE Posada is thoroughly Mexican
I and commemorates the journej-
, of the BlesSed VJtsm and Joseph
from Naaareth' into Bethlehem, Th.s
trip, as told, is said to have taken
nine days. Each night when near
shelter they naturally asked for "Po
sada," weaning shelter, or a brif lodg
ing. In more recent times families often
form a sort of club for these nine Uas
entertainments, the servants taking
part in the program, as well as tbe
wealthier class. Each one is given a,
taper, and a procession is formed, sorr-
at the head carrying figures to repr. -sent
Mary and Joseph, with the figure
overbead of a guiding angeL or a star
Chanting the litany of Loretto. tin v
march around and Ground the premises.
then some enter tie house and closo
the doors. From outside comes tl e
plaintive request for a night s shelt-'-This
is denied, but finally granted, arc!
the party entera.
The weary travelers are placed b ,
fore a gorgeously bedecked altar, wurt
great quantities or tapers lighted, an
markable lot of tinsel and of toys. The
all kneel and prayers are said. After
this trays are passed, containing can
dies, small cakes, 'and usually ciga1--ets
and black coffee.
On the ninth night "Noche Buena
(Christmas eve), a general fiesta .
held, with much dancing and langhter
and some wonderfully fine entertain
ments have marked this date among
the higher classes.
In more ancient day3 this was a
beautifully religious festival ai 1
among a vexy few -eid time familKs .?
still is.
The processions wer .form. aT-a
Mary and Joseph were-repreaented bx
living neoDle. the Blessed Virgin rul
ing upon her burro and Joseph carr -
lng his staff and gourd, walk beside
From house to house they went, see'e
ins shelter, each of the nine nights
The prayers and processions, the s'aht
of those journeying rorth. the lighted
tapers flickering in th dark nisht.
bringing this rite Into one's p-esnt dav
11 fe. were all most solemn and Impres
sive The night of Christmas e-t e aftgure ..r
the Christ child was carried into the
church and placed in the Improvised
manger, with figures of oxen, burrow
and the silent wise men kneeling n
adoration.
Packages of clothing, provisions ar l
coins were given to the ever prest it
poor on this night by the wealthy, an 1
all knelt together to adore and r( x .
erence the alwas beautiful Cbi st
child