Christian citizenship

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THE MASTER’S PLAN It is often hard to understand, The workingB of the Master’s Hand. We sit and ponder why our dreams Become as ashes, and it seems That everything has turned to dust — We sometimes wonder why we trust. But, even in our deep despair We feel our Father’s loving care— A helping hand, a gentle smile. And we know that all the while In the Master’s plan we have a part In easing the ache in a weary world's heart. — Doria Garland CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP We are rapidly coming to the day when we shall have a hand in shaping the world of tomorrow. Peace will not concern any one segment of society—but all. We will need a general association of mankind for the promotion of humanitarianism based on a feeling of common origin and nature, common destiny and duty. We will want to help raise moral standards, increase social relationships and en courage Christian citizenship. Through friendship and good will we can rebuild universal faith; reestablish place for duty, kindness and useful effort, on the side of the higher, better and more kindly way of living. We can cooperate on ground where one loses only things in common; and we can im plant, as well as nurture, ideals of equality, charity, justice, morality, liberty, fraternity and Godliness in the hearts and minds of men. We shall need to build unity based not on our rights against each other but on our duties toward each other. We must provide oppor tunities for people to meet, irrespective of their race, creed or condi tion, where they may learn to understand—not to ridicule nor condemn. Where, in addition to brotherhood they may be encouraged to prac tice virtue, honor and mercy. And where they may be a universal spirit of cooperation—radiating reason to suppress prejudice, justice to harmonize disputes—that peace and civilization may prevail. We will need such a union of all peoples to guarantee individual liberty and initiative, to assure equal opportunity and free enterprise, to protect 204 THE CABLETOW the common man from exploitation and regimentation, and to keep law and order within the framework of the consent and control of those governed. Then, perhaps, unity, equality and stability may be' achieved in our lifetime. These principles must preface material con siderations, and all human relationships, for they are fundamental to a disposition to live peaceably with all peoples on a Christian, civilized and cooperative basis. —Henry S. C. Cummings Courtesy of Col. Wm. T, Medford, Honorary Life Member of Mt. Le banon Lodge No. SO, now residing in Baltimore 3. Maryland. HOW TO TAKE LIFE Take it just as though it was—as it is—an earnest, vital and important affair. Take it as though you were born to the task of performing a merry part of it—as though the world awaited your coming. Take it as though it wras a grand opportunity to do and achieve, to carry forward great and good schemes, to help and cheer a suffering, weary, it may be heartbroken brother. Now and then a man stands aside from the crowd, labors earnestly, steadfastly, confidently, and straightway becomes famous for wisdom, intellect, skill, greatness of some sort. The world wonders, admires, idolizes and it only illustrates what others may do if they take hold of life with a purpose. The miracle, or the power, that elevates the few, is to be found in their industry, application, and perseverance under the promptings of a brave, determined spirit. — Mark Twain UNDERSTANDING Not more of light 1 ask, Oh God, but eyes to see what is; not sweeter songs, but ears to hear the present melodies; not more of love, but skill to turn a frown to a caress; not more of joy, but how to feel its kindly presence near—to give to others all I have of courage and of cheer. No other gifts, dear God, I ask, but only sense to see how best these precious gifts to use Thou has bestowed on me. — Author Unknown February, 1956 2D5

Date

1958

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

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