The Houston Post from Houston, Texas • Page 5

i. HOUSTON DAILY POSTT MONDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 25, 1916. ijnjijnj-LTLrns ntiruxrj' nr nnnr Elaborate Celebmttons Held in Churches Act. A Wish for Christmas WILSON RE-EOHOED SONG FROM SKIES Would Have Peace Among All Men Nations. NATIONS HAVE FLOURISHED AS THEY HAVE SERVED KING JESUS Welfare of Men Today Rests Upon Realization That Christ Is Lord Christmas Sermon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

BY DR. E. P. WEST, Pastor Baptist Temple. CHRISTMAS SONG AND STORY FEATURED CHURCH.

SERVICES. Great Crowds Heard Music by the Choirs and' i Special Sermons From Pastors Children's Christmas Carol Service at Christ Church. Christmas the most joyous day In the calendar of the Christian Church, was celebrated In the churches of Houston Sunday with song and tory of the coming of the Lord. The first Christmas was ushered In with, 1 the song of the angels announcing the coming of the 8avior, and since that 1 time music and son; has been an essential feature of the church's worship on this eventful day. The great choirs of thp larger churches, after many hours of prepara- tion, sang the story of the Christ child in cantatas and anthems composed the world's masters, and in the age-old hymns, handed down, from th 7 The happy Christmaatide has come again with fragrant gifts of love and good cheer.

It is the season of generous impulse, beautiful brotherhood, sweet music, mellow memories and universal love. At this joyful time I would fa(a breathe this prayer for all the people of Greater Houston, with whom my lot has been so happily cast, even as I fervently offer it for myself: That we may know the meaning of life, ajid ever set a right purpose before us. we may remember that the successful life is the iife of faithfulness to dnty, cost what it may. That we may be given the wisdom to place supreme valuation on the things that are true and right. That we may know the blessedness of service to all mankind, especially those who need sheltering friendship.

That we may meet every duty of life with courage, and when tho tired day is over and the new morning comes, we 'may be received into the land and life eternal, where compensation is given for all the hurts of time and where we shall be crowned with the crown of life. 111 11 ion at 7:30 a. m. and a sermon by Dr. Sears at 11 o'clock.

SPECIAL SERVICES AT OTHER CHURCHES. At the Klrst Christian church there was special Christmas music at the morn-Ing service and a sermon by Dr. Pendls- ton. and at the night service the children had Christmas exercises and brought "white gifts for the King." Special Christmas selections were ren--' dered at both the morning and evening services at the First Baptist church by the choir. The quartet selection, "Shep herds Watch Thy Rest at Night," was a.

feature of the evening service. Anthems and solos telling the Christmas message were rendered hy the choir at St. Paul's church at both the services Sunday. The cantata. "The Adoration." was sung hy the choir at Crace Methodist church under the direction of Terry W.

Wilson, and the entire services of the day were devoted to an observance of Christmas. An enjoyable program of Christmas music was a part of the services at the Baptist temple in Houston Heights and Or. K. P. West, the pastor, preached on "The Spirit of Christmas." An address to the Junior congregation was a special feature of the morning serv- Ice at Westminstej- Presbyterian church and Christmas songs were sung at both morning and evening services, and the pastor, Dr.

W. F. Perry, delivered the Christmas sermon. SERVICES IN CATHOLIC CHURCHES MONDAY. The Catholic churches will celebrate the Christmas festival Monday with elaborate ceremonies.

At 6 o'clock Monday morning a solemn high mass will be sung In the churches. The choirs will have special programs of Christmas music. After the first mass numerous other masses will be said, as each priest Will bo -J allowed to say three masses on Monday. The erypt showing the birthplace and the surroundings of Jesus on the first Christmas morning will be seen in a num- her of the churches. The priests heard confessions Saturday and Sunday.

.) In many other of tho smaller churches the Christmas season was observed in more or less elaborate fashion. METHODISTS MADE GAINSPAST YEAR Big Increase in Contributions to Various Causes. Paid to Ministers in Southwestern Conferences--Hare Houses of Worship Valued at $10,038,609. The statistics for the eight Southern Methodist conferences in the Southwest, tlie Texas, the North Texas, the Central Texas, the West Texas, the Northwest Texas, the New Mexico, the East Oklahoma and tho West Oklahoma conferences, show the church is making splendid progress along nearly every line. Some of the figures were published recently by the Texas Christian Advocate.

The total membership of the conferences is now placed at 377,785. The returns on this were ificomplete, however, ani the actual figures are nearer 400,000. There were 5074 infant baptisms during the year, and 16,542 adult baptisms. The financial reports were muoh larger than a year ago. The amount contributed to missions, exclusive of the New Mexico conference, was $172,8211 as against H50.609 In 1915.

The North Texas conference showed the largest increase In contributions to missions, going from $21,673 in 1915 to $28,534 In 1916. The Central Texas conference made the lareest contribution to missions of all of eijrht, giving $39,075 in 1916. against $34,802 in T915. The eight conferences contributed for the support of bishops, presiding elders and pastors $1,205,340 In 1915; in 1916 the amount contributed Is $1,253,076. The report of educational work was encouraging.

In 1915 the eight conferences paiB through the assessment plan, in 1916, the sum of $68,080. SUNDAY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT. The Sunday school enrollment In 1915 (the New Mexico conference reporting), was In 1916 (New Mexica not reported), it was 312.649. It is perfectly safe to say that there are 6000 more pupils in Sunday schools than one year age. The league membership in eight conferences is practically what it was a year ago.

Without New Mexico's report, there were 28,203 in the leagues. The leagues of North Texas show a gain from 5696 in 1915 to 5719 in 1916. The Northwest Texas shows the largest gain from 2S75 In 1915 to 3390 In 1916. The receipts for churh extension thow an Increase of more than $6000 for 1910 over The amount con- trihuted in 191 it was $47,161. was In 1916 The eight conferences have Invested in houses of worship.

For the superannuates and their families the eight conferences paid in 1916 as against $50,271 in 1915. METHODIST COMMISSION TO HOLD MEETING IN BALTIMORE Will Confer on Question of Uniting the Churches. The Joint commission on unification of the Methodist churches of America! will meet in IJaltlmore during the cominq week to discuss plans and probably outline a policy to be reported to the general conferences of the various bodies dealing with the federation of the different branches of Methodism. Among the Texas members of the commission are Bishop fc. D.

Mouzon. Dr. R. S. WHY CHRIST CAME INTO THE WORLD W.

F. Davis Preached on the Way of Christmas. Mission Was to Dispel the Spiritual Darkness and to Liberate the Captives of Satan. Christ came into the world in resooi no to the will of God and to bring the cood tidings of salvatlou from sin, said Rev. V.

F. Davis the Seth Ward Memorial Methodist church. In his Christmas sermon Sunday, on the subjec', "The Why of Christmas." His text was: "The spirit of the Lord Cod is upon me; because the Lord hath unnointrd me to preaph good tidings unto the meek; ho hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to tjac captives and the opening of the prison to them that are lxl l-2. This day celebrates the greatest dav In history. So long has it been regarded thus that it is impossible to discuss any new feature of it whatever we may do or say, from whatsoever viewpoint we may take the same has been taken and said before.

Still we have "Christmas" because. Christ came and it is very profitable to study the divine purpose of his Into this world. WHY DID HE COME. Our text Is a most comprehensive answer. 1.

He came in response to the wi'l of God. John "God so Ijved the world that he sent his son." 2. He came with a message of pood tidings. He came not into the worid to condemn the world, but that the ivor'd through him might be saved Jjhn I i i 1 T. "Good tidings of great Joy." pardon to the penitent, salvation, atonement, deliverance from sin and a comfort to sus tain.

Man lost without him, he came. to seek and to save. 1 3. He came to "hind up the brokenhearted," to "proclaim liberty tothe cai-tives and the opening of the prison to the bound." Hroken-hearted those who suffer and weep over their sins. Captives those who have become slaves to their own detested bad habits.

In prison those whom Satan has cn-tured ami bound and forces 10 do his own will even ever so detestable. To the broken-hearted he says. "Come and I will give you rest." lie dellve-s the captive from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of tho children of God. Horn. 4.

He came to give sight to the b'ipr' not physical sight only nor priinisvi'y. This he did in every Instance l.e met- so far as the record goes. But he eat le primarily to open the eyes of our understanding, to give spiritual sight, that we may know right from wrong and behold the beauty of holiness that we may see Gpd. That men might not "put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter, light for darkness and darkness for light. lie came to dispel spiritual darkness and to give spiritual light.

B. Summing It all up he came to "proclaim the acceptable year of thp LorO." NOW READY TO ACCEPT ALL. He proclaimed that regardless of irar former bondage, captivity or condition God stands now ready to acep any irx' all who "repent and believe" the or' condition -of salvation. To the Jewas a nation this time of acceptance was his three years ministry. Had they accepted him as "Messiah" "they would have maintained tl eir position as a nation, and have pre-emi nence in the Christian church." To individuals of all peoples the lime of acceptance Is between the time of hearing this message and the hardening o' the heart consequent of rejection t'c message.

To mankind generally the "lime of acceptance" is during the term of life in this world. To accept all this esus gave l'fe Americans Eejoice in President's Latest Note Leading Toward Peace, Says Dr. J. P. Green.

At the First Presbyterian church iu Houston Heights, Dr. J. P. Green preached Sunday morning on "The First Christmas." His text was Matthew 11:11. "They saw the young child and down and worshiped him." Matthew 11:11.

All heaven was excitement over a birth in a manger. Men knew too little to rejoice until heaven sent them word that the great gift of the first Christmas was at hand and then the favored few joined with heaven in the rejoicing that the Prince of PeaCe was here, said Dr. Green. In tho cold, dark" December, during the longest nights of the year, there came a light that has grown brighter and brighter the years go on. That song of "peace, good will.

to men," was never so sweet as now, when so many nations in a struggle unto death see the horrors that the violation of the teaching of the I'rlrfee of Peace will bring. Men are misled by the follies of false national pride, which leads them to trample the teachings of Jetus under feet to gratify so-called nationalism, which In a larger scale is the revival of a larger feudalism. The angel's song was of good will to men all men. Hie song presumes a wider love than feudalism or nationalism, which must be based upon loyalty to the Prince of Peace first. Our foreign policy of benevolent aid to Cubans, Filipinos and Mexicans, our foreign missions tor the salvation of all races this is the expression of the Christmas sentiment rather than selfish demand for international pre-eminence.

PLEASED WITH WILSON NOTE. Today no wise American feels anything but pleasure that our national spokesman has spoken in the-interest of a better understanding and harmony In the world. Our president in every way has reechoed that note whicli dropped from heaven in the angel's first Christmas song "op earth good will and peace." And near the first Christmas there came wise men from the East who had seen a star which told them there had been born a great king among tho Jewish towns. The whole world was tremulous with hope and expectation of the first Christmas gift, the divine Son, the king whose reign was to last forever and bless as long as it endured, had been longed for and expected. A tradition among the Chinese, Japanese and other Orientals, a tradition of immemorial origin, tells of the fact that some time God will descend to earth in visible form to enlighten and save mankind.

Five hun-drea years before Confucius foretold the coming of such a ltvine king and a deputation wno was searching tor such a deliverer first introduced Buddlsm into China. They had this instinctive expectation, but had not been led by the star and had gone toward the East rather than Bethlehem. i'he Latin writers, Tacitus, Suetonius ana Virgil bear witness to a universal 1 xpectation of the coming of a king whose dominion was to bu eternal and univeisal. Vi gil says a child from heaven would soon usher in the golden age. The clear- st of all Eastern prophecies is from Zoroaster, who might have got it from "Prophecies," for MjO years before Christ he is explicit in sayinr a.

virgin shall conceive, and as soon as the child is born a star will appear blazing at noonday with undiminished splendor. You. my sons, shall perceive its rising before any other nation. As soon as you see the star follow it wheresoever it leadB you and adore the mysterious child, offering xour gilts to him with the profuuimest humility." CHRISTIANITY MEETS THE NEEDS. All ancients In false religions express their needs and Christianity alone fulfills their needs.

All sacrifices express the human need for a peace maker and recon-' dilation toward God. The wild stories of God's coming and uniting with men tell their longing for a pi. nifestutlon of God in our flesh. This manger and the cross is God's response to this woridwide human need. Next to the multitude of the heavenly I choir who sang of heaven's gift to men was a star lor tne gentiles.

A plain statement in song forvthe Jews; but a star such as Zoroaster hud foretold for other races. Astronomers say about the year of I Jesus' birth there was a conjunction of (the planets Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. ucn an event might attract attention 01 the ancient astrologers, but doubtless there was a special star that moved and led the wise men in their search for the newborn King. Chinese tradition confirms that there was such a strange star or heavenly glory too remarkable to explain. A star means hope, good cheer and victory.

A star suggests creation when the morning stars sang like angels. A star suggests victor like they fought for and won ironi msera. A star rising, as herald of a better, brighter day that the child should usher into earth. When suddenly a star arose it wus the star of Bethlehem. Next to heaven is earth's best wisdom.

"With all thy getting get wisdom." Wisdom shines with light like that of stars. tSo wisdom and knelt before and worshiped true wisdom the young child. There came wise men from the East The East of Zoroaster, disciple of Jer-miah. The East of Confucius. The East of Babylon, of astrologers and sages.

These kings and rich men ami philosophers were not followers of idols. They express the homage of the world's best learning which is the due the ottering that worldly wisdom owes to Christ. "The fool hath said iu his heart there is no w'od in the Christ child. True wis dom sees there the Divine One and the source of all wisdom. Alchemy was the mother of Chemistry and Astrology was the mother of Astronomy, so the mtUliers of science came and gave homage to the chi-1.

The Christ-led scientist will find Bethlehem's star will give light for the scientist's torch. The wise men kneeling down expressed the homage of science, of all Intellectual achievements for Christ, while such men as Herschel, Newton. Gladstone and Shakespeare lay their Intellects down for Christ to control, lighten and aid. Why should mediocres hesitate? They brought the homage of antiquity to Jesus. Amazing deeds were wrought by the scientists.

The greatest buildings were erected, the most gorgeous palaces nnd temples were wrought by them. The tiyramlds were perhaps tribute of science iy antiquity since they have relations stars an() perhaps to the comets. ANTIQUITY PAID HOMAGE TO JESUS. The Egyptians kept a civilization of a very high order without any long period of barbarism or anarchy for 7000 years or longer. The Jost arts, their knowledge of navigation and geography, including the sources of the Nile.

Their faith In eternal justice and immortality of the soul expressed in the most massive temples ever built stand forth to command our respect for so splendid a thing as Egyptian antiquity. Antiquity might reverence Jesus since their hearts had so long cried out for him. The homage of starts, of angels and of men blend together over the manger of Bethlehem. The wise men worshiped not only with words, but also they g-ve rich gifts. Thev brought the first fruits of the homage, of riches to Jeaua.

The unwise la likely to hold back rich By Bey. Father Morgaa J. Crowe. Pastor Sacrsd Htart Catholic Church. And the angel aald to them: "Fear not: for behold I brine you good tiding of great Joy that ahall be to aU the' people, or thla day.

la born to you In thexity ot pavid, a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord." The feast ot Christmas means ao much to us; It la the manifestation of God's unfailing kindness; the revelation of Ms eternal love; the Consummation of that love toward which creation waa but the first step. This sweet tale of angels songs and shepherds' longing, the thrilling notes of that first -gloria" ringing through the stillness of the night, and the Virgin Mother wrapping the shivering babe In swaddling clothes, and St. Joseph, the foster-father, standing guard over the most precious treasure of the ages, have pictured themselves in every Imagination. And ever since that first Christmas night when white-robed angels called men to the feet of the new born Savior, the peace and Joy that his arrival brought to our sorrowful world have been poured upon us witb the same lavish bounty at each succeeding ChrlBtmas. This is the brightest and most gladsome ot all feasts, participated in by.

all alike, for he came to save all and not merely for those who heard with awe the first joyous glorias; he came for those who lived and suffered and died centuries before that day: he came also for us lost In the mists of time, and we look back upon Jiis coming with mingled awe and gratitude and rejoice with a great Joy. LIVED IN MORAL CORRUPTION. Before the coming of Christ the people ware living In a seething sea of moral corruption; they worshiped crime and lust. The glad music of happy hearts was succeeded by a sad wall of anguish und ceaseless sorrows by the crash of ruined lives and aching hearts. 'Tic true that the hand of man had conquered the rugged furrow In which he dug, and his mind had won Its way to many a valuable secret that gave the key to greatness and to fame, but he found that without God he could not be happy, and hence tffe hosannas of the white-robed angels on that first Christmas night awakened dormant feelings and thrilled the blackness of his soul bringing peace and.

Joy. and good will, for "that day was born to him a Savior." Before the coming of Christ God's chosen people were silent, they saw that the prince of dakness ruled the world with a power that seemed supreme, and what a sorrowful sight; what a long and dreary winter's night while the patriarchs and prophets and holy kings wept and waited and straiped their eyes across the mouutalntops of vision that they might catch a glimpse of the glimmering light ushering In the Babe of Bethlehem, and ever and anon their prayers ascended to the throne of God: Key of David, whQ openest and shuttest and nc man may gainsay thee pome and break, the chains of our prison house. O. Star of the morning, brightness jt light eternal, come and shine upon us In the darkness and shadow of death. Emmanuel, cur king and lawgiver, desired of all nations, savior of all peoples, come and tave us." And fair and beautiful as the morning light stealing across the skv the long expected Savior came.

The night of waiting was over, patriarchs and kings rested in their graves and propheU lips were stilled In death, and he who had guided tut patriarchs, ruled by tho kings and spoken byw the prophets, he himself, was in I he world, his arrival being announced by the glorias and hosannas of his ant Is- In the darkness of a winter's night, its deep and tranquil stillness broken only by the distant music of rejoicing with them and to adore their Savior, and the shepherds leaving their midnight watches repaired to the stable-' hurrying to his feet In trembling wonder and knelt there in tears of love, for Gol hnd come in the likeness of a Utile child. All the gloiy and pomp und power and majesty -e laid aside and In their place he had chosen the sweetest and most lovable of all that i- sweet and iov-uble on earth, a little luld. GAZED INTO THE FUTURE. As the traveler gazes across the plains and lesser heights to (ho dim vision of some lofty summit that ho hopes to reach, so the ancients gazed longingly in the vision of the prophets to tho stable of Bethlehem and from that dav fiihe whole Christian world has gased lov- mfoij o.ji iu mm suiutj iianoweu spot, and have drunk of the Inspiration that flows from that fquntain of love. the birth of Christ began his kingdom.

He became king and lord of all, and if the history of past ages reveals the great MOO MEN IN 100 DAYS FOR FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Dr. Jacobs Organized 400 Men for Personal Work. One hundred new men members In '00 days is the task assigned by Dr. William States Jacobs Sunday to the men of the First Presbyterian church. The last 100 days of the official year of this church Is to be devoted to personal evangelism by the men of the church.

At the clos? of the last year the First Presbyterian church had the largest membership of any church In the Southern Presbyterian assembly, and if the special effort this year is successful its former record will be greatly Increased and It will be far in the lead. Dr. Jacobs has divided the 60 men who are officers In the church Into pairs, ai dhe apostles were sent out two and two, and each two will have associated with them 10 more other men who will form team. Under the organization perfected Sunday 400 grown men will participate in the campaign. The first task assigned the men bv Dr.

Jacobs Is for each man to bring one man to church next Sunday. At that service khe will deliver his message on the plan ror ins unnguiK into me cnurcn as members 100 new men members in the next 100 days. ttext Sunday the men on the teams will also be assigned to welcoming the congregation and getting acquainted, as a preliminary step In the personal effort campaign. nr. Jacobs is anxious to arouse the vital Interest of the men of the church In 'I he work of the church and also to bring men outside Into the church membership and link them up with the work.

A Christmas Card for the Trenches. The Christmas card which figures so prominently in "The Romance of a Christ--mas Card," Kate Douglas Wiggin latest story, is to be enclosed In the comfort bags which the Women's Educational and Industrial union of Boston are sending to English soldiers. The cards are to be donated by the A. M. Davla company, publishers of the quality cards, and the little vara la particularly fitted for Its mission.

The last four Unas read: tv heart Is onen wlds tonlrht For stranger, kith or kin, 1 would not bar a single door Where love might enter In. saints of the past. The story of the birth of Jesus is one familiar to all but ever alluring and ministers in the scores of pupits went over It again and explained the meaning of the coming of Christ and his mission in the world. While the believers In Christ have divided themselves into many groups, each having Its particular method of doing the Lord's work and its own interpretation of the Lord's message, they look back as a unit to Jesus as the founder and master of the church. Christmas Is day upon which the messages from tho Christian pulpits are similar.

The angels promised that the glad tidings were to all men ami all Christians can rejoice Vigethcr in the Christmas celebration. CHILDREN FEATURED IN THE SERVICE. While Christmas has a message to all, it makes an appeal especially to children, and no services of the year are more beautiful than the Christmas services for the children, whero they learn again of the story of the Child Jesus and sing the songs they remember throughout their lives. Children's services wre features in many of the churches. Creat congregations were present at all the churches at both morning and evening services Sunday.

The Christmas miisie in many churches excelled anything that has been heard before here. The evening services in some instances being given over entirely to mush'. One of the largest musical services of the day Sunday was that at Christ Episcopal church, where the children of the Sundav schools of Christ church, Clemens Memorial, Trinity, St. Mary's and St. Paul's united in a carol service under the direction of Morton Corhett.

organist, and assisted by others. Kor an hour the children sang the beautiful simple songs telling of the babyhood of Jesus, and there were solos by Mrs. Hufus Cage Jr. and Mrs. John Spencer.

The evening service was featureil by the singing of the cantata, "llethlehem," by the Christ church choir. There will ho additional Christmas services at Christ church on Monday, the celebration of the Holy com- BRILLIANT SONG SERVICE AT FIRST METHODIST CHURCH Mrs. Graham's Choir of 150 Voices Was Heard. The excellent trained choir of 150 fine voices again demonstrated their many fine nrls in the splenflid rendition of the wonderful Christmas music given the two large services at the First Methodist church Sunday. The compiled form of the music sung for 40 minutes in the morning, the melody taken from the different operas and made to sacred settings, was most unique, uhile the various duets, harmony choruses, solos, fitted right in to tell the story of Christ's birth In fuch a novel and beautiful wu'.

The massed chorus, under the direction of Mrs. John Wesley tlraham whose splendid ability we Iwve seen from year to year, certainly called for more praise yet' due this director and the large orchestra under Charles MacBlaln's able leadership. George Helnzelman at the organ, in his ever masterful way. combined with 40 of Houston's finest soloists, made the music a wonderful success. The service opened with the prelude by the orchestra.

The splendid double quartet, -'lay Is I'ying in the West," given by Mac! lonald. Miss Oughton. Miss Jessie Ibtgue, -N'orvelle Brooks, Paul Von Alhr.an, Mr. Ilobinson, C. I).

Green, John Stcirs. Mrs. Merrltt Nichols carrying the ohhgato with her high clear voice. The male quartet, "Silent Night," was truly beautiful. Miss Ada Burke's txautUul lyric- sopiano voice tang the spk-udid solo in the anthem "When Christ Was Born one of the prettiest melodies and ung with feeling was the duet "Just a S01114 at Midnight" hy Mrs.

I)an Yiekers and Miss lMruthy Keid. The glorious Itillahy "Through the Night" was sung with much pathos and soul by Mrs. Darras accompanied by the humming chorus which made a wonderful orchestral effect. Following in the story came the charming voices of Miss Lucy I'liderwiKMi and I'aul Von Allrnan in Ihe "Christ's I'irthdny." The ensemble number "Glory to God in the Highest" was led by Miss I'ndine Coiley's rich soprano voice in "There Were Shepherds." The beautiful cuet "11 Little Town of llethlehem" to the melody in Metcalf's "Absent." was won derfully sung by Miss Marie W'alrath and Houglas Kobinson. iss M.u.lclle Ivy was 1 ho carried the solo, eouallv shar- ii the honors of Ihe in iKUihYent number, Miss I na Mendelsohn, a soprano of treat worth and womh rlul voice, was c.

1 tainlv enjoved in the following number, "Christmas Morn." The beautiful little lullaby "While a Mother is Singing was seftl and skillfully sung by Miss Kose r.niinerson. contralto. Theodore Cone, tenor. One of the numbers of the enure service the solo "Wondrous sung by Margaret Kubbright. Ihe finale cnorus wa- led by Mi a 1 iii llunrv accompanied orchestra chorus and I organ.

Never in the past has the ensem bl work to be mven with much precision and heartfelt Christ-! -nc vv il the wonder of It all. The excellent cantata "The Light Kternal" by G. W. rendered at the tveting service by lie- choir, was a brilliant carol of Ihe slor Christ and sung with enthusiasm. Albert the ever popular tenor, was in glorious voice in "It Speaks to the World." Joseph Mever sang with Hue effect the masterful solo "God Hath Given a Son." James Shaw's tine tenor voice and Miss Lucille st ri rulir and true Vhile She.iht-nls Watched." Miss Prances G'Bari a ti favorite, accom- i.

Mntnmri- liss Dalton Davis' splendid contralto voices sang the "Star of Mrs. N'orvelle Brooks sang with great feeling and fine interpretation "The Dawning." Henry Juenger sang with flnp diction and wonderful feeling the solo "He Came to Give Salvation." Leon King's splendid tenor voice opened the "Born in a Manger" chorus. John Stclrs sang the fine solo "How Beautiful" with excellent interpretation and fine effect. Miss Maizle Parish opened the ensemble wimber "Light of Glory" with her full splendid soprano voice, and Miss Dorcas Allison, soprano, and Robert Williams' benutifully matched voices closed the thrilling duet "That Blessed Morn." Mrs. John Wesley Graham Is to be congratulated on the successful music of the day, as all whohad the opportunity of hearing will never forget their great mu- feast.

I Eev. Morgan J. Crowe, TastorSacred Heart Catholic Churchi fact that the nations have flourished In proportion to the service they have rendered him It is no less plain that the welfare of men today depends upon the realization of the fact that we a.re Christ's people and that he Is old Lord and Master and King. We belong to him. for he has brought us bark.

He has paid the price. That race to which at its birth Almighty God gave the great gift of perfect wisdom, which had been consecrated to him In that it had been made to his Image and likeness, which has been placed on trial 'and probation with abundant supernatural help to work out its destiny, that race which proved unfaithful to the trust imparted, that race which thus lost its inheritance and its right to the kingdom of heaven, thr.t race made of God and loved of God had to be regenerated, redeemed by the birth and death of the God-man. For every act of sacrifice there is a corresponding reward. Behold the soldier fighting for his native land on the field of the onrush of the enemy, the flash of the sword, the thunders of the mighty hosts marshalled for battle, the cries of the wounded and dying, the, upturned faces of the dead these have no terrors for him, willingly he makes the sacrifice dying content to know that though victory does not rest on tho standards of his companions, he has died for a noble principle and left a legacy of bravery to the world. Behold Jesus Christ.

God and man, assuming our human nature, born in a stable, nailed to i cross, and ask yourself whit was hij reward, and you will answer, your salvation and mine. THE UNIVERSAL MONARCH. Yes, his Infant babe of IMLlehem has left behind him a name thnt is synonymous with power and greatness a name thnt is. surrounded by the halo of an admiring world, a name that conjures up deeds and exploits the like of which world has never witnessed, a name lie-fore which the renowned of the world pale in insignificance, a name that has caused him to be recognized as the true and only begotton Son of God. the name that has won the love and affection of men, and Impelled them to sacrifice themselves and their dearest interests, a name that appears as a brilliant meteor daggling by its brilliancy and magnifying hy its personality all who come within the range of its influence, a name that calls together more millions of men this morning and gathers them round the crude crib than ever camu under the sceptre of earthly monarch, and their prayers like the invocations of the patriarchs will ascend to the throne of God.

babe of Bethlehem, we offer thee our loyalty and our love; we are your devoted children; we pledge to you every faculty of mind and heart and will, we will be faithful In darkness and in light, faithful till the royal Chief strikes thi loyal hand from the standard or the cross and without fear we shall receive the reward of a life well spent an eternity with God. To one and all who mav hear inese worns, i wisn in his sweet name, a happy and a holy Chrlttmas. and prav that the new year may come to vou laden with his choicest graces and blessings. Amen. NEGROES IN AFRICA FEARED CAPTURE BY MISSIONARIES Refused to Shut Their Eyes During Prayer Are Eapidly Becoming Civilized.

Th experiences of some missionaries in the Belgian Congo are told of in a letter from V. L. Killhouse of Lubo, the first lay missionary sent out by the Southern Presbyterian church, to the Hev. M. L.

Kaves. pastor of the Third Presbyterian church. The negroes, the missionary said, were afraid to shut their eyes during prayer, for fear they would he captured. The letter to the Houston minister said In part "Mrs. JElroy has chaige of the girls home wher there are 100 girls from the darkest corners of Africa being trained for teachers and teachers and evangelists' wives and to make Christian homes.

Mr. McElroy and Motte Martin went out on a nine weeks tomv where our teachers are and after an urgent examination baptized 716 and there were 14.1 received and baptized in Nueveo the first Sunday in October, and 76 the following Sunday. Many-more could be reached and gathered in if we had more help. The chief came 300 miles on the Lubulask river asking for teachers and evangelists. They can not as fast as they are cr iico for wle wll1 and ferocious yerrS 'BO are beKR'n for teachers.

OUr "''s'naries visited the h2I country, where no missionaries had ever been. They called I lie people together and wereholdlng service, and the box men and the hammock men sang a song. They were asked to close their eyes, but they refused, saying ihi.noth refused to close a-lvi uT 'ef would 'L lem tho sickness. So you see thla Is new ground. Twenty-tiv var VhiBiUiSwr mS iand ha no written language te.t 'iave a reat deal the Bible printed and many school books Last year they printed at our mission Dress 4000 first readers.

They are all eon nJ $13,000,000 for Schooli. The Methodist EpUcopal church has raised UJ.000.000 for her churoh schools (colleges) In the last tour years. They contemplate raising 12060.000 mori by CANTATA "CHRIST CHILD" AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Great Choir of Mr. Van Hooso Pleased Big Audience. The First Presbyterian church presented a brilliant scene Sunday night when the Christmas services were held, and there have been few occasions in this church that have been more notable or more enjoyed.

The house waa full to oerflowlng with a great congregation of the members and others attracted, to the service by the eleoqueni of the minister and the wonderful singing of Mr. Van Hoose and hta large chorus choir. Last night the choir had right of way and the entire service was given over to music, even the address by Dr. Jacobs having to do with the cantata that was sung and with the power of music to Inspire. The church was artistically decorated in a manner appropriate to tho season, and upon every hand there was evidence to remind one of the Christmas time.

Christmas Kve coming on Sunday this year made the occasion all the more impressive. The cantata sung at the evening service was entitled "The Christ Child," and the story of the birth of Christ was told in song. The cantata is one of the famous compositions of sacred music and was composed by C. B. Hawley, whose works those versed In music are acquainted with.

Under the direction of Mr. Van Hoose the singing of the choir has never been equaled since he organized this body of singers. The cantata was in two parts, and there were solos lor the soprano, bass, alto and tenor as well as singing by the chorus. The ladles trio was a very enjoyable number as was also the male quartet, and each of the solos was inspiring. Among the soloists were heard Misses Grace Wuay.

1-ranees Bnnghurst. Mrs. George A. Byers, so-pianos; Mrs. Lyn Coleman, Mrs.

J. P. i.udycr. Miss Kleanora McGowen and Tillie Schmidt, contraltos; A. low, Henry Schulz, J.

H. Craln, tenors; hai les K. Boggs, D. 1). Krahl and lr.

H. T. Perkins. Louise Daniel was at the organ proving herself a musician of rare Tm. singing of Mr.

Van Hoose, always hi, hi. standard of excellence and was thoroughly enjoyed. His line tenor voice in the solos ttllcd the great auditorium with its volume. The bass solos of Mr. Boggs were also worthy of extraordinary mention.

Mr. Van 1 loose has trained the choir to perfection and in his hands the chorus is like a great musical instrument, responsive to uis touch when played upon by the master hand. Mr. Van Hoose was the recipient of congratulations from many friends and admirers for the rendition of this great program and it marks another great success for him. The Kirst Presbyterian church has had an excellent choir for "Ul oranw- i ucrn iaiciicu.

I'he members of the choir are: So pranos, Misses Grace Quay, Frances Gustim- Walker, Willie Powell, Zula House, Uertha Downs, Emily Naylor, Uertha Colin, Jemel Cooper, Kate lima Montgomery. Schneider; Mesdames K. Moore. O. Price, George A.

Hyers, D. D. Krahl, S. C. Red, liver or lanas, nr.

Mlshop voice, never uein ncaio 10 oeiiei 1 Georgetown. and a number of. other prom solo Light I I-nun Heaven. Miss Libel I ompkius. 1 ior noiiiiuK less ctnno accomplish the various branches, over 2,000.

000 in Jiienger, Miss M.ie I 'avis, con-work. We are his successors as mesreu the Southern church and over 4.000 0o(i tnillo. and Miss Mae Gilbert's lovely lnent ministers and laymen of the State Ihe question of uniting the branches of the churches lias been the paramount question among the churches for some time and the general conferences of both 1 the Southern and Northern churches have I laaen action looKing with ravor upon the proposal to unite. The bishops of the Northern and Southern churches have asked the preachers to preach a sermon mi the spirit of Methodism at the time this commission Is in session. There are more than t.OUO.000 Method- 1 lalM In tho Ktala ivM.I An In the Northern church.

The Action of the unification commit- ue will be watched with interest by th millions throughout the country. How He Lost His Friends. lie was always wounding their feelings, making sarcastic or funny remarks at their xpense. He was cold and reserved in his manner cranky, gloomy, pessimistic. He was suspicious of everybody no iirvci me umiii 01 nis neai i wide open to people nor took then, into Ills confidence.

I iie was aiways reauy to receive as-' slstance from them but always too busy or too stingy to assist them in their time of need. He regarded friendship as a luxury to be enjoyed Instead of an opportunity for service. He never learned that Implicit, generous trust Is the very foundation stono of friendship. He never thought It worth while to spend time In keeping up his friendships He did not realise that friendship will not thrive on sentiment alone, that there must be service to nourish it. He did not know the value of thought-fulness In little things.

He borrowed money from them. He was not loyal to them. He never hesitated to sacrifice their reputation Jnr his advantage. He measured them bv thlr ahintv tn advahce him. Success.

gers lo the world. Let us not think we shall be more favored than our Ijord. but let us accept tne anointing of th plrit that we may give our lives to save man irom ue sn uciion. from Jesus, but the wise will bring all to hlf for him to bless and multiply and use. They gave their best things to Jesus liold was -the gift of royalty to royalty.

Praiiklneense was. for the incense of the censor of worship of this child as the very most high God. was an offering bitterness suggesting the bitter ex. periences as he son of man through which Jesus would pass. In the offerings now to be given to Jesus remember to offer good things.

The best of all a devoted faithful obedience Is real love. Then do not forget that Jesus Is yet pursent on earth In the person of the Lazarus at the rich man's door and the poor man whom Good Samaritans are culled upon to Your own Christmas wll be bright onlv as you brighten that of others. Revival for Lulinfc. Oiouston Post Spttial.) LL'LINO, Texas, December 24. -Dls- trict Evangelist T.

W. Hobardt of the Christian church will begin a series of revival meetings at the Christian church here Friday night, February i. The meeting will continue for two or more weeks and Rev. Mr. Hobardt will be assisted by the local pastor.

Rev. Q. W. Terrell. I t.

onirauos, aiesaames Lvn Coleman, Rob- ert B. Price, L. B. Sims. C.

E. Boggs. J. 1'. Gudger.

A. p. Darras, J. A. Red- Held, S.

U. Tuber; Misses Georgia Sedgwick. Myrtle Morris, Belle Scruggs, Tillie Schmidt, Mabel Kaiser, Eleanor Mc- 11 Gowan, K. Crichton. Tenors, A.

J. Dow. J. H. Grain, P.

C. Saint. -Don Weary. J. H-McCotinico.

H. R. Schubj, Q. R. Alexander, George Williams, J.

A. Redneki, Percy Chapman, II. A. Cox, W. K.

Inglls. Bassos and baritones, C. F. Bates, D. D.

Krahl. S. K. McHurd. C.

E. Boggs, B. T. Perkins, Vincent Chlodo, J. p.

Gudger, Herman Lloyd. E. A. Bryan, W. Chllds.

Dr. Jacobs made an eloquent address upon the part music has played In the ff' liVes o.f men and the inspiration that comes from sacred music. Th martial music of the church, he said. Inspire men to righteous lives and to do herolo things even as the martial music gives courage to the soldier and urges him on Into the battle. Napoleon was always v.

able to rally his soldiers witb martial 1 1 music, the minister Dr. Jacobs also gave a brier review the life of Hawley, the oompossr of the cantata; "The Christ 1 1.