The Fourth of July by G. B. THOMPSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 18, 1908

The Fourth of July

By G. B. THOMPSON

G. B. THOMPSON

PATRIOTISM has taken on strange forms of expression in this land. On July 4 will be celebrated again this nation's natal day—of its independence the one hundred thirty-second. Once the Declaration of Independence was read upon this day, and the great constitutional principles upon which the republic is founded, were considered; but this is a thing of the past. This country has grown great in material things, and they seem almost to have hidden from view that which has made it truly great.

That it will be a day of feasting, and of slaughter, and of destruction of property, there is no doubt. The instruments of death are already prepared; and in every city and hamlet these implements of destruction are being displayed. In giving expression to the pent-up patriotism of the millions of this nation, the usual number of victims will be injured, maimed, and killed. Last year there were reported from the large cities alone, says The Era, “over three hundred deaths from lockjaw, following injury to hands; four hundred forty persons lost one eye; and over a hundred children were reported as having both eyes blown out by explosions on this one day.” Should this same record of mortality be kept up this year in celebrating the nation's independence, as it probably will, it will vastly outdo, in the destruction of the children alone, the Collinwood, Ohio, disaster, which so shocked the nation a few months ago. When the smoke of the celebration of the “glorious Fourth” shall have died away, and so-called “patriotism” exhausted itself, thumbless, armless, and sightless victims will be left as a sad reminder in the land. That such revels are no expression of true patriotism, everybody knows.

There is a question we must each settle: Shall we imbibe the prevailing spirit, and if not wholly, then in part, go with the multitude in the way of the world? Shall we use some of the means lent us of the Lord to purchase for the children giant fire-crackers, toy pistols, and in going sight-seeing? The fourth of July falls this year on the Sabbath—God's memorial of creation. It is a religious liberty day. A program has been prepared for the study of the great principles of civil and religious liberty, and for considering the omens which stand as warning signals along the highway of time announcing that the foundations of our republic have been undermined, and the structure is tottering. The torch of liberty is slowly but surely being extinguished, and an image to the beast is being formed.

Such things mean much to this people. It speaks of a time of trouble such as never was, of the end of sin, and the ushering in of the reign of righteousness on the earth.

On this day our annual midsummer offering is to be taken, and from every point of view it should be the most liberal we have ever made. The rapid expansion

of the work has drained the treasury, and it must be replenished. Nearly all our conferences are behind in making up the sum equal to ten cents a week per member. A liberal offering on this day will help us in making up this fund. Let us consecrate ourselves anew to God, and liberally remember our needy missions at this time. Instead of spending money for vain amusements, shall we not turn all into the Lord's treasury, to be used to glorify his holy name? Takoma Park, D. C.