Untitled article by H. M. KENYON

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · July 23, 1867

THE FOURTH DAY OF JULY,

By H. M. KENYON

And how it was Celebrated by the Church in Monterey.

We have felt for some time the necessity of taking a course to keep our children away from the unwholesome influence which generally follows picnics and public gatherings upon the fourth of July. Our children need recreation, and if parents do not choose for them, many will choose for themselves. While we try to teach them in our Sabbath Schools the way of right and truth, we should try to keep them away from the evils that are calculated to destroy every good impression that may be made and good resolution that they may form in their minds.

The way the day was spent by us here we believe has exerted an influence for good. A meeting was appointed to be held at the meeting-house to commence at ten o’clock, and an invitation given to our brethren and sisters in Allegan county to meet with us with their children. Thursday morning brethren from Allegan and Watson assembled at the hour appointed, also many of our neighbors. Our meeting commenced by singing an anniversary hymn (Choral Harp, page 40); after which a prayer was made by Bro. Charles Jones, in which the blessing of God was earnestly besought to rest down upon us. A piece of music was then sung in quartette entitled “Oh! what a World this Might Be;” and while the organ was sending its cheerful notes through the house, one look at one hundred children sitting together, ages ranging from six to sixteen, would seem to satisfy any one that we were moving in the right direction thus far. After a few introductory remarks and the singing of a piece, (“Ring Merry Bells”) we listened one hour to Bro. W. H. Littlejohn of Allegan, whose remarks made from a religious stand-point were very appropriate for the occasion, and were listened to by all with interest. A few remarks were then made by others and our meeting closed by singing the “Pilgrim’s Song.”

During an intermission of one hour, while the children were enjoying themselves by visiting and innocent amusement, a table was set beneath the beautiful shade trees in front of the meeting-house where a bower had been prepared in the morning, and at two o’clock old and young sat down to dinner together.

So closed the day, and all returned to their homes feeling that they had enjoyed a good social visit with each other, and one that was free from the unholy influence which usually attends such gatherings outside the influence of the people of God.

H. M. KENYON.

Monterey, July 7, 1867.