The Key West Citizen Newspaper, June 5, 1954, Page 4

Page4 = “THI Church To Long-Time Tribute will.be paid Sunday mor- ning at the 10:50 service of the Fleming Street Methodist Church, to those people who have been members for fifty years or more. It js also Communion Sunday and the title of the Reverend J. E. Statham’s sermon will be “Com- munion and Life,” a tribute to a splendid life of Methodism, lives ripe in years, rich in wisdom, strong in faith, warm in heart, and constant in communion, producing strong Christians, steadfast in their faith for a half a century. Special Music As a special number, Mrs. A. R. Garcia will sing “His Eye is on 'Y WEST CITIZEN Saturday, June 5, 1954 Honor Its Members the Sparrow,” by Gabriel. The choir will sing “‘Be Still and Know” by Byles, Mrs. Claude Salis, organ- ist, will play as her prelude, Hos- mer’s “‘Cantilene in B flat.” At 7:30 in the evening, Mrs. Sa- lis will play “‘The Village Chapel” by Hopkins as her prelude, and for her offertory, “Meditation” by Berwalt. The choir will sing “Seek Ye The Lord” by Roberts. Mr. Statham will speak on the “Priceless Possessions of the Day.” The blessngs of the day is the priceless heritage of those who have laboured and left to us the blessings of their life. SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON Ames condemns social injustice. 1 Kings 14:23-29; Amos 7, 8. By RALPH ROGERS This lesson is loaded with dyna- mite. Amos, one of God’s fearless prophets, thundered against the evils of the day, in politics, in the social life and above all in relig- ion. The political situation was cor- | the Tupt, the social life was polluted and religion, as could be expected under those » was at a low ebb. Whose business was it to cry out against the evils — the preacher? Those wallowing in the filth and grime think not. Evil Times Israel had endured and suffered severely from the attacks of Syria and had lost the whole of her ter- ritory east of the Jordan. At this time there was a lull in the pres- sure from the east since Syria was being put under severe pressure in the south by Assyria. She had her hands full and so Israel was enjoying temporary prosperity and peace. These were evil days. War is not the worst calamity that can befall a nation, but in prosperi the religious indifference and mor- al decadence can so weaken a na- tion as to make it an easy prey to. any ‘ism’ or enemy. Amos was prophesying in the days gether vs Jereboam Il were. contemporaneous- ly, one in the kingdom and the other in Judah, about B. C. 775-750. It was under Jeroboam that Israel had once more come into her own, regaining some of her lost terri- tories, revelling in. prosperity, and feéling that peace with her ene- mies was permanently assured. Amos could see danger ahead not only politically but morally as well. Assyria was soon to attack Israel and she was so weakened as to fall an easy prey to the invaders. As- syria was eventually to pass by Damascus and push on down into Palestine when the land would tremble and every one mourn that dwelleth therein. Amos The Man Amos says that he “was no pro- phet, neither was I a prophet’s son,” but in the following state- ment he says, “Jehovah said unto me, Go prophesy.” The early life of Amos was spent with people at the grass roots. He knew the evils that befell the poor and accused those in power, “O ye that would swallow up the needy and cause the poor of the land to fail.” He did not mince words when he pro- phesied the death of Jeroboam. The phony priest of Bethel sent word to the King that Amos con- spired against him and Israel. Perhaps Amaziah, the priest at Bethel questioned the authenticity of such a rude prophecy. Amos was a herdsman, a small sheep farmer in Tekoa, a little town some six miles south of Bethle- hem, The fine wool he produced from his herd took him to several . towns in the sale of the product. He also was a ‘pincer of syca- mores’ the fruit of which hastened toward ripening by being bruised or pinched. Such a varied and sim- ple life of the uplands and the aloofness from the dissipation of the wealthier groups and isolation from the priestly or prophetic guilds, accounts for his directness of vision and bluntness of speech. Visit To Bethel Amos had gone to Bethel for some religious feast or festival. This was also a business market and no doubt many from over the kingdom were in attendance, on business or attending the festival. This was a wonderful opportunity for Amos to express himself since some time before he had felt the call to for both kingdoms, north and south. Amidst t'is throng he proclaims his vision of Jchovah standing with a plumb Ere to measure the shortcomings of Israel and to punish the sins of the house of Jeroboam II. Amaziah, the puppet priest at Bethel, thinking Amos to be one of the prophetic guild from Judah, told him to get out of town, that he would handle affairs in Israel him- self. Amos claimed no connection with the hireling prophets who gen- erally jabbered the soft sayings @f the political and business big- wigs of the day. While Amaziah reported this “troubler” to the king, Amos brought back the sin- cere inspiration of true prophetic utterance which had been so sadly lacking during this period. There was dire need of a spirit- ual awakening. Without leadership people were like lost sheep. Jereboam had neglected to provide for the religious needs of his peo- ple. Without spiritual guidance and: incentive a people perish. It is true that religious observances were kept up and the temples were crowded. It was all show and ev- en though the offerings were promptly paid, morality had been separated from religion. Amos taught that morality had its roots in religion and that the power of morality is rooted in the spiritual forces of God. He hated evil and evil men but loved righteousness which is the cornerstone of a pros- Perous state. Common Evil The evil which doomed Israel to ty fall has done the same for every decadent state in history — greed, corruption and heartlessness. In Israel the wealth had been con- centrated in the hands of the few as the poor had been exploited and sold into slavery. The sturdy com- mon-man had been the pride of Israel but upon them the rich had built his sumptuous summer house and winter homes. Their reclining couches were inlaid with ivory and the women gave themselves up to intemperance. The poor were sold for a pair of shoes and the peasant found himself and family sold into servitude through the corruption of justice. They adult- erated food and falsified weights and dreaded the approach of the Sabbath when they grudgingly did subside from their greedy nefar- ious practices. The low level of moral and religious life in Israel at this time was very much akin to that of the declining days of the great Roman Empire and just preceding the French Revolution. Little wonder then that the land did tremble. It will continue to tremble so long as injustice and evil prevail in the lives of men. Amos had the courage tq jerk the mask off the face of the pretend- ers. He saw no difference between the ‘social’ gospel and the ‘individ- ual’ gospel. They tried to make him out a clown and a fool as he pronounced their doom. No crook, corrupt politician, cancerous social parasite or phoney priest cares for the truth. It greatly offends his pride. Such apostasy fires the fuse for the terrible explosion and the trembling of the earth. Conclusion The one word hypocrite, might sum up the cause for all evil. Those who were oppressing the poor ir Amos’ day pretended to te very religious. Archbishop Temple said that those who were hard in their practical dealings through the week were the oxes who had a special love for the strongly sentimental songs on Sunday, Ev- ery minister knows that the mem- ber who does the loudest praying is generally the one who seeks to cover his evil practices with a strong coat of religious veneer. Honesty and sincerity in our re- ligious practices will establish jus- tice, cement brotherhood, promote peace and insure ease of con- science. It will forestall evil and calamity to the individual and to the nation. Based on copyrig! outlines produced ¢ Division of Christ- = as cation, National Council of ja arches of Christ in the U. 8. A and used by permission. SHE HAD TOP HONORS CINCHED MAYESVILLE, S.C. (—Verna Louise Cooper stayed busy during Mayesville High School graduation exercises. After hearing the commencement sermon and graduation address, and receiving her diploma, she spoke as valedictorian, salutatori- a class president and best stu- She was the only member of the Senior class. “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: . Ai\N~ Sing forth the honor of His name: make His name glorious.” —PSALM 66. Ley Memorial Sets Observance |Eisenhower Scores Victory Of Anniversary Of Pentecost Tomorrow is Pentecost Sunday: — just fifty days after Easter — and Ley Memorial Methodist ; Church will join the rest of Chris- tendom in its observance. Pente- cost marks the first great event in the Christian movement after the departure of Jesus of Nazareth, and it is that anniversary which is to be celebrated tomorrow. At the 10:50 morning worship hour the pastor, the Rev. Eldon Simmons, will conclude the series of sermons on From Victory Unto Victory which began at Easter. The subject for tomorrow will be “Tt Can Happen Again.” WSCS ‘Installation An outstanding feature of the 7:30 evening service will be the installation of the recently elected officers of the Woman’s Society of Christian Service. Those selected to serve for the coming year are: president, Mrs. Merrell Sands; vice-president, Mrs. R. Z. Gravel; secretary, Mrs. Charles B. Me ers; treasurer, Mrs. Carl Bri and the following. secretaries: Christian social relations and local Church activities, Mrs. L. R. Men- endez; missionary education. and service, Mrs: Ned A. Simmons; student work, Mrs. David Higgs; youth work, Mrs. Thomas M. Cur- ry; children’s work, Mrs. W. T. Doughtry; status of women, Mrs. Lawrence Hood; supply work, Mrs. J. H. Brady; literature and sup- plies, Mrs. Stuart S. Whiting; spir- itual life, Miss Catherine Knowles; promotion, Mrs. R. M. Bramlett; and publicity, Mrs. Archie Rob- erts. Holy Communion Immediately following the instal- laton ceremony the group will re- ceive Holy Communion in a body. There will be no sermon at the evening service. Although tomorrow is the first Sunday in the new Church fiscal year it marks the last Sunday be- fore the Annual Conference. The pastor will attend the Conference in Lakeland, June 9-1. This Confer- ence is the time and place where the Methodist ministers of Flori- da will be assigned for the new year. Fear Of Red Propaganda Is Told By Minister CAMDEN, N.J. ) — The Presi- dent of the International Council of Christian Churches says that delegates coming from Communist countries to attend the World Coun- cil of Churches Assembly in Au- gust will come “to preach propa- ganda for the Communist world.” The Rev. Carl McIntire said here yesterday that the Iron Curtain delegates will not come in the “name of Christ and the church.” The World Council’s second as- sembly is scheduled for Aug. 15-31 at Evanstom, Ill. The International Council, headed by Dr. McIntire, is a fundamentalist gs Council. Gems Of Thought | | | | TRUTH Truth cannot be contaminated by error. —Mary Baker Eddy. We know the truth, not only by the reason, but also by the heart. —Pascal. Truth is the foundation of all knowledge, and the cement of all societies. « .—Dryden. One of the sublimest things in the world is plain truth. —Bulwer. What we have in us of the image of God is the love of truth and justice. —Demosthenes. Every violation of truth is a stab at the health of human society. —Emerson. Prayer House Collapses NEW DELHI, India (# — Five small children were killed and 65 othet persons injured yesterday when the roof of. a Sikh prayer house collapsed. Jewish Hostages WASHINGTON (#—A top state Department official says Commu- nist Romania has sentenced scores of Jewish citizens to long prison terms in recent months in order | to use them as hostages to control Romania’s 250,000 Jews. Dep. Under Secretary of State Robert Murphy said yesterday the “widespread persecution” of Ro- manian Jews was a cause “for | deep concern on the part of the Department of State.” By JOE HALL WASHINGTON (® — President Eisenhower scored a big victory for his 1954 tax program in Senate Finance Committee action yester- day on the omnibus tax zevision bill. The committee voted by the n- expectedly wide: margin of 9 to 4, with two abstentions, to accept the last remaining major provision in the House-passed bill — the con- troversial plan to give substantial tax relief to stockholders on divi- dend income. This provision — strongly sought by the administration — involves the biggest revenue loss in the bill except for the accelerated depreci- ation section which the committee approved Thursday. The Senate group now expects to clean up work on the 875-page measure next Monday or Tues- day. However, the staff will have a lot of drafting work to do so the bill is not expected to be ready for the floor until about June 21. One big question that still may come up in the committee is a proposal for a general income tax cut by raising personal ex- emptions. One veteran member, who de- clined use of his name, said the chance for a general reduction had been improved greatly by the group’s decision to retain the divi- dend income relief provision. This also was the view of Sen. George (D-Ga), senior committee Democrat. Asked after the. vote yesterday whether the ac- tion brightened the chances for a general income tax cut of some kind, he said: “I would think so. I would hate to go to the floor with a bill which gave this dividend relief and didn’t Protestant roup Jong at odds with the World INTRODUCING MAN ABOUT TOWN MEET OUR NEW PARTNER IN BUSINESS..OR PERHAPS HES NOT SO NEW EITHER... SINCE HES BEEN IN ON A NUMBER OF TRANSACTIONS, I On His Tax Revision Bill do anything for 90 per cent of the taxpayers.” George cathe up yesterday with a surprise plan which he offered as a substitute for the dividend relief section. It would give 2 $20 tax ‘credit to each taxpayer, who would be entitled to knock this amount off his payment each year. It was rejected 10 to 4 with one committee member not voting. Re- publicans immediately speculated ‘this was the Democratic substi- tute for the broader income tax relief plan previously sponsored by George and two fellow Democrats on the committee, Senators Kerr (Okla) and Frear (Del). But George declined to confirm this. He said he still might offer the earlier proposal in the com- mittee next week. This would cut income taxes $4,500,000,000 the first year by raising personal exemp- tions $200 and bring a $7,800,000,000 annual reduction starting in 1955 by a $40 exemption hike. Estimates varied on the revenue loss from the $20 credit George said it would be al 850 millions a year. Finance commit- tee experts said their quick guess was at least $1,300,000,000. The dividend income relief pro- vision would lose 240 million in revenue in the first year, 814 mil- lion at full effect. The relief would work this way: The first $50 of dividend income would be exempt from income tax in the first year, $100 annually after that. In addition, the taxpayer could deduct directly from his tax 5 per cent of his dividend income above By CHARLES MERCER For Hel Boyle NEW YORK (#—Now that sum- mer is nearly here a lot of people are preparing for the rigors of tour- ing by auto. Mosquito bites, sun burn, flat tires, dyspepsia—the hazards are familiar. * But let’s not forget one. That is the pilgrimage to the historic shrine, especially the birthplace of this and that President of the United States. Many a father bent on fishing and many a mother determined ‘to sun herself on a warm beach will drive many miles out of the way so the kids can see the birthplace of a President—just any President. And searcely any of these Presi- dents was born beside a four-lane highway. I know. I’ve visited the birth- places of more Presidents than I can remember. That is because my father was an erdent fisherman. Every summer he’d want to go fishing in a different part of the Northeast. To justify this frivolity he’d always hunt up a birthplace or two on the way. “It’s educa- tional,” he’d say as we pulled up another presidential birth- 4 i neat You Will Be Welcome At Any Of Key West's Many Fine Churches This Rock Of Ours By Bill Gibb All-of us admire the righteous individual — the truly righteous individual, that is. In the past however, I've often had waves of pessimism wash over me because therezseemed no chance of ever finding a niche in this life — not of — but of some- thing similar which would be com- patible with past experiences. Per- haps you’ve had this feeling. A few years ago I ran into a book which offered a ray of light on the subject — Alfred Adler’s “Understanding Human Nature”. T’ll quote a couple of lines from its introduction to show what I mean. ... Alfred Adler says: “The science of human nature finds itself today in the condition that chemistry oc- cupied in the days of alchemy... contact with humanity, alone, is not enough..... “A real appreciation for human nature, in the face of our inade- quate education today, will be gained only by one class of human beings. These are the contrite sin- ners, either those who have been in the whirlpool of psychic life, en- tangled in all its mistakes and errors, and saved themselves out of it, or those who have been close to it and felt its currents... . “The contrite sinner seems as valuable a type in our day and age as he was in the days when the great religions developed. . . . An individual who has lifted him- self above the difficulties of life, extricated himself from the swamp of living, found power to profit by bad experiences, and elevate him- self as a result of them, under- stands the good and the bad sides of life. No one can compare with him in this understanding, cer- tainly not the righteous one.” Eureka! “This is it!” I said to myself after reading those lines. ‘‘There is darn little chance of a guy like contrite (temporarily). But dulls the memory and ‘soon we vert back to old habits which make us best fit — not to be the students of human nature — but to be the* subjects which other students study. I’m all for psychology. Alfred Adler has some exceptionally bril- liant suggestions in his works. If you're interested in subjects of this sort, may I suggest that you investigate them under the guid- ance of your church leaders. You'll save yourself many a false lead. Basically, the more you read, the more you will come to the con- clusion that if all of the world’s’ literature were junked with exception of the Bible, we w suffer too great a loss. Most have a tendency to think tha modern-day problems are uniq Bosh! We've changed the style color of our exterior lives perhaps but our emotional and intellectual natures have parallels by the score recorded from earliest. days. In the interest of a better com- munity and happier citizens, “This Rock of Ours” urges you to affili- ate yourself with a religious group and also to observe the Sabbath — Saturday or Sunday according to your beliefs. Editor Plans To Continue Efforts To Oust McCarthy ? SAUK CITY, Wis. @ — Leroy Gore, instigator of a recall drive against Sen. McCarthy (R-Wis), says if the movement fails to get enough signatures by tonight's deadline, he will start a similar campaign after the November elections. Gore, editor of a weekly news- paper here, said that as of Thurs- day the “Joe Must Go” campaign had 375,000 of the 403,900 signa- tures needed by midnight tonight when the 60-day drive ends. He pointed out, however, that 88,000 of the signatures had been invali- $50 in the first year and 10 per cent above $100 thereafter. The administration has fought vigorously for this plan. of the Treasury Humphrey said it dated when the dates of the drive were rolled forward almost three weeks. ? Under Wisconsin law, 25 per cent ae pits alt would encourage more private in- vestment to build up the nation’s industry and also would be a start toward ending double taxation of corporate earnings. Some Democrats have assailed the dividend relief as a rich man’s benefit. Many Hazards Face Tourists People Prepare For Rigors Of Summer Touring place of James Monroe? Well, ate ae Ee ie Sg | abr F i age to President Cleveland’s Birth- 8 ‘it I i brit F ill 3 ‘| i i i ri Hs i & ; eerie ah OU saa