I found this yellowed newspaper clipping tucked in a little worn book of inspiration copyrighted in 1884 in a 100 year old farmhouse I was helping clean out in the 1960's.
It still strikes me how ageless these wise words are. From what I was able to find out about him, Rev. Roy L. Smith was a popular Methodist evangelist in the early
20th century.
20th century.
Peace On Earth Remains
The Wisest Of All Sermons.
12 comments:
It's all so relevant today too, isn't it Anna? Makes me wonder if we ever learn!
Yes, like Jill says, there's a bitter/sweet quality to reading it. Sweet because each phrase is wise; but bitter because we plow along ignoring each of his messages.
Yes it is still relevant today Jill. Humanity remains a slow learner. :)
Yes...It read "bitter/sweet" to me in the 1960's and still does Jon, especially the one about children and wars.
Amazing how true these words are over 150 years later! I love finding gems like this one and how fascinating that you found it in an old book!
Thanks for the inspiring post. :)
~Stephanie
I'm glad you liked it Stephanie. Every time I happen to run across that clipping I still keep inserted in the little worn book it reminds me of how true his ideas still ring.
I was especially struck by the line, "There would not be so many wars if the rights of children were the first consideration." Nixon used to tell a story about riding in a car with Brezhnev. They began by discussing politics. I can't recall now why the subject changed, but something happened that caused one or the other of the two leaders to mention children. And at their mention, Brezhnev threw his arms around Nixon in a bear hug and exclaimed, "We must never go to war -- for their sake!"
Yes Paul...I remember distinctly how scared I was as a child during WWII and again for my children during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I think anyone who has children can identify with that quote. When I think Afghanistan or Syria, those children are who I think about most.
What an absolute gem and how amazing to stumble upon it. I agree with everyone here though, the fact that it is so old and we're still making the same mistakes is somewhat depressing. The gossiping one is the easiest to solve. I think too much time on people's hands can maketh a gossip so let's call a halt on so-called labour saving devices!!
Thanks Jaxbee! I imagine, though, prying all those cell phones out of hands they are sutured to might present a problem...;)
So true, aren't they? Yes, if we just loved and cared for everyone. Very nice.
Thanks Donna...yes they are so true.
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