I*fc lip iiii U • ■.. -^o -^^ v^ <^ V ffictating Clergy This service was conducted by The Reverend Canon William Tayloe Snyder, Chaplain of the Sons of the Revolution, Assisted by The Very Reverend G. C. F. Bratenahl, D.D., Dean of the Washington Cathedral, The Reverend Thomas Edward Green, S.T.D., Of the Sons of the Revolution, and The Reverend James E. Freeman, D.D., Rector of the Church of the Epiphany. The Sermon was preached by The Reverend Ernest M. Stires, D.D., LL.D., D.C.L., Rector of St. Thomas's Church, Neiv York City. The Order of Service was prepared by the late, The Reverend Randolph H. McKim, D.D., LL.D., D.C.L., somewhile Chaplain, Sons of the Revolution, D. C, and set forth for this purpose with the approval of the Right Reverend, the Bishop of Washington. SERMON Preached before the Society of the Sons of the Revolution in the District of Columbia in its Church Service held in commemoration of the Birth of George Washington in Epiphany Church, Washington, D. C. on February 19, 1922 by The Rev. Ernest Milmore Stires, D.D., LL.D., D.C.L. Rector of St. Thomas's Church, NewjYork: City PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY WASHINGTON 1922 .63 The present sermon by the Rev. Dr. Stires is printed through his courtesy for distribution among the mem- bers of the Society and their friends. Marcus Benjamin, The Society of the Sons of the Revolution in the District of Columbia has held seven Church services as follows: November 21, 1915, Church of the Epiphany, Rt. Rev. Lucien Lee Kinsolving, D.D., LL.D., Bishop of Southern Brazil. February 18, 191 7, St. John's Episcopal Church, Rev. Romilly F. Humphreys, D.D., Baltimore, Maryland. February 17, 191 8, Church of the Epiphany, Rev. Roland Cotton Smith, D.D., Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church. February 16, 1919, St. John's Episcopal Church, Rt. Rev. Nathaniel C. Thomas, D.D., Bishop of Wyoming. February 22, 1920, Church of the Epiphany, Rev. Z. B. T. Phillips, D.D., Rector of St. Peter's Church, St. Louis, Missouri. February 20, 1921, St. John's Episcopal Church, Rt. Rev. William A. Leonard, D.D„ LL.D., Bishop of Ohio. February 19, 1922, Church of the Epiphany, Rev. Ernest M. Stires, D.D., LL.D., D.C.L., Rector of St. Thomas's Church, New York City. 'Add to Your Faith, Courage." — II Petbb, 1:5. T HE fires of patriot- ism burn brighter to- day on tens of thou- sands of altars. In great churches and small, in vast cathedrals whose vaulted aisles echo with the voices of the past, and in log chapels almost as humble as the place in which the world's Saviour was born, the American people have assembled in the house of prayer to thank God for the faith and courage of one who was born not many miles from here one hundred and ninety years ago. There are living Americans who in their youth talked with men who knew Wash- ington. Our country is young, our history glorious ; there should be no danger of our forgetting the high purposes to which our fathers dedicated this nation. But, lest we forget, patriotic societies, chief among them the Sons of the Kevolution, have organized as guardians of the sacred fire. It is a noble task, and right nobly may it be fulfilled. Our text comes with unique force from the lips of St. Peter. The words are usu- ally quoted, "Add to your faith, virtue ;" but a little study clearly reveals that the apostle was describing that heroic quality which we call courage. He was appealing for a faith so definite and complete, so flaming with loyalty that courage eman- ated from it as inevitably as light shines from the sun. He knew what tragedies of failure, what bitterness of remorse are the fruitage of moral cowardice. We might do well to deal with the neces- sity of personal loyalty to God as the only abiding inspiration of worthy conduct, the only security of the home, the family, of social and industrial relations, — that higher loyalty on which all other loyalties ultimately depend. But at the moment we are confronted with national questions so deeply involving national and personal honor that I am impelled by my concep- tion of my own patriotic duty to place them before you with all humility yet with profound conviction of their urgent char- acter. Let it be our duty therefore in this ser- vice of faith and consecration to think with intelligence and courage of three of our national problems in the hope that we may know how God and the founders of the republic would have us act. We meet at a happy yet critical hour. Al- though our first president definitely proph- esied the future greatness and prosperity of his country, we know that there is re- vealed today a power and wealth of which no man could have dreamed. These will be our chief perils unless the moral qualities which Washington declared essential shall become the fixed ideals, the firm principles of the American people. Once he said, "Observe good faith and justice towards all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. Keligion and morality enjoin this conduct, and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great nation to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence." Washington's hope is not yet fulfilled; we are not always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence ; but in one recent event we may permit ourselves some small measure of grateful pride. If it be sug- gested that the Conference for Limitation of Armament will redound to the eternal glory of America, as our distinguished vis- itors have generously declared, let us hope and strive that it may be so. But let us do a little clear thinking about the conference. And first of all let us realize that the na- tions were wise only in the wisdom of tragic experience. Had such a conference with such a result been possible before the war we know that it could be ex- plained only by the influence of the more exalted virtues. Coming after the war it is dictated by prudence, common-sense, self- preservation. Today, one needs not to be a prophet nor a son of a prophet to see that unrestricted competition in armament leads nations to moral and financial ruin. On the other hand we need not for modesty's sake attempt to diminish Amer- ica's share in the success of that moment- ous conference. It met in a unique spiri- tual atmosphere. On the day before the opening session there went out from Ar- lington a call to prayer that gathered the nation in tears of pride and gratitude around the grave of an unknown soldier, then lifted us all into the presence of God with vows of loyalty and service up- on our lips. It was one of the great mo- ments in the history of the American people. While the country was yet in the exaltation of this new experience, another great moment arrived. Let it be said, if you please, that only rich and powerful America could with dignity have invited such a conference; that the head of our republic welcomed the representatives of the powers in a manner worthy of him who on the day before had grown in moral stature as he led the people in prayer ; and then add that the chairman of the con- ference made a proposal that for faith and courage, for knowledge, wisdom and power will engrave his name on the tab- lets of imperishable fame, and the docu- ment itself will become one of the char- ters of civilization's new freedom. Yes, this is taking much for granted. It is an expression of faith in the unselfish patriotism and humanity of men who sit in the seats of power and some of whom might be able to give good reasons for hesitation, or skepticism, or disapproval, but to whom this country and a war-weary world will not look in vain for an exalted attitude toward proposals which promise even a small measure of relief. It is an attempt to keep a part of our pledge to the men who died to end war ; it is a cup of cool water placed at the parched lips of despairing humanity. I refuse to be- lieve that any man will try to dash that cup from their lips. I must believe that American statesmanship will now rise to its highest level with a unanimity which will condemn partisan criticism and pre- vent partisan advantage. The treaties are not panaceas ; but they will help. Much re- mains to be done ; but after this step in the right direction we can "thank God and take courage." If our country is to exhibit toward its citizens and to others that "exalted jus- tice and benevolence" for which Washing- ton hoped, then must we deal intelligently and bravely with two other problems which confront us at this moment. You will agree that they concern our nation- al honor and welfare, that they are the most conspicuous examples of the need of moral courage, and therefore are not inappropriate topics for this day. It is almost impossible, however, to men- tion such a subject as the tariff without being suspected of partisan bias, and with- out the accusation of being one of those persons who rush in where better beings fear to tread. But is it unnecessary to re- mark that the problem of the tariff today is utterly different from that problem of twenty-five years ago? Is there no danger that a matter so vital to this country may be considered and settled as though the world war had not happened? As though the economic conditions of the world had not entirely changed since 1914? Indeed, the changed condition is the most essen- tial fact in dealing with this complex problem. Already our unemployment situation makes us anxious. Do we wish to encour- age agriculture? Do we wish to encourage our factories and mills? If so, we desire foreign markets, which can only be found where we are willing to exchange prod- ucts. Most of the world is practically bankrupt, and unless we can find some way to improve the financial health of the nations, our own health will fail. These are, of course, the most obvious facts ; and unfortunately they are exactly the kind of facts which are frequently disregarded. This hour makes a supreme demand upon intelligence and unselfish statesmanship. The tariff has generally been dealt with as a local issue, but the country is calling for leaders who can deal with it as a na- tional issue; leaders who can see it na- tionally and will so interpret it to their constituents. The American people are not utterly selfish; they do believe in the greatest good for the greatest number; and they are intelligent enough to under- stand that any temporary personal sacri- fice which promotes the general welfare will soon reward them with increased prosperity. Let us have faith in our people and the courage to tell them the truth. We are invoking the name of Washing- ton today, whom Gladstone called, "the purest figure in history," and whose out- standing quality was moral courage. Be- side him stands Lincoln radiant with moral courage. And next, because of that same quality, I see Cleveland, reforming the civil service and declaring to disap- pointed partisans that "public office is a public trust ;" and who because he encour- aged the business of the country suffered the cheap and inane criticism of being al- lied with Wall Street ; but when he upheld the dignity of the country in his Venezuela message Wall Street lost some money and repudiated him. Finally the whole country came to understand and to honor him for intelligent statesmanship and moral courage. America and the world have been poorer and lonelier since the voice of Theo- dore Eoosevelt was stilled. He was not loved and admired the less because he was not always right. He was a man of definite convictions and the courage of them. He was no moral neutral ; he did not keep you waiting very long for an opinion on mat- ters of moment ; and he did not keep you waiting long for results. A sincerity which cut through all shams, and a justice which made him the supreme advocate of "the square deal" are qualities desperately needed in these days. They will not be lacking if our leaders will listen today to the noble appeal of those who in their time scorned timid compromise, and whose moral courage makes their fame secure. One subject more deserves our best thought for a few moments. To enable our country to take her rightful place on the field of honor in France, we drafted four 10 millions of the best young manhood of tlie republic. This was just and wise. But we did not draft capital and labor, and it will scarcely be denied that there was some profiteering in both of these camps. When our men had played their brave and vic- torious part, even before their return a grateful country began to plan for some appropriate and generous recognition. Papers and magazines were filled with projects for rewarding the nation's heroes; one of these suggestions offered by an able cabinet member proposed some large reclamation undertakings to give employment, the lands to be assigned later to service-men who might even be helped by the Government to build their homes and develop the country. The men returned, in many cases to find their former places filled. While they were hunting for work they witnessed an orgy of extravagance in the life around them. They had many disappointing, irritating experiences. With increasing insistance they demanded what has come to be called a "bonus." They have listened to speeches by good politicians and bad, by patriots and demagogues. As they do not know who can be believed, they have maintained their demands. Take them all in all, they are as just and intelligent as they are brave, and they are not excelled in these qualities by any similar body of men in 11 the world. Why do we not tell them the truth; why not show respect for their heads and their hearts, by declaring that what they ask is individually so small that it would disappear like a mist before the morning sun, jet in its aggregate certain to threaten the welfare of the nation. Tell them we shall insist that the government shall give adequate attention to the dis- abled, sick or unemployed ex-service men, at whatever cost; but that we can with safety for the country do no more at pres- ent for those whose need is not urgent. The men who offered their lives for us deserve a better fate than to be bribed, cajoled and exploited for political pur- poses. The men who almost starved in front line trenches when food could not reach them and yet had the courage to go over the top, driving back a powerful foe, and ingeniously exercising initiative which disturbed and broke the enemy's morale, these men may be trusted for in- telligence and patriotism. All thoughtful people know that a substantial bonus can- not be provided at present by taxation without a peril to the country's very mod- erate prosperity. They know that such taxation will increase unemploAonent and bring wide-spread suffering. The resulting criticism would be shifted by politicians if possible to the shoulders of the service men. No one who respects them wishes to 12 contemplate the loss of any of the honor which should be theirs forever. Similar difficulties beset the proposal to meet the situation with a bond issue. Let us tell these men the whole truth of the way in which the payment of a bonus at present will affect the welfare of this country ; the slowly returning prosperity ; the new enterprises waiting a good chance to start ; the old enterprises waiting a fav- orable opportunity to begin again. Let trustworthy people make this plain to them and you will find them answering with a generous loyalty, a complete co- operation which will amaze the moral skeptics. Washington himself would tell us that he never led finer men than these, and I think he would appeal to us to tell them the truth and trust them. Meanwhile the rest of the people are not deceived and they will know how to deal with leaders who lack patriotism and sincerity. All this I have ventured to say to mem- bers of a great patriotic society because the most royal blood the republic pos- sesses fiows in your veins. Yours is the sacred task of guarding the fire of pure ideals in the great temple, the nation's capitol. You live where Washington lived and led; where halls seem still to echo with the lofty appeals of true statesmen who knew how to kindle the nation's soul ; 13 you walk where every foot of ground has been hallowed. Your comrades may envy even while they congratulate you. But they understand and sympathize with you in your responsibility. Of all patriots you are nearest to that inner citadel which guards the honor and happiness of the nation. The wisdom of the divine Leader has placed you where a contest between materialism and morality must be fought out just as it was in northern France. You will not avoid the honor or responsibility if I suggest that it is to you particularly at this hour that your comrades who fell over there hand on the flaming torch of high ideals. Once in the summer of 1918 a ten-inch gun was jammed at a moment when such a happening was serious. Around the gun- crew gas-shells were falling. It was diffi- cult to see clearly through the masks, and, the first efforts to get the gun into action failing, the two men nearest, waiting for no command, threw off their masks and worked feverishly until they fell overcome by the gas; then the next two removed their masks and toiled until they also fell ; then the next two followed, completed the work, and put the gun in action. The men who were nearest gave themselves utterly. Your brethren from all over the land sa- lute you who are nearest and know that you will be vigilant and faithful. 14 There is no cause for discouragement. A brighter day is dawning. Those who are conscious of the overtones of history can hear the turning of a new page. What shall we write upon that page? Let the answer be given to God, to the heroes of the past, to the hopeful, waiting soul of America. Surely faith burns brightly to- day; let it flame with courage! WS4 % Committee on tfje Ci^urc]^ ^ertjice Dr. Marcus Benjamin, Chairjtian Dr. Ralph Jenkins Mr. Thomas W. Lockwood, Jr. Mr. Reginald B. Looker Mr. Albion K. Parris Captain Lee W. Wright, U. S. M. C. Secretary And Ex-Officio Brigadier-General George Richards, U. S. M. C. President, and Reverend Canon William Tayloe Snyder Chaplain of the Sons of the Revolution in the District of Columbia at^le Committee Major Selden B. Armat, U. S. A. Mr. Hampson Gary Mr. Robert Root Bennett Mr. Samuel Herrick LiEUT.-CoM. Joel T. Boone, U.S.N. Mr. Richard W. Hynson Mr. Henry B. Byrd, Jr. Mr. Royall O. Kloeber Mr. William R. Chapline, Jr. Major Russell B. Putnam The music, rendered by the Choir of Epiphany Church, was under the direction of Mr. Adolf Torovsky, Choir- master and Organist. .0^ w/ .*■ ««» « ■ !*' •*^* '^_ ^-^'^ -• ^^^^^ . »" A «^ . ' ^ .0 aRTEgdKBINdmG f Grar.tviUcrf A -^^^f Trrre" iiil?' ■iiiiiRii'' wm 'mm' ::iMfM