Plainfield High School - Milestone Yearbook (Plainfield, NJ)

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THE ORAGLE II “They are the leaders of riots, of court-martials and inquisitions, which have been shedding blood for the last century. They are those who preach that if a man slaps you on one cheek, you should turn to him the other. However, it is strange that they always wish to be the ones who strike and desire others to turn their cheeks to them.” The expression on Isaiah’s face changed. His countenance flamed, his eyes shot fire, and with scorn he cried, “Liars and hypocrites rule the people. Their tongues are smooth, but their hearts are black.” When the peace conference went to rest and refresh themselves after the noble work which they prided themselves on having done for mankind, the voice of the great Isaiah could be heard far in the sky, saying, “Oh, wicked people, people overburdened by sin, when will you learn the gospel of peace!” But the delegation kept on drinking champagne and paying compli- ments to one another, and heard not a word, VALEDICTORY ORATION PH SPIRIE OF MODERN CHARITY. BY FREDERICK MARTIN SMITH. The advent of Christianity marks the beginning of real charity in its modern sense. Before the Christian era, poverty was alleviated somewhat for economic reasons, but the followers of Christ infused a spirit of love into all attempts to relieve suffering. In the dark days of the early Roman empire, the Church and her emissaries furnished the only means of relief. Help was given generously, even lavishly, and without discrimination. “Give to every one that asketh of thee,’ expresses the characteristic spirit of the age. Until the ninth century, when hospitals were founded, no special institutions of charity existed, and the sick were cared for in their own homes. In the middle ages, the monks, and later, the orders of religious knights ministered to the needs of the poor, and with the growth of the idea that charity had an atoning efficacy, funds were liberally supplied. Such was the beginning in the Christian Church of the spirit of help- fulness which has now assumed such a variety of forms in its course of development. The 19th century has seen remarkable changes in the growth of all kinds of charitable work. The spirit of modern charity is scientific:

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te) a Eh ORACLE Isaiah’s face took on a bitter expression. “Oh, ambition, evil am- bition,’ he moaned, ‘what dost thou not force mortal hearts to do!” Just then some one began to speak. ‘Who is he?” Isaiah asked. “He is a very rich man, who has mines of money,” the angel replied. “How did he get it?” asked the prophet. “By fair means and foul. First he dealt with iron and other manu- factures. Then he watered his stock in order to deceive the multitude and to benefit himself.” “T do not understand why the people should allow this,” muttered Isaiah. “The people themselves do not understand and so are deceived,” con- tinued the angel. “But there are a number of wise men who can obtain money by means of watered stock, and this man is simply one of the wisest among them.” “But what has he to do with peace?” “He has nothing else to do. Money flows to him from every side. He is also very anxious to satisfy the voice of. his conscience and desirous of homage and he obtains it by preaching the gospel of peace.” At these words a cloud appeared on the forehead of the great prophet and an expression of sadness stole into his eyes. “Who is that?” he asked again, as a third man began to speak. “That is an ambassador sent by a great ruler.” “What is he saying?” “He is praising his master, the Kaiser of Germany, and declaring that he is the only man who can establish peace on earth. The Kaiser himself is continually boasting of having won great glory in war, although he is not a great warrior. The ambassador says that peace would be a good thing, if it could only be brought about.” Heavier and heavier grew the cloud on the forehead of Isaiah. “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,” his lips murmured. “And what does that man say?” he asked, pointing to a tall military- looking man, who had just risen. “He is a general and praises the life of a soldier. He claims that a camp is the best school in which to learn love for one’s native land. It strengthens the body and the heart, he says. Moreov er, he cries that his nation is the finest, and his king the best.” “And who are those men, with the rows of raedaticd: and orders on their breasts?” Isaiah now asked his companion.

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12 THE ORACLE it has probed causes; has provided legislative measures; has touched all kinds of need, and has a far-reaching, inestimable influence upon modern society. It will be possible to touch upon only a few of these phases as they are exemplified in our own country. In the United States alone, it has been estimated that over 3,000,000 people are dependent upon charity. The immense sum of $200,000,000 expended annually for the support of these persons, may convey an idea of the magnitude of this work. A portion of this fund is distributed through official sources for the maintenance of almshouses and suitable homes for the blind, the insane, the feeble minded, and the morally imperilled. A large amount, however, the importance of which can never be fully known, is contributed by individuals and private organizations. Through all ages the Church, in the spirit of its Founder, has been the real source of charity distribution. It forms a dramatic contrast to note the differences between the methods of the early and medizval church and the church of today. The scientific spirit of the age is nowhere shown to better advantage than in the development of the so-called “institutional church.” It is the chief aim of such an organization to meet all the needs of its members an d to develop all sides of their natures. A most striking illustration of this modern method of church work is furnished by St. George’s Episcopal Church of New York City. This organization is veri- tably a huge plant, for, exclusive of the church edifice, there exist several large buildings where the various activities are carried on. Under the superintendence of the rector and his large corps of assistants, are main- tained many secular activities which formerly were considered foreign to church work. Instruction is given in sewing, tailoring, millinery, and other trades. A military battalion, gymnasium classes, debating societies, and numerous social clubs furnish recreation. From a membership of ‘8,000, there are in this church 5,000 tenement dwellers, and the workers strive always to unite both rich and poor, and to satisfy the intense craving of the poor for so¢ial opportunities. Side by side with the Church, often ministering to other classes and different needs, works the Salvation Army. Frequently the popular idea of this organization does not extend beyond that of a band of noise-makers congregated on the street curb. This apparently senseless demonstration 1s but a very small portion of their work. The aid furnished through their ministrations consisting of food, clothing and shelter, is enormous and far- reaching. What a power for good are those blue-bonneted “lassies,” pass- ing in and out through the congested districts of the great cities! How in-