The Sanford Herald, November 24, 1924

The Sanford Herald, November 24, 1924

Sanford (Fla.)

The Sanford Herald issue published on November 24, 1924. One of the oldest newspapers in Florida, The Sanford Herald printed their first issue on August 22, 1908.

Original 6-page newspaper issue: The Sanford Herald, November 24, 1924; Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida

Transcribed by Kim Marie Fischer Peters.

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Sanford, Florida

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Sanford Daily Herald, November 24, 1924, p. 4, cols. 7-8

SATURDAY EVENING SERMON
By Rev. W. Humphries

When the waves of hysteria, fears, doubts and partisan bias, and every kind of buncombe, created by election campaigners, begin to subside, and sober thought, sound judgment and good feeling again get a chance, we find the wheels of government are still running smoothly, a good man accepted by all is chosen to guide a ship of state, people are going about their business with usual confidence, composure, and trust in one another and we wonder what it was all about. We see that in reality, not the people but the politicians were excited. The people have the laugh on the spell binders so to speak, for in this republic the people rule.
While the people keep in mind the principles on which our government is founded, they are safe in their peace and prosperity, whatever may the party in power, whatever the label of the executive. If there be one of these fundamentals of government that we should remember and adhere, to more than another, and put in practice at all times, it is the practice of all toleration. And in so far as we forget that, we have strife and distrust, and all the miseries born of pride. Intolerance is the daughter of and the mother of other minor follies.
If I am not as ready and as willing to fight for the rights of others, as I am for my own, I am somewhat of a misfit in the plan of creation. Holy Writ tells us that “no one lives for himself alone.” If then, I fail to recognize the rights of my fellowmen, though he be a pagan, I am to that extent un- American and un-Christian. If for instance, I am not as keen for all the legitimate rights and privileges of the Shriner as I am for the “Casey”, I fall short in the practice of tolerance. In so far as we are intolerant, we forget the Christian law of love, we forget that “all men are created equal,” and revive the “lex talionis” retaliation. Intolerance is neither Christian nor American. Even the honest pagan spurns its livery. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That is the golden rule—that is moderation—that is temperance—that is tolerance—that is Christian—that is American.
In this country we have, as a great churchman, not long since dead, was wont to say, “liberty without license, authority without despotism.” Some other happy writer has said, “Our democracy does not mean,” I am good as you are, but it does mean you are as good as I am.” These two have put the ethical and the religious conception of our democracy in a nut shell. Lincoln in the well known words: “Of the people, by the people, and for the people,” gives it from the political angle.
The “Cuius regio, illus et religio” of former and less happy days and other regions, have no place in our form of government or law and can never get any countenance in American life, or any encouragement under the American Flag. We have here constitutionally established the well known principle of Roman Law. “De internis non judicat practor.” We have here in this county not mere tolerance, but the most complete and best and truest expression of religious as well as civil and political liberty.
This glorious heritage handed down by the fathers should be zealously and jealously guarded, and not bartered away for any gold brick promised by self-seeking political charlatans. Not only that, but if American [sic] is to be true to her mission, she must cling to the things of destiny and thereby not only gather in and ____ enjoy the fruits of liberty and democracy, of toleration, of independence, but be ever ready to stretch out the helping hand of friendship to those who are brave enough to help themselves, who battle and strive for the natural and God given rights of self-government for home and fireside.
The proper disposition of our ex-presidents at times gives great concern to those who would dispose of all things “orderly and sweetly.” Should they venture to devote their time, their experience, their knowledge and consequently (?) their gifts, to works of altruism and continue to serve their country with honor and dignity, what better could they do than preach the American gospel of tolerance. How could they better serve America than by spreading the doctrine of liberty and independence everywhere?
If they would or could do this, future generations would rise up and call them blessed. Yet what better still is, and each one is qualified to do it, not officially or professionally but by his attitude towards others, each in his own measure can by “good will towards men” administer the anti-tote [sic] that will kill the deadly virus of intolerance.
Whether in public or private life, in the political or economic sphere, whether in social, industrial or mercantile matters, no___ speak of religious affairs m___ our relations one with another, toleration should be our watch-word. In the words of the apostle Paul “Be not overcome by evil but overcome evil by good.”
If then we be true to our political and religious heritage, we cannot close our ears to the call (?) of charity, to the cry of distress from whatever quarter. Through the Red Cross we can fulfill what seems to be our plain duty in this regard. Argument is unnecessary. The Red Cross is American, and known to sufferers the world over. Red Cross nurses and doctors and workers are found the world over wherever there is war or pestilance [sic], wherever fire or earthquakes or other scourage [sic], visits any portion (?) of the human race.
A dollar for the Red Cross means in practice, tolerance, mercy, charity, patriotism, philanthropy, humanitarianism. It means love for our fellowmen. It is good for those who give and for those who receive.
Should the near future—which God forbid—find this community at the mercy of the elements, stricken by plague or other misfortune—all things are possible—who would not wish he had given a dollar to the Red Cross? Prosperity has its dangers, Peace is soothing. We lose sight of our ideals and forget our principles and ignore the rights and needs of others.
With success, we may become selfish and proud and intolerant and ungrateful even of the Author of all good gifts. But Thanksgiving is all but here, to bring us to our knees in gratitude to God, for our many national and individual blessings.
Thanksgiving Day is also a day of feasting, of rejoicing, of friendly meetings and innocent amusements, a day on which like Christmas Day, the spirit of good which is manifest when we should thank God, not like the Pharisees who said “Oh Lord I thank thee because I am not like the rest of men,” but in all humility and reverence, like the despised publican who said, “God have mercy on me, a sinner.” We should be thankful; not only for the gifts we have received, but for the power and opportunity we have to give to others.

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