RELIGION AND FARM LIFE 257 



souls, removing the burdens of sorrow, brighten- 

 ing life's journey, and making earthly existence 

 worth while. 



The author has never possessed an over abun- 

 dance of this peace giving religion, but an exten- 

 sive observation has led him to the sure conclusion 

 that this simple religious faith makes not only bet- 

 ter men and women, but puts into their hearts that 

 spirit of peacefulness and contentment that makes 

 them proud of their station in life, shows them the 

 golden opportunities lying at their very doors, and 

 causes them to strive only for the better things of 

 life ; to dream the dreams of usefulness and not of 

 folly and unsatisfying pleasures. 



It is universally conceded that no city commu- 

 nity would be a safe place in which to live if 

 churches and church privileges were wiped out. 

 The church is the safety valve of every community. 



A farm community prospers in proportion as its 

 churches prosper. This has ever been true, and 

 will so continue. Therefore any farmer who has 

 the best interests of his family at heart, must con- 

 tribute and aid in maintaining the best and most 

 active church life in his midst. 



Our ancestors fled from the religious oppression 

 of the old world, endured the hardships of the 

 early ocean voyages, came to the bleak, barren, un- 

 hospitable shores of the new country, and amidst 

 discouragements and hindrances, which only the 

 religion of the Christ could help them to endure, 

 forged out a civilization, founded upon a puritani- 

 cal religion, which has given us the spirit of 

 thanksgiving and the sturdy manhood upon which 

 has been builded much of the greatness of this 



