Suggested Title: "An Old Arm-Chair"

THE more general celebration of Mothers' Day in our churches, on the second Sunday in May, is affording a unique opportunity for the minister to reach the unchurched and the occasional church-attendant. People who seldom, if ever, darken your church door will attend, if properly advised, and the sort of people who come at Christmas and Easter will add this to their list of holy days. The human appeal that this day makes is far-reaching and inclusive. The call of memory reaches the heart, and when the emotional deeps are broken up it is possible to touch the most calloused soul by use of the homely and intimate things that the day suggests.

. . .Open the service by repeating some passages of Scripture, such as "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you, saith the Lord." . . . This will give tone to the whole service.

...The subject of the sermon or address can be worded in such a way as to convey a compelling meaning, e.g., "His mother and mine" (Rom. 16:13), or "An Old Arm-Chair."

One year the children distributed [white carnations] during the opening hymn ("By cool Siloam's shady rill") and then followed the children's sermon; subject, "The White Flower." On Monday morning bunches of flowers tied with a white ribbon were taken to the saloons in the neighborhood. On each was this card:

We would suggest that arrangements be made in advance with your florist to secure a quantity of old-fashioned "spice pinks" (in white) which to the writer's mind (as to all those who have known an old-time garden) would be the most appropriate reminder possible of mother.

. . . In this, as in all the serviced, one must obey MacDowell's own direction--"Not too sentimentally." The vocal numbers should, of course, be chosen with reference to the sermon. . . . Many arrangements of Horatius Bonar's "I hear the voice of Jesus day" are available, but non more touching than the old English ballad tune to which Ben Jonson's "Drink to me only with thine eyes" is sung. If the suggestion of this tune offends, try it at the evening service, and its appropriateness for the more formal worship will be evidenced. . . . "These are they" from Gaul's "Holy City" might follow an address that emphasized the sacrifices of mothers. If this is used the text of Rev. 7:14-15 should be printed on your program.

. . . The text of one hymn very difficult to find is here added. "Like a cradle rocking, rocking" should by all means be sung at your morning service or at both services. Nothing could be more acceptable had it been written with this very occasion in mind.

"The Work of the Pastor: Suggestions for Mothers' Day," The Rev. Jesse Halsey, Cincinnati, Ohio; The Homiletic Review, An International Magazine of Religion, Theology, and Philosophy, Treat's Every Phase of the Minister's Life, Vol. LXXI, January - June 1916