L. Hula Greene Richards

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PURPOSE OF THE AMERICAN LEGION 611

The "red" agitator, if allowed to spread his pernicious doc- trine unchecked, places in jeopardy the very principles for which the war was won. Will you not back up the service man in his fight for the absolute extermination of the teaching of anarchism, Bolshevism, sovietism, I. W. W. ism, or any other kind of "ism" except a 100 per cent Americanism? We were told repeatedly during the period of hostilities that this was a young man's war. If that be so, then this criti- cal period succeeding it is likewise a young man's era. Here is — The American Legion an organization of young men anxious to perform its patriotic duty. It asks the good will and coopera- tion of every patriotic citizen. Will you not permit us to strive with you, shoulder to shoulder, towards achieving a greater and better America?

Let Us be Near to Thee

We would be near to thee, our Father, God, So near we shall not feel the heavy stroke Of indignation in the chastening rod. We choose thy burden light, thine easy yoke. Help us to keep the straight and narrow way Which thou hast marked and said, "Come, follow me," Doing our varied duties, day by day, With thankful gladness, being near to thee.

We cannot close our eyes to others' woe; With pity for all pain our hearts are torn; The good thou grantest us we would bestow Freely, and help to comfort all who mourn. In all things we would still confess thy hand That with us thou mayst never angry be While judgments sweep the earth, how blest to stand In holy places, safe and near to thee.

Help us to build thy temples, and therein Perform the saving works which thou hast shown, Repentant dead, and living cleansed from sin, That thou mayst justify and claim thine own. With grateful zeal fulfiling every part, That all who will may be redeemed and free, Let us, oh Lord, with all the pure in heart, Behold thy glory and be near to thee. L. Lula Greene Richards