100 years ago in Spokane: Reverand cautions young men to evade failure through virtuous living

The Rev. George W. Knepper of Spokane’s Central Christian Church delivered a sermon aimed at young people in which he declared that “God does not expect men to be failures, but expects them to be successes.”

He then cited insurance statistics with the sobering reality. Out of 100 healthy 25-year-old men, 40 years later one will be wealthy, four will be well off, five will be supporting themselves with hard daily labor, 54 will be dependent on relatives or charity, and 36 will be dead.

“In other words, 5 percent alone will succeed and 95 percent will give up and fail,” said the reverend.

Then he described what was necessary for success, including good health.

“Three of the secrets of good health are common sense, a serene mind and diversified interests,” he said. “A virtuous life is an absolute essential. One must be clean. There is more than beauty in cleanliness, there is strength.”

Also, “one must be truthful” and one must seek a good education.

“Knowledge is power, and the statistics verify it,” he said.

Finally, “a successful life demands constant industry” and “no half measures will do.”

He said the Bible was “the supreme manual of success.”

Also from the religious beat: Spokane’s Jewish community was “celebrating the feast of Hanukah” this week.

The members of Spokane’s Temple Emanu-El were planning a dance for the young people of the synagogue, followed by a special service the next day.