Yanks on Luzon near Clark Field
Japs expect landing south of Manila
…
Roosevelt prays for victory
Services precede his inauguration
Washington (UP) –
President Roosevelt prefaced his fourth-term inauguration today with prayers for God’s help in the battle against “the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Praying for victory and for guidance in “the preparations of the gospel of peace,” the President followed the custom of his past inaugurations in participating in Holy services before taking the oath of office.
Meet in East Room
With him were his family and the top men of his wartime government, justices of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, military and naval chiefs of staff and Congressional leaders. They met together in the crystal-chandeliered East Room of the White House at 10:00 a.m. ET.
In the midst of the service, the cross bearer, standing behind the altar, fainted. White House policemen revived him and he was able to take his place in the processional when the service ended.
As the President sat in his heavy, gilt chair before the improvised altar in the most formal room of the White House, his thoughts and his prayers must have turned to his own four sons fighting overseas and the sons and daughters of millions of Americans. He prayed for Divine might on the side of the United Nations and he sought heavenly guidance and forgiveness for our enemies.
Scripture lesson
There was no sermon; only three hymns, the prayers led by three clergymen and the Scripture lesson from the New Testament – Ephesians 6:10-20, which included this passage:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Three ministers there
Conducting the services today were Rev. John G. Magee and Rev. Howard A. Johnson, both of St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Rev. Howard S. Wilkinson of St. Thomas’ where the President has worshipped on frequent intervals. The choir was from St. John’s.
Most of the prayers and collects were from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, including the General Confession, the Declaration of Absolution, the Lord’s Prayer, and the prayers for the President, the nation and for those who have died in their country’s service.
Special prayers included the prayer for all in the service of the United Nations published by the Forward Movement Commission, prayer for our enemies written by the late Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple; and the Victory Prayer published by the Army and Navy Commission of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Blaze keeps fire going –
Curb on generals’ priorities urged as aid to troops’ morale
Nonessential trips hit by Congressman
…