New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-05-24
NEW ORLEANS. SUNDAY MORNING. NAY q. l8ea

able reign of rationalism in Germany for
many years past. 1t is true 1t has been over
ruled to raise up new defenders Of the faith,
so that acute observers tell US that the evan
gelical faith never stood 30 high in that
country before; that the great wave of skep-
ticsl thought which Ia just rising on US has
already passed them and is visibly receding
there. But with what devastating power it
swept while it was there Yet among the
leading causes were the intolerance of Rome
as an enemy to the freedom of mankind, and
the Journalism of Protestant Europe, where
armies march to the eucharist at the tap of
the drum. So here the spectacle of Chris
tian church defending slavery from the
Bible has made generations OF infdels, and
no wonder. Now the way to overcome in
fidelity not only, but immortality also, is for
the Church to arise and shine, to put on its
beautiful garments; to stand forth fair as
the moon and clear as the sun, and then it
will be terrible as an army with banners.
There is nothing more mighty for good
than godly life. The world waits simply for
better men. What has more hindered recon-
struction in our land than the detestable
private character as well as the public i'm.
becility of some of the men who have been
engaged in it, But he who would have
godly life must not he satisfied with freedom
from vices or with a sen timental enjoyment
Of religious hopes. He must seek to under
stand and to meet all his relations. He
must have courage and faith and zeal.
To come home to ourselves, do we mourn
that men are short-sighted, selfish, and per-
verse in their resistance to the government
now. adding to the disturbed condition of
our land, Embarrassing trade increasing
taxes, and pressing US all 18th intolerable
burdens day by day? Yet can we wonder
at this, or pray effectually against it. if we
ourselves day by day are selfish and per-
verse in resisting Gods will concerning us?
II we murmur and repine, If we fret against
his appointment, and resist his claims on
our affections, our time, or our estate; it,
with all our light and privilege, we are un.
kind or jealous, worldly or ambitious, can
we wonder that others less favored are
openly perverse and unreasonable In their
opposition to the right? Is it for US to won.
der at the slow progress Of religion in the
world if religion is making no advancement
in our own hearts Is there any power in
a religion which goes over to the mayims
and customs of the world, which Yields IN
the sabbath, and is devoted to theatres and
balls rather than labor for Christ and for
souls perishing in sin? Oh, my friends, let us
heed the exhortation to forsake the wavs
Of sinful men. Come out from among
them and be ye separate, saith the Lord and
touch not the unclean taing, and I will
receive you, and will be a father to you,
eAhN 1Ou Suall bt oOuu anu uduG0LtI8,
saith the Lord Almighty Let us fully and
gladly submit our hearts every day to Gods
control. Then we can pray "Thy kingdom
come and look for its coming Aud as we
look for our Lord we shall behold him draw.
ing near, glorious ia his apparel, travelling
in the greatness of his strength, speaking in
righteousness, mighty to save"
For his approach the events of Providence
will open broad highway, while the dark
years that are Passing shall cry to the long
bright years of future time, Lift up your
heads, Dye gates, and be ye lifted up ye ever
lasting door, and the King of Glory shall
come in Be not then dishearteued at the
| delaTs encountered in the work Of the Lord.
| Consider the magnitude Of his Undertaking;
live in constant and active sympathy with
his plans; believe his promises Of ultimate
| success. Be not disappointed at temporary
disasters, las though some strange thing
happened unto you" and be not iHsensible
to the high honor of standing faithful
among the faithless in these crowded
hours Of glorious life.'