Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1870-02-09
THE CORRUPT AGE.

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bility Of those engaged in mercantile
pursuits as well as in mec ianical ayo
cations to make ends meet, and {,
fulfill obligations entered into shor
time since when times were better
and which are now maturing. Hones
mon seem TO find themselves goinl
rapidly into the background, while the
brazen faces of roguery and down
right rascality wear radiant smiles
and their owners "fare sumptuously
every day"
The doctrine of future rewards and
punishments is only fable Of the
past, scarcely remembered BY the old
est inhabitant-at least II would seem
so by the lives of thousands in our
city, who ignore it and 1.-Two for them
selves.
In short, q season Of Generalization,
general in its character, appears to
have become inaugurated, affecting
alike the Pulpit, the Press and the
Bar,
Ministers of the Gospel, Editors and
Authors, Judges and Lawyers, aban-
don their high and honorable callings
to assist in the carnival of crime and
rascality. Where the greatest conf
denoe should be reposed is found the
secret aud dangerous enemy that be-
trays us;-where VIC should look for
moral Instruction VIC find the gildod
brand Of infamy held up for our admi-
ration, as the stamp of virtue
Authors sell the flsehoods of
their feverish imaginations to gain
wealth, while publishers can be found
base enough to dcmoralize a whole
community for share in the venture.
The Press cries "Corruption" with
a loud voice while its editors enrich
themselves by praising and endorsing
the scheming scoundrels who make a
trade Of public robbery. Jobs Of gi-
gantic proportions arc juggled through
Legislative Bodies to be ''quo warran.
tod" and blackmailed by the Attor
nies and the outside associates of our
honorable Judiciary, after which pro
cesses they are legitimate burdens for
the public TO groan under,
Rings and political combinations
made up of the worst class Of society
rule all Of our interests, and Integrity
and Industry hang their heads in sor-
row If not in despair.
We are not Of that over-sensitive
nature, which Is easily appalled, by
the taros among the wheat in human
life, forwo know that the world is full
of beauty, and much for US TO love
and admire.
But we confess TO feeling of indig-
nation at the broad sway crime is
having, and to blush of shame that
manhood can become 90 dohassd, so
false TO its trucst interests in the well
being of society, and we have been
led 10 reflect upon the causes which
have produced these sad results
We find two prominent evils which
attract our attention the most. First,
the thirst for notoriety and self-ag-
grandisement among the Instructors
OF the people, and secondly, the fond
ness for extruvagance and foolish dis
play among nearly all classes of the
community. TO these two sources
We think can be clearly traced nearly
all Of the evils of eur day.
In olden times Ministers Of the Cos.
pei led their focks through virtuous
and holy paths; the meelkness and
humility of suffering Savior were
the doctrines taught TO proud human
ity and "to sell all that one had and
give TO the poor" was the only road
TO follow Jesus.
In the House of Worship lie was
the centre of thought and alteration
not the marble palace with stained
windows, nor the volvcted pew nor
even the political or the sensational
orator, if any there were who oflicia.
ted as minister's in those days Men
attended church with their families TO
listen to the reading of the scriptures
and the holy advice explained to them
by their pastors. Truth and wisdom
were deemed superior TO political ha.
rangues and good sense and sound logic
we're moro esteemed than rhetorical
hourishes and attempts at blasphe.
nous witticisms. Men were taught
TO live nationally, and happily Vice
did not become Virtue when indulg.
cd in by church members, nor did pas
tors consider it their duty to gloss
over the sins Of their congregation in
order 10 assist tho cause Of Chris.
tianity.
In those days authors and public
writers won golden regulations by
calculating facts and truths, by wri.
ting works Of instruction aud beauti-
ful poetic and prose cffusions for the
edihcation and enlightenment of the
masses-many Of which works will
live forever.
Theirs was not the task to demoral-
ize society, TO create demand for OBJ
scene literature or slanderous reading
which should mako angels weep
theirs not the baneful trash that de-
stroys the youthful mind and praises
guilt in tho first chapter of periodi-
cnl, that the second may have a still
larger sale-that robs the dead to en-
rich the living.
Youthful minds fed with moral
truths became the giant intcllects en-
oased in robust bodies, protected by
good habits, which led our country
on to greatness and honorable esteem
among all the nations Of the civilized
world.
Justice sat on her bench and mcted
out night TO all who came, irrespective
Of party or monied power
But in an evil hour came the dread
scourge of intornecine War, brother
rose against brother "Poace on earth
and good will toward mon' gave way
to the fierce battle cry OF "Bloodv and
North and South from the pulpits
which had lent their aid TO fan the
sparks into life, came rallying shouts
of the champions Of Satan rather than
tho Apostles Of Christ. Not even
could a Sabbath be spared to the wor-
ship Of the Supreme Being, nor His
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