The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1875-12-07
HILLSDALE MICH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7. 1875.

years, has been the growing conviction
upon the part OF the people that prin-
ciples, not parties will make for MS
strong government. Especially has
this been noticeable during the present
year. In almost all Of the States, the
better class Of voters have been asking
who are the men, not what party do
they belong 10. And because this is
true, and because il is becoming more
and more so have we reason to believe
that God is leading us as q nation to
solve the questions Of self-government
in such way that our nation shall be-
come permanently established. Re-
forms are the demand of the hour, and
the old feeling of uncertainty regard
ing our national future, which inhuen-
ced largely our political leaders few
years since is giving way to feeling
Of confidence. And il is through this
growing conviction that we have reason
to hope for triumph in every effort for
reform. He is q poor student OF the
present current OF affairs in our nation
who does not note the marked changes
in this respect. Out OF this painful
hour OF trial and suffering to so many
is being born condition OF security
and / permanency in our nation for
which our children will join with us in
rendering thanks to Almighty God
For il is the dissemination Of christian
principles that is really accomplishing
this result. Aud for this we have rea-
son to thank God. III by this con-
flict aud present disaster our political
life is purified, il our politicians are
taught that honesty and aud upright
ness are the conditions of national Sc
security, il we, as people, are taught
TO build for the future and not for
false glittering present, then will we
have learned valuable lessons from our
past misfortunes. Already the bigot-
~, inidelity, and intolerent supersti-
tion of Europe has in our land joined
hands with the ignorance and idolatry
of Asia. The balance of power in most
of our cities is in their hands, and un-
less christian principles are immovably
laid at the foundation Of our govern
ment il will not be hard TO foretell the
results to our national life in period
Of fifty or one hundred years. But
three years has been driving US as a peo-
pie back to the old landmarks, aud
bidding us learn anew what constitutes
a state or a nations greatness. And
the poet has we'll sung for us the ans
wer that we are to-day learning
What constitute q State
Not high-raised battlcments or labored mound
Thick walls or moated gate;
Not cities proud with spires, and turret-crown-
Not bays and broad aimed ports,
whsre laughing at the storm rich navies ride;
Not starred and spanyled courts,
Where low browed baseness vi ats perfume to
pride.
No. Men, high-minded meu,
With powers as far above dull brutes enduc-
In forest, brake or den.
As beasts excel cold rocks aud bramble- rude;
Men who their duties know,
But know their rights, and knowing dare
maintain,
Prevent the long aimed blow.
And crush the tyrsot while they reni the
chain.
These constitute state
And sovereign law, the States collected Viii
sit. es.psoss. erowning good, reprcssing III.
smit by her sacred frown,
We find dissension like vapor sinks;
And cen the all dazzling crown,
Hides his faint rays and nj her bidding
shrinks.
CD But out OF these disasters and
and misfortunes will be born not only
financial and governmental blessings,
but more important, spiritual bless
ings. Unlimited worldly prosperity
fosters pride. Men never are so will
ing to seek after God rs when they
stand face to face with future that
threatens inevitable ruin. Like the
frightened hare pursued by the relent-
less hound that sends forth its appeal
ing cry, in the hour Of despair, so men
appeal TO God when driven by necessi-
ty. Our past unhoalthful prosperity
has kept men from God. Has begotten
unbelief in the heart. Has turned the
lives Of many into unholy and corrupt
channels. Has made man regardless
OF his brothers interests. The result
has been seen and felt in the food tide
OF crime that has swept over us the
past year. Perhaps in no single year
in our history have there been so many
high-handed crimes committed rs in
the past. Life, honor and virtue have
seemed 10 have no protection from the
fiendish hands nerved by passion, lust
and avarice. But what of this dark
picture. Has it no brighter prospect
Tor Us +? Yes, thank God out OF this
darkness there comes to us the promise
Of better day. IL takes but an ordin.
airy student OF events TO read the cur
rents Of mems thoughts to-day. At no
period for score OF years has the cur
rent been more plainly perceptible.
Men are turning to God with an earn
est longing cry for salvation, because
they realize that only in the blood OF
Jesus is their safety from continua-
tion OF this terrible present. From the
east, from the west, from the north,
from the south, there 10 going up the
cry for the out pouring OF the Holy
Spirit. From all the churches, from
oil denominations, and these prayers
will be ansv cred, and it will not be
many months until the food-tide OF
salvation shall sweep across our land
with greater power than ever before -
But whether IL comes soon or late, the
very fact that men are being turned
away from sell, from mad thirst for
gain, from unholy avarice, from disre-
gard for fellow men, from the world OF
sin, and turned toward God in prayer
and anxious longing for Spiritual bless
ing is reason enough for devout thanks
giving.
Brethren, have kept you long
enough. But as we go to our homes
to-day let us thank God that as nation
we still put our trust in Him who do
eth all things we'll. And let us go for
ward in our life work, remembering
that there is only safety in trusting in
Him. Let us not murmur because
sometimes we cannot understand his
ways. They are always best. Let us
go forth 10 thank him not simply to-
day, but may our thanks be the con-
tinual giving forth Of tho consecration
OF our lives to Him who has loved us
and given himself for us, so when an
ether year shall come We shall again
each come saying, BLESS the Lord, o
my soul, and forget not all of his bene-
fits. And as to-day all over our land
the church bells call the people to come
TO the house Of prayer and thanksgiv-
ing, may they not send ms To the homes
God in his mercy has given rs, with
true rejoicing in our hearts. This aut-
umn season has brought us plenty, and
to-day we close another year OF toll
and start anew with thanksgiving into
the future. Can we not in the thoughts
that press upon us to-day hear the
Ginning Of these church bells as they
seem 10 Join with England's poet in