The New York herald., 1878-12-16
CHRISTIANITY IN POLITICS.

The Rev. Wesley r. Davis spoke last evening at the
St James Methodist Episcopal Church, at Madison
and 126th street, taking for his subject
"Christ and the Cities" The reverend gentleman
said I'm whatever sphere of toll or duty man
may stand Christ is his King and ought to be
recognized and obeyed. He is King over COM
merce, over art. literature, over politics,
over the fullest possible range Of our faculties.
in whatever sphere they may have rightful and
profitable development. We are willing. many of
us. the preacher said, to own our Lord in private
life as the one who should enlighten and control but
we have q strange tendency to bar Him out Of our
public ife One thing sckly Christianity avows as
ccrtan-it won't do for Christ to touch politics, ma
tional or local 1t does seem IL He was about to
accept our proposition in this matter There is
exceedingly small outcome of His rcgnancy in
governments. He is the only King whose
''divinc rights have perpetual foundation in the
conscicnces OF all men, and the Christian should
have deep solicitude i'll directing his ballot for
Cod His truth and justice, he has for his house
hold to provide them shelter and food and raiinent.
Ills vote is the factor of his personality set the
body polite, and should give healthier pulse OF
power and richer glow OF life.
In the wild days OF Florentine history, when tho
Guefs and Ghibcnes were battling each other, and
old Savonarola standing in lofty scorn between
the two there was time when Jesus Christ was duly
elected King OF Florence. Historians note the event
with scoff for the spirit of their choice anything
but Christke nevertheless back Of the fact there Is
great truth Christ was King of Florence long be-
fore that For some reason there are many excellent
Christian people who to think political affairs
the lawful dominion of the devil. and they would
not have tho clergy disturb him for the world.
KING ALL PLACES
When look to the many crowned Christ 1 recog.
nize His right in the field of all contests that affect
mankind and that vision becomes ut once my defence
and inspiration for entering those fields also. Some
OF the grandes things founded in Christianity to-day
have been wrought out through the collisions and
frctions of political life Again. he says outside OF
the principles of righteousness which ought to gov
ern every mans Judgment in public affairs, there
are matters of downright need aud want, and
pain and sorrow. which we should consider. II was
a miracle of mercy when Christ laid Ills hand upon
the cveed and tho leprous and cured thom but that
work may be repeated. Honest on q board Of
public works, improving our drainage and cleaning
out cosspools, thereby removing the very causes
fever, may follow the footsteps of Christ as the
hcalers of mankind. IL is time that the Christian
should leaven and mould the citizen, and the man
who fancics that he divorce his Christianity from
his politics and present manly stature to the world
makes the silliest of all blundcrs
In conclusion the pastor called attention to the
fact that grand fair would be held In the audito-
rum of the church, beginning Tuesday. Decem-
Der H. at three r. NJ, and continuing until Saturday
evening, December IL. He appcaled TO their charity
strongly.