The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1881-09-29
A CURIOUS SPECTACLE.
Things Uneauat.

AS we 2ldflCC Tic eye dJ iAill-
cent buildings in cities, erected by
what are known as charitable 'sOcie-
ties" and then at costly buildings and
equipments for the carrying on of
corporation business of various kinds,
and finally turn to the humble pro-
visions for the worship of the Master,
and think of how hardly every dollar
in that direction is drawn out, we dis
Germ that things are quite unequal.
The turning point seems to be this :.
whatever has in it the idea of gain
commands attention. We mean, of
course pecuniary gain. Contrasted
with this is whatever has as its aim
either mental or moral culture, goes
begging for want of supporters. Is
it that we lack appreciation of such
things? 1t must be. For in the old
est portions of this country, as well as
in the best portions of still older cOun-
tries, there is a better state of things
as to all aid to the higher culture of
man himself, as well as the enlarge
ment of his purse.
AS communities grow older they adj
vance in the work Of developing the
higher faculties-the mental, the
psychological, and aesthetic parts of
TIC COtll DAGA AdDuIC III uldlis NOI 10
the religious element neglected. As
a rule the primitive stages of society
alone show an incOragible bias III ia
vor of the outward and material, as
opposed to the immaterial and higher
characteristics of mans complex be-
ing.
In word, what we need is more
attention to, and a higher estimate up
on the means of intellectual and NOR
al improvement in society. The very
frame work and superstructure of So
ciety must tumble to a ruinOus fall
unless we have a solid foundation OF
| intelligence and morality, laid broad
and deep. We may get through to-
! day, but trouble may come tomorrow
We cannot afford to be idle a single
! day till all necessary preparations be
| made for successful operations in the
/ great war being waged against sin
/ and ignorance IN the masses.
Take glance at the vast thrOngs
/ of moving masses of beings in human
form, but with instincts only little
superior to those of the brute. These
are among us. They mix with OuI
children. They help to make up the
picture of the race to which we be.
long. If we do no more, we must by
all means see that all in our power be
done to save ourselves and our poster
ity from the influence of the Ignorant
masses around US.
This may be done in part by stric
attention to our educational wants
In part by vigorous effort to keel
our pulpits well filled, and the pastor
al Office well up. Further, by discern
mating good and wholesome periodi
cal literature among our people, ex
tending it as far as possible among al
classes. This we must do, even TO
self protection, as well as in the inter
est of others. We can no more afford
morally, to be surrounded all Ou
lives by ignorance and corruption
than we can, physically, by smallpox
or other pestilential diseases. No
will the masses be elevated Withou
an effort The tendency is to deteri
grafton.
We say not, spend less money il
great pecuniary enterprises, but NOR
in great moral enterprises.
We need good papers well sustained
good churches actively supported
morally as well as financially. w
need a public library in every tow
= l
for the training of the youth of til
country, even if but an economi
view Of the matter be taken. For
is econmy on the broadcast basis to sc
cure to a country a citizenship well
trained and fortified in ali the tru
elements of true manhood, as con
: trasted with the average citizen, Sc
called of the present day, includin
''the stranger within our gates" an
! the new-made citizen of our ow
I country.
American Christians of to-day, hav
, we not work to do, to secure GU
I children and the Church agains
/ whatever evils may flood our countr
by the millions of immigrants wit
, all religions or no religion, with s
! much ignorance among them, at leai
, ! as to our institutions, as well as niue
/ native born ignorance of many amoR
: us +? Neither time nor toll nor expens
! can e.spared.