Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1881-07-21

mental might and broadest views, hav-
ing sufficient strength of character to
lift him frem the tow path to the high
est position in the gift of this great
nation:) the attention of all civilized
nations, [ say, has been called to the
fact that he receives the truths of the
Bible, of Christianity, with humility
and reverence, with the spirit of "a
little child -
IF an intelligent, honest, clear head
ed man like President Garfield feels
that he is fully warranted in accepting
the Bible as Gods book; if he finds
it delightful to peruse its pages and
read it morning by morning with his
family; if he realizes it to be "a lamp
to his feet and light to his path. :"
had we not better accept it and try
+ it? If he believes in prayer, and at
the mercy seat finds that grace which
has enable him to live so nobly ar d
so well; and which makes him calm,
peaceful and even cheerful, though
suffering great pain and in the
presence of death, it might be we'll
for us to "call upon the name of the
Lord" IF he accepts God as his
Father, and Christ as his King and
Savior, and the Holy Spirit as his
Teacher, Comforter, Sanctifer and
Guide, had we not better do the same,
each one of us? And if he found it
to secure to him the greatest possible
efficiency in Christ's service, and also
the largest personal growth, strength
and comfort to be within the pale of
the Church, surely it would be a good
place for you and me. 0 that this
whole nation would follow President
James A. Garfield, even as he follows
Christ. Then would we be that
:'blessed people whose God is the
Lord" O that we each may learn
these important lessons, given us SO
lately in the school of severe affiic.
ton.
[ will summarize them, in closing.
that we may the better remember
them.
1. That of contentment in the
lower and private spheres of life, as
having less of burden and danger,
2. The value of virtuous tenn.
perate life, making US equal to emer-
gencies, though large reserve vital
force thus acquired and maintained.
3. The need of such civil service
reform, as will relieve our President
from being harrassed and assaulted by
a horde Of Office seekers. The whole
matter of appointment being fixed by
! law.
4. The necessity of change in the
treatment Of criminals; so that no
premium be placed on crime by NOR
bid public sentiment. And that
mercy be shown rather to good, honest,
industrious, virtuous, citizens than to
those who have forfeited all claims to
mercy, and who by their own volun-
tary act have invoked the just penalty
Of a violated law That mercy to the
criminal is injustice to the righteous
person, removing restraint from wick
edness and SO with drawing deserved
and needed protection.
5. The need of prohibition by law
of the manufacture, importation and
sale of intoxicating drinks, opium and
tobacco. Also the necessity for a
statute forbidding the carrying of fire.
arms by private persons, and that will
annihilate every thing and every in
stitution that tends to promote vice
and crime.
6. The need of faithful officers
and an elevated pure strong public
sentiment that laws may be effective.
7. The necessity for kindly, courte-
Gus and truthful speech in election
campaigns.
8. That we "must not do evil that
good may come"
9. That conscience is no guide in
moral action, but that Gods holy
Word is alone the safe criterion or
guide.
10. That mems fears are to be
addressed in order to their restraint
and salvation.
IL. That the anti-christian and
anti-government utterances of Inger-
soil and such as he, are largely pro-
ductive of that irreverence for law
and proper authority which results in
crime; and that as a matter of ex-
pediency, as a governmental necessity,
such should be silenced by the strong
hand of the law.
II. That we need and may we'll
have strong faith in God, and in His
providential supervision of human
events, and also in the peculiar form
of government we have, and in the
ultimate triumph of the right.
10. That the acceptance of the
teachings of orthodox Christianity by
a man like President Garfield is worthy
the thoughtful consideration of all,
and especially the skeptic.
IA. And finally, that for all to
follow him as he follows Christ would
be to insure the prosperity and per-
petuity of our nation, through the
divine blessing.
May God sink these lessons into
our hearts and rivet them upon our
memories; and grant US all His great
salvation through Jesus Christ our