The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-10-31

occupy the most elevated position and just
here it may be well to remark that eniisht-
ened people and Nations are Christian; hence
the dogma that Christian civilization is the
best known to the world. In contemplating
the march of civilizing ideas how unuttera-
bly, contemplate does it appear to dis
cuSs the Mistakes of Moses" laugh
at Jonah and the whale story. question
the carrying capacity OF the ark, or with the
awful name of God with p small -" In
studying the march of mind. from the jun
gle cave of the savage to the sun FURNISHED
elevations where Newton stood, how pre-
pOsterous it appears to point out the imper
fections of man, instances of bigotry, cruel
ty, superstition. desootism, and use them as
arguments against Civilization, compared
with which all other civilizations arc repul-
sive to eye and ear and thought We con-
fess 10 an inclination just here to make COM
PARSONS between Christian civilization and
other civilizations in the world, and point
out their unquestioned defects but
such considerations would carry ms beyond
the purpose of this writing. Admitting
as fact, rather than for the sake of argu-
ment, that our Christian civilization is de-
fective, what of it? Simply this; seeing and
knowing the deficiencies, the probabilities
are that remedies will be found and applied.
Thus it has been in the past. The glory
of the age in which we live is found in the
fact that the great majority are battling
against the wrong sometimes. perhaps in the
wrong way, but still with an earnest desire to
improve the condition of the human family.
Christian civilization. as We have admitted,
is not without its blemishes Under its ban
ners there is ignorance, superstition, bigotry,
slavery, oppression, but the man or
woman is blind who does not
see the mighty forces which are in opera
ton, whose mission it is to remedy such de-
feets- The ear is deaf which fails to catch
the sounds near and from afar that tell of
the coming triumph of tine right. We con.
fess to unmitigated disgust for man who
would complain Of the sun because he dis
covered upon its shining disc dark spots.
The sun of our high civilization is not ex-
empt from imperfections, but it shines with
ever increasing effulgence nevertheless If
this is true of our civilization, what is to be
said Of the civilizers? Who are they and
what are they? The school, says one. the
Church, says another. Still another holds
aloft the Bible and claims all for
its wisdom, inspiration and vitalizing
power. Then comes the devotees Of science
and philosophy explorers and inventors,
merchants and mariners all claiming right
to be recognized as forces and factors in
pushing forward the conquering columns Of
which marshal nnder the banners of pro-
gress. 1t is well. Here and there are dis
cords but harmony is in the ascendency.
Some are dissatisfied because the world is
not redeemed FROM ignorance aud the in
thrallments of vice in a day or year. Oc
casionally community, nation, takes a
step backward and this retrogrsde move
ment is seized upon as indicative
of general disaster by those
whose mental vision is imperfect.
Christian civilization is destined to conquer
the world. Its acivilizition of works, as we'll
as of faith. Itsavaunt couriers aresteam and
electricity, plows and reapers, as well as
Bibles and hymn books. Powder and ball
and bayonets, and then the ballot. The
songs of the harvest home must blend with
the songs of Heaven. Idle idolaters must go
with their images. The greed of men is a
mighty force when obstacles are 20 be over
come. It tunnels mountains or hews them
down. 1t digs canals, bridges, rivers and
chasms. 1t builds machinery and then calls
upon nature to supply the power-wind.
water, steam. air and electricity-to set in
motion. AS Christian civilization rises to its
meridian glory, schools. Churches, asylums
adorn the world. Liberty stretches forth its
hands and reaches forth for all that is attain
able within the realm of human possibilities.
The step of Christian civilization is steady,
gigantic, grand-upward and onward. The
civilizers are numerous and are increasing.
He who can not look abroad and be hopeful
might as we'll be dead