The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-02
Plain Truths From the Pulpit

The Richford Gazette publishes II
fast-day sermon by Rev. j. X. Fuller
of Bakersfield, from which we make
the following extracts:
Israel never saw Judgment reversed or JUS
tice farther away than is seen today among
our political and judicial leaders. Truth never
fell lower in the streets or in Legislative halls
than now, Equity was never more cfectualy
barred from the common people than by the
chichanery and demagougueism of the pres
ent. Samuel's sons have had their SUCCESSORS,
and they are known in the gates where men
turn aside after filthy lucre, take brides and
pervert Judgment, Lawlesrness and crime
are on the increase. This is the general opin-
ion of thoughtful and leading minds. Men are
bought and sold like slaves in the market
place. Congress has been the teacher of
crime too aften. Money has corrupted men
whom we thought incorruptib'e. Scandelous
and dishonest doings come to us from the
highest places of trust in the nation. State
legislatures trade with monopolics and bow
down to ring rule.
Franklin County Courts may not have shield
ed the slayer Of the physical life, but they
have been as an accomplice in protecting
thieves and robbers. God knows have char
ity for sinners, but when judgment, and JUS
tice, and truth, and equity are all prostituted
by our chief men in the chief places of bust
ness, "forbearance ceases to be virtue" The
long list of abuses, the iniquitous proceedings
at our county seat, have defeated and demor-
allied justice through all our borders. There
judgment has been turned backward, Justice
has stood afar off. truth hls fallen in the street
and equity could not enter. Nor has the op-
pressor and the thief been found alone in the
political and judicial world. From the affairs
Of our holy religion havo come forth men who
with holy phrase transacted villianies that
common sinners burst not NEEDLE with" and
the widow and the fatherless cry, but Judg-
ment is far from them. justice afar off. And
still the work goes on. The rich and unprin-
cipled Cypress the weak and defenseless, grind
shS inSS VI thN pooi, aiit ho Ssh iSsis, nv
voice replies. But not forever. Justice and
judgment are the habitation of Gods throne.
His ear is open. His power will be made
manifest: perhaps through the mob-heaven
avert but in some way God will avenge the
wrongs that spring from wickedness in high
places.
The work Of reform must always begin at
home. Our VOWS as honorable men and
women must be sacredly kept. Especially
must the christian covenant be regarded. We
must be alive to all the evils that afilict u.s.
wise to speak and act with reference to prin-
cipes not impulse, not prejudice A high
ideal of purity, honor and integrity must be
upheld everywhere and in the minutest affairs
of life. We must learn to call things by their
right names. Sin must be denounced in its
infancy with sledge hammer force if necessary.
Far better so than to witness the riot or indure
the oppression.
No wrapping up ofvice because men are
high in church or state. No finching from
our obligations as citizens of our glorious
country. No treachery as stewards of the
manifold grace of God. There can be no true
prosperity where truth lies low, where equity
is forbidden to enter, where justice and judg-
ment are violently prevented
Let us then as parents, as citizens, as christ
ian brethren see to it that we have clear views
Of truth and error, right and wrong; and let
us do the right always, teaching it enthusiasts
tically, for in this way only can we have a
stable government, a pure religion, and happy
homes.