The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-18
THOUGHTS FROM THE PULPIT
Dr.. Gilbert's Advice to Christians as to
How They Should View Politics.
Dr. Gillespie's Discourse Last EveningOn "The
Worlds Debt to Foreign Missionaries"
Sermons by Rev. ROndthaler and Others
.sHE CHRISTIANS POLITICS.
DR.. Gilbert's Suggestions Last Evening
the Voters of the Church.

DIR. Gilbert's Suggestions Last Evening to
the Voters of the Church.
1.-THE Christian. Mans Politics" was the theme
of discourse of timely interest delivered last
evening to a large congregation at the Merid-
an-street NJ e. Church, by Rev. J. E. Gilbert,
D. D. His text was:
Only let your conversation Greek. potikas be as
it becometh the gospel OF Chrst.-Phil. i, q.
In beginning his sermon, DR.. Gilbert said
that the Greek word, here rendered converse
ton. has now no equivalent in English. 1t does
not mean discourse, nor in any absolute or indis-
criminate sense does itsignify conduct. The word
politics is derived from the same root, but that
word has been so degraded and vulgarized by a
partisan usage that it no longer conveys the idea
with which it was originally charged.
The exact thought of the writer might be
translated: "Let your politics be as becometh
the gospel of Christ" Christianity would sane
tify this portion of the popular life. 1t would
transform nations politics. 1t is highly i'm
portant some idea should be obtained of tho
responsibility resting upon the Christian as a
citizen. All civil government is divine institu-
ton, though distorted and corrupted by sin.
Christ is to-day carrying forward by the secret
ministry OF His spirit, as well as by the more
open ministry of His truth, a grand work Of
gradual but certain restoration. The govern
ments of this world belong to Christ, and He is
slowly preparing them to acknowledge His
authority aud conform to His will. The story
of England and of American life shows this.
The Christian voter should have a political
creed, theory concerning the best method of
securing the general good. He should unite
with others for the success of that theory. This
will make him member of some party. 1t will
associate him with other men of like political
faith So long as men differ in their policy of
government, parties are necessary. Every
Christian ought to vote, and he ought to vote as
a Christian. He cannot cast a Chris
tian ballot, unless he has a Chris
tian motive, unless he esteems the state as
an institution of divine origin If government
be wanting. liberty becomes license; if freedom
fail, law leads to despotism. A man ought not
to stand on the side of Democracy or Republic
anism because his father was there, because
popular clamor and favor there, but because,
after reading the history and constitution of the
country, studying the interests at stake, the ira
ditions and actions of these great organizations,
party is wise and proper. The Christian
must vote for worthy men and
for them only. 1t is not enough
that the candidate holds right political views.
He should also have ability and integrity: Chris
tians should demand Of the parties to which they
belong that only good men shall be presented for
their SURFACES If this demand be not needed,
support should be withdrawn. The bare an
nouncement of a vile man for any Office in the
gift of the people is thrust at public virtue and
an insult to all Christian men that should call
forth their indignant protest the supreme need
of this hour rising above all questions of mere
party policy. is upright and dignifed manhood
in Office.
Why are so many unchaste, incorporate
profane, dishonest men thrust into prominence
who ought to be remanded to obsurity? Why
cannot the best brains and the purest hearts be
employed in making and executing laws for the
glory of God and the good of the people2 Why
should many inferior and unworthy men hold
places that might be adorned by the best3 The
answer is simple. The cry is for available
men. Let Christians declare that availability
means ability and worth. Brethren, we have
been q long time in objectionable silence Do
we mean to give over this Nation to the hands
of political managers who will consult the pleas
ure of the baser elements of society to gain their
votes, while our feelings and wishes disre-
garded! 1t is time for Christian voters to pro-
claim the sentiment none but good men In
Office There is feeling in some parts of the
church that religion is only matter Of devo-
lions and enjoyments, of experiences and
promises, to maintain which one must with
draw from the unholy influences OF political
life. Not So One may In every relation In this
life act part for God and the right. There is
also outside the church sentiment, both com
mon and dangerous, that the veal of the state
is not dependent upon Christianity, and that
Christian men, as such, have nothing to con-
tribute for the strength Of the state There are
some who believe that the Christian religion is
not sufficient to protect man against the con-
hictlne influences OF public life 1t is for US to
show that both these sentiments are false I
appeal to you, therefore, at once to find your
place as citizens and carry with you into that
relation the principles of the gospel. That serv-
ice may demonstrate the power of our religion
help the Nation to attain its high destiny and
glorify our Lord, who is the head Of the church
and the king of men.