Telegram-herald. ([Grand Rapids, Mich.) 18??-1892, 1891-01-26

bands Of servants TO recover his
nephsw's belongings through all tho
bstale- 6eds under Moses when en- route
70 The Promised Land. through the
fierce conflicts Of Joshua and the
judges Of Israel. The wars of Saul.
David and other kings 10 the close Of
the Maccabers superb and courageous
efforts to gain and retain ths beloved
possessions Of their fathers
When the people Of God did that which
was right In the sight Of God. he blessed
tended their armA
When the people forsook the Lord
their God. as solomon had predicted.
success did not attend their arms
II we study the subject Of idolatry as
herein set forth. we will have a very
complete mirror in which are reflected
the general and special providences Of
thu Great Ruler in human affairs.
The worship of an idol-be It sun.
moon. stars. man, woman. mountains.
rocks, carved images, bulls, heifers,
calves. birds or other animals, or things
however adorned with gold. silver or
precious stones. always has lowered the
souls standard
Tho frst strong commandment for
Jews Mohammedan or Christian is:
Thou shalt have no other gods before
Mel" Hence. IS far as we can trace the
'scts Of history, profane, secular and
divine, we find that nations and rulers
twhose people have lowered their stand
ard and become corrupt have sooner or
later lost their courage, their patriot
ism, their prowess. their virtues
When finally the Lord the Almighty
has withdrawn his favor and blessing. as
in ancient Israel. in Egypt and old
Rome, there comes a crumbling TO pieces
and a scattering TO the four winds Ten
Thousand are driven by thousand and
no Goliath has been ablc 10 save the
fighting forces.
Now we may write for "Idolatry"
Corruption" and declare without fear
OF contradiction that soon or late, but
as sure as there is existence, "Corrup-
ton" will enervate and destroy the de-
fcusive forces of any people.
When there is no Emmanuel God
Love Of God and Country read: love
of business" ''love of gold" ''love of
great POSSESSIONS love of SELF"
These worshipers flourish for time
ike green bay-tree. But look again!
They are not. Children have varied the
corruption carrying it perhaps into mag
nificent display and vain show; but
grandchildren commute and dissipate
the whole upon the wings Of the wind
while they themselves retain little. II
ANYTHING. but imbccility.
But where is Providence in all this7
II IS simply this: Not sparrow falleth
o. the ground without our Fathers no.
tiee. he has made it so. In all physic-
al laws. the Great Designers presence
is usually admitted for IL is sensibly felt.
But when spiritual force comes in from
God. there is a more uncertain hold rs
TO which Is the monitor of my own
mind. Of my own conscience. and which
is the nlonition of the Divine Spirit9
What matters IT. As I conceive il the
conscience could have no play. no force
without the Eternal Presence? AS light
r. essential 10 this earth. so is the Eter-
nal Light essential to the human mind
essential 70 the activities of the human
conscience.
The compass guides the ship. but In
sslligencs adjusts and regulates the com
pass.
without adjustment and regulation
che ship VIII drit and probably finally
he wrecked.
An army is made mp Of q rultisude OF
minds under discipline and command.
In time then should come common
mind Tiers are msuy conseienees-
Dat in ttms there seems - be q common
sense II tuty-s common standard o'
right and vrong-a common conscience,
III We may 50 speak.
Lea this common conscience lose s2se
ve.,t 81 Divine presence Ard mccsfson.
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