Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-05-30
THE UNION VETERAN UNION.
They Listen to an Eloquent Sermon by Thei
Department Commander.

THE UNION VETERAN UNION.
They Listen to an Eloquent Sermon by Their
Department Commander.
Gen. Green Clay Smith. pastor of the Metro
politan Baptist Church on Capitol Hill,
preached Memorial day sermon yesterday
morning, at which all who participated in the
late war were especially invited. The church
was crowded long before the hour set for the
services, the feature of which was the presence
of many members of the Union Veteran Union,
who visited the church in body. Probably
for the first time in the history of the country
body of the defenders met in the rotunda Of
the Capitol on Sunday morning and marched
to place of worship.
The church was decorated with flags and
flowers, the flag of the Union Veteran Union
being used as a centerpiece. Among those who
attended the services were many members Of
Congress. and the pastor. who once occupied a
seat IN the House Of Representatives said many
things for the benefit of those who had formerly
been his colleagues. He spoke particularly
upon the question of buying and selling votes,
which he said was infinitely worse for the
country than slavery when it existed.
MONEY IN THE CAMPAIGN.
During the approaching campaign he said
that fully s4,000.O00 would be collected for
printing" He added that large amount of 1t
would be paid for printing but a much larger
amount would be spent for blocks of five. "
The money. he said. would go TO the voters in
sums from the price of drink OF
cheap whisky to an amount large
enough 10 secure home for the voter
Slavery. he said, would have been abolished
without war, but 1t might have been several
centuries TO come. The people of the south
were To large extent really opposed to slavery
but war seemed to be Gods way to end it. and
now il was a glorious thing to pay tribute to the
loved ones who lost their lives In defense OF
their country.
righteousness exelteth nation" was the
pastors text, which is found in Proverbs
xiySd-
POLITICAL POINTS.
1t is unusual to offer religious maxims in a
body of men considering civil polity, said the
pastor. So also is il contrary to custom to pre-
sent political points in religious assemblies.
The politician and Christian have been sepa-
rated almost absolutely and stand in great con-
trast with each other. The model Jesus Christ
has laid down for civil society is so perfect that
men despairing of ever reaching il seem disin-
clined 10 any effort toward removing the evils
and wrongs in society. Indeed many DENY the
necessity Of at al following the divine rule but
the wise man urges the duty and declares en-
phatlcallv that righteousness exalteth a na-
ton Moses. the great law giyer. was pos
sessed with the same line Of duty. Righteous
ness and religion are used here as SYNONYMOUS
terms, but 1t is not to be assumed that any or
all religions are meant. What is intended by
Religion Is that form Of service or worship that
takes God. the Creator. as its author. that is
Peaceful. geutl' loving. benevolent melting 10
high and noble life and happiness for all man
kind
All mankind have some form of religion. even
the most cruel and superstitious and enthusi-
as;ie.
IL 4 IL, ~
of a cruel man is but for society, nor that of a
superstltiOus one. nor even the religion of an
enthusiast These parties subveTt law Justice
and human right, to accomplish their ends
We want the religion of Christ, who went about
doing good and sacrificed Himself for Others
The three forms of government adopted by
mankind and in use today have lived and pros
pered according 20 their adherence TO right and
Justice and truth. Some governments have
prospered without adhering to the doctrine
of Gods word-but there was living behind and
underneath their policy rules OF justice. honor
and trust which the Almighty recognized and
commended-Or 1t may have been that the con-
duct Of one nation was permitted rs an example
for others.
THE BEST FORM OF GOVERNMENT.
The form Of government under which we live
Il the best. Here the individual and the family
are consulted and the power rests with the
people. Here the citizenship must be virtuous
hOhSst anu duiF ItUuerlng unto
Caesar the things that Caesars and unto GOD
the things that are Gods"
He called attention to the early history Of tho
ancient governments Of Egypt, Persia. Assyria
Greece and Rome, and showed that while they
adhered TO the lines OF true hood merit homo,
and ehiyalry, art and science. prospered and be-
came renowned. but by corruption aud crime.
lost their prestige and were DESTROYED. The
United States has been exalted among the ma.
tons Of the earth by the valor of her soldier,
N ~.
righteousness does not dominate TODAY. and
those who saved the life Of the nation and thos.
who would prolOng it must look well to N,
moral status of the people. The work pas
has been grand. but the work of the future 4
far greater. Corruption must be checked ant
utterly Overthrown. The selling Of slaves 4,
ante-bollum days was reyol.ing enough. but tn,
sale OF free citizens a: the polls is q sure fore
runner Of destruction. IL il shame and bio
upon the character Of the republic. and mus
Be rebuked sooner or later il we become exalte,
as God would have US and as we should b.
among the civilized peoples Of the world.
Rev. James ID. Smiths Sermon.
Last evening at the Grace Baptist Church OF
Capitol Hill Rev. James d. Smith preached
memorial sermon 10 the members Of Sedgwicl
Command. Union Veteran Union, with whicl
he Ia connected Farragut Post O. A. r., wa
also present The sermon was Of q highl,
patriotic character, and the lessons drawn wer
earnest and practical Mr.. smith took his tex
from Psalms 60, verse 4. Thou has
given . banner TO them that fear thee