The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1892-10-20
ELDER P. D. GOLD.
HE GIVES HIS VIEWS TO THE PEOPLE
OF HIS CHURCH.

CiuCl l. IL Ooidt W -
we'll known throughout North Caro-
Hna as perhaps the leading minister
of the Primitive Baptist denOmlna
ton.
In his paper, "Zion's Landmark, "
be gives some editorial reflections
on the political situation which
every man in the State ought to
read and ponder.
Wegive space and take the liberty
of quoting at length from Mr.. Gold S
article.
In his opening paragraphs he says:
Baptists have always been noted
for their conservatism or mOdera
ton. They are sober-mlnded
people. That Is God has given
them a sound mind and they are
steadfast aud unmovable, or not
driven, carried or tossed by every
wind of doctrine of men or devils,
They are slow to change their
views. Indeed, when once they are
settled in the truth, they are i'm
movable. There is nothing new
under the sun. Hence Baptists
abide IN one and the same perfect
and Interchangeable doctrine.
They are and always have been
opposed to secret societies and fac
lions OF parties that originate or
spring from secret societies. Jesus
their master never taught in secret,
but always taught openly and
publicly, and no Scripture is of any
private Interpretation. JnO. 1920
Secret societies are unfair. They
do in secret what they do not want
known by the public For he that
doeth truth cometh to the light that
his deeds may be made manifest
that they are wrought IN God.
Secret societies array one class of
men against another and cause ha-
tired or suspicion and gender strife.
This is wrong.
AZ secret societies are wrong
their products or fruits are wrong,
They conceive in mischief and bling
forth that which is corrupt.
Baptist are a people that regard
their obligations and prove their
honesty by paying their debts, and
keeping their word. They hold
that it is duty to pay tax to whom
1T Is due, and tribute to whom it is
due, or to submit to the powers that
be because they are ordained Of
God. We are not 20 speak evil of
our rulers, but to pray for them, or
for those IN authority that we may
live quiet and peaceful life i'll all
GOODNESS and honesty.
Again Mr.. Gold says:
ALI good earthly governments are
founded on the principles of right
ss set forth in the Bible. In that
book covetousness is forbidden.
The rich is not to take away the
poor mans property. But each is
to respect the possessions of the
other, The crazy, corrupt notion
now floating 10 the brains or lmagl-
nations of so many men, that every
man should be compelled to give
up what property he has, and d.
vide 1t with all others is forbidden
by the Bible, and every principle of
common honesty. The desire for
the government to own every thing
is equally as foolish and dangerous.
A government ought to own as lit
tie as possible in order to admins
ter It's functions for the general
good. To put all things IN the
government hands is to sell our
selves as slaves to the government
which would soon become the bit
terest engine of oppression. For
instance, if any one party 10 power
possessed all tue railroads, land
&c-it would manage to perpetuate
itself in power indefinitely; for
give it all the wealth or ownership
OF the country and it easily will
hire men enough to vote iol it
and retain its power, and it would
make the people It's servants and
hold them in perpetual bondage.
An instance OF this is related in the
Bible concerning the country of
Egypt. During the great famine
when Joseph ruled the Egyptians
sold their cattle, their land and
themselves (see Gen. 27 } and they
became servants, vassals or slaves,
and to this day Egypt Is d base
kingdom Frustrated and under the
power OF their rulers. But Israel
ties should not be so.
AS to government and the present
Mr.. Gold continues:
Which is better to have one man
king or host to be your king?
liberty our fathers fought
for is fast flying away, and these |
degenerate sons and forei gners are
liberty, and we are about
10 sell our birth-right for a trlfe |
government is an agent, or SHOULD |
De, for the people, and it's officers
should be public servants, held &C
to the people. Hence the
people should be the masters and
he officials the servants. But it
We surrender all to the Governments
,hese officers will become the mas
ers and We will be the servants.
What would you think of borrow
ng money from Your agent? What
would you think of surrendering
I'll your property to your agent?