Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1892-05-05
.THOs. j. ADAMS, PROPRIETOR

fear; honor to whom honor" 70
like e-effect speaks st. Peter, 1st
Peter, q: 13, 14.-Subrait your
selves TO every ordinance of man
for the Lords sake: whether it
be to the king as supreme; or
unto governors, ,.as unto them that
are sent by him for the punish
ment of evil-doers, and for the
praise of them; that do WE'LL
From these passages, beloved
brethren, We clearly discover that
God holds an officer of the govern
ment, fromTthe humblest constable
to the king, on his throne, as q
sacred person, and office-hold ding
as q very sacred thing. How few
of our Christian citizens recognize
this great TRUTH Witness the
bitter, cruel, malicious things that
are said and written about our
rulers by men, who ought to- know
better. What more effectual way
could be. adopted to undermine
the foundations of society, and
usher in the reign Of chaos? Just,
respectful, reverent criticism Of
our rulers is always in. order; but
the unjust, partisan and malevo-
lent spirit in which many of our
rulers are criticized bodies no good
for secure and peaceful govern
ment.
When I walk your streets and
behold your town marshal wear
ing the badge of rightful author
ity, I feel like tipping my hat to
him, in reverent recognition of
him as Goods minister" We are
aptto think that the clergyman's
Office alone is a sacred Office, but
whosoever bears rightful rule is
Gods deputy, whether it be the
parent, the teacher or the civil
ruler. From the facts and prin-
ciples just set forth do we not
learn that the responsibilities and
obligations of "Christisn Citizen
ship are not to be lightly es-
teemed?
Now all real duties are Chris
tian duties. Outside of Christian
ity responsibility and obligations
have no existence. So every
question of obedience or submis-
sion must be examined ia the
light of Christian teaching. There
is no relation or sphere in life
untouched by the teachings Of the
teacher of teachers, the Christ of
Nazareth. Says the Book, "What-
soever ys do in word or deed do
all in the name of the Lord Jesus"
If we resist or disobey in things
lawfully commanded, we resist
not man but God. "Whosoever
resisteth the power reslsteth God"
One of the. first obligations rest
ing upon the Christian citizen is
thatihe should vote when import
ant measures are to be determined
or rulers are to be elected. This
responsibility, he cannot ignore
and avoid and be guiltless. Feel
ing, personal interests or any other
plea outside of necessity cannot
be pleaded in extenuation of
neglect at this point. This is
peculiarly true in respect to our
own government, founded as tits
upon universal suffrage, where
one vote may affect the result, for
or against any vicious man., or
vicious men. A sense of personal
responsibility should animate us
in this regard. Recognize your
individual obligation to make the
avoice of the people" the "voice of
God" Suppose, for example, that
some oppressive and unjust legis.
lation should result from, your
inaction and some poor friendless
man should suffer in. person or
estate thereby, what would be
your answer to high heaven for
your conduct? Suppose some
drunkard or gambler. or libertine
or blasphemer should obtain place
and power and @Lord. itover Gods
heritage" when it might have been
prevented by your vote and influ-
ence, could you be blameless? How
the consciences of many Christian
men ought to lash them when they
reflect upon the many evil con
sequences of their neglect at this
point. Doubtless many of the
darkest chapters written in the
history of Edgefield and of Edge.