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

though Idie.
flames Herbert Morse.
CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP.
Al Sermon by Rev. A. b. Watson,
!. Edgefeld Baptist Church,
Sunday, April 24.
Put them in mini to be in subsection to rulers,
to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto
. every good work.-Titus 3:I. New Revision.)
My topic tonight, christian
Citizenship: is'certainly a living,
practical one. The very general
and exciting interest exhibited on
yesterday in town, in certain
phases of it, clearly demonstrated
this fact. Doubtless / shall lay,
myself liable to the charge of in
PRODUCING politics into the pulpit,
but 1 think that the pulpit itself
ought TO be the best judge of what
topics are appropriate for lis con-
sideration. 1t is likewise my
earnest conviction that if we had
q littl. more politics in the pulpit,
and q little more religion on the
stump it would promote the inter
ests of both. It is altogether
robable that I sha11 be misunder-
stood and misrepresented in the
consideration of so delicate a
theme. This, however, shall not
deter mefroms the presentation of
nv theme in accordance with the
truth as I see it. Misjudgment
and Misrepresentation are largely
the lot of faithful ministry.
I shall not have time this even
ing TO refer to many of the obliga-
tions and responsibilities of Chris
tian Citizenship, and shall there
fore confne myself to these things
az they more particularly relate
to voting, ofice-seeking. and office
holding.
The sacred Scriptures clearly
teach us that government is not a
mere invention of man, not a"social
compact" but an ordinance of
God. gItis,true they. nowhere in
sist upon any particular form of
government, but upon the thing
itself. Clearly they teach that
governme,.t originated in the will
of God-that it is representative,
and as such is entitled to and
must receive our respect, obedience,
and support. \ This is peculiarly
obligatory upon us, who live under
government which claims to be,
and which ought to be govern
ment 'of the people, by the people,
and for the people," Prophet,
Apostle, and our Lord himself CO.
incide in this view of the divine
origin of government and of our
responsibility and obligation "to
be ready to every good work" due
to its maintenance among man
kind. / quote passages of
Scripture 10 our text. Hear what
Paul says, Rom. 1917, "Let
every soul be subject unto the
higher powers. For there is no
power butof God 1.-The powers that
be are ordained of God. Whose
ever therefore resisteth the power,
resisteth the ordinance of God !;
and they that resist shall receive
to themselves damnation. For
rulers are not a terror to good
works, but to the evil. Wilt thou
notlthen be afraid of the power?
Do that which is good, and thou
shalt have praise of the same; for
he {it) is the minister of God to
thee for good. But if thou do
that which is evil be afraid; for
he (it) beareth not the sword in
vain; for he is the minister of
God, a arevenger to execute wrath
upon him that doeth evil. Where
fore ye must needs be subject, not
only for wrath, but also for con-
science' sake. For this cause
pay ye tribute, also, for they are
Gods ministers, attending con-
tiLually upon this very thing.
Render therefore to all their dues,
tribute to whom it is due; custom
to whom custom; fear to whom