The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1893-12-29


enthusiasm is worked up. The political
club, the stump speech, the mass meet
ing, the band, the torchlight procession,
gin and genius, all are laid under con.
tribution. How earnestly and ener
getically the candidate tries to per.
suade his follower that his candidacy
is inseparabiy interlinked with their
highest interests; that the success of
his candidacy means their political and
| social and industrial salvation, that his
defeat imports run and disaster to every
interest Of the community. By these
and other ways the politician works up
enthusiasm. Again, I say admirable!
Enthusiasm is not fanaticism! 1t is not
the soul on fire with consuming pur.
pose. Here the politician should bring
blush to the christians cheek. As
christians, we seem to prefer our
religion iced. The great want of the
church is the want of enthusiasm.
Give US the fiery ardor of the politician :,
the enthusiasm that has characterised
every great worker in every field,
whether politics, philosophy, morality
or religion, the enthusiasm which has
been the infusing spirit Of every
movement that ever swept with power
this glob of ours. Let that thrill and
throb in every chritians heart and soon
the banner of our holy faith will wave
above all the flags of all the nations Of
the earth
Thirdly-The practical politician is
a splendid example and illustration of
the power of thorough organization
and personal hand.to hand work He
does not rely upon mass meetings or
campaign enthusiasm. He becomes
personally acquainted with individual
voters. He is interested in them, in
their affairs, their families. What
cordial grapple in his hand. His palm,
like certain clouds, often with silver
lining, or padded with greenbacks,
which is about the same. He has his
lieutenants, they their deputies, and
they their subordinates and workers,
until every voter is looked after. A
fine model of organization and personal
work that for the christian and the
church. Here is largely the secret Of
the church's failure. We have been
relying upon resolutions of assemblies
and presbyteries and conferences and
conventions, and the devil has been
laughing at US. Personal hand to hand
work is the only work that will save
the world. Let US not miss men 10 our
interest in mankind. Let US remember
that truth, like electricity, is safe pos
session only when transmitted. Let US
seek the single soul and give it the
truth. The truth will never begin its
career in crowd. 1t must go from
your heart to one other heart. 1t will
travel over no other route but from the
individual to the individual. Now men
and women do not hesitate to approach
their fellow men upon any scheme of
business or pleasure they may wish to
float. How few are ready or willing to
speak to them Oh matters spiritual and
religious. But that is the only way the
world can be redeemed. And think OF
the reward of such work. I know
something of pleasure. ] have indulg.
ed somewhat widely my tastes which
are varied / know something of the
keen enjoyment that comes to those who
sit at the feet of the broad Drowned
Swans and philosophers. High delight
is that which is our portion as We listen
to the great masters Of literature and
science. But belieVo NE, hearers, you
will never know what real joy is unit
you feel the thrill of ecstatic pleasure
which attends successful christian work.
Lead soul out of darkness into the
light Of the SAVIOR. lift man from
the ontteP. or worse. aGd sei him on his |
feet, see him clothed and in his right
mind. hear him praising God, and you
as the instrument under God for his
deliverance, work such miracle as that
and yop viIl know what l mean. What
wealth eanpoS buy, FOIL eanRot accumu
late, mans wisdom cannot impart, this
more precious than all things else is
his who is wise to win souls.