The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1894-04-16
THE MORAL VINEYARD.
Recovering the Border Or How Man
Should Reclairz His Lost
Righteousness.
PREsRyTER1AN cHURcH.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Recovering the Border" 2 Samel 3d.
The border referred to 10 the boundary
OF the territory OF the kingdom OF Israel
which was recovered by King David in
one OF his military campaigns. Under
this warlike prince Israel rose to prom
inence and power among the nations.
Broad dominions, rich provinces We're
made tributary to Jerusalem. No petty
chieftain could with IMMUNITY cross over
into Hebrew territory bent on plumber
and spoil. David and his Inyincibles
were soon upon his track. The text tells
Of the driving out Of one invader and the
recovery OF the contested possessions.
Apply this thought to the moral terri
tory over which man was made supreme
when he was created and we find il
fes tile in practical Lessons. For example:
/. We were made in the image and
likeness of God. But over our weak
wills Satan with his invading hosts has
trampled and robbed ne Of our power
and glory. The ancient border was
oblterated for sin is crippling ~,darkening,
~deadening In its effects. But David's
Divine Son appeared, took Satan captive
and drove back the hosts Of sin. Jesus
outlined the border for us once more,
crippled the conqueror, put new life into
the conquered, turned defeat into
victory.
2. Every Christian should guard well
the borders Of the moral dominions he is
given to rule. He marks these but for
himself when he takes the pledges OF
church membership. He says: "This
and this will I do; this and that will I
not do, God helping me-" Let him, then,
keep out the Ammonites eft selfish indus
gence, the Philistines of worldly pleasure
and cultivate with diligence the fields OF
splendid opportunity which are open to
him. Let him establish such out posts
as private prayer, the family altar, grace
bsfore meat, the prayer meeting, the
church service, systematic study of the
bible in Sabbath school or Y. p. S. G. e.
Let him garrison these forts with duty
and conservation and loyalty to his Di-
vine Master and he will lastly resist the
invasion of the evil one.
3. Parents outline for their children
a moral territory which they wish them
to rule when they present them for
baptism. They say by that act: Let
Gods kingdom come in my child's heart
and life and when he grows up may he
fulfil the prayers and plans of his parents
by seeking first that kingdom and draw
ing out of his heart and life all it's
enemies. Recover the border young
people, outlined for you years ago by
loving parents and identify yourselves
with all that is high, noble and Christ
like. keep thy heart with all
diligence"
4. Finally, apply this thought to our
municipal affairs. The rum-klng has
trampled down the Eoarders Of law and
order and has ever-run our state and
city, bringing in his train countless was
and miseries. He emptied pocket books,
desolated homes, wrecked manhood, and
dried up channels of legitimate trade.
He is an alien. a traitor, an enemy. He
should be cast out. While thankful for
much already doEe ia this direction by
the officers Of the law we plead for a firm
stand by those who will be elected next
Tuesday whoever they may be and an
enthusiastic rally around them of all
lovers Of our truest happiness and pros
perity. Let the watchword of every
officer and every citizen be, "No COM
promise with evil, no truce to the
saloonr
Reliable, new and fresh bulk garden
seeds, just received at the Book Store.
Miss j. s. Stewart has returned and
is prepared to do sewing at home or by
the day.
-.--=1 ::soss an California.
WOODLAND, CAL, April ia dis
Watch Frnro N;nka~n nom