The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-02-11
RIGHT AND WRONG,
Upon That Subject Rev. H. 7. shepard
Preached an Instructive Sermon

| SPoh mat SUBJECT htv. III. Il. Shepard
| Preached an Instructive Sermon
BUTTE, Feb. 10.-Rev. H. I. Shepard
preached at the Congregational church
this morning on the subject "Right and
Wrong" He said one absorbing purpose
should control all men, the defense of
right in opposition to wrong. The friends
OF right are deprived of their full forces
by certain human imperfeciions. One of
these is personal antagonism, based on
| seltlshness. Another is an honest differ
ence of opinion. These divide and weaken
| the cause of right.
Notice the different bodies of the Christ.
ian church. All are united in defense of
one great. common cause, but there are
| many differences of belief. The members
of one family don't think and act alike in
all small things, but they are one in the
greater truths which join them. Secret
iraternlties are often condemned by the
church. There are many points of con-
fllct between the Masons, the Odd Fell
lows, the Knights of Pythlas on one hand
ana the church upon the other.
But stronger than these disagreements
are the same great truths which unite the
cnurch-the supremacy of God, the noble
lie OF Christ and the brotherhood of man.
ne secret orders viii n have been mem
toned are religious in large measure-in
recognition of God, in Insistance upon
brotherhood, and incubation of its duties
ana privileges, and in practice, in SUBJ
mission TO the leading principles of the
lie and the teachings of Christ. Secret |
societies are dong noble work in which |
the church is too often incompetent or |
dlIatory. They are with us rather than |
against us IN all which gives the hope of |
permanent endurance and positive influ-
ence on its members.
NhldhooI Is sometimes placed in false /
lftf fher
several qualities which bind together
child life and the church. The natural
chlld is truthful, tender and full of trust.
There is more for Christianity and right
IN the chtid life tuan against it.
So lety and right are often placed in
false antagonism. Fashionable society
ana the CHURCH are often necessarily hos
Tie, ana society is often wrong. But it is
also right and Christian in important
senses to the upbuildng and enlargement
of the cause of God. Ideal society is
polite. Politeness means kindness. True
poIteness rests on kindness. Society and
the church are one in the principle OF life.
cooperation OF the two for hi gher power
OF life would be wholly Chris tim.
business and the church are sometimes
thought TO be at necessary enmity. What
could humanity do to-day without the |
business world TO feed and clothe it? |
christianity on earth depends on bodily
life and this depends on business, BUSH
books and pays the minister. There is
real respect for religious work in the .
thoughts of many men whose business. in
their view, demands their time. The |
theater and right living are in harmony in '
several ways. No play is satisfactory un-
less 1t presents the truth. Unnatural {
scenes and impossible acts ex. I
lite disgust and ridcule. Their
ruth is not always suitable for presenta-
ion to those who hear and see il. The
theatrical exhibitions serve morally in
wo special senses-they make vice repul- s
i've and righteousness attractive. The /
stage is false TO its trust when il makes e
ice attractive. Ii is not the presentation
u sin hat does the harm, but leaving il | 3
lalf presented. In this sense the ideal of
he church and the theater's ideal in art
ire in form, and often in motive. and to !,
ms degree the stage is the church's !,
riend. I
We must, too. deplore that there is a
alse morality which is opposed to religion
IA the secret orders of our day; that there .
5 irivollty in childhood; that there is dis
lpation in society; corruption in BUSH =
ess, and crime and vice in the theater. a
We don't deny this. But there is a differ
mt host of overpowering strength for
ight. Believe in the present and live and .
lbor in the full belief of present suprem- y
CIV of right. a