Evening star., 1896-07-10
CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP

more inspiring sight than 100000 free
and enlightened people going up to the
ballot box, choosing their rulers and de-
clarfng the way in which their laws shall
be shaped. How shall we at such time
perform the task, he asked, SO as to as
sure happiness to ourselves and our coun-
trymen and prosperity to our country un-
less we ponder well the foundations upon
which American citizenship must ever rest?
1t needed no long reach to ascertain what
these were. The declaration had been
made long ago, and was still familiar, that
Religion, knowledge and morality are es-
sential to good government and good citt-
zenship."
For the Christian CITIZEN continued Mr..
Wilson. the honest exercise of his fran
chise was not only q civic duty, but Di-
vine command.
We had been told to render unto Caesar
the things that are Ca esar's, and unto God
the things that are Gods. That meant not
that we must be careless and corrupt in
our civil duties. but careful and honest.
and II need be, sef-sacrificing in the ex-
ercise OF them. He closed by earnestly
commenting the subject to his hearers as
a fruitful theme. for most earnest consid-
Grafton.
Neal DOw's Regrets.
Mr.. Wilson's remarks were frequently
interrupted by applause, which was sus-
tained when he ceased. He announced a
letter from Neal Dow of Portland, Me-,
which was addressed to Secretary Baer
and read by Treasurer Shaw. Mr. Dow
wrote: Il am very sorry that my strength
VIII not warrant me in undertaking the
long journey to Washington to assist in
the great work of the Endcavorers. They
are now a great power in this country,
and every year will increase their influence
and force among those of our people who
wish to increase the prosperity OF the ma
tlon and the welfare and happiness of the
people, homes. l earnestly desire that the
Endeavorers will boldly resist everything
ctdfa ar,t vr,ttI
fare. boldly opposing it as opposed to the
Will OF God. with no thought of any evil
consequences to self. At the same time
wish them to stand up for the right with
out Tear from any quarter. l say this be-
cause l fear that many well-meaning men
shrink from any open help to a good cause
lest they suffer from the enmity of bad
men. who may have power to do them an
| injury by boycott or otherwise. There is
one matter to which I will especially call
| their attention. because they can accom-
| plish an infinite good without fear of any
| one when engaged in Gods work
The liquor traffic is far greater evil to
| all civilized countries than any other by
| which the world is cursed; it's suppression
| would he :. benefit and blessing to the ma
| tions and to the people greater than any
| other that is occupying public attention.
| believe that the overthrow of this great
| sin against God, this great crime against
| the country, may be accomplished by the
| Endeavorers. 70 do this requires the cour-
age which they have. their great numbers,
! rapidly increasing, and cordial co-opera-
| tion with each other. Perhaps the Endeav-
| orers may be startled if l say that the con-
| tinuance of the liquor traffic, with all its
| horrors. largely depends upon them. That
| Is what think. but l hope and believe that
] 1t will not long continue to be so. The is
| sue of the Christian at Work of the 18th
| Of October 1891. said:
| THE liQror traffic exists in this country
| today only by sufferance of the member
| ship of the Christian churches. They are
masters of the situation, SO far as the abo-
| lition of the traffic is concerned. When
they say, Go. and vote, CO. 1t will CO.
! This whole question of the perpetual nui-
| sance of the saloons, or their speedy over
| throw, is q question of the ballot alone. Is
| that aver.Eent just and true or is it a mis-
| take? Does the liquor traffic depend for Its
| existence upon the membership of the
| church. or only upon the worst elements OF
| society?
| "It is said that the Protestant Church
| members who voters in this country
| are at least h.OOOO in number. If that be
, true. 1t may be honestly said that the con-
| tinuance of that great sin, shame. crime
and infamy depends upon the permission OF
! the church membership, because their bal
lots, honestly employed, may easily destroy
the grog shops promptly"
I'm a sermon of the late DR.. Payson. en-
titled Participation in Other Mems Sins,
he says: Members of civil connmunltie.