The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1896-09-10
SELECT RELIGIOUS READING
"prous cowARpfor.-

While thoroughly In sympathy with all
Christian modesty, self-repression and gem
tleness, when these lovable virtues are not
carried TO excess, we cannot but lament the
fact that the world finds any occasion for
soothing at what IL Is sometimes pleased to
call the "pious cowardice" OF Christians.
That there Is some basis for such charge
seems hardly to be denied. Many Chris
tians-we will not say most, but many at
least-do lack aggressiveness. responsive
ness to opportunity and the call OF duty,
courage OF conviction, and In general the
thoroughgoing manliness. the grit and
grip, which the worlds people riyhtfully
admire. That this IL n serious charge we
are fully aware, but, believing that a mans
worst foes are the unworthy in HIS own
point out for the good OF those
we love certain things which seem to us
faults OF weakness In Christian character.
"Pious cowardice' H. evidenced In many
ways. Look at the almost invarinble ar
rangement OF any religious gathering, for
instance-the congestod condition OF the
back seats and the lonesome cmptncss OF
bare rows OF front benches. Look at the ex-
treme modesty Of church people In making
way for each other upon working commit
tees the quiet but firm dcference 10 others
when implicating personal testimonies are
called Tor I'm prayer meetings the timidity
with which otherwise aggressive sinpcra
shy unwillingness 60 have others SEQ what
one puts into the contribution plate the
shrinking tendency 90 pass on In rcproying
silence when the opportunity occurs 20 speak
a brave, decided word in rcbukc Of irreyur-
ence or In defence OF piety.
lt does seem 90 us that very many profess
ing Christians need little more of what the
world calls the "uP-and-coming' in personal
character. There l. too much spll-repres-
sion. shrinking, desire to escape rrsponsl.
bility or prominence too much lodging be.
hind one-anothers shoulders, willingness to
melt into the background. and general fec
blcncss OF front all along the line. This
IL not the spirit Of conquest-ccrtninl not
IN an aggressive age Ike the present.
The church needs Christians strong In
personality now II she over did. She
does not lack strong, aggressive lead
ers. but, the backbone Of her infantry II not
a. strong as Il ought to be. Too many OF
her ragk AMI die are imperfectiy lned-up.
Too many volunteers are distrustful OF their
own soldierly qualities. At the least hint
OF friendly pressure from u comrade in the
line, they step timldly out OF the ranks and
60 marching along In the rear. Brother
Christians. let us cultivate littlc more self
confidence and aggressivencss !! Lot us
march up and I'LL those front seats at the
praycr-meeting, as II we were afraid neither
OF tho devils hate nor the ministers
sympathy. Let us cease To hang back
when responsibility and work are being
portiOned out. Let US be no longer afraid
10 stand up for our convictions, no matter
who questions them. Let Us bo brave In
giving and in doing; ready in emergencies
quick even to anticipate the emergency;
nre in action as well as In purposs--good
soldiers OF Christ. who was Himself tho
brayest soul that ever dvelt upon earth
So shall we honor the grandcst OF all causes
and win the grateful appreciation Of our
Lord and Master.