The sun., 1897-10-04
JERSEY CHRISTIANS BERATED.
DIR. scuddcr Says the Inst state Election Wa,
n Disgrace TO Civilization.

The Rev. DR.. John l.. Scuddcr pastor OF tho
Jersey City Tabernacle, in q prelude to his SER
mon last night, gave his views on the special
election on last Tuesday for the amendments
to the Constitution. He said:
"On last Wednesday the better classes in New
Jersey were plunged into humiliatng gloom by
reason of the supposed defeat of the anti.gam-
bling amendment. 1t looked as II, in spite OF all
the agitation by the Citizens League. the Chris
tian Enucavor societies, and the clorSy of all
denominations, tho foes of righteousness wero
victorious. There is n rumor, however, that the
amendment was carried by some 267 votes,
the basis of fuller returns from the rural dis.
triCts. 1fthis statement is correct, the churches
nave occasion TO rcJoiCc, but victory won on
SO small margin carries little glory. Whether
we won or lost affirm The election to be dis
grace to our so called Christian civilization.
"Those of us who took an active part in tho
campaign have nothing toregret We tried our
duty and the gravity of the situation, but their
response was mcagre and dilatory. 1t Is evil
dent that the inhabitants of New Jersey cared
little about the election or the principles In
volved. They were too indolent to vote. and
hence it may be said that the good cause was
its friends or normal supporters. Compared
with previous elections, the vote last Tuesday
usual, maintained its unenviabe reputation
and led of with majority of 5000 votes in
This election is significant. 1t indicates that
the religion of our day lacks moral earnestncss:
that ii is gelatinous insipid. and inefficient; too
sentimental to come into practical conflict with
evil and too selfish TO make sacrifices for God
and native land. What the piety Of this day
needs is more backbone. The times call for
new crusade. During the past :hree weeks
the preachers have beratcd the gamblers;
now ! propose that for tho next three
years we denouncc the fabby Chrstiani-
ty which talks much and 'prays oft.
domain OF civil government. If the army OF
church members in New Jersey cannot make a
better showing against sin than they did last
Tuesday. their pcty il entitled TO very little re-
speCt and demands vigorous Ccnsule from tho
prophets of God. II saloons and brothels and
gambling hclls are active and alert on election
day and make themselves felt at the polls. the
churches ought to be at white heat in tho
cause OF virtue and order; but as a matter OF
fact many OF them we're lifcless that
in some places the pastors feared TO call
mass meetings. lest The empty seats
should reveal the letharGy OF tho so.callcd
followers OF Jesus Christ. The election
was ptiahlc exhibition of spiritual weakness.
and now. while we talk Of reforming politics.
think it would be well to get to work and re-
form ourselves. Every say-at-ho home citizen
should be branded selfish. unpatriotic and
unfit to live in a civilized country. His absence
from the polls should be regarded every whit
rs pcrnicious as the vote OF blackleg. who 1T
any rate stands by his principles and votes as he
voting Christians and convince them OF the
error of their ways. May the preachers show
them that they have committed u crime against
both Church and State and that they merit as
severe q condemnation as the gamblers them
selves" "