The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1898-12-01

versation with unchristian neighbors,
thereby bring a reproach upon the
Cause of Him who has commanded us
to let our conversation be in the heav-
ems. Our yea, yea, and our nay, nay.
The cry of the people is, give us
reformation, so political parties are
organized to reform politics. The
churches say send us revival.
Hear me. There will be no re-
formation and no revival, either in re-
ligion or politics, until we begin where
God begins-in the home. God pity
the people when children are de-
bauched by sights and sounds on the
streets as they are in our land, and
find no influence in the home to coun-
teract the evils of outdoor mingling
with others. Our government rests
upon the homes. Make the home
strong, and true, and Christian, and
the institutions of our government
will stand forever
Over against the evils that threaten
our childhood stands tine system of
our public schools, with their noble,
consecrated teachers. Men and
women of pure thought and pure
lives, whose aim is not only to develop
the brain, but to teach the child and
young man and maiden to know them
selves.
Go out from this place, ye parents,
to guard your homes as never before,
from the tide of corruption and pol
luton that is beating up to their very
thresholds.
PohHcaL-I care to say but little
about our politics 1 am sorry they
are not cleaner and purer, but it is
cause for thanksgiving, that after the
heat and vancor of political contest
our people settle down to the quiet of
our homes and affairs, without bitter
ness of spirit.
We owe Switzerland debt of graf
itude for our political and religious
principles. They sprung from the
reformation and were converted by
| lawn. lie SAID:
Ist-There is no necessary connec-
tion between church and state.
2d.-All authority belongs to the
people.
3rd. 1t is best delegated to the
rulers by the ballot box.
We have witnessed, during the past
months, one of the most marvellous
waves of patriotism sweeping over
this country. Armies have been
raised, battles fought, victories won,
on land and sea. New lessons given.
We are slow to learn, that righteous
ness is an essential element in patriot
ism. WIckedness is treason. No
man can be dishonest in business. or
incorporate, or practice any vice,
however secretly he may do it, and
not be traitor to his country, for by
just so much he is injuring the moral
character in which alone his country
stands.
The man who loves his country will
not seek to corrupt his country's
conscience, by using corrupt means
in order to procure political favor.
Let US learn that righteousness in pol
itics is not thing of the past. God
hasten the day when wlckedness of
all kinds will be looked upon not only
as sin against God, but as treason to
ones country.
ReHgioA.-Since our last Thanks
giving day there has been quicken
ing and intensifying of the religious
life of the people. Emphasis is being
laid not on doctrine or church men,
bership, but upon life and right liv-
ing as never before. Watchmen upon
the walls are seeing eye to eye. With
the wave OF patriotism has gone a
wave of religion, thank God, that has
swept many hundreds and thousands
! into Gods kingdom.
In all this complex life of our peo-
pie can see the hand of God bring
ing out his purposes in the nation. A
great, new destiny is before us. moulds
have been broken and new ones Gre
ated, demanding higher type Of
manhood and womanhood. God
grant, that as nation and people,
we may measure up to the fullness Of
, the measure of Gods mind, in the
| opportunities opened before us. We
( have prayed for repetition of the
day of Pentecost; but before there
. can be another outpouring there must
be another gathering, and where, in
all the lands, are the people flocking
as in this. Already every language,
every tongue, is represented here,
and all nations are on our shores.
May God grant, that with the gather.
, ing of the tribes, may come to the
bottom of the Holy Ghost. Truly,
righteousness has exalted our nation
Our lines are fallen TO lis in pheasant