Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1899-11-29

are in the land, and they have no respect
for law. By their secretly laid plots
which they bring TO open execution, they
actually defy the restrictions of law, and
threaten the life of free institutions.
Others are with these in their contempt
for government. 1t is said that as
nations grow older the people tend to
degenerate in their regard for law. This
is one of the evils which contributes to
the final overthrow of nations, and social
organizations.
Then, as lovers of our country, It be-
hooves us to take notice of these things
and to cry nightly against the disregard
for law now possible. Nothing short of
a high standard Of social morals and
Christian citizenship can be insisted upon
If we would live and remain strong. Let
them who persist i'll treating with con-
tempt the just rule over them and its
sacred orders be branded as unworthy
citizens and held up to public shame and
disgrace. Further, respect the officers Of
the law. If there be government, there
must be certain chosen ones into whose
hands the running Of the government is
more particularly committed. and whose
sole business it shall be to see that all
properly enacted laws are enforced. And
it is not only becoming in us to respect
these officers, clothed with dignity and
authority, but conducive to our interests
and the firm maintenance of government.
Thou shalt not speak evil of the rulers
of thy people," is warning and an in
junction given by God himself.
Again acknowledge God. OF all things,
this is the most essential. They who
reverence the Divine Being build upon
solid foundations and purchase to them
selves the highest liberty. Which are
the exalted peoples of the earthl Which
the progressivef Which are the power
full nationss These questions are easily
answered. Those which acknowledge
the Being and experimenting power Of
| Almighty God. Hence it is written,
| "Happy in the Lord" Indeed that ma.
| tion which takes hold of God is the nation
that exalts itself The one reason above
every other reason that must be assigned
for our saying this morning, as American
citizens, The, lines are fallen unto us IN
pleasant places; yea, we have a goodl,
heritage, is that we live in Christian
land. There Is not true American
citizen anywhere, saint or sinner, bu,
that loves this text-in the sense IL
which am treating 1t. He loves II be
cause it gives utterance to happy fac
concerning his own situation He know,
that it is great privilege to be either
| of this country with the privileges an,
rights guaranteed TO him under its form
of government; that sure enough tn
lines are fallen unto him in pleasan
places, and that he has goodly heritage
But would remind the individual tina
it is the pronounced and wide-sprea,
christianity in his land that has brougil
about this fact in which he takes so inuc
delight. Go yonder to heather Chin
II
idols, or go yonder to dark Africa wher
deception is considered a virtue, an
human flesh is served for huma
sustenance. Let you be compelled I
make your home there; then let me 70
low and stand before you with the tie,
"The lines are fallen unto me in pleasar
places; yea, have a goodly heritage,
and the sentiment would not be receive
in your heart. Very we'll, you may 6
to England and take up your resident
in that country. You are no sooner sc
) tied amid your new surroundings than
, am before you with the same text fro
which / preached to you in China
Africa when you spurned the vel
thought, THE lines are fallen unto II
} in pleasant places; yea, have a good
heritage" and now you qnickly respon
"yes." WhYf Because England SHIN
= with Gospel light. Her noble quee
her profound scholars, her brillia
writers, her renowned poets. her d
tinguished statesmen. her illustrio
orators make bold to speak Of Z
elevating, uplifting influence and pow
that comes to the human race throu
the sacri6cial and atoning death of t
son of God, and the lfe Of Jesus implai
ed in the lives Of men. England is
Christian land, and here are granted
you all the privileges and advantages
be realized in the highest civilizatic
So you again say the lines are fallen vi
you i'll pleasant places and that you hi
goodly heritage. But why not ackno
edge the true ground Of this inheritan
Christianity and civilization go hs
M in hand. Where the former is plan
~ the latter grows. Turn the pages Of
tory, look into the works of the gr
~ writers, go back over the years and WI
>O awhile with the superior authors OF
past. the celebrated sculptors also a
70 the renowned artists and painters, a
you will find that they recognized
Being and ruling hand Of God. Co
= the great masterpieces Of Shakespeare
Milton have been written without
Bible1 When visited the Chicago
stitute of Art, the very moment ente
the door exclaimed, half audibly, Th
it isl had read about it, and KIN
something of its history. | was thrill