The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-01

Greece was 81. 7o5. % 1000. or SO 10000 900
less than that OF this country. This in
crease In the wealth OF the United States
from 1856 TO 1899 was 81. 000. o0. 900 more than
the aggregate wealth of France and sz5.00o.-
00. 600 greater than that OF Germany. In
the face of such marvellous growth. such
unmatched development, coupled with the
vastness Of our undeveloped resources, who
can doubt the mission of our great coun-
try?
"I have briefly outlined some of TIE i'm
portant facts of history pertaining 10 our
Nation that we may have beforesus on this
Thanksgiving evening evidences OF God 5
guiding power and manifold blessings 10 us.
From the divine purpose thus foreshadowed,
may we not learn something Of the duties
and responsibilities that come 20 us?
THE CITIZENS DUTY.
I'm this country, where the people rule
and enjoy the sovereignty Of the ballot.
the exercise of this p~rerogative imposes re-
sponsibillties that cannot be Stunned. The
character of the laws enacted. together with
their enforcement. in large degree determine
the welfare Of society and of the State.
1t is the plain duty of the citizen to de-
mand such avs as will secure the greatest
good to the greatest number. Righteous
ness exalteth a nation, but sin is a re-
proaoh to any people This truth Of the
Bl3Ie is hoary with age. but in The light
. OF history has never been disproved. Laws
for the protection OF society against the
inroads OF crime. debauchery and d.ssipa-
ton should be honestly enforced. The
Christ love in our hearts better qualities US
for the responsible duty of ciaizenshtp. 1t
better equips US for dealing with economic
problems. If capital and labor. employer
and empioye. producer and consumer. pro-
fessions and industries, in the broad spirit
OF charity would study their mutual in
grave problems that disturb the Industrial
ard business world would be solved. II Is
the sp,rlt Of avarice and greed. Of preju.
Christian makes the best citizen. The in
dividual who follows nearest the Perfect
Christian organization and effort is
broadening to meet the enlarged need and
the augmented responsibilities. The Chris
tian Endeavor convention Of Detroit, with
its $500 societies and It's $4,000 members,
Is a mighty army preparing to meet the
growing duties of Christian citizenship. The
recently represented at Indianapolis, Wit
the mighty host Of Christian workers for
its membership, together with the Baptist
Young Peoples unions. recently in conven-
ton at Richmond, the international Young
Mems Christian Association at Grand Rap
IDS, joined with the many other organiza-
tlons OF young people consecrated to the
Master work, reveal the encouraging fact
that this vast army of Christian laborers
lives In Efforts sH to suiIf' up 4 ' Redee yOers 5
Kingdom. The unit must not be lost in the
aggregate: To all the appeal comes per-
sonaliy. If self-denial. make the sacrifice.
II errands of mercy, be swift to answer.
The measure of Christian duty is not de-
sermined by impulsive~ enthusiasm, but by
TWO STRIKING EXAMPLES.
"A few years ago / was spending a Sab
bath in a town in southern Indiana. 1 was
a stranger; entered a church and found a
seat. Immediately a member OF the COM
mittee Of the Young Peoples Society of
Christian Endeavor to look after strangers
came to me and cordially extended a well
come to all the services of the church. 1
recently witnessed another scene. Two
ladies, plainly dressed, strangers, were
seated In a fashionable pew of a wealthy
family in a wealthy church. Two ladies OF
this family came to the pew, and their looks
and actions were quickly Interpreted by Ine
humble people, who, With LOOKS OF pain in
their counteLances, quietly arose and passed
out or the pew and church. IL Is not more
evidence OF wealth that is needed in some
OF our churches, but more evidence OF the
love or the Master reflected through a
warmer welcome to The poor. 1t is not more
but more effort TO reclaim them. More of
love and less OF pride. More or Christ and
less OF self are the needs OF the hour.
The element much needed these days is
the courage of conviction. Dare to do right
should be a fixed principle. We have Iar
too many Christians influenced by environ
ment, validating, changing and too few
who courageousiy face duty. In examining
the pleas made to me for execucuve cIeIl-
ouCy i uuO idCh Oh COuIdSt anu OeVOtlOQ
TO principle have caused the disgrace and
dow nfall of many young men now in the
R~eformatory and State Prison. The Chris
tian young man with established character
is IN demand to-day. The railroads are dis
carding Incorporate men. The fast young
man, given to dissipation, is no longer in
demand in responsible positions where large
salaries are paid. The trend in this country
is toward the man Of character. of fixed
principles, who cannot be swerved from
conscience and duty. and such men will be
called by the people to positions of trust
and honor. l trust that this great army
Of young people will quit themselves as
valiant soldiers OF the cross; that you will
grid on the armor and braveiy battle for
the right. Let US walk In the light of divine
counsel, taking the Bible as a lamp to our
feet and a light to our pathway"
Tie programme of the convention provides
for street meetings and shop talks by w. A.
Sunday. of Chicago. the ~well-known evan
geiist. He Is not able to be present, however,
and his place has been filed by the Rev.
X. V. Hunter, of indianapolis.
The attendance tonight as SO large that
an overflow meeting was held at the First
NJ. T.. Church.