The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1899-07-13
CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP.
The Great Need of Society as OF the
Individual, is Regeneration, Not
Simply Reformation
North State EndeavOrer.)

In this. my first. message to the
Christian Endeavorers Of North Caro-
lima. as Superintendent Of the Chris
tan Citizenship Department Of the
State Union, have thought it desir-
able to begin the work of the Depart
ment "at the beginning" by out
lining Christian Citizenship. and the
purposes and aims of this Depart
ment. in so far as they have been
formulated.
First. then, let me say that ''Citi-
zcnship" i more than political
function. Il pertains not simpl y to
election days and the ballot box, but
to all DAYS and all functions Of society.
In these United States the people are
in power. Hence they are praise
worthy when affairs 90 right, and
bIameworthy when affairs 90 wrong.
The world belongs to Jesus Christ,
and hence should be yielded to Him.
In a marked sense this country is
His, since it was taken possession OF
in His name by its discoveries and
first settlers. 1t is largely in rebel
lion, however, against its King.
Wickedncss is in power. Satan is a
usurper, and encouraged by the
apathy of Christian sentiment, he is
heapine obstacle on obstacle in the
way Of the coming Kingdom.
The great need of society, as Of the
individual, is regeneration, not simply
reformation. | believe this can be
accomplished only by making Chris
tian principles operative in public
affairs. Well has Prof. Heron said
in his book, The Larger Christi
that the principle Of Christ's life
must be the principle of the nations
being. if it is not to see death"
Christian citizenship, then, is the
identifying of Christian citizens
with public affairs, uniting them in
consistent, harmonious and aggres-
sive action, and thus infusing into
industries, policies and administra-
tions, Christian principles. This is
the great work to which God seems
TO be calling the young people Of the
Christian Endeavor Societies through
out the length and breadth of our
land. Will the North Carolina En-
dcavorers heed and respond to the
call? 1t is to help on this important
work that this Department has been
established. SO far as formulated
our aims and purposes are:
/. TO secure the organization in
every G. f. Society of live Chris
tian Citizenship Committee, through
whose efforts Christians shall be led
to realization of their duty to study
the social problems and evils, and
then work and vote as they pray, and
i'll accordance with the spirit OF
Christ.
,. To encourage and assist Chris
tian Citizenship Committees in their
work in every way we can, especially
by furnishing them from time tC
time with helpful literature. sug-
costing methods of work, plans OF
study. when to hold special meetings,
etc.
B To prepare and send out to al
Christian Citizenship Committees
programmes for special public meet
ings, with some suggestions, per
haps, for conducting same.
In conclusion | wish to ask al
| Committees, or where no Committee
exists. any individual, who will hole
a Christian Citizenship meeting OF
| July It'll, to write to me for pro
gram for such a meeting, if they care
for copy. X. A. SPAUGH.
Serious Question.-Dcacon John
son-Do YOU find you kood support
nah daughter eff you married her?
jim Jackson-Suttunly.
| Deacon Johnson-Hab YOU ebbel
seen her eat?
| Jim ackson-Suttunly
| Deacon JOhnson-Have YOU ebbel
seen her eat when nobody was watch
in her?
| Pleasant is it to entertain thu
picture Of ourselves IN some futur,
scene. planning wisely, feeling nobly
and executing with the holy triumph
of the will: but it is different thing
not in the green avenues of TIT
| future, but in the hot dust of tn,
| present moment-tO do the duty tina
| waits and wants me.-IHe ChriStia1
| OtSCrrCr.