The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-02-28

sect, of every political persuasion may
be able to come together in the highest
interests of the city and state. It will
take courage and plain, outspoken
words 1t may become necessary to
scrutinize the character of the men for
Whom we snail be called upon to vote.
1t may become necessary to give heavy
blows in the denunciation Of the per-
nicious practices of the ward politician.
But we must stand the ground, in the
face OF threats and dangers, believing
that right must and shall prevail.
believe that in the struggle for
civic righteousness a type of heroism,
self-surrender and loyalty will be de-
manded not excelled by our forefathers
who gave this nation birth, nor by the
heroes of anti-slavery days. Remember
wickedness and greed and mammon will
not be dislodged without a terrible
struggle. The next important work of
the league should be to spread its doc
trines far and wide. or, as Wendell
Phillips expressed it, Agitation is the
lever that moves the world"
These questions of civic Righteousness
must ever be held before the mind of
the people. Let the pulpit be the voice
of conscience, fearless and courage
Gus. The time has gone by when min
listers ask the question, is it right to
discuss politics." 1t depends altogether
on the kind of politics. I confess to you
that I may be an extremist on what
am about to say. I believe that the
Christian minister that is silent on
these burning questions of righteous
ness in our civic life is either ignorant,
cowardly or traitor to Christian insti-
tutions. If the work of the church is
only to confine itself to getting people
to the mourners' bench, or into the bap-
tismal font, or to believe in a confess
sion of faith and to make a profession
of religion, then the possibilities for the
slums, for football politics. for corrupt
ballot, for packed primaries, for rule by
the bosses, for illegal voting and fraud,
are greater than they ever have been.
This world is Gods world and not the
devils; the ballot is sacred, not secular.
/ say the Christian minister that has
nothing to say on these great questions,
while he may be very pious and long
faced and dignitied, is out Of touch with
the great principles of Gods great pur-
poses; that the Kingdoms of this world
must become the kingdoms of our God"
No good word or work is ever lost. Let
us do our duty. Armed with a great
cause, with a quickened conscience,
with the best type of citizenship, with
God on our side, it would be base, cow
ardly and treacherous to keep silent.
Let us not be afraid to grapple with
the arduous task This work will not
be accomplished if we should sit at
home, in the parlor rocking chair, say
ing our prayers. bewailing our lots and
praying God to do for us what we ought
to do for ourselves. The crown of vic,
tory will never be awarded to the lazy,
sluggish church and community, no
matter how fervent are their prayers.
The Christianity that is too holy to min
gle with the masses, to work as leaven
in society, to take a deep interest in
human progress along the paths of
righteousness is Christianity good for
nothing, and it's ministers are hardly
worth the ground they stand on. Again
I say, act in the living present and let
us organize.