The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-12-02

how men should live-''by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth OF God"
First, Virtue, broad and far-reaching
term. In its root we find its essence,
which is ''vir, man. All qualities resi-
dent in man unfallen constitute virtue. 1t
stands for excellence, yalor, mauliness,
moral goodness, as opposed to vice, right
principle, right conduct, purity, upright
ness, courage. Jesus Christ was the virtu-
Gus man, without spot or blemish, and to
emblaaon virtue on our banner means to
hold up Christ as our model Sometimes
it comes easier to say 81 stand for virtue"
than to say 81 stand for Christ" though
both terms are synonymous. But Jesus
said, "Whoso therefore shall confess me
before men, him will | confess before my
Father which is Heaven" Let us not lose
sight of this one fact that in Christ we
have all the virtues. To shut out portion
Of the light of the Son of Righteousness,
even by one of His own attributes were an
attempt to bring Christ down to earthly
concerns. Rather let us through Him ele-
gate the earthly into the Heavenly.
Morality is not sufficient for mans ele-
walton. IL it were, then the teachings Of
ZDroaster, or Buddha, OF Mohammed are
as good as Christ's, but man needs more,
higher standard, an assistance not con-
fain in human haipnc n, ~
from sin was necessary before his moral
progress could avail. The atonement on
the cross was worth more to us than all
our virtues, for only thro that sacrifice
are we justified in aught that we do. Our
upright living, our manliness, and oil our
noble qualities are acceptable to God only
through the mediation of Jesus Christ
In the watch word Virtue, l plead that
you recognize "The Man." and that if you
draw near to Him, He will draw near to
you.
The second word Liberty is also one that
proceedeth ont of the mouth of God
Jesus said, aye shall know the truth, and
the truth shall make you free" What
but the triumph Of truth has produced our
civilization, and what is our civilization
but the triumph of Christian principles?
The State itself was nourished in the
bosom OF the Church OF God, aud today as
faithful mother seeks its purity and
progress. Uphold them both az essentials
! to our liberty, the one for the race, the
other for the individual. In our liberty
we fad our greatest earthly happiness, but
we find it not without it's restrictions and
its limitations Liberty is not license,
though not unfrequently this mistake is
made. 1t is grand and glorious priv
lege, but carries vita it corresponding
responsibilities. We are at liberty to do
as we please with that which we call our
own, time, money and talents, but in the
eyes OF God and man we are held respon-
sible for every precious gift. Good hath
appointed a day in the which he judges
the world" "Then shall every mans
work be manifest, whether it be Of gold,
silver, precious stones, wood, hay or stub
BILE, for the day shall declare it; because it
sfall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall
try every mans work, Of what sort it is.
Not only liberty of country, as political
ly understood, but that perfect law OF
liberty Of the gospel Of Jesus Christ, is
the liberty by which we shall never fail
And lastly love Of country is that theme
which goes straight to the. heart of every
loyal citizen. What nobler impulse causes
the soul to throb with Joy than the
patriotic love we bear our native land /?
But whence springs this national feeling
and love that makes men fight and die for
that which they call their country? 1t is
their love of home, of wife, Of children
Here is born their patriotism, about and