Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-03-22

TEXT-ISAIAH XVII.
JOY and regret are found mingled
among the people of our Greater city.
Some are disappointed and sad. As a
bride might feel who seems to lose her
maiden name in assuming that of her
husband, SO, for sentimental reasons,
if for no other, some of US regret that
the maiden name of our city SO beauti-
full, so musical, is lost to us forever: and
yet not lost, for, like some sweet strain
of an almost forgotten song that
haunts the mind. it will abide with us,
a precious memory to be cherished as
something sacred because of the aSSO-
Citations that cluster about it. For
those who thus feel we have the
largest sympathy. We would not have
it otherwise if we could. But We are
facing new conditions. Brighter
prospects appear. Visions Of greater
prosperity dawn upon US, and with
feelings of pardonabe pride and self
Greater city, and ask ourselves, chow
can we minister TO its greater develop
ment and prosperity"
In the language Of our text the
prophet is represented as having d
vision of strong city, and its walls
and bulWarks were saliva ton, that is,
the strength and power of the city
were in the men and women who were
saved through faith in Christ and His
atoning Blood. If you estimate the
number of christian men and women
the results Of the work accomplished
by them as individual and as organized
in churches and other institutions,
and the influence of christian truth
upon the worlds civilization, there is
no doubt that the permanency of any
social structure is largely advanced by
these influences, and that salvation
constitutes not only the walls and
bulwarks, but the very foundation of
the ideal city, and is therefore essen
tlal to true greatness. Greatness in
city or nation does not consist in
material wealth per Sc. Piles of brick,
stone and mortar, broad avenues.
beautiful parks factories and public
works, etc, while they indicate kind
of prosperity do not necessarily imply
greatness. This is to be found only in
Tie character of the people. This is
the ultimate standard by which d city
or people is tested. For the individual
man or woman all these material
things exist or are created.
Our schools, our homes, our streets,
our public buildings, ail these exist
only for man. Eliminate him as d
factor and these would be useless,
worthless. Man then, is the state, it's
strength or it's weakness. 1t is said Of
an ancient king that he would not
build walls about his city as defense
90 rc hic 6aol., Z hot
the best walls were the bodies of his
people. This principle has frequently
been illustrated in time of war. 1t is
the man behind the gun or the fortiti-
cation that wins the victory. The
truth that city's greatness does not
consist in its material wealth only, is
shown in the history of the great
cities of the past. Rome was at the
pinnacle of her fame under the
Caesars, the Augustan age was her
golden age. Never were her people so
wealthy, her orators so eloquent, her
writer's so inspired, her apparent
prosperity so great as during this
period and yet this was the beginning
of her decline. In her very luxury and
material wealth were the elements
that led to her downfall. Neverthe-
less these, though not the highest,
still are elements of greatness and as
such are to be considered. How are
we to minister to the growth and
development of our city? By working
in harmony for its interests. This is
our city. We are one politically. Let
us be one socially, one in our purpose
to do whatever we can to make this
one of the best cities in our common
wealth. Let us work for it, let us
praise, honor it everywhere. The
destiny of city is largely determined
by the reputation given it by it's own
people. Let us criticise adversely our
own city and strangers will feel thai
this is good town to stay away from.
and we who are so critical are a good
people to avoid and they will feel
right. On the other hand let us speak
we'll of our home, let us praise it for
it's many advantages, let US show our
love for, and our interest in our home
institutions by our generous dealing
concerning them and an enthusiasm
will be created among ourselves and
strangers will be attracted among US
and influences will be set in operation
that will minister to our growth mate
rally and socially.
Again; we can aid in the greater
development of our city by enacting
laws. | am aware that law cannot
do all things in regulating society but
it can do much. We are sometimes
told that it were better to have no
law. than to have one and not be able
to enforce it. Nevertheless, law is an
educator. 1t leads to an ideal. 1t is
a restraining force, and when backed
by right public opinion, it is a
mighty power for good. There is no
greater force in determining the veal
or woe of people than public opinion.
This influence when fully aroused
is irresistible. 1t has driven the
tyrant from his throne though sur
rounded by guards innumerable. 1t
has broken aSunder the Shackles
that fettered race. 1t has compelled
evil in high places to Skulk away, and
hide its head in shame, like the
cowardly thing that it was, and remain
branded forever. Public opinion is a
vast influence for good if properly
cultivated. Therefore let US cultivate
it, lift it up, place before it higher,
nobler ideals. We are told that this
cannot be done. 1t has been done. 1t
can be done if we will. In the
language of our martyred president
not all of the people can be deceived
al Of the time. The majority of our
people desire the triumph of that
which is right and pure. Dormant this
feeling may be yet there it is awaiting
the call of one whom it will recognize
as leader. Every great movement that
has for its purpose the uplifting of
has had its origin in the
thought of some individual God so
raises in the heart of one, in whom He
racnunizaS fitness an idea lil1o q Good