The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1902-09-19
Some Factors in The Development of Our
National Life.

The celebration 10Th OF September, and
the announced purpose Cfmany churches
commemorative of the anniversary of the
death of Mr.. Mckinley on Sabbath the
18th of September, present two fold
rcasonfor study i'll Americanism, for by
these dates are suggested, respectively,
events characters which are distinc-
lively American.
Three documentS-the Declaration of
Independence, the Constitution of the
United States, and the Holy Bible, have
been the inspiration for achievement in
our history, and produced that type of
character which is our distinguishing
glory.
The first declares that we hold these
truths to be self-eviden'; that all men
are created equal; that they are endowed
bv their Creator with certain inalienable
rights; that among these are life. liberty
and the pursuit of happiness - land
that government (derive) their
just powers from the consent of the gov
crned. This was declaration of rights
based not upon the spasmodic sentiment
of the hour. but resulting from more than
acentury' soppressionb by foreign power.
During this formative period, the
Colonies had passed from under
English life, and vet, in their new
home all their rights were held by
mere grant of the king. and might be re-
voked at his will. All oathS and other
court transactions, were likewise i'll his
name, and the doctrine of the divine right
Of kings" was so universal that it was
well-nigh unquestioned.
This great paper spoke of the divine
rights of man, and placed the Individual
upon an eminence from which he can
never be deposed.
The second said, 1--WE the people of the
United States, in order to form a more
perfect union. establish justice, insure
domestic tranquility, provide for the
common defense, promote the general
welfare, and secure the blessings ofliberty
to ourselves and our posteritv, do or
dain and establish this Constitution OF
the United States of America" These
words could not have been penned until
1897, when, by the gift of treasure and
of men, the great principles enunciated Ill
the first had been defended and establish
ed.
Today, the proud boast ofevery citizen
is that this great document is the charter
of his rights. and that back of its asser-
tions is all the force of the vast machinery
of the National Government.
The third has also large place in ouI
! country's life; indeed it is recognized that
/ the first and second were inspired by its
| teachings.
! MIR. Seward declared that 1.-THE whole
hope of human progress is suspended OF
I the every growing influence ofthe Bible,
/ and Mr. Webster said, "If we abide by
the principles taught in the Bible, oul
country will go on prospecting and t.
prosper; but if we and our posterity
neglect its instructions and authority
no man can tell how sudden a catas
trophe may overwhelm us and bury al
our glory in profound obscurity."
These and many others, pay tribute tC
the Bibles place in the development of &:
great nationallife. Character is essentia
to good citizenship. Mr.. Emerson ono
said that 1.-THE trueSt test of civilization
is not the census nor the crops but tn
kind of men the country turns out, ant
an old philosopher as quoted by Sir join
Lubbock declared you will do tn
greatest service to the state if you shall
raise, not the roots of the houses, but tn
souls of the citizens" Character is tn
most essential thing to the development
of the national life, and an acceptance O
and obedience to Gods word, is tn
surest way to make character. In con
else statement, the Bible teaches tn
righteousness of the individual; tn
proper relation ofeach man to his fellows
the just performance of all duties to one
country; and the right relation to tn
Supreme Ruler of the universe. Thos
who measure up to these teachings ar
not only the best men, and hence the hes
citizens, but are of untold value in raisin
the standard of national life.
Being the possessors of such life as
guaranteed by these documents, let eac
citizen feel the obligation to live for tn
eradication of every known wrong whic
may have place among us.
EDWARD HAYES,
Pastor Methodist Episcopal Church
Havre de Grace.