The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-07-07
WHERE FAULT LIES.

1T Is openly affirmed that the great
nations of the world could not have
conquered the barbarous nations around
them If the acknowledgement teachings
of the Book were carried out. I will
myself. admit that if the law OF love
was obeyed. as interpreted by thou
sands of fanatics, its precepts would
soon run to sheer weakness. But the
fault lies in the Interpretation. If the
words, spoken by Jesus. about turning
your other cheek to the blow, when
smitten on one cheek, were carried out
everyone would be the victim of sharp
ers and villains.
"The Lord saw it was necessary to
use force on occasion, and we can read
it in his teachings Churches largely
exist in order to cultivate that spirit
we call patriotism, and in doing this
we must discuss politics, And when
say politics, I do not mean partisan
ship. But I do say that a more active
interest should be taken IN. municipal
and national affairs by good men, and
that piety Is meant to do something for
this world, as we'll as for paradise.
Piety and politics have been separated
for too long time.
I'VE have a Rally dav in our churches,
we have Missionary day. Old Folks
day, and Sabbaths devoted to various
different purposes. but l believe we
ought to have a day when the flag OF
our country and the cross of Jesus
Christ will be seen together in our
churches. Government and God must
be better united.
IF a man only gives prayers to his
country. he might as we'll keep them,
for he has too nice sensibilities for this
evil world, which needs reconstruction
while he has his head in the clouds and
feet unable to touch earth. 1t Is de-
plorable fact that the man who will
never take an Office always knows Just
what the officials should do, and that
as rule the greatest critics are those
who will not, themselves, assume the
yoke of responsibility.
TRUE POLITICIANS.
True piety will make all it's disciples
true politicians. True godliness will
make a man interested in the welfare Of
his community. The righteousness Of
many people at present is demonstrat-
ed, not by living for the country, but
by living In it. Too many so called
patriots take it all out in talk and in
railing against public officials.
why, there isn't man in Scranton
today in office who gets enough money
for what it's worth to be in that Office.
If man hasn't skin as thick as
pachyderm's and strong as steel plate,
to throw off the projectles and missiles
OF spite and malice. he oughtn't to run
for office. There are so many people
who constantly act as though the only
way to show THEW love for the country
was to abuse the men filing public
positions of trust.
THE church's duty is to inspire high
ideals and save the country by saving
souls The national faults are rooted
in the moral nature of the people and
require the regeneration remedy. What
the country needs Is not another politi-
cal machine. not another political party.
not a patching up of the outside, but a
good sane citizenship to make a good,
sane country.
"A nation can never make the church.
This has been repeatedly tried, but to
no avail, because piety is a matter of
self, and all that the nation has made,
in these cases, are heretics and martyrs.
But the church can certainly make
the right kind of nation. What this ma
tion needs is not more God in it's con-
stitution, but more God in its citizen-
ship.