Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-06-29
CHRISTIAN ENDEAvoR.



ReGinain$ Sgly ..
Topic-ways OF eoaseesaying ourselves
20 our country. Rom. Xii, IL I Pet Il.
1s-I7.
Christianity was predetermined of
God to be q universal religion. Ii does
not therefore advocate amy particular
torn of human government Tor the OBJ
vious reason that one form OF govern
ment would net meet the wants ana
needs of all people. We believe that
fer Americans self government is tie
only thing, and yet our government
has decided that Tor the 100000 in
habitants Of the Philippine lslauds self
government is not the thing. But
while advocating no particular form
of government. Christianity teaches
that all governments are IRON God
and that they should be respected ami
cbeyed. Every Christian should there
fore desire to consecrate himself in ev-
cry way TO his country's best go0d.
He is most uugratetul citizen who
partakes Of all the advantages Of eiti-
senship and then declines to 90 any
thing for the benefit Of his country.
How may we therefore rs Christian
citizens celebrate this anniversary OF
our country'S birthday by consecrat.
inc ourselves to our country
/. Let us conseerate ourselves 60
our country by respecting its govern
ment. God teaches us 20 respect hui
man governments even though the oc
cupants of official positions inay be
personally unworthy. In govern
ment like oars many unworthy ihesi
are certain TO be- elected or appointed
30 official positions, The danger there
fore is that we may lose respect for
the office as well as fer the officers.
Indeed this is prevalent condition ia
our land. The license with which pub
Nc officials are attacked iii the press
and on the platform is teaching many
% lose respect for our various forms
OF government and even to wonder
whether government by the people can
Be successfully carried on. EUt SGch
pgic is false. Let US not be deceived.
Let us even respect an unworthy man.
n compelled TO 90 so. fer his oascc's
sake rather than lose respect for the
Office for his sake. Fear God; honor
the king"
2. Let us eensecrate ourselves to cur
country by participating in il by gov
srnment Ours Is self government.
and every citizen should take his part
IN it-in the selection az candidates. In
their election, in supporting good
measures and in opposing evil ones
and. If called upon 10 do so. holding
office under the government. Failure
to participate in governmental afyairs
rather than participation in thcm
should be prescribed by the church OF
Christ. There are bosses" ANA rings"
and machines" in our political life
today largely because the best citizens
of the land fail 70 fuIhll their duties
Us citizens and are Indifferent to the
sffairs of the government. And vet
God commands US 10 ''be subject unto
the powers that be-" 10 render unto
Caesar that which is Caesars" yet
how can we do II when We neglect our
highest duty 70 OFT l0nd-the duty 81
participatinc rs citiyens. in the affairs
Of the municipal. stete or
nationals We cannot and therefore
should eonsecrate ourselves 10 this
work.
BIBfE READINGS.
Ezra vi. sic; Neh. II. 10; ps XVIII.
1922; cxxxvii. 1-6; Prov. xiv. 81: Matt
xvii. 24-27; xxi, 1921; Mark xii. 1917:
n =