Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1905-08-10

than the Christian for himself. 1t is
the worlds unconscious tribute to holi-
ness. This standard eXactS eXemplifi-
cation of righteousness, Self-mastering,
kind considerat ton for others, self-de-
NAL, self-sacrifice. They watch with
an eagle eye for any infringement upon
or deviation fro'u this standard. When
the Christian goes wrong there is a
triple wrong done to himself, to the
cause he represents and to those who
look up to him for an example and n
leading toward godly life. And by a
godly life do not refer to a mere neg
alive form of goodness. e., absti-
nence from all the sinful desires of tn,
fesh-only this and nothing more.
We must endcavor to make our con.
duct attractive and winning, especially
when we take into account or have
dealings with those who are unfriendly
to Christianity. We oftcntimes have
to do with Christians who are curt,
crusty, severe, unkind and disagree
able in word and manner. We should
not be surprised tc hear the remark,
and we cannot but sympathize with 1t
when made with reference to such
cases: "If this be Christianity, pray
thee have me excused. l want none OF
it,
In order to do our part there must be
not merely refraining from what Is
unbccoming and contrary to the Chris
tan profession, but there must be a
positive showing and shining forth In
kindness and love of the divine life we
feel within. Not only correct lives, but
hn, ;c,,l accounting for
what had impressed and convinced and
converted the world we must give high
rank to beautiful deeds. The history
Of the Christian Church literally tc"ms
with them. When the pagans deserted
their near relations in plague ana
left the afflicted ones to die like dogs.
Christians came and ministered to the
sick and dying. Wien the pagans left
their dead unburicd after a battle and
cast their wounded into the streets,
the Christians FASTENED to relieve the
suffering and give the Corpses decent
interment
We have had some very conspicuous
and very sad examples recently OF men
high in position and the confidence of
the community, placed there largely
because they were Christian in name
and by connection. proving themselves
to be utterly deficient In such funda-
mental and necessary virtue as COM
mon everyday honesty. Bank prcsi-
dents and cashiers and even boards OF
directors have not hesitated to specu-
late with other peoples money intrust-
cd to their keeping and they have been
found out only because they had lost
all they could beg, borrow and steal
Because Of the frequency of these de-
falcations the Controller of the United
States Currency felt impellcd to speak
in the plaineSt terms to the National
Bank Cashiers Association, ut its meet
ing the other day. He declared that
outside speculation was the cause or
tho greatest number of bank failures,
and he characterized speculation as the
greatest financial evil of the day. lie
asserted with great emphasis that no
man should be allowed to hold man
agorial place In national bank VINO
enga ged in outside enterprises Tor
profit to himself rather than the bank.
He intimates that the temptation to
double dealing in such case Is nara
to resist. Why if the impression be-
comes general that Christian Is not
to be trusted. instead Of breaking down
tho prejudice that exists in evil minds
against Christianity and the church, 1t
will be added to and there will be not
only prejudice but detestation and de-
nunciation and what's more, 1t Will be
deserved.
The stress and strain and cndeavor
seems to be only for money and power
and position and worldly success. as II
these were the only things needed. as
If getting these means getting MI that
is wanted But. men and women or
Christ. be not deceived or diverted
from the things more necessary ana
more desired. Tho worlds need. the
longing of every man woman ana child
on earth, the longing Of your heart and
mine. is for love. sympathy. kindness.
The Christian is the only ono profess
ing and obligated by his VOW to minis
ter to the universal human need. The
world. however evil-speakinE. men,
however distant and critical, look to us.
expect us to help them. If we. the
servants of tho Most High, fall them.
There is no help. In the name of the
Lord Jesus, beloved. let us do and do
our best. to build up the good ana the
beautiful ard the true in the hearts ana
lives Of men, and thus transpose the
cnmity. hatred and scorn of the world
into n higher and swectcr key of praise
and glory to God. 1t will mean joy ard
gladness to ourselves, life and grace
to others who know them not now,
and honor, high and worthy honor, to
the Father in Heaven.