The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1906-11-30

upon the dance shares all the guilt
that may be ascribed to it,"
In this way the whole human race
makes themselves partakers of the
sins of our first parents. They imi-
tate them in desiring forbidden fruit,
in disobeying Gods commands, in en-
deavoring to hide themselves from
his presence, and in attempting to
excuse themselves when called to ac-
count. So do persons often make
! themselves partake of the sins of their
wicked ancestors. God, therefore,
often visits the iniquities of the
fathers upon their children. nlustra-
ted in Luke IL, 1851.
Again, members Of civil communi-
ty also partake of the sins which they
might, but do not prevent. When a
person has power to prevent any sin,
he is left to chose whether that sin
shall or shall not be committed. II
ne neglects TO prevent It, 1t is evident
that he chooses it should be commit
ted, and in thus choosing he does IN
effect, make it his own. He shows
that he does not hate sin, and that he
has no concern for the glory of God,
but is willing that God should be dis
honored and offended. II he should
fail to try to prevent from fear that
he shall draw hatred or trouble, or
expense upon himself, it proves that
he loves himself more than God.
HE that is not for me, is against
me-"
Rulers and magistrates also often
share the guilt Of the people. It is
their province and duty to suppress
and punish vice and immortality, and
their office is ordained of Cod" and
they are installed into it with solemn
oath. They are called ministers of
God to us for good"
Law without penalty is no law; So
laws unexecuted are worthless. Then
our officials should mot bear the sword
in vain, but be terror to evil doors"
or they themselves shall bear the guilt
of vicious men.
Lastly, the same may be said OF the
subjects who have the privilege of
choosing their own rulers and magis-
trates. God has graciously bestowed
upon us the privilege Of suffrage-the
privilege Of putting into ONCE those
whom we would choose to rule.
1t has been said that in religion we
may have just what we want The
same may be said Of politics.
BY judicious exercise Of our fran
chise we may have an unadulterated
government.
1t is left to the voters as to what
we have and are. Our country is de-
luged from center to circumference
with an alcoholic tide OF intemper-
ance; and voting into ONCE unworthy
and INSCRIPTIONS lawmakers is the
entering wedge that opens the flood
gates of ruin. Let us properly place
the guilt as primarily resting upon
the christian CD voters of the land,
and may they recognize themselves
as directly the murderers of man
kind. Our officials are but agents or
servants, and what they do is the same
as If done by ourselves.
Two things to observe:
(a). Be sure to yote-exercise your
franchise. For, not to oppose bad
measure, is practically to approve OF
It.
90. Vote wisely and scriptually,
IF any man lack wisdom let him ask
Of God"
God tells US who should rule: He
that ruleth over men must be Just,
ruling in the fear Of God" II Sam.
1913.
Commit thy way unto the Lord;
trust also in Him; and He shall bring
Il to pass"
w. T. USSERY.
Preached at Cumberland Tabernacle