Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1906-06-06

nically termed religious duties.
But when men and women, by reason
of the pressure upon them of other duties
excuse themselves for neglecting or only
engaging sparngly in Christian worship
and work, they are virtually coniesslng
that they are not giving to such worship
and work the just proportion belonging
to them. How they can thus dishonesty
rob God and His church Of their share,
and preserve consciences void of offence,
is a problem which must be left to their
own solution.
1t is evident enough, as already inti-
mated, that the measure OF service and
of pecuniary contributions to be rendered
them must vary, according to circum-
stances, but that some proportion is re-
quircd of ALL admits of no controversy.
What blessed change would be wrought
in the moral and sptual condition of the
world if this law were in universal opera
ton nay, even in its mental and physical
conditionl
Many a disordered and pernicious in
tellect would be restored to its healthy
equilibrium, and many a jaded and dis
abled body would recover its vigor and
soundness And in the souls obssrv-
ance of this just requirement there would
be such a redistribution Of her powers
and opportunities. as would make almost
impossible the truly awful abundance
Of evil of every sort which so dishgures and
ruins the lives of so many who other
wise might be among the most honored
and useful members of their several
communities
This Law of Proportion can only be
recognized by the conscience, however
so reasonable it may be. and however so
plainly it may be revealed in God Holy
Word II finds no place in human
enactments; nor is its violation subject
10 human penalties.
But does not its very supernatural
origin lay upon us oil the greater obliga-
tions Remove the idea of the super
natural, eliminate the idea of God, and
conscience ceases to have any empire
over man. The conscience would then
become, in so far as it remained at all,
only a superstitious and fitiul prejudice
which might well further become the
legitimate object of reason to sweep away.
But reason would protest against any
such course On the contrary. 10 would
bid man to obey his conscience. And
in obeying such a mandate would neces-
!
supernatural
Therefore, one of our greatest needs
today is a conscientious regard for our
obligations in this matter OF proportion.
With such regard we would divide our
time attention, and possessions not after
a desultory manner, nor according TO
inclination and impulse, nor from allure
ments Of personal gain and temporary
advantages. But such distribution would
proceed after an orderly manner, with
due respect TO the relative claims of the
various objects before us, and to the bear
ing Of them all upon the future and
eternity.
Il is really, brethren, the old question
still between God and Cesar. which our
blessed Lord discussed and settled in His
interview with the Pharisees. The king
dom OF Christ is not designed to Interfere
with the claims and functions of anv
other recognized society or organization
among men for objects in themselves
lawful and right, except so far as they
intrude upon and detract from the pro-
portion of obligation belonging 10 the
spiritual domain. l am only asking in
all that l am saying now that while we
so readily render unto Caesar the things
which are Casar's, we should be al least
as ready to render unto God the things
that are Gods.
Cesar has no reason to fear anv dep
rivation Of just rights nor of his share
OF emoluments at the hands of those who
are seeking to establish in a sovereign wav
the Law of Proportion. Indeed for the
maintenance of these very rights and
emoluments, religion becomes an i'm
portant and essential influence and power.
supplying motives of an unselhsh and
ennobling character, as also the means of
grace whereby alone these motives NAV
become efficient and permanent.
In becoming and living a true Chris
tlan, man is made a better citizen a
better neighbor, a better man Of
business, a better son, a better father.
having furnished 10 him In All
these relations a basis and purnose
and rule more cogent, attractive and
authoritative than could otherwise be
furnished. Thus religion, though work
ing m ITS proper sphere, always strength
ems, rather than weakens the true and
proper authority OF other domains The
most that the State can do for religion
Is to refrain from interfering with it and
70 protect 1t from similar interferance ON
the part OF others. In turn. religion will
not medele with things secular or politi-
cal as long as they do not infringe unon
or violate the laws Of justice and riqbt
To be silent under the many infringe
ments and violations of these laws which
have been lately and are vet being re-
vealed, would be TO abdicate one of her
chieiest functions, and to be a mes
senger Of evil rather than of good.