Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1906-09-28
Democratic Ticket.
For Congress, Ninth District.
ROBERT =. BRUCE,
of Wise.
THE MORAL ISSUE-THE
PREACHERS AND THE
CHURCHES.

CHURCHES.
Mr.. Bryan said, in his great speech
ut Radford, that there is an awakening
all over the country to the necessity
OF moral reform in business and poll
tics He cited the recent upheaval in
Philadelphia, admitted to have been
the most corrupt city politically in the
United States. Democrats, Republi
cans, preachers and churches, came
together, and hurled their united in
luence against the city's corrupt
political rings and leagues, and there
was such shaking up as the city
never knew before. Similar instances
could be cited from other states. Mr..
Bryan stated that the reform in Phila-
delphia began in q prayer meeting.
The point urged in this article Is
that the church and the pulpit and
prayer meeting are proper places for
all reforms to begin. The world has an
undisputed right to look TO the pulpits
OF the country ar guides, teachers and
leaders in morality and purity in
government as well as in church. How
can it Toe otherwise? The churches
should lead, not follow. This doesn't
mean that preachers should become
politicians, or convert their pulpits in
to rostrums from which to advocate
the claims of any political party, but
that purity and morality in politics. as
In religion and business, should be
strenuously and faithfully preached.
And this, not in Il general and indefl-
mite manner, but certain political sins.
particular needed reforms should be
singled out and mentioned by name
and condemned, and the better and
true course pointed out. Can preach
er be true to his high calling who does
not do this? Can that church be true
to its creed which sanctions by its vote
and support, bad measures or corrupt
men for political office?
No preacher should be so partisan
orso welded to a political party that he
cannot at any time, and under any cir
cumstances, commend or condemn any
political measure proposed.
1t has been said, that there is more
politics in religion these days than re-
ligion in politics. Preachers are over
awed and inundated by rich and in
fiuential politicians in the churches.
Rather than offend they wink at wick
edness, and even condone. For fear of
being called ga political preacher"
they swing to the opposite extreme,
and ignore entirely the most potent
factor in shaping and framing the
nations morals and it's destiny.
Instead Of politics ruling the church
the church should so mould and shape
public sentiment as to render the cleo
ton OF candidate impossible whom
the churches cannot endorse.
There cannot be the slightest doubt
as to the truth Of this position when
any great moral question is the issue
in political campaign. The church
people hold the balance of power. anC
the election Of a bad, immoral MAJ
over one of undisputed morals
and integrity is a reflection upon ever,
church and every minister in tina
community. They could prevent ii
and not doing so they become "par
takers OF their evil deeds" by indirectl,
"bidding them God speed. ITO thunde
against intemperance and then line III
at the polls In favor of a man or
policy which sanctions the crime is al
inconsistency which pleases the dew
ead renders Intellectual the prayer
ssIhy Kingdom come, and thy VIII b
DONE as 10 heaven 50 IN earth"