The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1906-02-17

their responsibilities If all of us had
a deep sense of our sacred duty. we
would not fail to come by our rights.
Let me now address a few words OF
exhortation and comfort to those of
my hearers who are in subordinate
and independent position, and who have
to work for their daily bread
Obey cheerfully those whom Provi-
dence has placed over you. Remem-
Der that all legitimate authority comes
from God. Let every SOUL" says St.
Paul, "be subject to the higher powers.
for there is no authority but from God,
and those that are, are ordained of
God. Therefore. he that resistcth the
powers, resisteth the ordinance of God,
and they who resist purchase for them
selves condemnation"
Every one in lawful command,
whether he be civil magistrate or mill
tary officer. or employer is clothed
with divine authority. and is Gods
representative. In submitting to those
set over YOU, YOU are obeying not man,
but God. 1t is this principle that
ennobles obedience; for obedience is
not an act Of servility TO man, but of
homage to God. Let your obedience
be marked not by servile fear but by
reverence: let it be marked not by
constraint. but by genuine affection.
Be content with your position in life.
While earnestly aiming to better your
economic and social condition. do not
be devoured by disquietude and envy
towards those who arc more favored
than you are.
| Earthly happiness and real dignity
do not depend on the accumulation Of
wealth and honor. Socrates. one of the
wisest and greatest of lhen, went bare
footed and bare-headed through the
streets of Athens, and fejoiced in hav-
ing no desire for those things which,
the world coveted. The Apostles were
poor. They led precarious lives. Yet
they rejoiced with exceeding great Joy
in the midst of their tribnlations Hav-
ing enough to cat and wherewith to
be clothed. with these they were con-
tent" The Saviour of mankind. and
the Model Of men, had not whereorl
to lay his head. Therefore it cannot
be dishonorable to be poor.
a word in conclusion. to those among
y"u who are III authority and COM
mand tho service of others. BE just
to your subordinates. Re kind and
consideratc to thenA remembering
that your Master and theirs is ii
heaven. VINO has no respect to per-
sons" Though wealth is Il source OF
temptation, IT is not an insuperablt
barrier to righteousness. Ii judiciouslI
employed, it may be /, powerful agency
for winning the divine favor. Abraham
was rich, and yet was most pleasing
to the Almighty. He was the father
of Gods chosen people. Zacheus was
from the crowd. and became his Guest
He blessed his household, and praised
him for his good deeds. Many Chris,
tian kings ana queens. though pos
sessed of royal wealth. have been can.
onized saints.
God has given you riches that yol
might use them by purchasing a home
in His everlasting dwellings,. You
nobleSt title is to be the steward o.
God. Never do you dispense YOU
superfluous means more profitablA
than when you make it contribute tt
the comfort of your fellow being. The
most rational and enduring satisfac.
ton q man can experience is fount
in bringing happiness to others. Il,
your benefactions to struggling
brother and sister, you confer Il triple
joy. You give joy to the recipien
Of your gift. You give joy to tin
heart of God. and you bring joy t.
yourself. You possess delight spring
ing from the testimony OF u good con
that blessing promised by the Psalm
list: "Thc Lord will preserve you, ant
give you new life. and will make yol
blessed in the land of the living, ant
will not deliver you up to the will o