Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1907-12-13
William jennings Bryan ana the Chris
tian Religion

william Jenninus Bryan and the Chris
tian Religion
Entirely apart from his political af-
| finities, with which church organ
has nothing 10 do,w cannot but heart
lily commend .Bryan's bold and out
spoken attitude towards the Christian
religion. Without being obtr1slve, yet
on suitable occasions he gives it his
cordial endorsement, and pronounces
upon it his highest eulogy. There are
but few among those whom we recog-
nize as statesman who give any prom
ipence to Christianity in their public
stterances. There are times when
they could do so without ineurring
the charge of mixing religion aud pol
itics, and when their words would have
great weight with the young men OF
the land. There Is a disposition in some
quarters 80 underrate religion, partic
ulsrly of the earnest and experimental
type. Those who press the urgeneies
OF the Gospel upon their fellowmen
are regarded AS OVERRIDING the thing;
rs making unnecessary ado about what
should be left to every mans con-
seisscs and choice without diet alton
frsm any one else. The pulpit IS be-
rated, and all evangelistic effort re-
gsrded as fan .tical enthusiasm. Sach
sentiments find expression upon the
lecture platform, and in the current
literature Of the day. Some potent
force is needed to counteraet their per-
nicious influence, and by noneean this
corrective power be more successfully
wicked than by those who, while not
professional teachers of religion, are
prominent in the public eye and
thought.
Werejoice that MIR. Bryan recogniz-
ss his responsibility in this regard.
His editorials in the "Commoner
breathe a religious tone and spirit and
in bis public addresses he does not hes
itate to eXalt and recommend the re-
ligion OF Christ as vitality essential in
Importance, and entering into the
highest interests and experiences of
human life. On the afternoon of Oct.
the 9TH. Mr. Bryan spoke III Carnegie
Hall, New York, under the auspices
OF the Young Mems Christian Associa-
.loa,s on the subject OF civilization
de said. "The Churah develops our
morals; The school u. uI.uds, and the
gymnasium our betjs,: the Young
Mems Christian Associ,.icu supports
the work of the church, OF the school,
and of the gymnasium. | know of
nothing that GENES nearer looking
after the complete development of
men than this Association.
much as l am interested in the
science of government, am more in
terested in the religion; Religion is vi
tai. Religion has to do with our eter
nal existence, white politics deals only
with that small are of circle which
we spend on earth No matter how
good government may be, we lose
much of its advantages if our lives are
not well directed.
The teaching CT Christ was not the
| doctrine for the weaklings, but for
strong, brave men. The timid never
try, and therefore never succeed. Those
faith try the seeming impossible, and
thus shw what man can do. Faith
not only brings peace, but also courage
to meet the duty that to each day
falls"
reese are noble and manly words,
well and nightly expressed. Would
that the young men of the country
would consider them in all their me-
mentous signifi canoe. The trouble ia
that the young men are being syept
away from the moorings of old-tims
materlalistic and money-seeking ten
deneles OF the age, into the malest rom
OF worldliness, of wild speculation and
inordinate lust for gain. They need
10 be shown the supreme excellence of
she Christian religion as an object of
haman ambition and aim; as that
which enables and diguifies human
nature above all things else and which
alone can FIRING that sublime satisfac-
lion and ressfullness of spirit, which
no more acquisition CT wealth, nor of
the ends of worldly ambition can ros-
sloly Observation-Disclosures Advocate.