The Newtown bee., 1908-03-13
LITTLE SERMON.
DEGENERATION.-BY O. o.
 WRIGHT.

Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water. lisa. 1: p.
 Silver and wine, as referred to by the prophet, stand for all that is best in human life, in the individual, and in society ;-moral character, and true religion. And if the best part of our nature is perverted, what can we ex- pect of the natural man? If the peo- pie of God have degenerated, what can we hope for in them who have no con- science concerning things spiritual and divine? If the light of the eternal life which has once shone into the hearts and minds of men has become dark ness, how great indeed must be thg, darkness! E
 Itis terrible arraignment which the prophet makes of the people of Jerusa- lem. "How is the faithful city be- come an harlot! she that was full of judgment! righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers. Thy silver is be- come dross, thy wine mixed with wa ter. Thy princes are repellious, and companions of thieves; every one loveth gifts. and followeth after re- wards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them."
 Their ceremonial religion had be- come a farce. They pretended to wor- ship God, but served the devil. Isaiah is blaming them not because they keep up the appointed services of the church. but because they do not practice the principles of the commandments and judgments which make religion what it is as the saving grace which keeps them from evil, and builds them up in righteousness and holiness ot character. True religion prompts men to do good to one another, and is consistent with the conduct of the social and business life. But piety without moral integrity is a fraud. And then follows the stern, shrill call to repentance and amend ment.
 That we, are always in danger of moral and spiritual degeneration we need not stop to prove. It is only too evident to need any argument. The Bible furnishes us with numerous ex- amples and warns us again and again lest we deny God by our conduct and character. The history of the church illustrates many instances of the decay of faith, and the degradation of those who have departed from the straight and narrow way of righteousness. h. deed, we have only to look about us to behold the wrecks of men who once gave promise of high and noble charac- ter and usefulness; but who by reason of greed. error, vice, crime, or some moral infirmity have lost their man. hood, and are no longer worthy to be called the sons of God, nor to be treat ed as respectable citizens.
 Why do men drift downward in the scale of being instead of climbing up- ward? How is it that some become in- ferior in character while others become superior? By what process does relig- ion itself become impaired as to its moral qualities, and cease to have any uplifting, saving power over its vOta- ries? We may go even further and inquire by what processes religion be- comes an instrument of oppression and degradation instead of the grace of God to comfort, encourage and exalt those who are subject to its power?
 Religion falls into decay because men do not use it. It was meant to hold the first place in our conduct and char actar, but many put it in the second place, third place, and so on till there is no place for it in their program of