Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1911-04-14
To Martlnsburs Churches.

and kindly spirit in which 1t is sen
them:
Dearly Beloved
We extend our cordial greeting {,
you and wish you every blessing. w,
cannot refrain giving expression
our feelings OF devout gratitude to on
God for His wonderful goodness /,
putting 1t into the hearts Of the major
lily OF our citizens to decide against tn,
perpftuation of the saloon within oui
borders, with all its attendant am
consequent evils. And we bespeak flo
all those who have been engaged In
this business, your kindly interest ii
helping them to secure other lines of
honorable activity and usefulness
i 10 our church members we wish TO
make our earnest appeal for quick.
ening Of your religious and spiritual
life. The campaign just closed has
shown clearly what the people can do
when thoroughly aroused and in ear
nest. We do entreat you that your zeal
may not wane but that 1t may abound
yer more and more, coupled ever with
a sound discretion. We pray yoa til al
every christian may throw aside al
slothfulness and consecrate himself and
herself TO the service of the blessed
I Christ. Not only has Ibe given US
great work to do, but de has provided
for us everything that is needful for
the accomplishment OF that work.
And in doing His work for Him we
find our own salvation made sure and
/ our spiritual life strengthened.s Ia try
TO save others we save ourselves. We
realize that God has entrusted TO US
His work in this lcity. Our church es
are the agencies through which ii is
His good pleasure to effect His pur-
! poses. He has planted them here to be
His watchmen to safeguard the inter
ests of this community and sHe holds
US responsible for the trust. He is look :
ing to the pastors and the officers an d
tue members of these churches to Ie-
deem this PEG pie from eternal deaf h
If we are faithful to our trust we ha We
the promise of His presence and bless
ing upon our efforts. "Your labor is
not in vain IN the Lord. We are bless
ed with large membership in the
churches of this city. Letus have your
cordial and Jealous help. Christians of
Martinsburg, will you not come up to
knIv Of hn I'D ba
mighty. Rally to your churches and
uphold the hands Of your pastors. Fill
these empty seats every Sabbath day
and every prayer meeting night. Full
fill the solemn vows you have taken.
Give your pastor an opportunity to in
struct you. He cannot reach yon when
you are absent from church. Will you
not begin with this glad hour to strive
in earnest for the upbuilding Of the
church OF. Jesus Christ in our "Great-
er Martinsburg?" Do your part and
this work will be well done. Give us
your earnest cooperation in our church
work--in YOUR church work and our
churches will be built up and multi
tudes of souls will be saved. 1t is when
the people haye mind to work that
the work will be done. Empty seats in
the Sanctuary will save nobody, neith-
er will they benefit either the Oh urch
or the town. If you are TO let your
churches go, along with the saloons,
you Will soon find that mere temper
ance cannot save your city from vlo-
lence and sim You have simply left
your house empty, swept and garnish-
ed, but still prey to the devil aud his
hosts. Come to the help Of your pastors.
They are doing their best to ill their
pulpits, but you, christian people NJ ust
fill the pews. Your pastors will try to
do their duty faithfully and ever. But,
o We people of God, you MUST DO
YOUR PART! See what great things
the Lord hath done for US within these
past few weeks! Will you not take
on new courage and press with vigor
on! "Be not weary in well doing"
"Let us not be weary in well doing for
| III ouC SCdcob VIC SLaii Iva - W lam
not. )" ITO them who by patient con
tinuanee in we'll dong seek for glory
and honor and Immortality. e He will
render eternal life'n mo man hav-
ing put his hand to the pillow and
looking back is fit for the kingdom of
God. "He that endureth to the end
shall be saved"
Looking forward then with high
hopes for the growth OF our city OF
which we are justly proud, we desire
with an intense longing that Martins
burg may be known abroad for the So
briefly and purity offts citizens, for the
wholesome religious zeal and liberality
of its churches; for the happiness of its
homes and the piety of its people.
I n ~. "A. Il.