Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1913-05-22
GOOD CITIZENSHIP !"

Sincerely,
GOOD CITIZENSHIP. !"
The People VIII Soon Forset''---The
Cloak, With Which The Political
corruptionist Covers His Tracks
4 OF all human tragedies, none is to
be more lamented than the tragedy in
apathy and forgetfulness Of Gods pec-
pie Of the Church concerning their civic
responsibilities. 1t is sin of which
the Christians of this city stand con-
victed, for To him that knoweth to do
good and doeth it not, 10 him 1t is sin. "
\ To him that knows that health
and happiness of the people Of his ward
and district is dependent upon the COM.
initial Of its civic control into worthy,
righteous hands. but who wilfully or
careiessly neglects to see that it is
therein placed, to him his Indifference
is sin-yea, sin against God and his bro
Their.
The time approaches when those who
shall represent or misrepresent the
Christian conscience of the community
in the halls of state are to be chosen.
" no is going to select the representa-
tive of your section? Shallit, because
of your apathy, be a man designated by
the political organization whose man
date he is pledged to respect but whose
| record is bae; or shall it be man who
puts The law of obedience to the Lord
God Jehovah above that of any self
sc king, self-appointed little political
god?
4 In the Church s zeal to keep out
of politics let her beware lest she fail
to thrust her members restIessly into
politics.; lest she fail to arouse them
fro n their lethargy, Indifference and
forebrarance and inspire them in the
name of the righteously indignant Mas
ter to play mans part in the warfare
agai 1st politi:al corruption in the fight
to redeem conditions.
What more retards the reign of
of justice and decency in our social life
than the insipid; fabby mental attitude
of those who are all too ready to over
look and forget the object of their past
resentment? This sin Of society, the
political bosses take full advantage of.
Armed with this cor fidence that 1.-THE
people have forgotten. they play their
strong cards.
| T When a Federal Senator insults
the State by making an obnoxious ap-
pointment, it is upon this sin of society
that he relies ito get away with it,
the people will soon forget When a
city ring. in return for political support
permits criminal dereliction on the part
of contractors and the city's inspectors
| this is what it relies on-the people will
soon forget.
4 When Pentiten!iary Board, domi
pated by political influence and special
privilege, votes for the continuance of
vicious penal system its less vir.uous
members depend upon tEis-the people
will soon sforge st
+ When member of the Legislat-
ure#o State Senator breaks faith
with bis constituency who have elected
him on temp france platform this is
the cloak under which he contemplates
seeking reelection. The people will
soon forget.
Christian brother, you who sing
Onward Christian Soldiers, and
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, 7" for
God and country's sake do stand up and
don't sit down again. Stand up and be
counted; stand up, reprove, rebuke and
exhort-do the work of an evangelist.
Make full proof Of your ministry. Let
there be no dissension among you and
be done with contentious concerning
your particular political faith. Rather
than boast II am of Progressive, am
of Democratic, / am of Republican aft
liation,' protest Il am of Christ, 1 am
of His Church, i am for those who put
principle and high resolve above party
Regularity and party loyalty. Not Fun.
til the followers of Christ reprdiate the
old fetch party regularity" and stand
soli1ly together will the crooked poll
ticisn know that the people won for
gat!
We need better social conscience,
better memory. To be sure. there
are times when it is Christiike to "over-
l9ok and forget" but that minister or
l1ayman is a blind guide who counsels
that attitude of mind toward those who
have outraged sentiment, and hence no
longer in fairness to the public should
be intrusted with its confidence and
| property. Forgive them and forget
them. to be sure, but DON'T re-elect
| them to office!
4 The Church can best help to solve
the question OF honesty in local govern
ment by everlastingly arousing people
to the civic responsibility of BUSTING
from places of public Office those who
have wronged the people By betraying
their trust
Notice is hereby given to all workers
of iniqnity in high places, be they Sun
day-Sehool Superintendent, Deacons,
Eldersor Vestrymen all Corruptionists
whose foundation for Success is 1.-The
People will soon forget"-ihat through
these columns, in the interest of the
Christian Church. we propose to see
that the people do not forget,
- This advertisement is ttatt0rizsd and
pad for IN the interest Of the Work Of the
Ctarcfes Of Baltimore