Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-05-18
Joseph, the Religious Statesman.
40 sphere is more apt to bring on

40 sphere is more apt to bring out
~ the religious elements of a
~ mans nature or to test the
fiber of his religious principles than
political life.
Especially is this true OF the diplO-
mat. Here the man in public life
meets not only the conflict of opinion,
but the antagonism of opposing re-
ligions. The religious nature is COM
mon to all men of every nation and of
every age. and this is the strongest and
most persistent passion Of the human
heart.
The great French political leader and
social reformer, Rousseau, though a
skeptic, has said: Never was a state
founded that did not have religion for
it's basis
Plutarch, that great disciple of Plato.
has said: There never was state of
atheists You may travel all over the
world. and you may find cities without
walks, without king, without mint,
without theater or gymnasium. but you
will nowhere find a city without God.
without prayer, without oracle, without
sacrifice.
Sooner may a city stand without
foundation than a state without bel1ef
in the gods. This is the bond OF all
society and the pillar OF all legiSla-
ton.
Napoleon, speaking of religion as "the
mystery of social order" said: One
cannot govern without it; otherwise
the repose. dignity and independence
of the nation are disturbed at every
moment" And it is worth while to
note another quotation from the same
great soldier and statesman: In the
Roman republic the senate was the in
| terpreter of heaven, and this was the
n IF hp force IN
of that government In Turkey and
throughout the orient the Koran
serves as both a civil and religious
Bible. Only in Christianity do we find
| the pontificate distinct from civil gov
ernment."
! All this is but the echo of the words
of the Prophet Of Israel. who said
The nation and the kingdom that will
| not serve Thee shall perish
| But all of these citations from the
great political leaders of the world
have their relation to the history OF
ancient Israel Gods chosen people
| learned many lessons, and practiced
them, which would be of supreme value
| to modern nations.
In our lesson today we are to see Jo-
seph tested by the stress Of the public
| business Of state. Many men who have
maintained their religious integrity in
private life have given way under the
varied temptations of public life.
member of Congress said to me
| lately: Il was elected to Congress not
because 1 was the greatest lawyer in
my district, or because 1 was the man
of most ability, but because my people
believed that my character would
stand the test of public life This
was the greatest prize he could have
, offered to his constituency.
The time will come. it must come If
our nation is to abide, when the ballot
will not only mean the Endorsement Of
I candidates public action, but of his
personal character.
1t would have been the easiest thing
| for Joseph to have done. to at once re-
| veal himself to his brothers and sup
ply their need. But the absence OF
| Benjamin at once indicates to him a
very sacred duty. 1t no doubt occurred
| to him that the old father who had lost
| his youngest son many years ago.
| when he was intrusted to the care Of
! these same brothers, had in this in
stance taken the precaution Of not in
| trusting the next youngest to them.
At once the memories of the past came
back to Joseph. He remembered the
dreams of his childhood. and he let
| these dreams guide him now in his
dealings with his brothers. He as
/ sumes the attitude Of stern and