The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1914-03-26

created the world and ordered its de-
velOpment with infinite wisdom, also
believe that He is governing it with
the same wisdom and in spite of every
hindrance will accomplish His all
wise purpose.
To be sure there is no hysteria in
His methods, but instead a wonderful
patience that always gets on the nerves
of reformers.
Of course, if these men assume that
they have on their shoulders the re-
sp0nsibility Of stamping out evil and
saving the world, they have cause for
worry. But if they have received this
responsibility from God, why do they
not follow His methods? And if not,
why do they hinder them?
1t seems to be a tolerably safe posi-
ton to take, that God is competent to
manage the saving of the world, and
if we want to help-which of course,
we dove have our little parts mapped
out for US. Our business is to be as
good and helpful as we can, but keep
our hands off the helm.
And it is a great comfort to believe
that God is directing the development
of the world, both physically and
morally. You do not eat your heart
out because your neighbor allows HIM
self some indulgence which you think
is sinful. You just mind your own
business and try to be good and help
full. The publicans and harlots some
times 90 into the kingdom before those
who want to convert them. Does any
one refuse to admit that God could have
prevented people from drinking to ex-
cess if He had wished to? Evidently
He preferred to have them learn self
restraint and moderation. And so of
the other evils.
o you reformer, have a little faith
in God and calm your fevered soul,
Are you quite sure God wants what
you want so badly? Do you care for
the truth, or only your own way?
! No doubt the Ruler of the world
brings about His reforms just as
quickly as they can be wisely brought
about. History seems to show that
there is Spirit pervading in the world
that is always working for higher
standards. The Bible says somewhere
that what is done on earth He doeth
it Himself. Why not have little faith
and believe it?
But they insist upon believing that
Gods earth is going to the bad
Heaven knows why but they do
They grow frenzied at the frightful
4 condition of things, generally the
over-indulgence of innocent appetites
How can we sit still, they say, and see
all this terrible evil going on? Well
God has done it for many long day
unless, perchance, as Elijah hooking
/ ly said, He is asleep or has gone hunt
| ing.
/ But if they really must reform some
| thing or burst, why not take fall out
of the corrupt politicians? Get up a
crusade and corral the Royal Family
Or rather-not to appear to be joking
why not attack the inhuman evils,
such as hypocrisy, backbiting. selfish
ness and greed? Not exciting enough?
Then why concentrate on the petty
gambling of the racecourse and not
rather go in and clean up Wall street?
Is there any such thing as reform
ing a man till you have gained his
heart? If you prevent his drinking
openly, will he not do it surreptitious-
lY? If you forbid him to bet on the
races. can he not still get up a book
on the number OF converts Billy Sun
day will make each dav? Does this
help God to reform the world, or is it
mockery of goodness and truth?
Then why not try everyone to mind
his own business-that is. to be as
conscientious and good as he knows
how to be? If man is a preacher,
why not preach the great truths of
| religion and leave the outcome to God?
Gods in His Heaven
ALPS right with the world!
| Do you believe it, or not?
Baltimore Sun.