The Twin Falls times. [volume] (Twin Falls, Idaho) 1905-1916, 1915-12-07
The NATIONS PROBLEM
Scholarly Sermon by DR.. j. f. Shep.
herd on National Reform Day.

While the prominent men in the
religious and ethical realms were
meeting in Pittsburg on last Sunday
to devOlve a method for the further
ance of just recognition of the Creator
in all affairs of this land, the minis
ters all over the country were urged
to give one day to the discussion of
the problem. In accordance with that
request DR.. Shepherd gave one
of the most interesting and scholarly
addresses on the subject of the Ma
tional Reform Problem. The Times
takes pleasure in reprinting the en-
tire sermon with the hope that it may
prove of benefit to some who were
not present last Sunday.
Sermon by the Rev. John f. Shep-
herd, ID. d., Phi. d., in answer to the
request of the association.
Text Chronicles 1892. Men that
had understanding of their times, to
know what Israel ought to do"
eve are living, we are dwelling.
in a grand and awful time"
In 1776, when the Colonies were en-
gagged in life and death struggle for
their liberties, they brought forth
that immortal document "The Declar-
alton of independence" in which they
repeatedly appealed to God for proof
of the rectitude of their intentions
and for help in their struggle. But
when the smoke of the conflict died
away and they met to draft a COnsti-
tuition they omitted any reference to
Him or His authority. 1t is ever thus.
Human nature in agony and need
cries to God, but in sunshine ignores
His love and grace.
Today, there has assembled in the
city of Pittsburg, Pa, a great body
of great men, who have believed and
taught that the recognition of God
and His law is essential to all human
welfare. That the nation that for
gets Him shall perish They believe
in the eternal separation of church
and state, but are wise to understand
that every institution is founded upon
some code of ethics, that no organ
ism, much less a great nation, can
long exist which forsakes the rule of
righteousness. And since the highest
court of our land, has expressly de-
clared that,
, "This Is Christian Nation"
They demand and rightly too, that
shall be accepted as governing in all
the affairs of our national, social, eco
nomic and political life. This nation
is not Jewish, while according rights
| to the Jews; it is not Mohammedan ;
| it is not pagan, though pagans from
India, China and Japan, and not a
few from America are here, protected
in their rights SO long as they do not
attempt to change the foundation OF
our institutions. 1t is not agnostic
though there are not a few who revel
in repeating the platitudes of Bob
Ingersol and looking wise while they
do nothing for human uplift. 1t is
| Christian, in its origin, it's institutions
and its faith and as such it shall re-
main. The people of America are in
wardly convinced of the truth OF
Christ, even when their outward ac-
tions are contrary to His words. They
recognize no other authority, though
,slow to apply His teachings.
Forgetting His Law We Have Fos'
+ tered all Evils Among Us.
Had His authority been properly
! Constitution, who could believe thai
livery till it had almost strangled The
life out OF the nation? Who believes
| that the selfish doctrine Of States
Rights, going to seed. would have
grown defiant of the common good
! living ON wild cat money and indict
ing the Dred Scott Decision? Wbt
believes that the Louisiana Lotter,
| (COntinued on rage 81
1