The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1917-04-19
THE PEOPLES FORUM.
Among the Pots.

untarnlShed. however, ne can keep
his garments unspotted and show the
world that moral worth and true man
illness and principle are greater than
the deeds who stir up the iniquitous
cess pool.
By straight forward course and adj
herence 10 right Christian can be a
leader in politics and maintain his con-
scious integrity in spite of the ISLANDERS
of enemies and the epithets of parti-
sans. If man wants to find out all he
has ever done and good deal more, if
he wants to have his character blazon-
ed abroad, all he has to do is to be a
candidate for a prominent office, and if
he doesn't find out what vagabond he
Is, it will not be his fault.
The slanderous reports that are often
circulated about good men, is an out
rage, and one of the crying evils of the
day, When the character of a good
man is maligned by demagogues for
partisan purposes, then it is time to
call halt, and for those who love
honesty, purity of morals and virtuous
character, to lift up standard against
the iniquitous tide. 1t is time also for
law to lay its hand on such criminals
and let them feel its power.
| do not say men are bonud to take
every candidate by shutting their eyes
and swallowing him, as a boy does a
dose of medicine, tor it is their privilege
and duty to learn whether or not he is
fit for the place; then if he is COM
petent and worthy stand by him, but if
he is found to be unqualified for the
position no consideration should lead
you to accept him, If he Is corrupt in
principles and morals and guilty of
crime against virtue, chastity and
womanhood, if he relies Oh his position
and money to conceal his guilt, then let
all lovers Of home, virtue and chastity
brand such moral lepers, by conslgning
them to the limbo of forgetfulness, to
sink in political oblivion. We owe il
to ours YES, to womanhood and to the
nation, to place the impress of strong
disapproval upon the ringsters and
demagoguas who would force upon US
one whose garments reek with moral
leprosy. am speaking only of a
principle vital, far reaching and of mo-
mentous interests Of all. Exalt a
lIbertine to leadership and we put a
premium on RIGHTEOUSNESS or condemn
an act that robs woman Of that which
Is dearer to her than life and blasts the
life that might have been full of sun
shine and joy. Against corruption in
politics Christian should protest and
keep his political garments as unspotted
and clean as doYe in the sunshine.
In the social life a Christian may be
as pure and clean as dove. Here is
where many are weighed and wanting
They leave their convictions of right
outside fashionable circles. They bow
to the dictates of society which Is de-
structlve to the growth of goodness.
Not that it is wrong to have society,
but only that many of its practices are
silly and wicked.
The Christian should be a gentleman,
courteous, genteel and should manage
to get rid of an unwelcome caller with
out resortng to the mean expedlent Of
lying. He need not inbibe the wines
that so often curse the social gather
ings. Too often Jesus is not a guest in
our assemblies. He Is not wanted, nor
is He tolerated. Society is full of rub
bish and needs to be renovated.
The morals of the N. T. are not its
code. But Christians may move among
the dusty and grimy pots, may mingle
IN society on the plain of their birth
right. They are called unto holiness
and must preserve their character. To
mingle in society and not yield to its
evil influences. not to patronize its de-
moralizing amusements, nor bow to its
false maXiums, or conform to its pre-
clous customs, nor lose the zeal and fer
vor of holy life, is proof that the love
of Christ constrains them. You can
work in pitch and not be smeared but
you can mingle in social life and yet be
as clean as the wings of doye. 1t will
necessitate watchtulness, frmness and
self denial, but it will make a strong
character. Better live a hermit life
than comprise the moral tone of con-
duct, or pollute your garments with the
leprosy of corrupt society.
In his religious life Christian must
keep himself pure. No reasonable ex-
cuse can be given for not doing so. In
the most unfavorable circumstances he
can do this if he will and out of all de-
Element he may rise with graces of
silver and virtues shining as the gold,
to glorify God.
The man born of God can do all things
through Christ who strengthens him.
This does not encourage presumption,
nor the recklessness that NAV character