El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1918-04-27

. duty by a knowledge OF the fact that
public moneys are not always non
estly spent for the good OF the public,
but that there are at times dehbeT
ate misrepresentation BY corrupt o.
Gcials; he does not follow the bad eN-
ample Of those who are ever trying
TO defraud the state OF its just dues.
Cannot Be a Tax DOdEer.
A conscientious Christian cannot be
a tax dodger. because his God tells
him: PAY tribute render TO all their
dues, tribute 10 whom tribute Is due,
custom TO whom custom; ana ma u
binding upon him. he IS also reaos
TO come to the aid OF his country with
his life IL II should require this saS
rifice.
The conscientious Christian is also
ready TO render honor to whom honor
is due. He is willing 70 render honor
20 all civil authorities, both in the abb
stract and the concrete. He is not
only willing TO honor the flag the
symbol OF such authority, but he re-
allies that 10 is his duty also 10 non
OF the official persons who represent
the power and perform the Functions
OF the government.
Under the constitution Of our coun-
try. public officials are chosen BY the
people, and II they do not perform
the duties OF their office faithfully,
the people ordinarily have the right
10 A+ aAA[AIE AA4EAAAH 0AA A-AAH aAAN-A.- -
done honestly. earnestly and carefully.
II is not in accordance with the rules
OF ChristiOn ethics as set forth IN
our text 70 attack them spitefully and
vlciOusly by defaming their character,
or TO make them the butt OF socalled
wit in newspaper cartoons. thereby
undermining their authority. In as
far q s they are public officers, for q
time entrusted with the duties OF gov
eminent. the conscientious Christian
honors and respects them, even II he
does see some flaws in their personal
chara cter, because he knows that they
are ministers OF God"
And finally. the conscientious Chris
tian does not forget to raise his heart
and voice in earnest prayer and sup
plication for his country and govern
menr He conscienUously obeys the
injunction OF God. given him through
the apostle Paul. 4 exhort you, there
fore, that first % all supplication.
prayer, intercession and giving OF
thanks be made for all men. for kings
and for all that are IN authority. that
we may lead a quiet and peacea bic life
in all godliness and honesty. For this
is good and acra0fahlr In the efC-f ~
God" This IS the relation Of a Chris
tian conscience TO civil government
and that is the doctrine OF the Luther
an church But now. have we prac-
ticed this d0ctrine2 Are the Luther
ans, as such. conscientious, lava Did
ing. patriotic citizens2 Just a few
remarks Will show US what has been
done by our church
What Luthernns Are Doing.
Lutherans are taught to honor. re- /
spect and obey all that are in authori- F.
ty. Every Sunday throughout the 4
country. prayers are being said for /
the officers OF the state and govern .
ment The Lutheran church OF this .
country has $4,000 soldiers and sail /
ors in the service Of the country. over .
5 J. 000. 900 has been raised 20 provide Z
chaplains for our BOYS Our synod .
has bought $4,000 worth OF war Sc
curities- Our schools are selling thrift /.
stamps TO their pupils. The women I
In our churches are sewing for the I
Red Cross, and the third Liberty loan I.
now before the people viii he much 4
lversubscr bed, and 7 know that the 4
members Of the Lutheran church viii [.
help 10 make Il so.
Let US not forget that our brave SOL
Hers are fighting our battles and are /
living for Us. We must HELM them.
We must Loyalty support our govern
nent and the least that we. who are
still enjoying home comforts, can do n
Is 10 furnish the necessary war funds. /
Nay the Lord help Us that we. as
Christians. conscientiously do our duty I
toward our government as God re
luires IL OF ms. not for wrath sake.
but for conscience sake