4. It is a duty of citizenship to take direct part in all that we
believe is for the good of the state. We say a direct part, as
distinguished from the indirect part we take in government through
representatives. A man's duty as citizen does not end with the
ballot-box, or with the election of members either to the national or
local council. A great part of the business of the nation is carried
on by the voluntary efforts of its members. There are men and women
that have no part in representative government, who yet can discharge
nobly the duties of citizenship. (_a_) All can take a part in forming
a healthy public opinion. This is done in all free countries in
various ways: through the press, through public meetings, and by means
of the speech and communications of everyday life. If our views are
those of a minority, we may help, by our influence, our example, the
fearless expression of our convictions, to turn the minority into a
majority; and in a democratic country the views of the majority will
ultimately prevail. (_b_) We can also take direct part in promoting
objects that tend to the well-being of society. Much is left by the
state to voluntary effort by its members. The state undertakes the
defence of the country by the army and navy, the relief of the poor,
and the elementary education of the people; but beyond these and other
instances of direct state action there is much left to be done by the
people themselves, and for themselves. The Volunteer movement, in
which men take part of their own free will, and which has been of so
much benefit to the country; the erection and support of hospitals,
libraries, art galleries, colleges and universities; the furnishing of
the people with amusement and recreation--are illustrations of what may
be done by members of the community directly. All such efforts tend to
the welfare of the state. All its members reap benefit from them. He
who does not help and encourage them is as mean as the man who would go
to an hotel and take its entertainment, and then sneak away without
paying the reckoning. Whatever we can do to benefit society benefits
ourselves, and in throwing ourselves heart and soul into any of those
enterprises that benefit society we are discharging in a very special
way the duties of good citizenship.
It only remains to say in a word that our citizenship should be the
outcome of our religion. Without that, citizenship loses its high
position. He who fears God will honor the king, and he who "renders to
God the things that are God's" will "render to Caesar the things that
are Caesar's." He will give "to all their dues: tribute to whom
tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom
honor." Religion thus becomes the strength of the state, and
"righteousness exalteth a nation."
APPENDIX.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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