Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1852-04-03
M / srelLa neon 8 .
Mans Judgment.
BY T. S. ARTHUR.

i wouldn't give much for his chance OF
heaven was the remark of a man whose
| coarse, well-worn garments contratsted strong
ly with the dark, rich broadcloth of the per-
son to whom he referred. In the tones of the
individual who uttered this sentence, was
clearly apparent satisfaction at the thought of
his rich neighbor's doubtful chance of final
salvation. It was on the Sabbath and both
had Just passed forth from the sacred edifce,
to which each had that morning gone up for
the avowed end of worship
Why do you say that? p asked the friend
to whom the remark was sdressed.
You know the scriptures was the conf
dent answer. How hardly shall they who
have riches enter the Kingdom of heaven
You believe, then, that the mere fact Of
possessing riches will keep a man out of
heaven
No; wouldn't just like to say that But
riches harden the heart and make men unfit
for heaven
than poverty was replied.
How can you say SOP was warmly object
ed. Isn't the promise every where to the
poor? To whom was the Gospel sent?'
The rich and poor spoken of in the word of
God.' said the friend, do not it is plain, mean
simply those in the world who possess natur-
al riches. or who are in natural poverty.
Remember, that th e
Bible is revelation of spiritual truth for man g
eternal salvation; and that its teachings must
have primary regard TO what is spiritual, and
refer 10 mans internal state rather than to his
mere worldly condition. Remember, that the
Lord, while on earth, said: Blessed are the
poor in spirit (not the poor in this worlds
goods for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
And we may, without violence TO even the
letter of the Word, conclude, that when He
speaks Of its being hard for the rich to enter
into the kingdom of Hesvea, that only the
proud in spirit; those who rested self-confi-
dent on the riches of their worldly and natur-
al wisdom, were meant That it would be ca
sier fof camel to 60 through the eye of a
needle than for such rich men TO enter heav-
en-. is plain from our Lords words when he
set child in the midst of his disciples, and
:old them that unless they became as that
little child they could not enter the kingdom
of heaven. Net externally and naturally as
that chilG, for that was impossible; but poor
in spirit, teachAble, and innocent as child
The first speaker, whose name was Max
weliI tossed his head, and slightly curled hi:
lip as he replied
4 believe just what The Bible says. As fol
tyour forced meanings, never 20 them. A:
a plain. maiter-of-faci man, understand wha
is written ia a plain, matter of-fact way
The Bible says, that they who have riches
shall hardly enter the kingdom of heaven
And l can see how true the saying is Al
for Clinton. of whom l spoke Just now, I re
peat that wouldn't give much for his chance
1t is well that there is just God iD heaven
and that there will come day of rstributiou
The Dives have their good things in this life
but our turn will come afterwards. We shan
be always poor. Lazrus went, beggar, from
the rich mans door, and was received int
Abraham's bosom.
What has nude you so bitter against Gin
ton, just now p inquired the friend.
I'm not bitter against him, particular.
lspeak of rich men as a class. They are al
selfish, unfeeling. and oppressive. Look whs
the good Clinton might Go, as a steward 0
Gods bounty, if he chose. He might make
our wilderness blossom as the rose But set
Element day will come, ere long, and then
sorry account of his stewardship will be havr
to render
How do you know the account will not b.
approved in heaven?' was asked in a quie
voice.
Approved! How do 1 know CALCULATED
Maxwell, mpatiently. ANY man can see h
is an unfaithfuI, hard hearted and oppressiv
steward
Has he oppressed you?
Yes ..
All! 1 was not aware of that. didu'
know that you had any claims upon him as a
alnouer of heaven