Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-03-22
NO. XIV.
For The Spectator.
Visiting the Poor.

| 1t was on the morning of the 28th of Decem-
ber, 1868, that we were invited by apious Pres
byterian elder, whose hospitalities we were en-
joying, on mission of inquiry into the condi-
ton of the dwellers on Pisgah. It was days
journey, and brought to view scenes that i'm
pressed themselves on our memories the more ss
they made our hearts sad. These too may be
seen on the borders, or within the bosom of q
community distinguished for intelligence, piety
and an abundance of the Injuries Of life Hero
are found, in bold; and heart-afeeting contrast,
the moral conditions of two communities, or Of
two classes in the same community, the one Of
which should excite every christian philanthro-
pist to greater fidelity in the work to which God
has called him. Indeed it would seem as If the
light of the surrounding community were 30
great, that they perceive not the darkness that
h0vers near. They suspect not the degree or
poverty and moral degradation 90 contiguous
Nor did 1t enter our own hearts, until We were
made to weep at the heart-rendDg aspect OF suf-
fering humanity. In limiting at these thinga it
is not our purpose to stigmatize christian peo
pie distinguished for their high tone of moral
culture and refinement but to urge them to
greater faitbfulness In their Masters cause, whilst
we attempt to moralize on relations and obliga-
tions Of society as suggested by what we saw
in particular locality. The observations Of
men must be more or les local as well as limited
and by particulars we arrive at general conclu-
sions. On that days mission we were deeply
impressed by the sad examples before us, that
the inequality in the conditions of men is q mys-
terry to Us which we would not dare undertake
TO explain in every respect. In going forth from
happy homes, where the comforts OF life every
where abound, where social and religions bless
ings are enjoyed in high degree, we soon merg-
ed into by-wsys that led us to the abodes of
poverty and wretchedness; where the outward
comforts of life are few, and where spiritual des-
titution is almost beyond conception, where the
blessings of the religion Of Jesus Christ, which
der such limited circumstances, seem almost un-
known. We were soon acquainted with the
more appalling vices of depraved humanity and
the heart-rending sufferings that are consequent.
We visited and entered rudely constructed cab
ins, that freely admitted the light of the natural
day. and the chilling breath of winters stern
seventies. In these we found living beings, of
sad aspect and condition, it is true, but of inn
mortal, precious souls, and who were not alto
eether without'ths feeling common to humanity.
They had hearts yet susceptible of being touch
ed. For at the hearing of the word of God and
of Jesus the Savior of Sinners tears flowed down
their pale and haggsrd cheeks, which more than
ever made Us feel that something may and ought
to be done for them. o that the people of God
may not stand idly by field that has such
claims upon them Comfortable habitations,
happy circles around our domestic fresides, are
no apologies TO keep us ut home when there Is
SO much to be done; when we need but to lift
up our eyes to the abodes of sordidness and spir-
itual destitution, to be reminded that there is
something to do. When we ask ourselves the
question "Why such prostitution of the pow
ers of mind and bodyW the answer is, that sin
lies at the basis of the whole. Shame confused
our faces when we thought of our own happy
circumstances in comparison with these laboriDg,
suffering poor. Sin now unveiled its face at our
door, AG one glance we could see something Of
the condition OF that dark spot reproacbed ss Q
nuisance" to everything that lies contiguous to
1t. One thought impresses itself upon our minds,
that there is but one remedy TO alleviate this
condition, to remove this reproaoh. 1t is to
plant there the standard of the Gospel, to break
to them "the bread of life." We must not wait
for them to come to us to hear the gospel, but
we must carry it to them. Strange that with all
our advantages we do not appreciate the truth,
that giving we give to the Lord. Strange that
such state of things should not call into exer-
else the noblest energies Of the fortunate to heal
the breaches on their own borders. The gospel
is not simply defensive, but aggressive. God
holds us responible according to the condition
of things around US. And according to our f.
deity as stewards of bis, shall we be rewarded.