Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1863-01-28
The same rule will apply to every other

its qualification, i, is an excessive love, and is
idolatry. We may now readily perceive
that there is much idolatry in our laud, and
even among protesting Christians. The
"CLristian's thirst for gold" has long since
passed into to proverb. Let lis notice some
OF those who chow, by their actions, that they
are iaolatcrs. Oh this class are the robber,
the thief, the countertviter, the forger, the
swindler, and the gambler. No one will for
u moment doubt that their ruling passion Is
covetousness.
Fraud and over.reacLing in trade may next
be noticed Persons often boast that they
hav. made u good bargain, or got the better
of another in trade This rot only shows
their willingness to receive the property OF
others without AN equivalent, but Is also an
eyiLrnce of depruy,d state Of morals, which
,iyes couutenance to such transactions. Cn.
der this head may he included the practice,
so prevalent at this time, Of taking an un-
reasonable profit ON goods sold such as the
seller would not be willing 10 give it he were
the purchaser also that of exlorting from
Others an unreasonable price on account OF
their necessity price which he would con-
slider too high, if their circumstances were re-
versed; to which may be added the taking
0! usury, because the borrower is obliged to
have the money. All these show dlsposl-
ton to acquire others property without an
equal value in return. What is this but co9-
a;ousnc>s which is idolatry?
Tie spccula;or i, another WHO shows his
desire tpr the property o.! otlets by endeav-
oring to Increase tue price OF that wt:ch he
has To sell by moncpo!: Or other neans. The
principle is the Salne whatever may be tue
subject. II is species of fashionable gamE-
ling whereby thousands lave been ruined !;
Yet it is regarded as an honorable business,
ami nlauy parent aids aud encourages his
son 20 speculate OIL the ,r!fing ARTICLES which
he has purchased, thus early melting tue de-
sire for that which belongs to others.
And here lc: rs observe the very general
disposition among the rising generation t"
live without Labor, 10 get along in so.:ie way
without earning their support, to indulge q
lie Of idlene,s, and escape the decree oi
heaven ny which labor is required of man.
And when We add to these the host who seek
office, no, for the purpose Of performing tho
duties, hut mercy for the profit arising there,
/ from: AMI the idlcrS Of every description {;
i the loairrs, and those who live by begging I;
and the number is not small who teslte the
muirG,y OF others without an cqnira'cn-
who cherish th.t cvrvt"',.nes. mhIci Is i"!a'
! tri.
I'm addition tu tlIsc briure mrhtnnet we
may notice Tie numbers who sh"w 'Iii unwll,
rinsncss 10 render TO Every one his due; who
U.s.. every MEALS in thur power I" "Sade Tue
pa,nr.,, Of their just debts; who do no, give
to the labnrer t!iut which is just an? equal Tor
n, services. Are not ,lrsc worshilers Of
i Mammon?
Arain are there not those who possess
wcalth-who have their hu;idrrGs and their
tLousands-eyen more than they know how
/ to Use, vet 10 not regard the cry OF the POOR
and The needy who fo get the source from
whence their blessings co:ne?-who are IN
sensible of their obligation 10 the Gver OF
every yood and pertectg gift? I? andnot My neg
lects to make suitable return of gratitude
and love, but refuses to apply their wealth to
such objects as their duty to God and their
fellow.men requires who, when they SET
their fellow creatures naked, or destitute o
daily food, say TO them; Depart in peace, be
We warmed and filled, Vet give them not those
things which are needtnl to the body" Ito"
dyells the love of God in them? Or when
they see important objects FILLING for want
of That support which they are able to give
and vet refuse to render aid, do they no'
show that they have All excessive love ol
wealth?
But those who have an excessive love u
riches are not the only idolsters i'll our land
Whoever is under the Influence Of any ruling
pa sion, that causes him to disobey the com
.nands of God-,o do wrong to secure its graf
ilcaton, is equally as guilty as those who
covct their neighbours property. Ihe dunk
ard is striking illustration OF this truth
Ottentines the love Of strong drink has caus
ed him to sunder the nearest ties oil LIE; u
sacrifice his friends, his property, his reputa
ton and health to ,akc the bread from hi
furnishing wife and children, and give it 10
liouor yea and even to eell the clothes iro';
their bucks and Mt length to steal to minis
ter to his deprased qualification. 10 such
their unnatural appetite is thcir god, 10 whicl
everything else i sacrificed.
Turning our attention IRON the lnia'untc'
worslipers Of BacchuS, We may glance u
, other votaries Of pleasure, who sacrifice eve
ry,Liuu to sensual sraliIication--~hose lott
-, aspirations rise no higher than tue bcss
, tha, perish, forgetting that they are intelle'
,,,nl and moral beings, and that they are nc
:, Go1 Err the abuse of their iIC