Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-10-03
[Orlginal.]
INDIFFERENCE.

It is claimed, and no doubt correctly, that
of all the creatures whose home is on this
earth, man alone is reasonable and intelligent
If we Judge creatures by their actions, it is
not very manifest how this conclusion is
reached. Some of the beasts that perish, guided
by some power, which, for the want of bet
ter name, we call instinct, display great skill
in constructing their dwelling places. These
are so wisely arranged and planned as to sub
serve the three fold purposes of shelters from
the heat and storm strongholds which pro-
tect their inmates from the invasions of their
enemies; and traps in which they catch their
food. ... .. -: .......
We may say the brute creation has no
reason but we must admit that many of them
are provident. In summer and autumn. they
store away in their houses, food for winter.
Such beug the case, it is not 80 manifest that
all men are, in every respect, superior to all
the beasts of the field. In fact, the majority
of the human family exhibit degree of in
difference which is not characteristic of even
the most stupid of what we are accustomed to
call irrational creatures. The OK and the ass
hold the most unenviable position, so far ss
intelligence is concerned, amongst the brute
creatures. These stupid creatures are at least
grateful for favors, and seem to acknowledge
the source from which proceeds their greatest
good. The OK, we are told, knows bis owner,
and the ass knows his masters crib. In this
respect even the OK and ass are superior to
some of the human family. ..s
Temporal good is the greatest good of these
"dumb driven cattle" With regard to what
they shall eat, these creatures are not indiffer-
ent. Eternal good is the greatest good of
man, unless we hold that he is not immortal.
If we rob man of his Immortality, he is, in
no respect, superior to an OK or an ass. His
instincts, whatever we may mean by that word,
are inferior to those of the wild ass. Such a
theory as that man is not immortal, is repul-
sive. Man is an immortal being, and his
greatest good consists not in temporal enjoy
ment, but in eternal bliss. '..
The Indifference in the human family man
fests itselfin that they are careful about tenn
poral things, and neglectful of eternal things.
In other words, men take great interest in
those things which relate to time and their
bodies, but are careless and Indifferent con-
cerning those things which have reference to
eternity and their souls.
So palpably true is this declaration, that
no one, who will reflect for one moment, will
call it in question. We see men careful in
the management of their little earthly estates,
who, apparently, never think about the ad-
vancement of their spiritual inheritance. In
all their business transactions, the majority
of men exhibit good degree of wisdom.
The men of this world are wise in their gene
ration. In all their transactions, even the
least, they are careful not to waste what they
have Those who act otherwise, are regarded
as partially insane. .. ... -
With regard to the interests of their souls,
men do not exhibit 80 much caution. With
the greatest indifference they-at least many
men-do things that will jeopardze their
souls forever. They neglect to obey God.
They do what he commands them not to do,
and they refuse to do what God commands
them to do. They dishoDor their maker and
preserver. They, in practice, despise him
who died to save them from their sins. God
offers them his son as Saviour. This offer
they treat as an idle tale. One goes to his
farm, another to his merchandise, and thou
sands pursue carnal pleasures, and on y a few
are intensely interested in the salvation of
their immortal souls. Heaven has no attrac-
tions and perdtion no horrors for the multi
tude. All is Indifference. Men spend days,
months, and even years, in making small
trades. They proceed cautiously, they think
seriously, they inspect closely when only a
few dollars are involved in trade; but with
perfect indifference, not few barter an eter-
nity of bliss for moment of partial pleasure.
Is this wise? Is that man wise who wastes
all his timein gathering empty bubbles, while
gems, of priceless value, are scattered around
him Can he be regarded as wise and pru'
dent man who regards time and pleasures
all, and eternity and the pleasures Of the soul
nothing.
aB- Many persons turn to the Lord" as
they express it, and content themselves with
simple reversal of their purposes. They
still stand afar of, and know nothing of the
10y and blessing of drawing near, and coming
thus within the range of the holiest influences
of Him whom they profess to follow. True
repentance does, indeed, mean turning about;
but it also means eager following and pursuit
and in this, as in other things. it is by their
Fruits thew are to be known. The works meet
for repentance will tell whether the profession
is genuine or false.
ng- We should act with as much energy as
those who expect everything from themselves
and we should pray with as much earnestness
- Id