Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-03-30
TIE RARITY OF CHRISTIAN CHAR-

TIE RARITY OF CHRISTIAN CHAR
ITY.
Jesus said UNITS him, IF thou wilt be perfect,
go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor,
and thou shsat have treasure in heaven: and
All through the teachings of Jesus runs
one central idea-the duty of charity, of
giving aims. The poor were his especial
charge, and for their benefit he devoted the
greater part of his life. None we're so hum
bic as to receive from him look of con-
tempt or Indifference. He was ever ready
with words of cheer and encouragement to
those in poverty and distress, and admonish-
ed his disciples to care especially for the
lowly. On all proper occasions during his
ministry he enjoined the broadcast charity
the giving of aims wherever it might be
needed. How different was his course to
that of those who profess to follow his
teachings to-day. He had not where to lay
his head, and despised worldly riches and
honor. They are wholly absorbed in a cease
less strife for wealth. Instead Of giving to
the poor, they grind them to the earth, OK
acting from them the uttermost farthing.
The desire to accumulate money appears to
have absorbed all their ambition-com-
pletely obliterated the desire to do good.
To have a large bank account, to live in
elegance and maintain splendid establish
ment is the one aim of mankind nova
days, saint as we'll as sinner.
Ieo 0E %1oo+
charitable among our citizens are those who
profess Christianity. People in distress in
variably apply for assistance to ''men of
the world' rather than the members of the
church. Though these professed Christians
frequently contribute literally to the funds
for church erection and for foreign missions,
they too often turn deaf ear to the cry of
distress that arises close beside them. They
heralded abroad and make for them name
for exceptional benevolence. They forget
the injunction of Jesus, "when thou doest
aims, let not thy left hand know what thy
right hand doeth.'' Thus it often happens
that even the poor of the
church are lily provided for, while those
not of the fold have to apply elsewhere for
assistance. How many men whom we call
Christians would to-day follow Christ if, as a
price of that privilege, they were required 10
sell all that they possess and give it to the
poor? We very much fear that he would be
compelled to traverse the country with less
than twelve disciples, for money has become
too absorbing, too potent an agency in the
affairs of men, and those who would sacrifice
their riches and their social position for the
privilege of doing good have become wofully
few.
The desire for splendor in church edifces
for elegance and richness of attire; for social
position; for ease and comfort, has grown
and keeps growing daily. It has well nigh
destroyed what little of the religion of Jesus
survived the intolerance of the puritans
in this country. 70 be accepted by
"the Lords chosen ones,'' as
they denomjnate themselves, it is necessary
that one should possess enough of this
worlds goods to maintain "a respectable ap-
any in the congregation and contribute lib
orally to the church funds. A poor man has
no part with the latterday Christians. II
he shall presume far to enter the sane
tuary, he is given to understand that his
room is better than his company. He re-
ceives no cordial greeting from pastor OF
people, but is set away in corner and made
to feel that he is not upon an equality with
those who boast finer raiment or a more
dist aguished social standing. The modern
| church is no place for poor man, for there,
more than any other place in the world, he
is subjected to indignity. Men who are
democratic during the week become aristo-
cratic on the Sabbath and repel approach.
Women who on Saturday would, perhaps,
bestow plying glance upon poor beggar
on the streets, have nothing but
contempt and scorn for woman
! who appears in the sanctuary
of the Lord on the Sabbath in an old-fash-
Toned gown, perhaps little the worse fol
wear. While the church ought to be the
most democratic, it is the most aristocratic
| institution of modern times. A mans
standing is measured by the texture of the
| coat he wears and the faultlessness of his
necktie; a woman's piety is gagged by the
responsiveness of her jewelry and the mod
ernness of her toilet. There is so little of
that genuine charity and piety taught by
Christ in the churches of this age that it
would require microscope of the most pew.
erful magnifying power to 6etect it. The
saying of the Savior, cit is easier for a camel
to pass through the eye of needle than for
rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven,''
has been rnodernized until it now reads,
'lt is easier for an elephant to dance a
waltz than FLOR poor man to receive
respectful treatment in the house of
the Lord.''
We do not expect to induce men to
surrender their worldly goods for chart
table purposes. Such hope would be
Utopian. But it is not asking too much to
plead for charity respectful treatment-for
those who desire to worship God in his own
house. If man is poor is that any reason
why he should be driven out of the church ?
Yet that is the effect of the present church
policy. Our religious edifces are built for
the rich, not for those of moderate means or
persons in the lower walks of life. A studied
effort seems to be made tn excluda all ovoon4