The Labor enquirer., 1886-07-24
Is Heaven a Desirable Reward

leaning towards capitalists. There ar
some worthy exceptions, but the feelin
is growing that the pulpit is largely ia
voring monopolists as they formerly ia
vored shareholders. This is to be re
gretted because many earnest Christian
would like to take part in the labo
movement and still be consisten
church members. They have my sym
pathy, and hope they will develop in
depende :ce of thought until thev cal
take stand upon principles which they
themselves, without aid, derive from
their chosen source of knowledge and
justice, whether it be their own minds
or scrlptural writings.
Iwould not give offense, but it is nee
essary to state the reasons why certain
reformers object to the attitude of minis
ters and certain passages of scripture
which if regarded as authority, would
destroy the whole labor movement.
Submit yourselves to the powers that
be-" is Objectionable, and W Il be re-
jected by all who ever opposed an EN-,
ployer. The command is emphasized
by Paul, who says (Tim. vi: l:
"Let as many servants as are under
the yoke, count their own masters
worthy of all honor, that the name of
God and his doctrine be not bias
phemed."
Nov the wage system is often COM
pared to slavery; here is a distinct as
sertion that all who resist the yoke are
blasphemous.
Our masters Ordained of g. d. tell us
that earthly life is essentially painful
and that in another world we shall have
rest and happiness. Some are inclined
to doubt this. I will give the reason,
which is the nature of the reward, as
shown by one who was there, and de-
scribes the different features of heaven
in book (Revelations) which the Chris
tian regards as sacred authority. I shall
not devlate from the facts as written
down by St. Paul.
The description begins with Rev. ".
On entering heaven by invitation from
t-., - a,sv -OuoUrvU Uno Un
throne who looks like jasper and sar-
dine stone, Here at the outset we are
puzzled by an alleged resemblance of an
important parsonage to Jewels. AS no
wage worker has Jewels the analogy is of
no value. Seven lamps that are spirits,
disturb the ordinary conception of
spirit Around the throne are four
beasts full of eyes. These beasts rest
not dav or night might in heaven p say
ing: "Holy, holy, holy" etc. l cannot
see how sovereign can hear petitions
when four lusty beasts with powerful
voices keep up such din. Those whose
prayers are unanswered may here find
the reason.
Passing on we see lamb standing as
it ha been slain, althOug h the popular
idea is that lambs lie down when they
are slain. Now listen to voice saying :;
"a N measure of wheat for penny, and
three measures of barley for a penny,
and see that thou hurt not the oil and
the wine"
Is not the speaker rich deacon who
was on earth board of trade man, and
is he not now bidding for options? We
disapprove of gambling in grain on
earth; how can we excuse it in heaven
But why are we asked to refrain from
inhictng personal injury to the oil and
wine?
The next feature of interest is gem
| tleman on horseback, whose pastlme is
| to kill off one-fourth of men with sword,
hunger and beasts of the earth. Next
we see the stars fall to the earth like
figs. As the ground under tree is COW
cred with fruit, 80 will the earth be en-,
tirely strewn over with billions Of stars
each 100000 times the size of the
earth. This will be an interesting study
in physics. 1t will be a scientific Curlos
itv which in connection with the toul
angels who will hold the four winds in
their hands, will afford study, and di
version from the surrounding horrors.
An angel will seal l44, 900 Jews, aud
then a swarm of lOCusts, which look like
war horses, will torment all who have
not the seal, for FIVE months. Yet it Is
not proved that any of them are tt
blame for being among the surplus owe
$4,000. They have not heard of Nal
thus, perhaps. After the torment fou
more angels will sav the third part OF
men. They will be aided by 100000 OOC
horses which sting to kill with both
mouth and tail.
Then a pleasing scene is provided fol
the few survivors. A woman clothed
with the sun" stands upon the moon
After the heavens are relied up like a
scroll, the sun becomes useless and is Cu
up for this lady's dress, cut bias with {
train. But how did the moon happen t.
Iemain intact?
A dragon who had previously with hi
tail knocked third part of the stars ou
of their bearings, then tried to eat III
the lady's little boy. Should not suct
proceedings be stopped? :?
The final attraction is beast (by tn
way, why do beasts 80 predominant IL
the promised land?) with seven head
L ill hn rnrmitfed hv snnram