The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-07-16
Twelve Pages.
The Lash Of Intolerance.


The longer we live the more difficult
to us is the solution of the problem OF
human nature.
Men with all of their intelligence
and with all of their claims to civiliza
ton, and broadness of views, are still
slaves to some of the basest tendencies
of which their nature is capable.
Among the many drawbacks in oul
Christian education, and efforts al
Christian propagation, is this spirit o.
intolerance. No one scarcely is will
ing to claim it, and yet there are bu'
few who do not apply its lash when
even self can be Thereby gratified.
The variety of opinions among men
furnishes an opportunity for every one
to cultivate intolerance, and the trou
BILE is most people do it.
1t takes no effort to forbear and trust
those who are with us in spirit and IN
purpose, those who think as we do
and acquiesce in the things we like
but when our opinions are assailed
our plans distorted, and our pet desires
opposed, O how differently things ap
pear! How it changes feeling and &C
ton toward the party with whom we
disagree!
It matters not how close may be the
ties and similar the opinions on othel
subjects, if there is diametrical opposi
tim on some question, in which both
parties are concerned, what a tempta
ton it is to part company, and cry
down, and if possible, break down ev
cry thing that is good in the opposing
party.
The lash of intolerance is at once ap
piled, and instead of contending mag
unanimously against the views to which
we object, the effort is too often made
to destroy root and branch, all thai
may be of any benefit to the opposing
party.
This is widespread evil among us
to-day, and can be seen in every de-
partment of life. Men disagree, ant
instead of making their opposing
views the battlefield for bringing ou'
the truth, they get warmed up te
blood heat, and in the rage of passion
their opposing opinions only become
an occasion for lacerating and abusing
each other.
There are people who claim to be
Christians, with whom you must new
er differ on any subject, social, politi
cal, or religious, and let them knoO at
if you do not want them to pounce
down upon you in all their fury ano
begin to place you under suspicion
with everybody they can.
They will devour your good name
question your motive, and belittle youl
judgment.
This lash of intolerance is curse te
any COuuluulty.
Humanity loses many lessons of in
struction, which she would get, and
thereby be elevated and encouraged
were it not for this lash of intolerance
Many good people are afraid of it
They dread its sting, and rather than
have it inflicted, they 60 through the
world silent on many subjects, upon
which if they were outspoken, the
world might be enlightened and truth
strengthened.
o that there could be an uprising
and decided rebellion against intoler
ance! Such a movement would be
Christ-like.
There was never a life in the history
of humanity so thoroughly opposed tc
sin as that of Christ. He never toler
ated it for moment or compromised
with it at any cost-yet in all his life
effort against it, he maintained his po
sition as the friend of sinners.
If men could be brought to see tho
truth as it is in Christ, how it would
broaden their views, soften theil
hearts, curb their slanderous tongues
and beautity their lives!
Let us have the courage of our con
victions, and the spirit of Christ, anc
then we can differ and yet be brothers
loving each other as we love ourselves
w. SMITH MARTIN.