The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-06-01

The sculptor had made the hair fall down
over the face of the statue so as to complete
ly cover 1t, and there were wings to the feet.
When asked why he so represented Oppor-
tunity, the sculptor answered, The face OF
the statue is thus covered up because we do
not recognize Opportunity when it comes,
and the wings to the feet show that Cppor-
tunity is swiftly gone"
But do not let the world deride the church
because of all this for the dumb devil is just
as conspicuous in the world. The two great
political parties will soon assemble to build
platforms for the presidential candidates to
stand on. A committee Of each party will
be appointed to make the platform. After
proper deliperation the committees will come
in with q ringing report. Whereas aud
Whereas and "Whereas." Pronuucia-
mentoes all shaped with the one idea Of GET
ting the most votes. All expression in re-
gard to the great moral evils Of the country
ignored. No expression about the liquor
traffic, for that would lose the rum vote.
No ex xpression in regard to the universal at
tempt at the demolition Of the Lords day.
No recognition Of God in the history of this
nation for that would lose the vote of athe-
lists. But "Whereas" and "Whereas" and
whereas" Nine cheers will be given for
the platform. The dumb devil Of the text
will put one wing over the Republican plat
form and the other wing over the Demo-
cratic platform. There is nothing involved
in the next electiou except Offices ThegreaS
conventions will bo opened with prayer by
their chaplalns. II they avoid platitudes
and tell the honest truth in their prayers
thew will say: 20 Lord, we want to be post
masters and consuls and foreign ministers
and United States district attorneys. For
uuar ne are nere and FOR that we will strive
till the election next November. Give us
Office or we die, for ever and ever. Amen"
The world, to say the least is no better
than the church on this subject of silence at
the wrong time. In other words, is it not
time for Christianity to become pronounced
aui aggressive as never befores Take sides
for God and sobriety and righteousness. III
follow him." Have you opportunity Of re-
buking a sini Rebuke it. Have you a
chance to cheer disheartened soul? Cheer
it. Have you useful word to speakf
Speak it.
Be out and out, up and down for righte-
business. If your ship is ahoat on the Pa
cific Ocean Of Gods mercy, hang out your
colors from masthead. Show your passport
if you have one. Do not smuggle your soul
into the harbor Of heaven. Speak out for
Godl This morning close up the chapter OF
lost opportunities, and pitch it into the East
River and open a new chapter. Before you
get to the door on your way out this
morning shake hands with SOME one,
and ask him to join you on the road to
heaven. Do not drive up to heaven in a two
wheeled "sulky" with room only for one,
and that yourself, but get the biggest Gospel
wagon you can find and pile 1t full Of friends
and neighbors, and shout till they hear you
all UP and down tho skies, NCome with us,
and we will do you good, for the Lord hath
promised good concerning Israel"
The opportunity for good which you may
consider Insignificant may be tremendous
for results, as when on sea Captain Holdane
swore at the ships crew with an oath that
wished them all In perditiop, and Scotch
sailor touched his cap, and said, Captain.
God hears prayer, and we would be badly on
il you're wish were answered" Captain
Holdane was convicted by the sailors
remark and converted, and became the
means of the salvation of his brother
Robert, who had been an intidel. and then
Robert became minister Of the Gospel, and
under his ministry the goddess Felix Nef be-
came the world renowned missionary OF the
Cross, and the worldly Merle EAubigne be.
came the author Ct "rhe History OF the
Reformation" and will be the glory OF the
church for all ages.
Perhaps you may do as much as the
Scotch sailor who just tipped his cap ana
used one broken sentence, by which the
earth and the heavens are still resounding
with potent influences. Do something for
God, and do it right away,or you will never
do it atall.
Tho whilo we never remember:
How soon our life here
Grows old with the year
That dies with tho ne1t Decemo@s