The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-11-21
SOCIAL REFORM.

Some Pcrtinout Remarks on Nh Important
Questionable Work to lie Done in
Wheeling WIN Assist In 1t?
TO The Editor Of The In'eigsasr.
SIR: = On entering your city on
Thursday last, for the purpose of en-
gaging in Christian work for the up
lifting OF the fallen of both sexes, my
attention WAS naturally drawn to tho
magnitude OF the work to be done.
On Friday tho lNTELLIGENCER was
placed in my baud. containing the ar
ticle on The Social Evil. The article in
question deserves the honest attention
Of every thinking philanthropist aud
points out facts which show the neCes-
snry direction for genuine remedial
agency.
There are two things essential to this
WORK in Wheeling. First, real Christ
ianity, and second, home, an indus
trial home, which Will be selE-support-
ing, pleasant and surrounded with
Christian influences, where men and
women may recover, live for season
and learn what they need to know.
The complaint in the article mention
ed that "Christians are not Christ like"
is evidently true OF that class OF senti-
mentalists who for the sake Of show or
vain glory, have undertaken, without
the spirit OF Christ, this work. OF
course these are not Christians but be-
long to that class OF whom Christ said:
"Alnny will say unto me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have We not prophesied in
thy name and in thy name done many
wonderful works? And then will pro-
Tess unto them, never knew you, de-
part from me, We that work iniquity."
Matt. 1925.
But there are Christians who have
the spirit OF love for lost men who will
gladly engage in this work. 1t is fact
that much OF the social evil can be
prevented, were there n place in this
city where tho young girls who court
infamy upon the streets at night might
find a loving heart to welcome and an
enjoyable homo with something to do
that is profitable. But the only per-
sous who can successfully undertake in
such home are those who know that
Jesus Christ has power to save from
lust those who come unto Him. 1t is
not true that the lowest and most aban-
doned cannot be permanently reformed.
1t is not true that when they are, re-
specteblc people will not receive them.
Only let the reformation be along gos-
pei lines and every respectable person
who is worthy OF tho name, will vel
come and help them on. Some Of tho
most respectable men are reformed
drunkards and iibertiues. Some Of the
most honored and respected women oil
our land to-day are reformed prosti-
tutes, mean in Christian society. 1t
takes large heart to be prodigal. 1t
takes loving heart to reach them.
But where the love OF God is there are
the workers for this battlefield.
But there is q part OF this world that
must be inaugurated by the wealthy.
An industrial home where men and
women, directed by Christians, may
find variety Of employment that will
pay their way and not interfere with
tho wage Garner. A home where the
happy medium between idleness and
drudgery, captures and holds those
whom we seek to reach. The wealthy
nre OF necessity deprived OF many OF
the "means of grace" which poorer peo-
Pile have, but must find blessing in
benifcence Give to your city an in
dustrial home for the unemployed OF
both sexes, with facilities to make it
self.supporting and will furnish the
working force OF men and women OF
God. who shall do the rest. The religion
OF Jesus Christ has not lost its power
over those who submit to its terms.
Loving hearts are not wanting who will
gladly gather the ou:casts and offer
them place in the kingdom OF God.
But somewhere, there must be home
where they arc given Christian well
come till their way is open in the world.
We are sending missionaries to the
heather, and that is right, but is it to
the interest OF the kind hearted people
to see tho work at home neglected?
Another phase OF the work is along tho
much neglected lines OF instruction.
What does it advantage tho careful
mother whose daughters virtue is SO
jealousy guarded. but whose son is
turned out upon the streets to gain his
education in social purity from the boys
and girls who throng the thoroughfares
OF vice?
Will the people who arc able to do
something substantial in this matter
rally TO the rescue "for God and home
and native land?"
In Christian love for lost souls,
N. L. SCHooIEY.
Wheeling, ". Va, Nop. 90.