The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-02-21
RELIGIOUS READING.
THE GOSPEL TO THE RICH.

Much has been said and written. and We
have devoted much space as to how the
masses shall be reached by the gospel. And
it will be a theme for speakers and writers
for wears to come. But how shall we reach
the heather rich with the gospel needs our
attention as well as the heather masses. Sem
ator ingalls, assures us that 80, 100 persons I'D
the United States own more than one-half
the wealth of the nation. New YORK city
alone boasts Of one thousand millionalres.
Three ladies of that city-Mrs. W. X. 'anoer-
bilt. Mrs. ogden Mills, and Mrs. Susan Webb
have actually commenced the wearing OF
crowns at public parties as an indication OF
the aueenly position in society they are sup
posed to occupy. Each of these crowns IS
worth a fortune. Mrs. Vanderbilt's being pat
termed after the imperial crown OF Engiand,s
queen. To become member OF THIS nlgn
circle the applicant must be able to boast
financial standing Of at least eight or ten
millions.
This is the dry rot with which our land Is
struck. But we can bring out the sad, de-
plorable condition of this state OF things only
by way of contrast. In that same city where
these same women crown themselves queens
are no less than 10000 women and girls
whose wages are 80 low that they must en-
brace vice, accept charity, or ssarye: Wnat
shall we think OF the future Of our beloved
country when thousands upon thousands IN
our cities are compelled to live in crowded
tenements-often two families In q room
places that cannot be called homes, because
all the elements of a true home are lacking!
Think of living in rooms without windows,
floors more filthy than the street pavenents,
think OF children almost naked, roaming the
streets uncared for and neglected-tnen De-
hold the rich, reveling in wealth 80 abun-
dant that it becomes burdensome, and
certainly the contrast is too great for any ne
ton calling itself Christian. and nothing but
the gospel can purify and sweeten this cor
rupt fountain of selfshness and worldl1ness
on the part of the wealthy people of our land:
The importance of dealing honestly ana
faithfully with souls irrespective OF social po-
sition is illustrated in the reproof OF Commo-
dore Vanderbilt, who died worth eighty-tve
millions, and who had for his pastor Dr.
Deems. The commodore in his dying hour
turned upon DIR. Deems with this sharp re-
proof, "Doctor you never crowded relglon
upon me-" It was a fact which the
doctor knew too well. This should pe
an admonition to every faithful MN,
lister and editor TO ':crowd religion"
upon the preoccup:ed minds Of busi-
ness men. Are you doing it? God
has a controversy with this nation, and woe
unto the people that seek to contend with
him. Cody people everywhere need to be
much in prayer that the wrath Of the sin
ayenging God may not fall upon us in crush
ing power. Prayer should be made that rs
there Is fragrant national wickedness there
may be positive national repentance. and
humiliation.
1t should begin in the presidents house
and extend to every part of the land, to the
cottage of the humblest citizen. The cry Of
the period is for repentance and humiliation,
that God may be gracious and not visit US
with his sore indignation:-[zions Watch
man.