The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-08-05

Is comparatively small. The religion Of prin-
ciple makes men honest and fair In their
dealings.
The Christian pays his debts, while the
"Professor' will overpower his creditor with
nice speeches and persuasive prevaricatlons,
even while withholding thadollar which is
honestly due.
ALL RELIGION MUST BE TRIED BY THE
MONEY STANDARD.
Reduced to the last analysis, all re-
llgion, all honesty, and all good citizenship
lust be tried by the money standard, and be
test, is neither Christian nor an honest man
At best be is only professor"
The man who would Ia ke advantage OF the
laborer by q short cut In q settlement or
In paying that which is due and deserving
can have no claims to anything higher than
that of being professor" He is not
Christian.
Christians are not always parading them
selves or their virtues before the people.
The professors" may beat them TO the
prayermeeting, or may get 'front.' seat a. IN
Sunday School, or may be regular attendants
upon the divine service on Sunday morning.
The true Christian may sometimes be absent.
but the "Professor' Ia there every time. The
men OF the world know the Professor" and
they never fail to recognize the Christian.
The Christian is known by his acts and the
Professor IL recognized by his sweet words,
and bis artful dodglng OF the daily require.
charge OF which is necessary to make up the
life and character OF the Christian. In my
way OF thinking greater efforts should be
made by the pulpit TO impress the principles
Of Christianity on the hearts and minds OF
the people than Is expended In the making
OF mere "professors."
PRINCIPLE, AND NOT PROFESSIONS.
We hear Of Theology and Spirituality
when we need to hear of the restrain
ing declarations which would keep men from
evil-doIng. We hear too little Of the restrain.
ing and refining process whereby the evil
purify and sweeten the heart, 80 that prlnci-
Piles, and not professions, might adorn the
life and the character Of the Christian.
BIBLES GIVEN AWAY.
In the reports which are usually made TO
many Bibles have been either given away or
sold TO destitute families.
All this is we'll and encouraging 10 the pro.
moters OF the dissent nation OF the Bible.
but there is a higher and more impressive
duty than that OF finding families who are
willing TO buy, or to accept as gifts, copies OF
the holy Sculptures.
Aside from contributing to the printing
fund, one main and great thing for this So
ciety TO do Is 10 discover and to promulgate
some plan by which the people may BECOME
Its treasures, and to love its beautiful lam
guage which should be imprinted on the mind
and heart OF every living creature. A Bible
which lies In the house unread Is not produc-
tive OF the greatest good, and we would pre-
fer TO hear of the number OF Bibles that have
been read, than to learn OF the number OIL
Books that have been given away to unappre-
ciative people.
PRACTICAL METHODS.
Another thing. This Society should adopt
the practical business-like methods which |
may give the greatest. interest to these meet
ings.
Being thoughtful OF the audience, a program
each separate division OF the annual eXer.
cises proper and limited allotment OF time.
The divine service, including the prayers, |
the singing, and the sermon, should have an
appointed time.
The essayist OF the occasion should be in.
formed of the limit beyond which he would
not be permitted 10 tax the patience OF this
Society.
The General Agent OF the American Bible
Society should have the proper time allotted
TO him, and he should not be expected to read
great tables Of statistics, which no man could
remember. Such matter could be printed at
small cost, and II copies we're thrown on eve |
ry scat, We could take them to our homes.
WELCOME TO ALL.
Our people always look forward to these
always glad TO entertaia those who come
from distance.
To the people Of the city OF Abbeville the
annual meeting of the Bible Society Is the
most interesting occasion OF the year, and l
bid each and all OF you hearty welcome
within our gates-a hearty welcome to our
hearts and homes.