The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-09-09
RELIGIOUS READING,
HptoUS COwARDICE."

While thoroughly in sympathy WIFI all
Christian modesty, self-repression and gen.
tlsness. when thsse lovable virtues are not
carried to excess, we cannot but lamont tne
fact that the world finds any occasion fot
scoffino ut what it Is sometimes pleased 70
call the 'pious cowardice' OF Christians.
That there is some basis FOR such cnarge
seems hardly to be denied. Many chris
tians-we will not say most, but many al
least-do lack aggrts 'iveness, reSponslso
ness to opportunity and the call OF duty
courage of conviction, and in general the
thoroughgoing manlines5, the grit ano
grip" which the worlds people rightfullJ
admire. That this is a serious charge we
are fully aware, but, believing that mans
worst foes are the unworthy in his OVID
household, We are constrained &c
point out for the good Of those
we love certain things which seem to 'u'
faults of weakness in Christian character
"Pious cowardice" is evidenced in many
ways. Look at the almost invariable or.
rangement OF any religious gathering for
lnstanco-the congested condition Of the
back seats and the lonesome emptiness Of
bare rows of front benches. Look at the ex-
treme modesty of church people in making
way for each other upon working commit
tees the quiet but firm Difference to others
when duplicating personal testimonies are
called for in prayer meetings; the tlnldlty
with which otherwise aggressive singers
ioin their voices to the uplifted hymn the
shy unwillingness to have others see Wnas
one puts into the contribution plate tne
shrinking tendency to pass on IN reproVln2
silence when the opportunity occurs 70 speak
brave, decided word in reDuke OF lrreVer'
ence or in defence Of piety.
1t does seem to us that very many profess
Ing Christians need little more OF what the
world calls the "up-and-coming" in personal
character. There Is too mucn Selt-repres'
sion, shrinking, desire to escape RESPONSE
bility or prominence too much lodging De-
hind one-another's shoulders, willing hess 70
melt into the background, and general Zee
bleness of front ali along the line. Ihls
Is not the spirit Of conIuest--cartalnlV not
in an aggressive age like the present.
The church neels Christians strong In
personality now If she ever did. She
ioes not lack strong, aggressive lead
srs, but. the backbone Of her infantry Is not
As strong as it ought to be. Too many OF
her raak and tile are imperfectly llned-up.
Too many volunteers are distruStful OF thelr
own soldierly qualities. At the least hint
OF friendly pressure from Il comrade In the
line, they step timidly out Of the ranks and
90 marching along in the rear. Brother
Christians, let US cultivate little more self
confidence and aSSreaSlVeneSS Let us
march up and I'LL those front seats at the
prayer-meeting, as if we were afraid neither
Of the devils hate nor the ministers
sympathy. Let us cease to hang back
when responsibility and work are being
portioned out. Let us be no longer afraid
to stand up for our convictions: no matter
who questions them. Let IA be brave in
giving and in doing; ready N emergencies
quick even to anticipate the emergency;
firm in action as we'll as in pnrposa--So?d
soldiers Of Christ, who was Himself he
bravest soul that ever dwelt upon earth.
80 shall we honor the grandest OF all causes.
and win the grateful appreciation OF our
Lord and Master.